How to Rent a Vacation Home

You may have lots of experience booking hotels when you travel, but now you're looking for something different. A vacation home can be a great alternative. This guide to how to rent a vacation home will help steer you through the process of selecting and booking a vacation home rental.
Vacation Home Tips
1. Think carefully about your needs.
2. Review 8-10 pictures.
3. Get a written contract.
4. An agency minimizes risk.
5. Renting direct from owner lowers cost.

Introduction
- Did reading Under the Tuscan Sun whet your appetite to enjoy the history and authenticity of a charming European villa? Are you traveling with small children who need room to spread out? Looking for the opportunity to prepare some of your own meals while vacationing? When planning your perfect getaway, you may want to consider renting a home instead of staying in a hotel. More and more people are choosing to stay in a private home instead of a hotel while on vacation for a variety of reasons.
Step 1: Decide Where You Want to Go
- There are so many terrific places to visit that deciding where to go can be one of the most difficult steps in the process. Whether you are the charming village, metropolitan city or secluded island type, there are many destinations to choose from. If you don't already have a vacation spot in mind, these sites can help you narrow down your list:
- Mahalo's Vacations category
- Frommer's
- Lonely Planet
- Conde Nast Traveler
Step 2: Determine Your Needs in a Vacation Home
- Once you have a good idea of your destination and the types of things you want to do there, put some thought into what you are looking for in a home. You'll have a better experience if you have some specific ideas of what you want in a vacation home. Some of the things you will want to think about:
1. Occupancy Dates: When do you want to travel? Do you have any flexibility?
2. Budget: Is cost a limitation? Or is this a once in a lifetime vacation?
3. Location: Close to the action? Secluded beach front? Access to public transit?
4. Space Requirements: Number of bedrooms? Number of bathrooms? Common areas?
5. Amenities: Fireplace? Hot tub? View? Washer and dryer? Swimming Pool? Boat Dock?
6. Special Concerns: Are stairs okay? Will you have pets? Smokers permitted?
Step 3: Identify Potential Properties
Agency or Direct From Owner?
- The principal risk of renting a vacation home, as opposed to a traditional hotel room, is the uncertainty of what you'll be getting. This risk can be alleviated somewhat by booking a rental that's managed by a reputable agency. Agencies have standards and requirements, are very familiar with the properties they handle, and usually stand behind the homes they represent. However, agencies charge fees to property owners, which are generally reflected in the rental cost. You can expect to pay 10-30% more for a vacation home booked through an agency than directly with an owner.
1. Book directly with the owner for the lowest price.
2. Use an agency to cut down on risks.
Renting a Home From an Agency
- There are several ways to find an agency that handles vacation home rentals.
1. The local chamber of commerce should be able to provide you with a list of reputable agencies.
2. The official tourist board in the area you're visiting will also be a great source. It can sometimes be tough to determine what the official agency is for a vacation destination, and this is one way that Mahalo can help! We've sorted through the clutter, and identified the official site for each destination we have listed. See Mahalo's Vacation pages to find the official tourist board for the area.
3. You can also review local and regional newspapers as many agencies advertise their properties.
  - Be sure to check the major regional papers as well. For example, if you were interested in visiting the New Hampshire Lakes Region, you might want to check out the ads in the Boston Globe.
Renting a Home Directly From the Owner
- If you're looking to rent directly from the owner, there are a variety of ways to identify potential rentals.
1. Ask friends for personal referrals. Where have they been? Who do they know?
2. Review the classified listings in newspapers of large cities within a few hours of your target location.
3. Search the internet. For example, searching for Moosehead Lake Maine Log Cabin will produce a variety of listings you can use as a starting point if you're looking for a cabin in northern Maine.
  - Make sure your search term is specific.
  - Be prepared to wade through irrelevant results.
4. Use online classified sites, such as Craigslist.
5. Matching sites are useful for locating domestic as well as international vacation homes. These websites generally do some pre-screening of owners, and allow you to peruse a number of locations and homes at once. A few to check out are:
Step 4: Checkout the Property
- After you've identified several properties, either with an agent, or by owner, you'll want to make sure you understand exactly what you'll be getting with the home. Since a personal visit is usually not possible, you'll want to make sure you see pictures of the entire property, both inside and out. Make sure there are at least 8-10 photos.
- The agency or owner will most likely have sent you an information packet. After reviewing it, you'll want to fill in any gaps, by asking questions of the owner or the agency. Make sure you understand:
- Contractual Issues
  - Thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the rental.
1. What kind of cleaning chores, if any, should we do before we check out?
2. What is your deposit requirement and policy?
3. What is the cancellation policy?
4. What time can I check in, and when do we need to check out?
5. What are limitations on the number of people in the home?
6. When is the security deposit refunded?
7. Who's responsible for utility costs?
- Amenities
  - Its the little things that really differentiate a vacation home rental from a hotel!
1. Will there be board games? A DVD player? A stereo? Playing cards?
2. Are linens supplied? If not, what sizes are the beds?
3. What about kitchen staples, like spices, cooking oil, condiments?
4. Do you provide laundry and dishwasher detergent?
- Recommendations
  - Make sure to ask for "expert" advice on local destinations.
1. What local restaurants do you recommend?
2. Which local grocery stores are the best?
3. Where are the best golf courses? Hiking trails? Picnic spots?
4. What are some fun, "non-touristy" activities we can do?
- Other Information
  - You'll also want to make sure you ask:
1. What's the best route to take the house?
2. Can you provide directions to the nearest hospital?
3. What places of worship are nearby?
4. Who do I contact if there is some sort of problem while I'm here—for instance, if the water heater stops working or the power goes out?
5. Is there anything else you can tell me to help my family have the best possible vacation experience?
Step 5: Finalize the Contract
- When you are comfortable with your choice of vacation home, you will want to request a contract to review prior to finalizing the transaction.
1. Have the agency fax, email or mail you the contract.
  1. Read the contract thoroughly.
  2. Make sure you understand any deposits required.
  3. Note the check-in and check-out times.
  4. Check that any special negotiations are reflected in your contract.
2. Sign the contract, and make a copy for your records.
3. Note the date the balance is due on your calendar.
4. Return the contract to the owner or agency, along with any required deposits.
5. Confirm that the contract has been received.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Stay
- Staying in a private home can be one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy your vacation. With all of the additional space, most people enjoy just "hanging out" with their families more than they would in a hotel, and if the weather is not favorable, a DVD or board game can be just the ticket to keep boredom at bay.
- If the owner has provided a guest book, you may find that prior guests have left commentary on their adventures and favorite local finds. Neighbors may greet you as you leave the home and steer you toward the bakery that makes that perfect baguette or chocolate croissant. It is not unusual to find that a prior guest has left a bottle of wine, a local guide book or other surprises inside the home for your enjoyment. Should you desire, pay the favor forward and leave your recommendations or a special treat for the next renter to discover. Above all, savor the experience of living like a local in your selected destination.