Stay Safe from Disastrous Vacation Rental

When thinking of a great vacation, we can choose to rent a condo or a home close to a quiet beach or in the hub of the downtown area surrounded by lively establishments. We like our vacation rentals to be in the ideal locations, with lots of comfortable space to move around and having the useful amenities close by. Booking the right place means doing extensive searching and hoping it will turn out for the best.

Vacation rental disasters happen all the time when our expectations are not met or sudden problems arise bringing unfortunate events. There are small things we take for granted that often spell the difference between a nightmarish stay or a dream accommodation haven. Here are some tips that you can consider that will make you safe against disastrous vacation rentals.

Inspect your vacation rental or have someone else check it

If you are booking your vacation rental for the next year and find yourself in the location, use the time to check out the property in advance. Otherwise, get an agent to check it or ask the owner to give you a virtual tour via video conference in real time. That way you get to see for yourself just what to expect of your property. Remember that photos can be deceiving. You can also read feedback from previous renters

Make sure all essential items are listed in your contract

Never be fooled by false marketing promises. Ask for confirmation about deal-breaker inclusions for your vacation rental like internet connection, dish washers, hot tubs, pools etc. Vacation rentals often turn out to be a lot different from your expectations; an advertized jacuzzi can turn out to be an ordinary bath tub or what should have been a luxurious well equipped room, in reality simply resembles a box with wooden walls. The lesson here is: be sure of the place before booking it.

Consider using an agent

Look out for agencies that have a small list of curated properties that suit your needs. They can have better quality than most advertised rental homes because they had undergone routine inspections and scrutiny by the agency’s expert staff. Agency vacation rentals can be more expensive, but if it can assure you of a great accommodation on vacation, a few dollars added won’t hurt.

Check for Old Damages and Breakages

This can save you from paying for items and furniture that you didn’t break or damage. Having a checklist of damages that were already present in the vacation rental saves you from paying for “sins” you didn’t commit. You’ll be then entitled to getting back your deposit in its full amount, no deductions and no charges.

Use a Credit Card Instead of Cash

Set aside your cash for future expenses like food, shopping needs and transportation fares. When it comes to paying your booking fees and rental charges, use your credit cards. This leaves a paper trail and protects you from fraud as it leaves you with proof of your payment, thus making an easy claim or a refund for anything you’ve paid beforehand. Obviously, be sure to use only secure sites if paying online for your vacation rental.