Does an owner have to wait until 30 days out to put a renter’s name on the reservation?

[Lakeshore]

Hello,
I know someone who is trying to rent a Marriott timeshare. The owner, who posted the rental on Redweek, said since the reservation is tied to their Bonvoy number, the renter’s name can‘t be added until a month before check in. The owner said they will save the week for the renter until then and the renter doesn‘t need to pay until then. Is this correct? Marriott makes the owners wait until a month before check in to change the names on the reservations? I have never had that happen to me when I have rented from owners in the past. This is my friend‘s first time renting from Redweek. My friend called the Marriott Timeshare and there is a reservation with the name of the owner for that week. This just seems strange to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

[VacationForever]

The owner is mistaken. Marriott wants owners to fill out a form with guest/renter's name greater than 30 days before the start of stay. However, once the change is made, the reservation is no longer tied to the owner's Bonvoy account as it is now removed. If I were the owner, I would collect full payment, make the change with Marriott and call it a day.

 

[Lakeshore]

What would you do if you were the potential renter? I thought the owner was mistaken about the 30 days thing. Thanks for that clarification.

 

[Lakeshore]

The owner also said they have never used a contract in the past, but I am encouraging my friend to use the generic contract available on Redweek.

 

[Maplel33s1e#]

In my experience, when renting a Marriott timeshare, you usually have the option to add the renter's name right away. Waiting until a month before check-in seems a bit unusual.

 

[DanCali]

Hello,
I know someone who is trying to rent a Marriott timeshare. The owner, who posted the rental on Redweek, said since the reservation is tied to their Bonvoy number, the renter’s name can‘t be added until a month before check in. The owner said they will save the week for the renter until then and the renter doesn‘t need to pay until then. Is this correct? Marriott makes the owners wait until a month before check in to change the names on the reservations? I have never had that happen to me when I have rented from owners in the past. This is my friend‘s first time renting from Redweek.

I think it's odd not to use a contract. I have been on both sides on the transactions and always want to have a contract. As a renter, the contract offers at least some protection and specifies the terms of the agreement. As an owner, I would want any cancelation policy I have (and mine is relatively generous) to be clear to the other party in the unlikely event of cancelations, as well as advise them in writing to get travel insurance.

Also, an owner would not want to risk having a week unrented until a month before the checkin date. The fact that he doesn't want payment until then makes me thing the owner may be inexperienced with rentals rather than a scammer.

Moreover, Marriott's terms on the name change form state that the name change needs to be done AT LEAST 30+ days before the checkin date, not less than 30 days... (although it typically takes just 1-2 days)

My friend called the Marriott Timeshare and there is a reservation with the name of the owner for that week. This just seems strange to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

This is a violation of privacy and the resort really should not give out this information. Did you friend impersonate the other person?

 

[gln60]

Hello,
I know someone who is trying to rent a Marriott timeshare. The owner, who posted the rental on Redweek, said since the reservation is tied to their Bonvoy number, the renter’s name can‘t be added until a month before check in. The owner said they will save the week for the renter until then and the renter doesn‘t need to pay until then. Is this correct? Marriott makes the owners wait until a month before check in to change the names on the reservations? I have never had that happen to me when I have rented from owners in the past. This is my friend‘s first time renting from Redweek. My friend called the Marriott Timeshare and there is a reservation with the name of the owner for that week. This just seems strange to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Not true..I have put my daughters name on a reservation 3 days before arrival and she had no problem checking in

 

[Lakeshore]

To DanCali……No, she was just verifying. How is one supposed to verify that there really is a reservation for the person?

 

[Lakeshore]

Not true..I have put my daughters name on a reservation 3 days before arrival and she had no problem checking in

Yes, but that is your daughter…would you have a potential renter (that is not a family member or friend) wait a month before you put them on the reservation? And at 30 days from check in when they want to pay for it all and have all in place two months out? And not have a contract? I mean, it seems so strange to me. Why wouldn’t an owner or renter want a contract? My friend has already paid $100. the owner said it was required to put it into the renters name on the reservation. Then after the money was paid, the renter was told the reservation wouldn’t be changes until 30 days before check in and o sooner because it’s Marriotts policy.
im just trying to steer my friend in the right direction.

