Dos and Don'ts When Booking a Rental Vacation Home | Ultimate Renters Guide

Rental vacation homes not only sound joyful, but they offer some unique benefits that hotels can’t provide. Like, vacation homes are affordable and have already set up facilities. When you rent them, you get total control of the kitchen, washing area, parking, and pretty much everything.

However, selecting the most suitable vacation home can be a struggle if you are not well aware of all the do’s and don’ts of the process.

The vacation rentals market volume is expected to grow to almost $113.50 billion by 2028. It means that there will be more options to choose from. So, here is a quick list of things you should do and mistakes you should avoid when renting vacation homes.

Dos of Booking a Rental Vacation Home

Following are the steps to ensure the rental home is safe and comfortable.

1.    Do thorough research

Before searching for the best vacation home rentals, you should analyze your needs and budget constraints.

Also, set priorities at the start of your ideal vacation trip. For example, some vacationers want big kitchens, and others need proper dining areas. Traveling with a big group means you would need multiple bedrooms. Hence, select a rental home that caters to your unique needs.

2.    Do check reviews on credible websites

Websites have become the primary way to search for rental homes. But there are tons of spammy websites that can mislead you as well. So, it is necessary to visit only the credible listings that have built their authority over time.

For instance, you can check out:

• Airbnb offers 7 million listings

• Booking.com offers 28.2 million listings

• VRBO offers 2 million listings.

Check out the user reviews and opinions from previous guests to analyze whether that specific home is a good option for you.   

3.    Do study rental agreements properly

It is an agreement between the renter and the property owner both parties have to follow. If you are a tenant, you must check the agreement in detail. 

For example, you should check primary property information, money transfer methods, penalties, refund conditions, canceling policies, and location-specific regulations.

Don’ts of Booking a Rental Vacation Home

These are the top mistakes you need to avoid while renting a vacation home.

1.    Don't rely on just photos

While it is necessary to research the property and analyze every aspect, you should not rely on pictures and written reviews only. Although pictures can give you a peek into what the home looks like, it is better to go the extra mile to set the right expectations.

2.    Don’t use insecure money transfers

If you are booking a rental home via established companies like Airbnb or Expedia, you can transfer payments through third-party integrations like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

Avoid wiring cash, as it can be risky. Choose an option through which the payment can be easily tracked. It helps in avoiding potential issues.

3.    Don’t hesitate to ask questions

Whether going for a staycation or a world tour, you can’t know everything about every place. So, you should be extra cautious when choosing vacation rentals.

Don’t just assume the information and ask all the necessary questions about things you need to know.

For example, you can ask the owner about:

• Are there any restrictions on gatherings or parties?

• What are the check-in and check-out times?

• Who will be your contact person during your stay if you have any issues or questions?

• Is there a house manual with instructions for appliances, wifi, and other aspects of the property?

• Are linens, towels, and basic toiletries provided?

Last Word

Booking a vacation rental is risky when you are new to this. There are a lot of aspects you have to take care of. Like checking if the apartment is in an ideal location, has the facilities you need (parking, washing area, kitchen appliances, etc), and is within your budget limit.  

There are some mistakes you should not make to ensure smooth processing. For instance, don't select unauthorized money transfer services, or don't just trust the pictures uploaded on the listing websites. These mistakes can cause you serious troubles later in the journey.