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]

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]

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. 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 :oops:

[Miss Kitty]

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. 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 :oops:

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!!! 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.

[Rita]

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......

Agreed, Mermaid.
If I have to guess at whether or not a charge is included or not I'm more likely to skip on to the next rental. There are LOTS to get through, so this is a process of elimination. (Unless something about it catches my attention enough to check further --- like "will consider your clean, cute, well-behaved small dog" )

[peapod1980]

Agreed, Mermaid.
If I have to guess at whether or not a charge is included or not I'm more likely to skip on to the next rental. There are LOTS to get through, so this is a process of elimination. (Unless something about it catches my attention enough to check further --- like "will consider your clean, cute, well-behaved small dog" )

Yes! Good point, Rita. I have to scan rentals by price--hey, we're on a budget--4 kids, 1 salary! So, if I see a rental that is toward the top end of our range, and I don't know if the rate is really "solid," I'll keep moving. I bet there are rentals out there we could've taken if I would've known how accurate the pricing was.

[pokey]

I'm glad to see other that make finding the "perfect" vacation home. I told my husband last night that I know I'm looking at homes a bit more than he wanted to spend, but this is my one vacation a year. I want to relax and enjoy the home as well as the area we are visiting. Mt husband would be happy in a one room house as long as he could ride his bike everyday and sit around reading I on the other hand am a bit more into details!

Rita, while I love my dog, all 54 pounds of her, part of my vacation is not having to deal with her for a week. :oops: She has a blast staying with her trainer at his home with 3-5 other dogs; it's like a 24 hour camp day to her. She has made friend with the trainer horse; something she can't do at home. the way I see it, we all get a vacation and the dog's isn't cheap.

[Rita]

We have gotten a house sitter sometimes, which really amounts to a dog sitter as the house seems to do fine on it's own.

Sometimes we have neighbors walk her three times a day. The kids love to make this money, but I know she is lonely. We haven't left her at a kennel. She loves to travel and we enjoy having her come along most places with us.

[Mermaid]

That reminds me of another thing, talking about dogs. It would be nice if owners elaborated on "small dogs welcome." My small might not be your small, so give specific weight limits!

[Unplugged]

We love our babies, so we welcome all 4-legged family members

Kurt put together a wonderful VT for us at:

http://www.emeraldcoasttours.com/237hiddenlakeway/

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[Rita]

I have to say that if I were renting from afar, I'd think twice about allowing pets. You have so little control to know how things were left. I probably wouldn't do it even though I know most pet owners would be very consciencious - it only takes one or two.

[Jdarg]

I have to say that if I were renting from afar, I'd think twice about allowing pets. You have so little control to know how things were left. I probably wouldn't do it even though I know most pet owners would be very consciencious - it only takes one or two.

And you never know how your dog is going to behave in strange surroundings. Some dogs do fine, others hike their leg on everything 'cause it's not "their place"- gotta claim it. It would be terrible to be in someone's house and your dog decides it's a good place and time to have any anxiety attack and destroy the place, bark like a maniac, forget the housebreaking, etc. That would not be a relaxing vacation for me! I have dreamed about my dogs playing on the beach, etc., but because of these reasons, plus the weather being so hot in the summer there, I'll pass! I'm all for leaving them at home if possible, or a good kennel that came with lots of recommendations!

[Unplugged]

I have to say that if I were renting from afar, I'd think twice about allowing pets. You have so little control to know how things were left. I probably wouldn't do it even though I know most pet owners would be very consciencious - it only takes one or two.

You make a good point Rita - it only takes one.

Fortunately, our experience has been very positive. We screen carefully and have found that generally speaking, guests who travel with pets are exceptionally careful, reliable and loyal as a group.

Also, Pet friendly properties tend to book much earlier in the season and more frequently than those who aren't IMHO

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[shakennotstirred]

[QUOTE=pokey]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. I understand owners might not want to list their address, but give me a better idea where you are located.[QUOTE]

I agree. It seems that a lot of the rental sites list houses as Santa Rosa Beach (I could be wrong but I think the SR Beach zip code encompasses a couple beach towns.) It would be more helpful to know the exact beach community.

[Donna]

The dog issue is more complicated, because dogs at Grayton are only allowed with a County permit. To secure a permit, you must show proof of property ownership via tax bills and also submit an application with vaccination confirmation. So if you are renting, your dog could not be issued a permit and there is a hefty fine if you are stopped (not likely, but still). Then the hours that dogs can be on the beach at all are extremely limited, meaning that the dog is either outside on a deck barking or cooped up inside and probably frustrated. The truth is that even well behaved dogs are not a good mix with an ecologically sensitive area. The best dogs will enjoy a three-egg (turtle) omlette, for example.

