Rental Tips

Wednesday, September 08, 2010 @ 11:22 PM By: Beach Listings

1. Plan ahead
The key to finding your perfect beach rental is to start planning your trip well in advance of your departure date. Many vacation goers make their travel plans in the first couple months of the year. There are also renters who book the same beach house year after year. If you are seriously considering staying at a beach vacation rental, start your planning at least four to six months in advance. Procrastinate at your own risk.

2. Research
Once you have made your decision to plan ahead, good old-fashioned research is the next step. Before you sign a rental contract, make sure you know exactly what you are renting. Every rental on BeachListings.com includes detailed information and up to 10 pictures. Pictures tell a large part of a rental’s story, but make sure you dig deeper. If you have a family member with special needs, or want to bring your pet Fido, make sure that your prospective rental accommodates all of your needs. Our search features are more advanced than other sites and can help you with all of your needs.

3. Timing is everything
If you have found the perfect rental for your needs, but simply can’t afford it during the peak season, try traveling in non-peak times. Nightly and weekly rates on many rentals are much lower during these times. Also, if you are not a big planner, and you have procrastinated, there is still hope for you. Some beach rental owners offer last minute discounts to fill their vacancies.

4. Protect Yourself
Emergencies arise and hurricanes occur. Before booking your trip, take the proper precautions to protect your travel investment. Ask the owner if they offer trip insurance for such occasions. Also, protect yourself against any possible fraud. Make sure to verify the landlord’s information (ask for referrals), get a copy of the signed contract, and pay by credit card. Do NOT make any deposits until you have fully read and received a signed copy of the rental contract.