 

[VacationForever]

Not true..I have put my daughters name on a reservation 3 days before arrival and she had no problem checking in

Marriott now wants owners to request the guest name change greater than 30 days before. It is unrealistic, as some of us book a few days out and have friends stay there.

 

[Lakeshore]

Sorry for my typos.

 

[Lakeshore]

I think it's odd not to use a contract. I have been on both sides on the transactions and always want to have a contract. As a renter, the contract offers at least some protection and specifies the terms of the agreement. As an owner, I would want any cancelation policy I have (and mine is relatively generous) to be clear to the other party in the unlikely event of cancelations, as well as advise them in writing to get travel insurance.

Also, an owner would not want to risk having a week unrented until a month before the checkin date. The fact that he doesn't want payment until then makes me thing the owner may be inexperienced with rentals rather than a scammer.

Moreover, Marriott's terms on the name change form state that the name change needs to be done AT LEAST 30+ days before the checkin date, not less than 30 days... (although it typically takes just 1-2 days)

View attachment 87191



This is a violation of privacy and the resort really should not give out this information. Did you friend impersonate the other person?

Thanks for the screen shot!

 

[Lakeshore]

In my experience, when renting a Marriott timeshare, you usually have the option to add the renter's name right away. Waiting until a month before check-in seems a bit unusual.

That makes sense to me. Thanks!

 

[DanCali]

To DanCali……No, she was just verifying. How is one supposed to verify that there really is a reservation for the person?

Well - that is where a contract and common sense come in. Don't pay 100% in advance... "owners" have been known to take the money and ghost people. I ask my renters to pay a small deposit upfront (~10%-15%) and the rest only after the reservation is in their name. Once it's in your name you can verify it of course. Important to know that the owner can still change the name after the fact, but I have not heard of that happening if the owner is legit and actually changed the name in the first place. Most owners just want to rent it and move on.

You can also ask the owner to pay for Redweek "Verified" service which costs $10 (doesn't obligate them to use "Verified and Protected" which many owners do not like)

 

[Lakeshore]

Well - that is where a contract and common sense come in. Don't pay 100% in advance... "owners" have been known to take the money and ghost people. I ask my renters to pay a small deposit upfront (~10%-15%) and the rest only after the reservation is in their name. Once it's in your name you can verify it of course. Important to know that the owner can still change the name after the fact, but I have not heard of that happening if the owner is legit and actually changed the name in the first place. Most owners just want to rent it and move on.

You can also ask the owner to pay for Redweek "Verified" service which costs $10 (doesn't obligate them to use "Verified and Protected" which many owners do not like)

Thanks, I didn’t know you could ask them to do the “verified”, and only for $10? That seems like a great way to put everyone at ease.

 

[TheTimeTraveler]

Thanks, I didn’t know you could ask them to do the “verified”, and only for $10? That seems like a great way to put everyone at ease.

I agree 100%.

A lot of potential renters have better confidence in Redweek as opposed to John Smith (an unknown). Redweek has name recognition.




.

 

[echino]

$10 is just for the Redweek verification, it doesn't include handling payment or any protection. Those are extra 10% of the rental price payable by the guest.

 

[gln60]

Yes, but that is your daughter…would you have a potential renter (that is not a family member or friend) wait a month before you put them on the reservation? And at 30 days from check in when they want to pay for it all and have all in place two months out? And not have a contract? I mean, it seems so strange to me. Why wouldn’t an owner or renter want a contract? My friend has already paid $100. the owner said it was required to put it into the renters name on the reservation. Then after the money was paid, the renter was told the reservation wouldn’t be changes until 30 days before check in and o sooner because it’s Marriotts policy.
im just trying to steer my friend in the right direction.

My daughter is Marriedwith a different last name than me..how would Marriot know if she was family or not?…I’ve done it at least 3 times.

