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CAUTION: UNLICENSED
MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AND AMATEUR
VACATION HOME OWNERS MAY RUIN YOUR VACATION!
We have put
together this informative page because we are vacation
property owners and have had problems booking other people’s
vacation homes.
More often
than not, vacation homeowners own only one or two properties.
They purchased it for themselves but decided they would
rent it to either offset their costs or simply thought they
could not afford the property unless they also rented it out.
While an homeowner most often means well, the reality is that
most people do not have a clue as to how to manage property.
It’s a lot of work! I
receive complaints from others that the property they rented
(not ours) was not represented accurately.
Pictures were not up to date, calendars were not
attended to, there is no contract spelling out each party’s
responsibilities and the homes are often dirty and unkempt
upon arrival. One
renter told me when she arrived at the property she rented
there was already someone there. The owner forgot they were coming. What a great way to start your vacation!
My husband
and I booked a condo for Catalina back in March (for a July
stay). I had a
contract (one the owner made up) and sent the owner my credit
card info. I
thought I was all set. The
rental was for a busy July weekend.
I had a few questions for her and tried to reach her
several times in early June.
I finally got an email response from her saying she was
new to renting her property and that she double booked her
condo. We had no place to stay.
I was lucky and found another condo but at over 30%
more. She refuses
to reimburse for the difference even though it’s her fault.
She’s sorry though!
What if I hadn’t had questions?
I would have shown up in Catalina with nowhere to stay
or sleep.
Ok.
So now you think it’s probably better to use a
Vacation Property Management Company.
Well, maybe. In California, vacation rental management companies do NOT
have to be licensed! Anyone
can start a vacation property management company to rent homes
for less than 30 days, and believe me - they do.
They often do not accept responsibility when things go
wrong. They
usually pass the buck to the owner who thinks the management
company has everything taken care of.
Be careful and ask if they are licensed. If not,
book at your own risk!
My husband is
a licensed Real Estate Broker in California and Oklahoma.
I am also a licensed Realtor in California.
Licensed individuals are held to a higher standard, and
Brokers have to pass rigorous testing and take many courses to
qualify for licensing. We
own multiple fulltime and vacation properties.
We have been renting our homes since 1995.
When you book one of our homes (which we use and enjoy
ourselves) you will receive a California Association of
Realtors Vacation Rental Agreement.
Not some hokey, made-up worthless contract.
We are always available by email or phone and answer
your questions promptly. Our homes are constantly being updated, pictures are current
and calendars are accurate.
As in most things, you really do get what you pay for.
A lovely home, a great vacation and no hassles or
worries.
You should
always get a contract from any place you rent, signed by the
landlord. Otherwise
if the place turns out not to be available when you show up,
you have nothing to show you have right of possession, or
worse yet to show the judge when you sue for your money back.
Use credit card payments for your payments and your
protection - so you can always turn to your card bank for help
for fraudulent transactions.
DEAL
WITH LICENSED PROFESSIONALS AND REST EASY
THAT YOUR VACATION WILL GO AS PLANNED!
CA License #018415 |
