Rental Owners, Be Kind to Your Renters!

[Mermaid]

I have been on the prowl for a place to stay this summer for our vacation when we bring the kids down to the beach with us. I've been looking at all the usual suspects including VRBO, greatrentals, etc. Most rental pages are straight-forward and I'm able to glean all the info I need. Others are lacking.

Renters, please:

1. List the Bed Sizes It's not enough to say "3 bedroom, sleeps 8." If I'm bringing down girls and boys, I don't want them sleeping together. I might need a twin bed or two. Tell me.

2. State Clearly Whether Tax Is Included in the Rate I had assumed it wasn't until I came across several listings that said rates were all-inclusive. Still other listings made no mention at all of the tax, which leaves me guessing as to what the tax rate is, let alone if I'm paying it or you are.

3. Mention the Cleaning I've noticed most rentors assume that cost but others tag it on as a separate fee for the vacationer to pay. Tell me how you handle this.

That's all for now, but if anyone else has suggestions, add on! It's hard work sifting through all the vacation possibilities in SoWal. I'd like it to be easier.

 

[audie]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

good ideas mermaid ! i also like to know how far from the beach a house is, a lot of them are not very specific. gulf view encompasses a lot of territory !

 

[pokey]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

I am always wonder where in Seagrove a home is. Some home will just say Seagrove with no indidcation if it is East or West. Or I love the houses that are under the Seaside category, yet when getting more information you find they are on Eastern Lake. :shock: I understand owners might not want to list their address, but give me a better idea where you are located.

Pictures are what sell a rental home for me. If I like the interior pictures, I will check price and inquire more about the house. If I don't like the decorating, I look no further.

If the home has a private pool, let us know the size. If I have a family of 8, I'm not interested in a pool that is 7x13!

My crew also likes to know how many rooms have TV's, but I realize that isn't as important for most others. When you have several teenagers that all like to watch different things at night, it sure is nice to have a TV for each group. My kids have always loved a TV in the room they were staying in as they never had a TV in their room at home!

I'll stop here as my suggestions are a bit trite

 

[Miss Kitty]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

I am always wonder where in Seagrove a home is. Some home will just say Seagrove with no indidcation if it is East or West. Or I love the houses that are under the Seaside category, yet when getting more information you find they are on Eastern Lake. :shock: I understand owners might not want to list their address, but give me a better idea where you are located.

Pictures are what sell a rental home for me. If I like the interior pictures, I will check price and inquire more about the house. If I don't like the decorating, I look no further.

If the home has a private pool, let us know the size. If I have a family of 8, I'm not interested in a pool that is 7x13!

My crew also likes to know how many rooms have TV's, but I realize that isn't as important for most others. When you have several teenagers that all like to watch different things at night, it sure is nice to have a TV for each group. My kids have always loved a TV in the room they were staying in as they never had a TV in their room at home!

I'll stop here as my suggestions are a bit trite

pokey...I think your suggestions are anything but trite!!! When you are paying top dollar to stay in a place, you should get what you are looking for!!! Especially if this is your vacation for the year!!! These hints can only help owners be better at reaching their customers! Keep them coming!

 

[peapod1980]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

State Clearly Whether Tax Is Included in the Rate I had assumed it wasn't until I came across several listings that said rates were all-inclusive. Still other listings made no mention at all of the tax, which leaves me guessing as to what the tax rate is, let alone if I'm paying it or you are.

I definitely agree with this one in particular. I'm getting ready to make a decision about our June stay, and Garrett's rate chart actually says at the top: Rates may not include all applicable taxes and fees. Ridiculous!

 

[ShallowsNole]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

2. State Clearly Whether Tax Is Included in the Rate I had assumed it wasn't until I came across several listings that said rates were all-inclusive. Still other listings made no mention at all of the tax, which leaves me guessing as to what the tax rate is, let alone if I'm paying it or you are.

Total lodging tax (state/local sales tax + county bed tax) is 11% in SoWal. The bigger question is whether the owner is charging it. Many owners think they can get away without charging/remitting it. And they can, for a while... ;-)

 

[ShallowsNole]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

I definitely agree with this one in particular. I'm getting ready to make a decision about our June stay, and Garrett's rate chart actually says at the top: Rates may not include all applicable taxes and fees. Ridiculous!

Actually, it's not. Keep in mind that most companies charge a processing fee, and many now charge a fee in lieu of the damage deposit. And, if you book your reservation for a July stay in January, it's possible that the tax rate will change - and the company has to collect the higher rate from you. Lots of folks started putting the disclaimer out after the increase in the bed tax in 2004.

 

[Lois]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

Total lodging tax (state/local sales tax + county bed tax) is 11% in SoWal. The bigger question is whether the owner is charging it. Many owners think they can get away without charging/remitting it. And they can, for a while... ;-)

Not for much longer, I heard personally through the local tax collection office that they are actually sifting through the VRBO type sites and contacting owners to ensure they are remitting the state/local sales taxes.

 

[peapod1980]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

Actually, it's not. Keep in mind that most companies charge a processing fee, and many now charge a fee in lieu of the damage deposit. And, if you book your reservation for a July stay in January, it's possible that the tax rate will change - and the company has to collect the higher rate from you. Lots of folks started putting the disclaimer out after the increase in the bed tax in 2004.

What my complaint is is that this is lazy on the part of the companies--take the time to calculate the add-ons and say so. To say it "may" be included does a disservice to potential renters, IMHO. When I look at a rate, it's important to me to know upfront if I should even mentally go ahead and tack on an additional 11%, for example. I understand the tax rates can go up during the time I book my rental and then arrive, but I'd rather pay the difference than look at a published rate that might be completely inaccurate.

 

[Mermaid]

Re: Renters, Be Kind to Your Customers!

What my complaint is is that this is lazy on the part of the companies--take the time to calculate the add-ons and say so. To say it "may" be included does a disservice to potential renters, IMHO. When I look at a rate, it's important to me to know upfront if I should even mentally go ahead and tack on an additional 11%, for example.

Exactly, Peapod! I think all the information should be out there in a clear, concise way. I don't want to have to sift through yards of flowery prose, either, to find out what's included and what's not.

Pokey, I think it's great when all the amenities are described. I have teens, too, and I know they appreciate all the things yours do. We all look for different attributes in a rental and what's important to me might be fluff for you, but I appreciate knowing about it anyway. It helps me decide about choosing one rental over another.

And while I'm at it!!! :funn: Audie, you're right on target about distances. I don't expect owners to shout out their addresses before I've committed to renting from them, but 30-A is an awfully long street. It's so helpful to know basic info like "1/2 mile east of Grayton Beach corners" or "500 yards from designated beach access" etc.