vrbo.com--has anyone had any problems?
 

I am using vrbo.com for a condo rental and now that I am sending the check I have some paranoia about it. Has anyone had any problems with renting from owners? (The check is being sent to an individual at a PO box). Have any of you had good experiences with vrbo? Just looking for some last minute reassuarnce!

I have rented a number of times from condo ownrs listed on vrbo and other places. I have never had any problems.

The first time I asked lots of questions and so should you. Make sure you get a street address and a phone number. Call the owner and tell them that you are calling just to verify the number. if they are ethical they will not object. If they do, then don't deal with them. Also tell the owner that you want to verify directly with the property that there is a reservation in your name.

I have never rented from vrbo, but I have seen lots of posts from people who have, and they have never had any problems.
I too, was worried about sending them a big check as I had no recourse if something went wrong. Do any of the people who advertise on there accept credit cards?
I guess the main thing to remember is that the deal is only as honest as the two parties, so I'd keep that in mind.
I think it's a great idea, and I check it myself from time to time.

I have rented through www.tug2.net & I know that "time to send the cheque" feeling! Rusty's advice is very good. Do what he says & you will feel reassured. I spoke directly with the condo owner a few times over the phone. I asked lots of questions. I asked for his home & work phone numbers. He also gave me the telephone number of the condo development & a "Reservation Number" which enabled me to speak directly w/ the Reservation Dept at the condo property (a Marriott). They confirmed that a condo had been reserved for me.
After you have done all of these thigs you should feel a lot more comfortable. If you don't, then don't do it.

Hi!

We've used vrbo for a condo on Maui and in fact we just re-confirmed the condo for another stay this winter.

I totally understand your apprehension, as I felt the same way. I agree with Rusty, establish a line of communication with the owner - ask questions about the condo - get the information necessary to feel comfortable with the owner! I would also let them know that you are feeling apprehensive and that's why you are asking the questions.

After having such great luck, I definately will continue to use vrbo.com. I will also continue to ask the questions necessary to ensure my comfort before sending any money!

We used vrbo to rent a home in Orlando in November. It was a very positive experience for us. The owner lived in Scotland but was quick to reply to emails and was nothing but pleasant. They had a local FL couple they used as their mgmt company but since everything went smoothly, I never had to deal with them. I would do it all over again without hesitation.

I use vrbo.com to list my personal
vacation home and a lot of my friends also list their homes. We all are very happy w/ the service and our guests all seem to be very appreciative also. I have personally rented a home in North Carolina thru vrbo and was quite pleased. Usually if a person is taking the time to list their home, make pictures, and answer all the emails and phone calls, they are going to be legit. Just be sure to get all the info that Rusty advised and establish a rapport w/ the owner. Ask for references if you still are not sure about it. Most of us only have one or two properties max and do not take credit cards, which would be a lot more reassuring than sending a check to a total stranger for something that you have never even seen. Be sure and have them give you a refund policy in writing (or by email). If it does not sound and feel right, do not do it. Good luck.

I am getting ready to make a reservation for a privately owned beach cottage through A1vacations.com and have basically the same questions as kikahead. I actually do have a physical address for the rental property, as well as one for the property manager;however, I am wondering if anyone has used A1vacations.com that can provide some feedback as to their experience(s)? The concern I have is that since we have to pay 100% for the cottage within a week of booking it, what happens if the place burns down or becomes otherwise unuseable before our rental week? Does the rental contract contain a provision for this (I guess I'll make sure it does!)

There is no rental contract. If the place burns down the renter is unable to meet their end of the agreement and by law is required to refund your money. However, an unethical person might not do so.
The bottom line on renting directly from the owner is that there is some very small risk involved. There is also some risk involved in booking through a travel agent (such as in the event that the travel agent goes bankrupt).

Another risk in renting from an owner is that the owner might die after they receive your money but before they make the reservation in your name.

Life is a risk eveytime you walk down the street.

I've never used vrbo so I have no personal experience at all. However, I checked out their Key West rentals today at the suggestion of another post and found there were several listings in Truman Annex, which isn't licensed for rentals less than 30 days.

Thank you for the advice Rusty! I have spoken with the property owner a few times by phone and have a written contract agreement. I will also take your advice about getting the management company name and confirming there is a reservation in my name. The woman I am dealing with has given me no reason to be suspicious, it is just the realization that I am sending a substantial check to a complete stranger. I will get a little more information from the homeowner. I feel better knowing that most people have had positive expiriences! Thank you for calming my nerves!!

Just had a thought - what assurance does a renter get that the person listing the property even owns it. What is there to prevent a person from taking photos of some random beach house, listing it as theirs, give PO box as address and rent away the summer?

I had an excellent experience renting an apartment in Paris I found through vbro.

I do agree that any agreement is only has good as the honesty of both individuals involved in the agreement.

This has nothing to do with vrbo.com per se, but a friend of a friend rented a condo in Colorado several years ago via the internet. Once there, she was horribly burned in an accident. Apparently a space heater was at fault. The condo was insured only as a residence and not a commercial money-making enterprise, so the insurance company won't pay. The legal issues have become quite nasty.

As to Gail's question about someone renting a nonexistent rental:

That risks exists anytime you rent directly from the owner, and not from an established realtor, whether it's via a newspaper ad or the Internet. However, if you insist on being extra careful, you can find out who owns a property once you have the address. That's a matter of public record, although if you're doing it long distance you may have to pay a small fee for the information.

Usually, the risk tradeoff for dealing directly with the owner is that the rental is a bit cheaper because the owner doesn't have to pay the realtor's steep commission.

I assume that VRBO and other "rent direct" web sites do some kind of background check before they accept a listing, including verification of ownership .

I just wanted to post again and say "THANK YOU"!!!! I feel so much better about this--per Rusty's tips I got a street address of the couple and will call the resort to confirm the reservation in my name. Thank you for calming my paranoia!!

I am a big fan of VRBO.com and have used them in Colorado and Florida. I had the same feelings at first and called the condo project to verify that this person owned the unit in question. Still I was worried about it until we got there and everything was as it was supposed to be. Now I hardly thing twice about sending a large check to an owner from VRBO.com. I've rented from them five times now, twice in Florida and three in Colorado. I also used the vailnet.com web site for a rental by owner and that was fine too. I had to mail that check to a PO Box and that may me a little uneasy, but I did as you've been advised and made phone contact prior to mailing. I like this website because I'm usually looking for a home that will accomodate two families.

We leave for Hawaii in one week. We received an email yesterday stating that the owner decided to give the house to his friends instead. Apparently
he does this frequently and we are not the only ones affected. The managers
have given have quit representing this house for the man because it makes them look bad as well. They were very helpful in trying to help us find a new place on such short notice. This isn't really the fault of the vrbo.com website, but I thought I would post to show some owners can be irresponsible.

Mind sharing with the rest of us which condo property or at least which Island you encountered this terrible incident?
b-(