 

[timsi]

It is also possible that the owner is not 100% sure they want to rent out or use the unit. As a renter, I would not consider the arrangement complete without a contract and my name on the reservation, especially if the trip involves commitments like plane tickets or includes other family members or friends. The uncertainty is not worthwhile in my opinion. If the owner is unwilling to change the guest name, sign a contract and accept payment according to the agreed-upon terms, I would rent from somebody else.

 

[DanCali]

$10 is just for the Redweek verification, it doesn't include handling payment or any protection. Those are extra 10% of the rental price payable by the guest.

Yes, but the owner can just pay the $10 to "Verify" the listing and does not have to use the other services that inflate the price.

It will show up as "Verified" as opposed to "Verified and Protected"

 

[Lakeshore]

My daughter is Marriedwith a different last name than me..how would Marriot know if she was family or not?…I’ve done it at least 3 times.

I’m sorry, I think you misunderstand my point…you, the owner, know your daughter, so you can trust to wait to put her on the reservation because you know she will go. That makes total sense.
However, if you were renting to a stranger…wanting to rent out your week, and had someone interested, months in advance, why would you make them wait until a month before check in before you changed their name to the reservation? It doesn’t seem wise from an owner or a renter’s point of view…there is no protection for either. Especially when the owner doesn’t want to use a contract.

 

[LeslieDet]

Hello,
I know someone who is trying to rent a Marriott timeshare. The owner, who posted the rental on Redweek, said since the reservation is tied to their Bonvoy number, the renter’s name can‘t be added until a month before check in. The owner said they will save the week for the renter until then and the renter doesn‘t need to pay until then. Is this correct? Marriott makes the owners wait until a month before check in to change the names on the reservations? I have never had that happen to me when I have rented from owners in the past. This is my friend‘s first time renting from Redweek. My friend called the Marriott Timeshare and there is a reservation with the name of the owner for that week. This just seems strange to me. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

Either the owner/landlord doesn't know what they are doing when renting out their occupancy or they are hedging themselves with the "rental". Owners typically want their money up front. When I rent out my deeded week, I require payment in full 90 days out and only after payment in full do I change the name on the reservation. I also use a written agreement that details everything. Your friend was correct in calling to verify the existing reservation. Nothing wrong with that practice and it isn't any violation of any right to privacy.

If your friend is renting off of a Redweek ad that is not "verified", then it is possible the owner is waiting to see if they end up using the week or perhaps can get more money to rent it to someone else. I would suggest to your friend a couple of options. They can request info from Redweek as to how long the poster has been a member. While that doesn't verify anything, if the poster is new, I'd be very suspicious of their intent, especially since they didn't use the "verified" process. Your friend can request a written agreement and if the Redweek poster/owner says no, then your friend needs to find another rental.

Note that because MVC requires at least 30 days notice for the change of name on a reservation form to be submitted, something is very suspicious. BTW - the change in name will remove the owner's BonVoy number from the reservation. That can be done 12 months in advance. It is complete misinformation to say since the reservation is tied to the BonVoy number the name can't be added until less than 30 days out.

 

[LeslieDet]

This is a violation of privacy and the resort really should not give out this information.

It isn't any violation of privacy for MVC to confirm that a reservation exists under a certain name. That is how Redweek verifies reservations each and every day. I urge any of the folks I've rented my week to feel free to call MVC to confirm the reservation number, date and location.

 

[timsi]

It isn't any violation of privacy for MVC to confirm that a reservation exists under a certain name. That is how Redweek verifies reservations each and every day. I urge any of the folks I've rented my week to feel free to call MVC to confirm the reservation number, date and location.

I agree with you on this. In order for the resort to confirm the existence of a reservation, someone needs to have all the details of the reservation already, so I do not see where is the privacy issue.

 

[gln60]

I’m sorry, I think you misunderstand my point…you, the owner, know your daughter, so you can trust to wait to put her on the reservation because you know she will go. That makes total sense.
However, if you were renting to a stranger…wanting to rent out your week, and had someone interested, months in advance, why would you make them wait until a month before check in before you changed their name to the reservation? It doesn’t seem wise from an owner or a renter’s point of view…there is no protection for either. Especially when the owner doesn’t want to use a contract.

Understood…Thanks for the clarification