When it comes to taking a vacation and staying in a privately owned vacation rental property you need to know what you are paying for. Cheaper does not always mean you are getting a great deal with safe and secure accommodations. The three questions I continually get from my inquiries are:
Is the rental unit in a safe and secure place?
Is the rental unit clean?
Are the units and appliances in good condition?

The last inquiry stated that they had some bad experiences on two separate occasions with vacation rental they had stayed at. I asked them about how much they had paid for the units and in both instances they were charge very little for the accommodations. They are now doing their homework and where inquiring and asking the right questions now.

When you are looking for a vacation rental the last thing you should be looking for is a cheaply priced rental. First look for a vacation rental that has spent the money to market themselves, this usually means they have also spent the money on the rental unit. A nice website with pictures of the units and information about the amenities in the unit, the area and about the owners is always a good choice.

Make sure you see lots of pictures of the unit both inside and out, pictures of each of the rooms and the bathrooms are a must. Ask what the amenities are, if they have a website they should all be listed. You can ask about how often the unit is cleaned and about their maintenance schedule. Never rent from someone that only has one picture of the rental unit, this just means they made sure that room was cleaned and prepared for the photo; you need to view all the rooms and know what you are getting for your money.

Always look for owners that take the time to call and speak to you, this usually means they want to know who you are and who it is that wants to stay in their vacation home. A concerned owner who calls and asked you questions is one that cares for his property and who he rents to. They are qualifying you for the rental and at the same time you should be asking them questions you may have about the unit, the area and the process.

Make sure they have a contract with rules and regulations clearly written so that you understand them. Check and make sure you read and understand their refund and damage policy for missing or lost items in the unit. Absentee owners should have a management person who will greet and give you a walk through of the unit and provide you with a phone number you can reach them at. You should look for vacation rental units that prohibit smoking in the units and do not allow pets. Both of these are for health reasons that you should be concerned with.

Once you do find a great vacation rental owner who has a clean, safe and secure unit with all the amenities and shows that they take care of the place. Give them a call once you return home and let them know you enjoyed staying in their place. Give them a testimonial as your appreciation. If you plan on visiting the same area again next year speak to them about holding that week or two and make arrangements now, chances are you can negotiate the same price and avoid any price increases.

The best reward a property owner can receive is your recommendation, so refer your family, friends and co-workers that you know and trust will be good renters and take care of the place the same way you did. Owners have found that referrals from guest who took care of the units are their best referrals.

Like anything else in life doing your homework, asking the right questions is your best bet to getting the best deal for your money and most imprortant, a safe and secure place to spend your vacation both for you and your family.

Albert Rios has worked in the financial arena for over thirty years, now retired he manages a few vacation rental properties in Dorado Puerto Rico, Villas de Costa Mar, his little piece of paradise as he calls it. http://www.villasdecostamar.com