COMMON PITFALLS

>Full disclosure

Vacation rentals often are advertised to include amenities such as a washing machine, television or swimming pool. Problems may appear that you may not have known about until after the contract is signed. Frequently, tenants are not informed of these problems before signing the contract, and this may have had an effect on whether or not they would have agreed to rent the premises.

>Misrepresentation

Sometimes a rental described as having an “ocean view” can end up being a tiny window stuck in the basement that overlooks the ocean. This is common with vacation rentals located far from your primary residence. Many people don’t want the hassle of traveling a long time to examine a rental before signing an agreement, but instead rely on the detailed description on the Internet or in a magazine.

SUGGESTED TIPS

>Keep good records

Make your own log of payments, receipts, complaints, and contacts with the landlord and/or real estate agents/salespersons, and other important events and documents relating to your rental. These records may be helpful in resolving any disputes that may occur.

>Ask questions about the rental

Don’t hesitate to ask about anything in the agreement that may be confusing or questionable. Ask about requirements during the stay of the tenancy, payments, and terms of the contract, contact information, and anything else that you feel is important. For example: the number of people permitted, exclusion of animals, or nonsmoking provisions.

>Never send any more money than needed

Do not put money down unless you are sure that you want the vacation rental. Only send money to the landlord according to the verbal or written agreement with the landlord. You may want to agree on a payment schedule (preferably in writing) to avoid disputes.

>Use credit card instead of cash or check

It may be harder to get money back if you pay by cash or check. If you use your credit card, you may be protected under a federal law, the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you have charges for goods or services you believe were not delivered as agreed on your credit or charge card statement, you may dispute the charge and ask the credit card company to investigate.

>Read rental agreement carefully before signing a contract

Ask about any wording that may be unclear. Make sure that it is a contract that you and the landlord or real estate/sales persons mutually agree upon. Get any verbal agreements in writing. Double-check the contract to avoid any foreseeable problems.