Renting vacation homes and apartments: We explain the dangers

In today’s sharing economy, we’re seeing increasing popularity for websites and apps that feature private-owner vacation rentals. The idea is that people offer up their own apartments or houses for travelers, arguing that it’s more “authentic” or the best way to meet folks and save money. Unfortunately, these types of arrangements can be risky, and in some cases, deadly. For example, we’ve been following a tragic story where an Iowa family, renting from a private owner, suffocated due to gas inhalation while vacationing in Mexico. As travel consultants, we pride ourselves on offering stress-free, peace-of-mind travel, and this certainly includes the safety and quality of your accommodations. As such, we’ll never book your accommodations using these websites and apps, and here’s why.

Safety. The last thing you should be thinking about when traveling is whether the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning. Yet, owners who rent their homes or apartments to vacationers are often disconnected with the maintenance and safety needs of their place. You’re especially putting yourself at risk abroad due to commonly relaxed or nonexistent building codes. It’s also a safe bet that the owner and others have duplicate keys to the property, opening yourself up to theft and other crimes. There have even been reports of hidden webcams on properties. Point is, there are too many safety issues – from the property to the owner – to make this type of arrangement worth it.

Bait and switch. When relying on individuals instead of a professionally-run organization to keep their side of the bargain, things can go downhill fast. We’ve heard of some folks arriving to their rented vacation home only to find that the owners forgot about their arrival, double booked it, or wanted more money because of some overlooked holiday or festival. What may seem like a deal can turn into a mad scramble for leftover accommodations, if there are any. Even if the pictures look good online, you really won’t know until you arrive. For example, what if the owner’s definition of “clean” differs from yours? Pictures also don’t capture things such as cigarette smoke or noisy neighbors. The properties we select for you are instead professionally managed and have been thoroughly vetted for quality and service.

In many places, it’s illegal. When you place a deposit on your vacation, you expect everything to be reserved and legitimate, right? We do too. Imagine spending the time and money to get to your destination, only to find out that the sharing arrangement you’ve made has been shut down by law enforcement. This is more likely than you think, as in many major cities, these types of accommodations are illegal. You could even find yourself in a situation where you (or the owner) get evicted and fined. It’s happened before. We value your investment too much to risk that scenario.

Value is different than simply finding the lowest price possible. While private house or apartment renting may sound appealing to some at first glance, there are many reasons to avoid it. Get real value from your vacation without worrying about the safety or quality of your accommodations. We’re experts at knowing what properties you’ll really love for that genuine experience you’re after.

About Denise

My goal is to simplify travel-planning through an equal exchange process where I acquire your ideas and expectations for your trip relieving you of the worry, hassle, stress and time that accompanies Do-It-Yourself planning.

Recent Posts

The latest on tipping: Where and how much to tip in 2024

One expense that is commonly overlooked when traveling is tipping. We all know to tip at a restaurant in the U.S., but there are other situations that aren’t always so clear, both in the U.S. and especially abroad. Tipping customs and guidance change all the time it...

Sunset Groups to Peru September 14-25, 2024

Grandeur of Peru by Alexander + Roberts, September 14-24, 2025 Contact Denise@SunsetVacationsTravel.com or 817.442.5398 to place deposit and secure your spot among 16 guests. A+R's distinctive style: Our beloved Andean Trip Leader Carlos brings history and culture to...

Sunset Groups to Italy April 11-23, 2025

Come join us in the historic country of Italy! From the west coast around the boot to the Adriatic Sea, you’ll witness iconic landscapes, magnificent churches, imposing palaces, ancient temples, elegant squares, incredible art galleries and museums. Arrive at the...

Looking to travel in 2024? Safeguard your booking with these tips

Travel is a worthy investment in yourself, helping you disconnect from the stresses and 24/7 connectivity of daily life and reconnect with what’s important. You’ve worked hard to carve out this time, so protect it! Here are some essential tips to consider that dispel myths and scams and highlight the importance of a travel advisor.