We do not allow pets at our house because many people are allergic to animal hair and one can never know how well behaved another person's pet will be, especially when left alone in unfamiliar surroundings. On the plus side, even the dumbest dog knows better than to dive off a deck into a swimming pool, a more-than-once occurrence with some of our two-legged renters. We do take our small Havanese puppy with us when we go because he's always on the leash and the Havanese does not shed, so is hypoallergenic. I guess this issue is a bit like smoking vs. non-smoking. Apparently, lots of smokers ask for "no smoking" accommodations and rental autos because they don't like smelling other people's smoke! (Is there an odorless cigarette?)

As for the bed tax, you are not likely to find a resort or vacation area that does not impose a healthy one and it is almost always added to the base rental price. Ours in the Napa Valley is 12.5 percent and it is often a nasty surprise for European vacationers, who are accustomed to rental rates including all taxes, gratuities, and a great breakfast. This is something we love about European travel and wish it was the same in the U.S. The County folks here surf the Internet all the time looking for owners who rent their properties and do not charge and pay the bed tax. It is actually illegal to rent your property for less than 30 days in this County. Our City recently filed a big lawsuit against a homeowner here for renting for big bucks and not paying the City coffers. I understand from very informed sources that Walton County is also getting very aggressive about collecting the bed tax, using the Web sites as an easy way to identify potential violators.

[Beach Runner]

And you never know how your dog is going to behave in strange surroundings. Some dogs do fine, others hike their leg on everything 'cause it's not "their place"- gotta claim it. It would be terrible to be in someone's house and your dog decides it's a good place and time to have any anxiety attack and destroy the place, bark like a maniac, forget the housebreaking, etc. That would not be a relaxing vacation for me! I have dreamed about my dogs playing on the beach, etc., but because of these reasons, plus the weather being so hot in the summer there, I'll pass! I'm all for leaving them at home if possible, or a good kennel that came with lots of recommendations!

I agree. It has taken our puppy 6 months of staying at our beach house to figure out how to ask out there. One problem is that the main living area is on the second floor. But now she's learned. She doesn't randomly go downstairs (unless she's playing ball with herself because we're tired of it - she drops the ball down the stairs, runs and gets it, and then does it again - she's a ballaholic like that dog in Spanglish). So whenever she goes downstairs, that means she wants out. I still am paranoid about her having an accident, so when we're watching a DVD, I give her "Doggy Dope" (a.k.a. Greenie chew that you can get at Publix).

So I don't see how a dog staying there a week can avoid accidents. And it's not like our dog is dumb - we have to spell or abbreviate certain words when we don't want her to know what we're saying. But now she recognizes the spelling!

[Mermaid]

It's more the fleas I think about when I see pet-friendly rentals, which is why I'd never stay in one, no matter how nice. The rental owner's pets might be pest-free, but could you say with 100% certainty that the guests are as contientious? Nonetheless, not everyone shares my opinion, and I do like knowing when I look at a rental what the owner's policy about pets is.

Another thing which I find irritating is when all the info is there to help me make a good choice except for the rental rate. I feel--again, only my opinion--that it is a waste of my time and the owner's time not to have the rate clearly posted. There are two factors at hand when I am looking--size, so I can legally fit in all the people I'm taking with me on vacation, and rate, because I work within a defined budget. Don't tease me with a beautiful place. I don't like lusting after a place, inquiring, and finding out it's a million dollars over my budget. It's a waste of time for all parties.

[Wastin Away]

I would love for those of you who are looking to go to my website and let me know things that I could improve on. I have read everyone's comments and in some I have emailed to you about our home but I have really never asked a guest about my site. It would be very much appreciated. Our VRBO site is #15573. I look forward to hearing some comments.

[Beach Runner]

It's more the fleas I think about when I see pet-friendly rentals

Doesn't everyone use Frontline (or an equivalent)? Our dog has never had a flea or a tick, and there are 4000 contiguous acres of wooded land, full of deer ticks, etc., in our backyard. Actually, I found a tick on myself last summer because it preferred me over my dog since I don't use Frontline on me.

BTW we don't allow renters to have dogs, and our homeowner's insurance doesn't cover damage from dogs. Even if it weren't forbidden by our insurance, I worry about the urine smell from accidents and damage. Heck, I remember when our two miniature poodles got ticked off because we shopped too long at Lenox. When we returned home, they had chewed through the sheetrock between the kitchen (where we left them) and the dining room. They also did this on another occasion at my Mom's house when we were shopping at Lenox. Thank goodness, Mr. Beach Runner knows how to repair sheetrock.

[kurt]

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!

Not ridiculous. That is a common method and statement from most rental companies and owners.

[kurt]

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.

It's funny that you should be telling the nole about that.

[Mermaid]

Not ridiculous. That is a common method and statement from most rental companies and owners.

