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

Posted by keri (Honolulu, HI, USA) on 04/01/10 06:32 PM

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 Maureen

Atlanta

04/02/10 04:45 AM

1358 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 Kahtrav

Colorado Springs

04/03/10 06:45 AM

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 Maggie

Boscombe, Dorset, UK

04/03/10 09:51 AM

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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