I have finally found a Villa in Nevis for the month of February.

This is a privately owned home...not a management company.

The owner is asking for a 50% deposit.

I don't have a problem with the 50%, although it does seem a little high this far in advance. But, I feel like I should have some security before I send this kind of check (to Canada). I hate sounding both paranoid and financially ignorant...but there is that little voice in my head that says "do you know what you're doing" ?

So, I thought I would ask the experts for advice.

Thanks !

Marion

A 50% deposit at time of booking on a villa rental is pretty standard regardless of whether you rent from the owner or through a management company. You will probably have to pay the balance 60 to 90 days prior to your arrival. Remember once you book the villa is essentially "off the market" for the time period you have selected so hefty deposits are one way the owner can try to protect themselves against people who have trouble making up their minds and book several different villas for the same dates only to cancel all but one at a later date.

By the way, make sure you understand the cancellation policy as penalties can be pretty steep if you cancel close to your scheduled arrival date.

I certainly understand all of your valid points. As I said, I don't have a problem with the 50%.

I think my concern is that I'm sending a personal check for a substantial amount of money to an individual. What if some tragedy should befall her or the home in Nevis ?

What is my recourse to recover funds, other than a cancelled check ?I really am a trusting person. I'm just trying to make sure I'm not placing myself at financial risk.

I'm sure I watch too much cable news, but there are risks out there for all of us.

Marion

Marion:

I was supposed to rent a large cabin in NC for a week in August. I found a great place through vrbo.com, and called the phone number. The man that answered the phone said that he was the caretaker of the property, which was supposedly owned by an infirm man. He told me the rate, which was very reasonable, and told me that the house was available for the dates I requested.

When I asked how I should reserve it, he told me to send him (in his name) a check for half. I too had something go off in my head about the possible issues w/getting my money back should a problem arise. I told him to send me an invoice and then I will make payment. Three months later and I have yet to receive an invoice.

I don't think you are a distrusting person just because you're trying to protect yourself. I wouldn't have a job if people didn't get into situations where problems occurred w/out any recourse.

My suggestion to you is for you to ask the woman very detailed questions re: refund schedule, if she could send you an invoice or other record of payment. I've never rented a villa in the Caribbean so I don't know what is standard operating procedure, but maybe you could draw up a brief contract w/the terms clearly defined (i.e., duration of stay, rate per week, penalties/policies regarding cancellation, deposit, etc.). If she doesn't want to make the terms clear or she acts put off by your understandable trepidation when you ask questions politely, then maybe you should investigate other options available to you. Although you probably pay a premium by renting through a management company, by doing so you also have a little more protection if unforeseen events occur.

I have a villa on Nevis (no I don't rent it out) and while I don't know everyone on the island (nor do I know who you might be renting from) I can tell you that by and large the villa owners I know who do rent their properties are all very trustworthy. I think you are making too much of this. Even though you are renting directly from the owner they more than likely have a local who looks after the property for them when they are off-island and I doubt anyone would intentionally cheat you. After all, Nevis is a very small island and everyone cares about their reputation. Besides, you have no guarantees if you were renting through a Agency as they have been know to go out of business. There are risks in everything we do but but on a scale of 1 to 10 I put losing your deposit because of a traegdy befalling the owner or the villa being destroyed at about a 1. Hope this gives you some comfort.

Sunnyboy,

Thanks for your response.

In citing the examples I did, I was trying to spare everyone my lengthy prose. On a scale of 1 to 10 there are other examples of discomfort in writing such a hefty check, without paperwork in place, that bother me.

I certainly did not mean to single out the homeowners on Nevis as people not to be trusted.

If I didn't feel that Nevis was a welcoming island, I would be searching elsewhere.

It is sometimes difficult not to have a DH or DW to give advice/opinions.

As the subject stated, I am looking for guidance, and was certainly honest about my paranoia and ignorance.

Marion

Marion:

When we went to St John...we rented a villa through an agency and they required 50% due immediately to reserve it and the remainder due 60 days before arrival.We felt comfortable being that it was through an agency.

You are being cautious for good reason..being that it is an individual and not a rental agency.Just ask for a written guarantee..do you have access to a fax?That would be a quicker way to get stuff in writing.We did and we also made sure that the deposit was refundable if for some reason we had to cancel.Good luck and I am glad that you found a place to stay.

Mah:

I live in NC and I read your post.If you don't mind me asking...where was the house at and who was renting it??That does sound weird that after 3 months...no invoice.

Marion, we have been renting homes for the last five years. The first few times I felt apprehensive about sending money to an unknown entity. The advice about using an agency is good, but sometimes a private rental is cheaper as they do not have to pay the middle man. In that case, I am usually sent a contract by the owner, which I sign and send with the deposit. We keep one copy of the contract. In five years, we have had only one problem, and we did get our deposit back. It's a gamble, but worthwhile, IMO, for the luxury of a whole home instead of a room on vacation.