It shouldn't be! Why can't they make up their minds? "May" is a lousy word . Companies should either include certain fees, taxes, etc. or not. No "may" about it. Too confusing--get ONE method and ONE statement and stick to it.

[kurt]

I would love for those of you who are looking to go to my website and let me know things that I could improve on. I have read everyone's comments and in some I have emailed to you about our home but I have really never asked a guest about my site. It would be very much appreciated. Our VRBO site is #15573. I look forward to hearing some comments.

You should probably start a new thread for this.

[peapod1980]

Not ridiculous. That is a common method and statement from most rental companies and owners.

I stand by my belief that it's lazy. Honestly, I think most renters would prefer to have the current tax rate and any applicable fees stated somewhere; not just omitted for the convenience of the agency. If the current tax rate is 11%, add it on and say the rate reflects an 11% tax, then add a disclaimer--tax rates are subject to increases--then charge the extra as needed upon the renter's arrival.

[jennyrae]

I would love for those of you who are looking to go to my website and let me know things that I could improve on. I have read everyone's comments and in some I have emailed to you about our home but I have really never asked a guest about my site. It would be very much appreciated. Our VRBO site is #15573. I look forward to hearing some comments.

Your listing is a perfect example of what I look for in a rental. Great pictures, community location, home layout, etc. I know exactly where your house is by the text. Great listing.

[kurt]

I stand by my belief that it's lazy. Honestly, I think most renters would prefer to have the current tax rate and any applicable fees stated somewhere; not just omitted for the convenience of the agency. If the current tax rate is 11%, add it on and say the rate reflects an 11% tax, then add a disclaimer--tax rates are subject to increases--then charge the extra as needed upon the renter's arrival.

There is no reason to single out any particular agency for following a common practice. You wouldn't expect one particular retailer to start adding taxes to their price tags would you?

[peapod1980]

There is no reason to single out any particular agency for following a common practice. You wouldn't expect one particular retailer to start adding taxes to their price tags would you?

Sorry if it came across as my singling a particular agency out--I did mention "someone" specifically in my original gripe, but I realize it's a common practice. Not my intent at all to point a finger at one agency in particular. I referred to a specific agency only because of whose brochure I had just been reading.
And I also have the recent point of reference of dealing directly with an owner in December--an owner whose personal website clearly stated total rental costs; made it very easy to figure out how much my stay was going to cost with no guesswork or loose ends whatsoever.
Oh, and to answer your question--no, I wouldn't. But, I also go into every store with the knowledge of what the sales tax rate is!

[peapod1980]

What my complaint is is that this is lazy on the part of the companies--

See? Plural.

[wetwilly]

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.

Mermaid great thread. Also, some very good suggestions from others. My self rental sites have incorporated most/all of what people have suggested. I use BRSW and self rent and on my self rental sites I put the description and rental info together from the potential guests perspective (not from my owners perspective). I approached writing my description, policies, payment info etc as if I was the one searching for the house. I have refined my self sites over the last 6 months to include all of the things described in this thread based on the most asked questions by the folks that have inquired about my house. Also, last spring we decided to take a quick trip to Hilton Head Island (yes believe it or not we went somewhere other than sowal) and although we used some hotel/credit card miles or points to "pay" for some of our stay in a hotel chain I did use VRBO and other sites to see if we could find a condo for the same $$. The experience of using and being on the other side of the coin on these sites helped me better understand how people search, inquire, and ultimately decide on a rental property via the web.

What I learned thru being on that side and also from just the past year of self renting feedback is that people search high and low, send out 4-5 inquiries or more, look at places based on price to make sure that they can afford and then size/# it sleeps. They are also looking to make sure all of the other info is on the site with no hidden costs and want and appreciate quick responses with straight/concise answers, no waffling on the answer, and no deception or unclear answers to their questions. Also, if someone does not know the area, I send them some additional information in my reply to their inquiry and I ask them if they know where it is. I try to include in my reply something that will catch their eye based on the age of the children (ie PS/2 in kids bunkroom or kayak rentals for the lake for the adventurous guests) or time of year that they are planning to come down.

So, thru continued feedback, help from this board, having a great Virtual Tour done by Kurt , talking to alot of people we have met or know that have places down there, looking at it from the guests perspective with alot of choices out there, giving all the details and costs proactively, and giving some good customer service, we have had some very good luck in our 1st season last year and we are already doing well for 2006!!!

Here comes the advertising.....take a look at our site at www.findvacationrentals.com/7475 and our Virtual Tour at www.emeraldcoasttours.com/20brownstreet/. Anyone with any suggestions/feedback or interested in renting our place, please PM or email me.

Wetwilly

[ShallowsNole]

It's funny that you should be telling the nole about that.