Traveling this spring break with your family? You’re probably well aware of the growing market for vacation rentals throughout the U.S. and internationally. If you’re seeking comfortable accommodations that easily fit a family of 4, 6, or even 10, a vacation home rental may be perfect for your family. The combination of multiple bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a separate living area make vacation home rentals superior to most hotel options for large groups and families with young children. In addition, many rentals include washing machines and clothes dryers as well as bikes, canoes, toys and games for your use.
Whether this is your first time booking a vacation rental or you’ve rented multiple times, here are a few important tips you should consider when renting:
Do Your Homework
- Use established, reputable vacation rental marketplaces such as AirBNB, HomeAway, FlipKey or VRBO
- Be aware that some cities, such as New York City and San Francisco, have banned home vacation rentals for short-term rentals (less than one month.) Do your homework, verify the owner, and check local laws to be sure you don’t book a rental that could be closed for violating local laws.
- Be especially careful when setting up international transactions: there is minimal legal recourse beyond ordinary contract law and no specific government agency is set up to regulate international rentals.
Verify the Property
- If the photos look amazing, the price is overly affordable, and it seems “too good to be true,” it probably is. Trust your instincts and find out why the price doesn’t match the assumed property value. If you’re still skeptical, move on to another listing.
- Don’t rely on your friends’ assessment of the property; she may be relying on yours. Be sure to take the time to review the property, location, and owner info in detail before committing.
- Contact the homeowners association, if applicable, or the cleaning or maintenance company to verify ownership.
- If possible, check out the property prior to the actual vacation
Pay with Care
- Prior to issuing any payment, request a complete rental contract with vacation dates, total price, price breakdown with taxes, cleaning fees, etc.
- Understand the cancellation, check-in and check-out policies and be sure you have the correct contact information in case there is a problem with the rental
- Pay with a credit card to protect your payment
- Consider registering with a trip protection service (many are offered through the larger rental marketplaces.)
Inspect Upon Arrival
- Once you arrive, take a few minutes to inspect the home, checking the air conditioning/heating, faucets, doorknobs, toilets, telephone, TV and other electronics, appliances as well as checking for any leaks, cracked drywall, etc. If you find anything, be sure to take pictures and send it in writing to the owner immediately.
- Avoid accidents by taking special care when using unfamiliar appliances as they may function differently from what you are accustomed. Take caution when using showers and faucets as water may be hotter than you expect.
On behalf of Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., we wish you a fun and safe vacation!
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a slip and fall accident or as the result of an appliance or equipment malfunction at a vacation home or other accommodation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. to learn the steps you need to take now to protect yourself and your family.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.