subject: Your Rental Agreement Protects Your Rights [print this page] A vacation rental is an ideal place to spend a vacation, but when you sign the rental agreement, don't focus on the word "vacation": Focus on the words "rental agreement."
A vacation rental agreement is just as important as any other real estate transaction. You must read the fine print and understand each point before you sign it whether its a villa for rent in Costa Blanca or a loft in New York City. Once you sign it, you must live up to anything it requests of you. Here are some typical items you will find on a holiday rental agreement. They are intended to protect your rights as well as those of the property owner. All properties are not created equal and all rental agreements are not the same.
Most importantly, a rental agreement will tell you how much the rental costs and when deposits and fees are due. It will also list fees that may be charged if you cancel your reservation and if you damage anything on the property. There may also be fees for cleaning and maintenance. On the other hand, the agreement will also list circumstances in which you may be issued a refund (for example, if an unforeseen catastrophe damaged the property before you arrived.)
The rental agreement will also list the dates of your rental as well as what time you may arrive and the time at which you must depart.
Those of course are the most important issues addressed on a rental agreement. It is important to read and understand the rest of the agreement, so you know what to expect. It should list what supplies you will need to bring: i.e., food, bedding, towels, cookware, utensils etc. It will list what items on the property you may use and/or which are off limits. For example, there may be valuable hunting or fishing equipment the property owner cannot store anywhere else. You don't want to be responsible if it is lost or stolen.
If you are bringing children or pets or expect to have additional guests during your rental period, be certain your rental agreement allows them. The rental agreement will likely have a "hold harmless" clause, clearing the property owner of fault if an emergency arises.
When you rent a vacation property, you may also have to sign a site user agreement. While the rental agreement specifies what you may or may not do on the property, the site user agreement shows that the owner is indeed allowing you to use the property. This is in the event someone raises a concern about trespassing.
Reading rental agreements and site user agreements may seem tedious and formulaic but you should read them before you sign them. These agreements protect you and the property owner, allowing everyone to have a stress-free, enjoyable rental period.
A positive experience may mean your family will consider this property your vacation tradition for years to come.
