Has anyone used this website-- Vacation Rentals By Owner? If so, can you provide me with feedback, either positive or negative? Thanks.

Sue

I have reserved a studio apt in Amsterdam for a trip I'm making next month. I think that on a site like vrbo, you can't say that all or good or bad, as it's the owners who list their properties there, and the management can hardly check them all out. I looked for positive feedback from other guests. I know that there are others who have also rented through vrbo with good results. Did you do a search?

i have used them a few times. it can be hit or miss based on the owner. but on the whole i plan to use the site in the future, my hawaii places were 2 out of 3 more because of location, not the facilities. i used it for montana and was completely pleased, most of these folks are very nice, some you don't see at all. i would also consider greatrentals .com and there is another but the name escapes me, outside the us i think there is also villa.com or villas .com anyway, i think they are fine to use. and cheaper than hotels.

Sue I think the owner or manager of vrbo once posted here. There have been many people who have reported using vrbo successfully. Just remember you're dealing with individual owners so not all experiences will be the same. What concerns do you have?

We have used VRBO twice. Both instances were with no problems The properties were pretty true to what was shown. We would use them again.

I use VRBO regularly. There are other websites for rental listings, too. Do your homework, buyer beware, etc. If you do a search here on Fodors, you'll find the posting one of the mangers left. Good information.

I've been fortunate and have had nothing but good luck using these rental sites.

I have used VRBO.com many times, mostly for Vail area and Crested Butte. Have also used them for Florida properties. I have never had a bad experience.

I have used VRBO several times for Hawaii and Mexico. I've never had a problem.

I have used vrbo twice and will be using them again for NSB, Florida in three weeks. I have never had any problems at all and have been very pleased so far with the results, for the money it is definitely the way to go IMO. We have been very happy so far.

I rent a property and can tell you what I'd be asking a property owner on VRBO based on my own experience renting my property. Be sure to ask about any cleaning fees, any utility fees, anything extra above and beyond the rent. This needs to be known upfront. Ask for a sample contract to be faxed or emailed to you so you can see what you are getting into. Ask how a damage deposit might be handled, if there is one. Will there be a walk-through with owners upon arrival, upon departure? Look at the photos and ask if the photos represent the current state of the property or if there are any differences (such as linens, etc.). VRBO charges its advertisers to change their photos so the photos might be older. Get the address of the property and map quest it so you can see what the neighborhood is like, if it abutts a road, landfill, etc.