Planning on taking a summer vacation, but don’t want to bust your budget?
In a tough economy, a vacation rental is one way to save if you’re willing to forgo some of the luxuries. According to a summer 2009 survey by TripAdvisor.com, 43 percent of people responding said that they were planning to stay at a vacation rental in the coming 12 months. On average, the price per square foot for a U.S. hotel is more than twice the price per square foot of a rental home or condo according to a report by HomeAway, an online vacation rental company. With the summer vacation season fast approaching, your local Better Business Bureau advises consumers that while vacation rentals can be a good deal, it is important to do your research before entering a lease because sometimes what is advertised and what you get are two different things.
“Vacation rentals can be a great way to save money when traveling on a tight budget and many travelers are foregoing the mint on the pillow experience for more reasonable and less cushy accommodations,” noted Melanie Duquesnel, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan. “A vacation rental can seem riskier than booking a hotel, but if you do your research and pay attention to the fine print, it can be a safe way to save money. Many travelers have shaved hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their vacation costs by renting a house or condo instead of paying for a hotel or resort.”
BBB offers the following advice to travelers looking to save money with a vacation rental:
Plan Now. Rental properties in popular locations get snatched up quickly so start your search early before all of the best properties are booked.
Start With Trust. If you plan on enlisting the help of a business, such as a third-party Web site or professional service, to connect you with a renter, always check them out with your local Better Business Bureau first at bbb.org or by calling 248-223-9400. When you find a home or condo you like, ask if it is being leased by a management company or individual owner and inquire on the level of maintenance, housekeeping, and other services they may provide for the property during your stay. Request references from past guests and check them out.
Manage Your Expectations. A home rental is not a hotel so you can’t necessarily expect the same level of professionalism, cleanliness, services or modernization. Some rentals will guarantee that the property meets your expectations, but if a guarantee isn’t being offered you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance.
Take a Virtual Tour. Sometimes the pictures and descriptions of the property posted by the renter can be deceiving. Research the property on your own online and take a virtual tour of the surrounding area using Google Maps Street View.
Get it all in Writing. Make sure that all verbal agreements are included in the rental contract including details on the deposit, specific check-in and check-out dates and times, whether you can bring a pet, and what is included in the cost of the rental. Do you have to pay for “extras” during your stay such as laundry access, cable tv, the water bill, or utility expenses? Is your deposit refundable if you need to cancel your reservation? Don’t be tentative about asking plenty of questions about the property before signing a rental agreement.
Read the Fine Print. Make sure you understand all of the conditions of the rental agreement. Most rental properties will say “everything’s included”, but make sure there are no hidden restrictions or add-on charges included in the fine print that may not have been previously discussed with the landlord. Examples could be prohibiting smoking in the home; limitations on the number of guests; charges for using available linens, towels, silverware or other household items; and fees for cleaning the property after your departure. Read the contract thoroughly before you sign so you are aware of any user fees or damages you could be liable for under the agreement.
Emergency Contact Person. The rental agreement should also include a contact person that can easily be reached if something breaks or there is a problem with the property during your stay. It should also provide a timeframe in which the renter agrees to be available to respond to concerns and within which they will correct any major problems that may arise.
Use a Secure Form of Payment. Do not send money until you’ve signed the rental agreement and never pay via money wire services, such as MoneyGram or Western Union. When possible, use a credit card which can provide a level of consumer protection.
Vacation Rentals By Owner. Take extra precautions when renting from an individual, particularly for international rentals. If possible, get references from previous renters and double-check the location of the property to avoid getting stuck in a less desirable local than what was originally advertised.
Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern Michigan is a non-profit organization that fights fraud and promotes ethical business practices in the local marketplace through its business accreditation, consumer education, and dispute resolution programs. BBB provides its services free to the public and its service territory stretches across Eastern Michigan from Ann Arbor through Metropolitan Detroit, Lansing, Flint, upward to Alpena, and covers the entire Upper Peninsula of the state.