Questions you must ask before renting any property.

Deciding to book/rent any Vacation Rental Property anywhere can be the best part of your dream vacation and a huge money saver. However it can also be a terrible affair if you are not careful. Be very cautious about any “Lucrative or Too Good” offers. As we all know from incidents, ‘Nothing comes for free’ or you usually get what you pay for (or don’t shell out for).

These are the questions you MUST ask before renting any condo or vacation home from both a vacation property management company as well as any vacation home owner. They may save you from a lot of unnecessary pain that could potentially mess up your retreat.

• Are you licensed by the state (of vacation property)? and if required will you send me a copy of your license? (If not, be cautious of sharing your credit card as you will have no recourse if something goes wrong)
  


• Do you charge by the "head-count" or any limit to number of guests?
  


• Any charges on my credit card for “damages” fees for normal wear and tear after I check out?
  


• Is the home you are showing me the exact home I will get when I arrive? How old are the photos you are showing me?
  


• On which floor is the vacation rental property?
  


• Where/how will I get the keys upon arrival?
  


• What is your money-back satisfaction guarantee upon arrival if it's not as advertised and pictured?
  


• How much is the deposit and what is your cancellation policy?
  


• Are pets allowed?
  


• Do you allow smoking inside the home?
  


• How old are the beds and linens and are they cleaned regularly?
  


• What do you provide with the home (cookware, appliances, paper products, basic pharmaceuticals, cookware, washer, dryer, etc)?
  


• Is the pool heated and if so, is there an additional charge for pool-heat?
  


• Do you charge amenity fees (fees to use the pools and other amenities)
  


• Are your common charges, phone, gas, cable TV and electric payments up to date?
  


• Do you charge a re-stocking fee for items used?
  


• Do you provide any baby ware (high chair, stroller etc)?
  


• When was the last pest-control done in the vacation home?
  


• What exactly is included in the vacation home so I know what to pack?
  


• Will you give us any references/names of other people who have stayed with you and allow us to contact those people via email for their input?
  


• Can you help us get highly discounted tickets, park guides, attraction info, best restaurants, directions etc?