Vacation Rental By Owner VRBO

[3Roosters]

Any of you dabbled in this? We personally haven't gone someplace and rented a VRBO home versus hoteling it ..yet.. the better half and I have tossed this subject around a time or two. I have surfed their site for some info. We are perhaps interested in putting our house up as a VRBO. Think we could have some income come in for the times we may not be there. Perhaps during ice fishing season, some weekends we are gone anyway...and in the summer when if we are gone on some weekends.
Just wondering if any of you have dabbled in this and what you think? I would think if we were to explore doing this I would get license plate numbers of my weekend renters to give to the neighbors so they don't call the law etc.
Any special permits, etc.

 

[martinslanding]

I think it depends on the destination...we used it when we went to Alaska with no problems

 

[guywhofishes]

oh lordy that sounds like a headache for me - that said we, like martins and his clan, we have used VRBOs three times and all good experiences

the key though seems to be to use a camera/lens that makes your place look 10 times bigger and cooler than it is on the VRBO web site - consult SDMF for photog advice

 

[3Roosters]

Yeah.. that would make sense about the destination. I am sure DL would be an awesome location for ice fisherpersons. For sure there wouldn't be a 100% fail safe way to weed out the rental destructionists, but would think we could do a good job vetting. No problem with folks having a good time while enjoying ice fishing or whatever... we may even leave some blue num nums in the fridge for good hospitality, but would definitely need some type of guarantee/references in case of damage.
I am the trusting type and would be upfront..house is yours for you and 2 others..or whatever...treat my property and things with respect and you may get the chance again.

 

[Allen]

This seems to be the way many beach homes are owned/used out on the east coast. In particular, the Outer Banks area of NC.

I've rented a few of them. One of the things I have noticed is that every home seemed to have a room/closet/storage area that was securely locked to prevent the homeowner's best goodies from being used by the vacationers. Seemed like a good idea to me that they did so.

Maybe the difference here though is that those beach homes are vacation homes for the owners as well. Lots of Yankees owning them for investment purposes and then they also get to use them a few weeks/months of the year. They contract with local companies that specialize in managing these types of vacation properties.

Pretty sure I wouldn't do it with my own permanent residence.

 

[guywhofishes]

Allen's advice is dead on

 

[3Roosters]

Had a hunting shack in central ND a few years back with a buddy. The times we were unable to be there we rented it out to buddies for the weekend. Worked well. Then again we knew them. They got a deal..cheaper or as cheap as the local hotel and we got some cash for it. Then again they knew the ramifications if shit was damaged.

 

[guywhofishes]

should work out - drunk sconis are generally pretty respectful of...

ppppfffttt.... sorry - couldn't keep a straight face

 

[johnr]

Not keen on the idea of some skank using my bed

 

[Retired Educator]

Have rented using VRBO and was very happy with the house. It is common in some areas and as was mentioned many use it as a tool to help pay off the mortgage for their personal vacation home. Owner was very nice and emphasized that this was their home and asked us to take care of it as if it was our own. Of course we did but all of us had common sense. I'm sure not everyone does but I suspect the majority do otherwise it wouldn't be used as often as it is. Have found homes are much more inviting than motel rooms, especially if you are renting as a group. Plan on doing it again next summer.

 

[Sum1]

Definitely what Allen said. Would never do that with my permanent residence.

 

[Ericb]

Ive tryed this and its great until its not. Youd be supprised how rude and disgusting very seemingly normal people can be. From not being able to pick up after ones self to stealing forks, cups anything even if its not worth anything.

 

[sparetire]

Not keen on the idea of some skank using my bed

What if you're there with her?

 

[bigbrad123]

I've used it twice without any problems. But obviously you are looking for experiences of people renting out their property. Can't help you there. However, I believe you have the right to accept or deny the rental based on the information provided. But yes, I'd certainly expect problems here or there. Part of the gig I'd say.