Tips for Renting a Vacation House

Yes, you can set yourself apart from the herd of other lookers and guarantee that you get the vacation home you want without breaking your budget. It isn't easy but planning ahead and being organized can be the keys to success.

1. Start Your Search Early

Avoid some of the stress and excessive costs that can go with trying to secure a vacation home during peak season and on short notice. Think, research, and begin planning at least six months in advance. A year is even better. This may seem excessive but keep in mind that good vacation rentals usually book up fast.

Your first step should be to nail down your destination and the approximate timing of your trip. A real estate agent who specializes in the area you're looking can help you find a vacation home rental after you've made these decisions. Consider contacting popular brokerages that have a large presence or looking for individual agents who are known and respected in the area you're planning to visit.

Online local newspapers can also be a great resource because some rentals don’t go through real estate agents. And don't overlook websites that specialize in vacation rentals. Vrbo.com provides details on rentals in all 50 states and numerous countries throughout the world. Craigslist also advertises vacation rentals.

2. Consult Multiple Sources

It’s important to consult a variety of sources when you're hunting for a vacation house. You'll learn more about the area you're visiting if you shop around and talk to many people and you may also find a better deal.

You might consider driving around the neighborhoods where you're looking to rent if you don’t live too far from your vacation destination. See if there are any homes advertising for the season. These strategies can be a lot of work but finding rentals in this manner can be cheaper in the long run because no brokerage fee will be involved. The owner is responsible for paying the brokerage fee but the cost will typically be factored into the home’s rental price so they can recoup the cost.

3. Read the Whole Contract

People are often so happy that they've landed the vacation home they wanted and they're so eager to start having fun that they overlook the importance of the contract. This document explains what expenses you're liable for paying. It will outline not only your payment schedule but also your liability in case of damages or if extra cleaning is necessary.

Make sure you understand who pays for:

• Utility bills
• Internet
• Phone service
• Cable
• Cleaning/housekeeping
• Propane and/or gas if outdoor grilling is available

Keep in mind that the costs involved with air conditioning or heating a vacation rental can be sizable. Be sure to factor these into your budget if the owner hasn't included them in the rent. You should also be aware of the landlord’s policies regarding pets and subleasing. Vacation rental resources website HomeAway has several sample contracts and invoices you can take a look at to get a feel for what to expect.

You should consider having a vacation rental contract looked over by a competent and licensed attorney, preferably one who specializes in real estate, especially if you're unclear about any aspect of the contract. Attorneys can be expensive but spending a few hundred dollars for a review of the contract makes sense if it puts your mind at ease and allows you to fully enjoy your vacation.

4. You Can Always Negotiate

Almost every cost of a vacation home rental is negotiable, from the amount of the deposit to the weekly or monthly rent. Find out if the person who's renting the home will throw in an extra day’s or week’s rental at a slightly lower price if they're unwilling to budge on either of these items. This can be a great leverage point when you're negotiating if you know that the property isn’t booked.

5. Don’t Forget the Deposit

Seasonal rentals can require large upfront security deposits so don’t forget to factor this into your budget. Be aware of the process by which your deposit will be returned. Understand what conditions must be met, such as that the home must be clean and all rental payments must be made or you won't get your deposit back. This will help prevent arguments at the end of the rental agreement period.

6. Ask About Housekeeping

Some rentals have a cleaning service come in on the last day and the cost is billed to the person who's renting the home. Others may have cleaners come by periodically. Find out what the housekeeping schedule is and who's responsible for the bill. Find out what condition the property must be in for your full deposit to be refunded.

7. Photograph on Day One

Photograph or otherwise record a property tour on the day you arrive to ensure that any existing damage is documented. This will protect you from being blamed for something you haven’t done. Make sure you clearly note any problem areas.

Then do the same on your last day. This documentation can come in handy if there's a disagreement that's heard before a mediator or a judge at a later date. It may even convince the owner not to take you to court in the first place.

8. Get a Contact Number

It’s great that you’ve gotten the keys to your vacation home and are ready to enjoy your time off but make sure you have the owner’s or landlord’s phone number just in case there's a problem, such as a burst pipe or loss of electricity.

9. Walk Through Before Checking Out

Walk through the premises, preferably with the owner or landlord, before checking out. Make sure they see no problem with the condition of the property. This can prevent nasty surprises or unexpected bills later on. It can also buy you time to fix a problem if one is uncovered.

The Bottom Line

Renting a vacation home doesn’t have to be stressful. Thorough planning can make your holiday more enjoyable and help ensure that you’ll be able to book the home you desire at a price you can afford. You should be able to ensure that your summer shack doesn’t turn your vacation into shambles with these nine steps.