- Vacation home listings can be found in magazines, newspapers, online and through rental agencies and Realtors.
- One of the best ways to find a vacation rental is to ask friends and neighbors. A recommendation from someone who has stayed in a particular home or used a particular rental agency or Realtor can offer great insight.
- Official area convention and visitor bureau Web sites can be another source of rental listings.
- Know who you’re dealing with. Some individual rental owners advertise on rental directory sites, so you will deal directly with the unit’s owner. Other rental owners hire a management company to handle rentals and maintenance.
- Get the rental agreement in writing. Make sure it specifies dates, check-in and check-out times, specific deposit and payment requirements and clearly spells out your responsibilities.
- Ask lots of questions. Do I need to provide bedding or towels? How many parking spaces are available for the unit? Are a washer/dryer provided, or will I need to visit a Laundromat? Will I be responsible for any cleaning when leaving the house?
- If you get a “bad feeling” because of a hesitation to answer questions, move on to the next listing.