MarionCK,
I do the renting all the time. In Fact, last time for Nevis I booked through some guy who live in Manhattan and just mailed a check, we arrived an all was great. I do understand your hestitations, I do have those myself at times....especially handing over large sums of money. You're pretty much good to go with Canada connect. Here's how you can actually check the validity of someone renting, though I've NEVER had a problem. Ask them what the property management company is and get that local phone #. Call the # and when both match then thats sufficient. Best of luck and happy travels.

50% deposit to secure a reservation is standard, as is balance within 60-30 days of arrival, as is a rental contract for some, but not all, properties. Check cancellation policy at villa, damage deposit requirements, if any, local tax if/if not included or if no tax, and recommended staff gratuity. See if you can get food/drinks lardered in for at least your first 3 nights with an advance kitty and your order. Specify allergies/dietary restrictions/likes-dislikes/no-go foods. Use trip/travel cancellation insurance (see www.insuremytrip. com and www.travelguard.com) for reliable back-up protection.

We have always sent the deposit directly to the owner only because all of the places that we’ve stayed were booked by the owners themselves. It usually followed a series of calls/e-mails. Actually never had a contract to sign and that included Bermuda, the Abacos, St. John, and Cat Island. I can understand your apprehension because in your case the deposit is for a one month stay during the high season.

I would certainly follow Tivertonhouse’s advise about trip/cancellation insurance and remember to purchase it as soon as you book your trip.

Marion - I never thought for a moment you were singling out Nevis homeowners as being untrustworthy. Rather, I was trying to help allay some of your concerns with a little bit of first hand knowledge about the people of Nevis. I agree with others that you should keep the lines of communication open with the villa owner.

If you think about it, all of us well meaning Fodorites can only give you summaries of our experiences which may or may not be what you will encounter. Since you already know from my post and those of others that a 50% deposit with balance paid 60 to 90 days prior to arrival is normal when renting a villa, I'd suggest you contact the villa owner directly and express to them your concerns. If they'd been renting their villa on a regular basis it won't be the first time a potential renter has made similar inquiries. They probably have a procedure already in place that addresses this very subject. You listen to their response and if you feel comfortable with it, then proceed. If you don't like what you hear try to reach an acceptable level of compromise. If after some personal dialogue you are still doubtful, move on to another villa where the documentation is more to your liking.

You are wise to be cautious when dealing with a stranger you found on the internet but in truth, it comes down to how comfortable you are in the dealings with the villa owner. No matter how many "yeas or nays" you get from us Fodorites, we too are strangers you found on the internet.

I hope everything works out for you and you enjoy your planned stay on Nevis, it is truly an unspoiled island paradise. Good Luck!

Thanks to all for your thoughtful advice and guidance...I truly appreciate the responses.

Sunnyboy...I'm afraid my response to you may have had a more abrasive tone than I intended. Your contributions here are always filled with great information and I respect your opinion.

Maybe my choice of the word "paranoia" should have read ANXIETY ;-)

Thanks again to everyone. I trust all will work out !

All of this anxiety from a woman who never locks her house or her car, and I leave the keys in the car. I do get a lot of lectures about being too trusting. Or would that get back to ignorance ;-) ?

I hope everyone will have a wonderful holiday weekend !

Marion

Marion:
Hope that you have a great 4th also.

Marion: Fixing a few typos (most amusingly, predicure instead of pedicure) but OASIS and LA SIRENA are now finally launched on site. See the new Rockwell Kent exhibition now on at Portland Museum of Art (unless you fishin for stripers out at Walker's Point this weekend ...

Tiv:

Thanks for the sneak peek you sent through yesterday. The photos are lovely, and I expect that Oasis will have great interest.

I don't plan to be anywhere near Walker's Point this weekend ;-). Fishin is not my thing...and my invitation to the cookout didn't arrive this year

Marion

Marion - I know it does feel strange to send a large amount to someone you do not know.. However, do not worry. My mom knows the owner very well(if its the same place we spoke about) actually I have met her. She used to work for Four Seasons selling villas. As Sunnyboy said Nevis is such a small community and everyone knows each other.
Although, I would like to know WHO sunnyboy really is

MIM,

Thanks for the reassurance !

Yes, it is the one we discussed, and I am very pleased.

Maybe Sunnyboy would give you some identity clues and I'll bet you or you Mom could figure it out ;-) !

Thanks again for all your help !

I'm hoping your daughter will be introduced to her first fireworks display...what fun

Marion

My pleasure Marion. I think you have made a very wise choice. You should be very happy spending your time there!

I think fireworks will be too late at night although I am sure there will be enough in our neighborhood

I know, I bet my mom knows Sunnyboy and she just does not realize it Maybe I have met him too. I never realized he owned a villa there.