Tips for Renting a Vacation Rental Property
1) Search and book early;
June-August are the most popular months for summer vacation rental properties.
Start your search early in the year to ensure the property you want is available.
December --February are consider peak months for winter getaways. Start your search after summer to ensure your desired property will be available.
2) Make sure you read the rental contract thoroughly and are aware of all restrictions and provisions
(Example: Are pets allowed? How much cleaning is required when you leave? What types of damage will affect your security deposit?, etc)
3) Contact the owners and ask for references from previous renters
This will give you a non-biased assessment of the property and its amenities.
4) If possible, pay with a credit card, never cash or check
This way if there is a dispute, you have a record of the transaction and have time to resolve the issue before payment is officially processed.
5) If paying online, only provide your credit card number at a secure and trusted website with the locked padlock symbol at the bottom of the screen
Tips for Property Owners when Renting their Vacation Home
1) Have a standard contract in place for all renters to sign that protects you and your property
2) Collect an initial deposit or half of the payment at the time of booking and require payment in full prior to time of arrival
Other Resources:
1) Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).
More on the Fair Housing Act
2) Vacation Rental Sales Tax Compliance for Property Owners
More information from Hotspot Tax Services