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VRBO property owners wants full payment 8 weeks out - reasonable?

Posted by (Honolulu, HI, USA) on

A VRBO property owner in Scotland (Edinburgh) wants full payment 8 weeks prior to the rental. We have booked from VRBO owners elsewhere -- e.g., Paris, where the owner took a USD check to guarantee and asks for cash payment on our arrival at the property.

I do understand that the VRBO policy is at the discretion of the individual property owner. And, in this case, the owner says that this payment-in-full, far in advance of arrival, is typical "in the UK."

What do you think? Does this sound right? ... and (even if "typical") wise???

Posted by
1357 posts

We've paid in advance for VRBO and other rental properties and have never had a problem. I'd look into travel insurance, though, just to be safe.

Posted by
334 posts

It's not too unusual, but I often find owners are willing to work with me - we sent a deposit (between 15% - 50%) this year for several rentals in Ireland(upcoming)and are paying the rest in cash (not the posted policy) - even with several owners being from England. I'm never totally comfortable with it, but 30 - 60 days for final payment seems somewhat the norm. Pay by credit card, if possible - I'd be less comfortable sending a wire transfer, etc.

Posted by
964 posts

I've rented twice with VRBO. The first time, Paris, I paid all of it upfront, as requested, a few weeks before we went. The second time, in Girona, Spain, I paid a deposit and the balance on arrival.

Both times I used Paypal for the money paid ahead. Paypal offers good protection.

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