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TripAdvisor and FlipKey have partnered to offer vacation rental listings and reviews to help travelers plan the perfect trip. The process for renting a vacation home can vary a great deal. The tips below are meant to provide general information. Contact the specific property manager or owner for details about renting a specific property.
Booking:
During high season, popular vacation rentals go fast! Plan on booking six months to a year in advance, and don’t hesitate to contact multiple properties at a time. You can book some properties directly online; however, many properties, especially homes managed directly by the owner, require personal contact.
Selecting the email manager/owner will take you off of TripAdvisor to the FlipKey inquiry form. Fill out the details of your inquiry and click Send. FlipKey will pass on the email to the manager/owner and he or she will respond directly to you. Responses typically take 24 to 48 hours. Ask the manager/owner the following questions to figure out if the rental is right for you:
Payment and Deposit:
The manager/owner will explain their payment policies. Most vacation rentals require a security deposit, so be prepared to sign a rental agreement and to provide upfront payment and a deposit. Deposit requests will vary based on the value of the home, but they are usually $300-1,000. Ask the manager/owner for a specific explanation of how deposits are refunded.
Many vacation rental manager/owners do not take credit cards. If you are required to make payment by check make sure the owner/property manager is legitimate. Verified property manager/owners will have a public website to represent their credibility. Direct owners may not have a website, so ask for additional information to verify their identity.
Most vacation home manager/owners are very honest; however, there are instances of fraud. Use your best judgment before sending payment to an individual and never send a money order.
Arrival and Departure:
Be sure to inquire about directions to the home and key exchange. Each manager/owner has their own system for key exchange. Many people will meet you at the vacation rental property when you arrive. Others will direct you to a hide-a-key and some will mail you a key prior to your departure. Ask the manager/owner how to specifically access the keys to your unit BEFORE you arrive.
Emergency Assistance:
Typically, vacation rental properties represented by professional property managers will provide you a phone number in case of an issue with your vacation home. If you are renting directly from the owner make sure you have their contact information. In addition, ask owners if they have someone within 20 miles to address any potential maintenance issues. Reputable owners will have a system for resolving issues.
Cancellations:
Cancellations and refunds should be covered in the Rental Agreement. Request to see the Rental Agreement before sending payment.
