Spring break getaways: How to be a savvy renter
Spring break is right around the corner, and many people take this time to plan getaways to relaxing beaches or use this chance to hit the slopes.
If you are looking for an alternative to staying in a hotel, renting someone’s home, condo or apartment may be appealing.
Vacation rental websites make it easy to connect directly with property owners who advertise their rentals online; however, BBB warns consumers to watch out for fake rental listings that may not be for rent or don’t exist at all.
Scammers may take advantage of spring breakers during this popular travel season.
Accordingly, the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas offers the following helpful tips to plan your vacation and avoid potential scams:
• Do your homework. Try to stick with real estate agencies or established rental sites when you are renting. If you opt to rent from a private party, make sure the ad is legitimate. Do not only look at the pictures and maps; verify the ad is real by making sure the actual owner is renting the property or was hired by the owner. Check out businesses or websites at BBBHouston.org to find reliable rental companies.
• Ask the owner questions. Ask about the accommodations of the rental. Make sure you know who to contact if there is an emergency and something needs to be fixed. Do not rely on communication solely through email; talk to the owner on the phone or in person. Avoid renting from owners with foreign numbers and poor grammar in their emails, as this could be a sign of a scam. • Visit the property or obtain more information. If you are able, visit the property before putting any money down. If you are not able to visit the property, look at several pictures of the inside and outside of the property. Be wary of pictures where the curtains or blinds are closed. Check out the property by searching the address in Google Maps to get a street view and see what else is in the area.
• Request references. Ask the owner for references, so you are able to speak with some of the previous renters. Ask the previous renters about their experience renting from the owner.
• Never wire money. Never pay for your vacation rental by a wire transfer, prepaid debit card or through services like Western Union. You should pay using a credit card. Avoid renting if there is pressure for instant payment. • Carefully review the contract. Read the contract carefully and thor- oughly. It should include the responsibilities of the owner and the renters. Who will pay for the utilities, cable or Internet?
Understand who is responsible for cleanup at the end of the stay and what the consequences are if the standards are not met.
The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.