HomeAway Vacation Rentals: Things to Know When Renting a Vacation Rental

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The process for renting a vacation home differs from booking a hotel room. One of the many benefits is working with owners directly. Their personal interest in your stay and knowledge of the property are far beyond that of a hotel reservation center! This helps you make the best choice for you and your family. Sometimes it may take an owner a while to respond to your inquiry for a variety of reasons. So be patient, send multiple inquiries and follow our easy steps below to reserving a vacation rental - it's absolutely worth it!

Search Vacation Rentals & Contact Multiple Owners

We recommend you make inquiries to multiple vacation homes that meet your preferences. Click the button near the top of the vacation rental listing to submit an availability request. When filling out an availability request, be sure to include your correct email address and a phone number where the vacation homeowner or property manager can reach you during day and evening hours.

Secure Reservation with Deposit

To secure a reservation for a vacation rental, it is standard for homeowners or property managers to request a reservation/security deposit ranging from 10% - 50% of the total rental rate. Specifics related to the reservation/ security deposit, including property maintenance, damages and additional fees such as telephone charges, should be outlined in a detailed, written agreement.

Review, Sign & Send Owner Agreement

The vacation home owner or property manager should send you a written agreement which includes arrival/departure dates, payment schedules, pet policies, as well as cancellation/refund terms and conditions. Review the vacation rental agreement carefully before signing it.

Register for Vacation Rental Payment Protection

The HomeAway Carefree Rental Guarantee provides up to $10,000 of payment protection so you can rest easy on your next vacation. Make sure to register your trip immediately after you book the rental.

Send Final Payment to Owner

Payment schedules vary from homeowner to property manager. However, full payment is generally expected prior to arrival. Submit all payments as specified in the written agreement to avoid losing your reservation and/or deposit.

If traveling outside the U.S., a wire transfer of funds may be requested. The property owner will provide you with instructions on completing a bank/wire transfer that includes: bank address, international bank account number and bank code. Your financial institution will need all this information to complete a transfer of funds.

Receive Pre-Arrival Information from Owner

The vacation homeowner or property manager should advise you about travel arrangements, including the most convenient airports, car rentals, and alternative transportation options. Special parking requirements and parking passes should be detailed in the rental agreement and included in pre-arrival instructions.

They should also provide you with:
    • Driving directions to the rental, gate codes and any other access details
    • Keys (physical set of keys or instructions for using the numerical keypad lock)
    • 24/7 contact name and telephone number in the event of any questions or issues

Ask in advance about check-out procedures as they vary from vacation homeowner to property manager.

Check-In to Your Vacation Rental

Pre-Vacation Checklist:
Ask owner what you need to bring
Have property's physical address
Have property's keys or key box code
Don't forget to take the owner's contact information with you
Make sure the owner received the final payment if mailed in a check
Print out driving directions to vacation rental from the nearest airport or your starting location
Enter property's location into Google Maps to find nearby grocery stores, restaurants & shops

After Stay, Contact Owner to Collect Refund for any Deposits Paid

Contact owner and find out when you will receive your refund for the deposit. As long as you keep the house in the same manner you found it in and follow the owner's checkout procedures, you should receive your full deposit back.

Write a Vacation Rental Property Review

Share your experience with other travelers by posting a review of the property you rented on HomeAway.com. Visit the property listing detail page and click the “Write a Review” link.

Great Site!

"I just love HomeAway- It's like going to a candy store when I was little- so much selection. I give the site to everyone I come in contact with- my doctor, my hairdresser, etc. It is easier to use because the picture of the place is on the first page and then I can decide if I want to look further. Other sites, you have to go into each listing just to see what it looks like. Thanks again for a great site!"

- Brenda