You're Mistaken If You Think Vacation Rental Management Companies Aren't Worth It

I have two tales to share if you believe that vacation rental management businesses are not worth employing. A vacation rental management firm might help you avoid the most common issues renters face, such as rebooking problems or difficult owners. While employing a vacation rental management company, rather than dealing directly with the owner, might not save you money (often, it's more costly), it might save you time and hassle.

There is no information accessible on the level of satisfaction that vacation home renters have when they rent directly versus through a company like Airbnb, HomeAway, or Vacasa. However, I have thousands of reviews on my consumer advocacy website. Although the managed properties get fewer complaints, there is a third party to assist when they do. Consumers usually receive the assistance they require, but sometimes a little push is required.

A "Book With Confidence" Guarantee Works Like This

Your vacation rental platform of choice may guarantee that they are there to assist you if anything goes awry during your stay. I've always considered these guarantees to be a bit silly. As a consumer advocate, I've also discovered a lot of exceptions to these guarantees. Because of this, I disregarded them.

A week before I was due to check into a HomeAway vacation rental in Oahu, I got an email informing me that I'd been granted a complete refund. The owner apologized and said she'd decided to sell the property. It appeared nearly impossible to locate a comparable home for our dates. The only choices were more expensive. After I notified the company of my issue, I was connected to Susan from the HomeAway rebooking team. She reassured me everything would be alright, and I believed her.

It was quick, and I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself, but HomeAway found a more expensive property in the same area and compensated for the difference between the original cost and the new price.

Consider renting via 5 Star STR's rebooking assistance guarantee the next time you rent. With this guarantee, you won't have to pay any additional money. It may be the most economical way to book a vacation rental, but if your initial rental falls through, you may be out of luck.

Protection From Irrational Owners

I had a terrible experience with an unpleasant owner while at a vacation rental on Hawaii's Big Island. When I arrived, I was charged an additional $300 to use her air conditioner. When I booked the accommodation, it wasn't mentioned that there would be a $300 fee for using the air conditioner. After my stay, the owner texted me and asked me to pay an additional $150 cleaning charge if I didn't complete a long list of to-dos.

"All kitchen and bathroom sinks, toilets, bathtubs, and countertops must be cleaned and sterilized," she said. "You must vacuum the rug, and the smaller rugs at the rear porch dusted. The floors must be swept and mopped thoroughly to ensure no dust or stray hairs. Please ensure that everything is returned to its original condition when you leave." I'd be glad to help, I replied, but I want to ensure you understand I'm not a professional housekeeper.

What happened afterward was unthinkable. She phoned and launched into a furious tirade about the amount I paid (too little), her expenses to run the rental (too high), and my behavior (too demanding). That's the aloha spirit for you! So we were at an impasse. I could either pay this brutal owner an extra $150 to clean her home or call Evolve Vacation Rental, the company through which I had booked it.

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I was getting advice from the vacation rental management company.

An Evolve representative assured me I didn't have to clean the house professionally before leaving.

The $260 transaction was refunded to me promptly by Evolve. I just wish they would quit texting me. I got a lot of text messages from Evolve now. The only thing I wanted from Evolve was for them to ask the owner to stop contacting me. The client guarantee at Evolve is less detailed but still promises a beautiful experience. It says, "When you book with us, you will get wonderful vacation rentals, excellent customer care, and the easiest reservation procedure you have ever experienced."

Consumers have to look after themselves when traveling, so I have always been skeptical of the value intermediaries add to their experience. While researching the terms of your vacation rental, you may realize that you're more safeguarded than you think. These guarantees do not mean that every vacation rental will be perfect; instead, you can still have a wonderful time dealing directly with the owner. However, it would help if you hoped that the owner was reasonable.

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