Do the following
First there
needs to be proof that the owner is the owner of the week and has the ability to rent out the week. A fax of their reservation and an 800 phone number is required.
Additionally, and totally optional, you might ask to see
a copy of their paid maintenance invoice or credit card print out. This is January and maintenance fees are being collected by many resorts – if the owner doesn’t pay the reservation will be voided. Some owners may or may not supply this.
Second,
a lease agreement MUST be signed to describe the duties and responsibilities of both parties. This lease will describe the unit in detail (if it’s a “Presidential” unit is that a 2BR?, get the exact dates for the rental). Is a security deposit required and how is it to be returned?
Until the above are met DO NOT PAY!!!!!!
If possible pay by PayPal – you have some leverage over the person if you should file a complaint. Paying by credit card is NO help if the reservation falls thru – the credit card company will not help you.
As landlord of many a rental I supply the above cheerfully. As a renter I would demand even more. I always ask for 100% the rental up front – you are probably getting a 50% discount and if you need to finance the vacation the credit card route via PayPal is the answer.
I highly recommend trip insurance that will reimburse you if the owner’s reservation has problems. It costs about $250 to cover your airline tickets and lodging. Here is a link I recommend to my renters:
http://www.travelguard.com/
The insurance policy is THE most pro-active thing you can do with any rental.
P.S.
You := your sister.