Booking Private Holiday Homes - Protection??

Moneybox

Want to book a private holiday home but concerned what protection I would have. What stops people advertising homes, with the promise of a rep meeting you at the apartment on day of arrival and then not turning up?

Have been looking at http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk as they have some good deals.

Any cover available from travel insurance... or any web sites that offer protection? Reading the small print on the holidayletting site suggests that they are offering an advertising service only.

Thankyou.

lagoslife

Hi Moneybox,

One of the best forms of protection is paying by credit card, although most private owners only accept cheques.

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk also advertise holiday homes which can be booked direct with owners. They have a rental guarantee scheme that you can register for to protect against fraud if a "listing is determined not to be legitimate".
http://guaranteeuk.homeaway.com/

There is also some advice on checking if an apartment or villa is genuine here:
http://blog.schofields.ltd.uk/416/how-to-check-for-bogus-holiday-rentals/

Hope this helps.

MrSmartprice

We have rented quite a few private properties in Spain and never had any problem. Most owners have a local keyholder, often living close by, who meets you with the keys and shows you round the property. They are also on hand in case of any problems.

My advice would be to make sure you speak to the property owner before booking to get all your questions answered. Check total costs including cleaning fees.

The experience, in our view, is far more rewarding than hiring an impersonal commercial let property. For instance, you often find some provisions in cupboards, (which you would replace if you use) and such items as beach chairs etc which you can use. And they always leave a folder with lots of local advice if you don't know the area.

lynneth_2

There was an online scam this year which was reported in the times, this link has some useful advice http://blog.schofields.ltd.uk/416/how-to-check-for-bogus-holiday-rentals/