bctp.png

Blog

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Summer Homes.jpg

8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting Summer Homes

Finding the right home to rent for vacation requires knowing what can hinder your progress. Here are common mistakes to avoid when renting summer homes.

Are you looking to rent a summer home in the coming year? With so many on offer, it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. Making the wrong decision could ruin the whole vacation period. 

If you want to know the pitfalls to avoid, then have no fear. Below, we give eight common mistakes to avoid when renting summer homes. 

1. Getting the Wrong Location

When talking about locations and geography, descriptions can sometimes be misleading. People may have different ideas about what terms such as 'close proximity' and 'short walk' actually mean. Whatever a property description is, it is up to you to check it matches your expectations before booking. 

With Google maps, this is much easier to do than it used to be. You can check distances to beaches, parks, and local attractions with the click of a button. One handy feature of using a map program is that you can also check public transport options, should you need to know how to get around quickly. 

Don't forget to check the topography of a region. A property may say that it has a short walk to a beachfront, but this could be up steep, winding inclines. 

2. Not Checking the Most Recent Reviews

Even the highest star ratings on a property review can be misleading if you do not look at the recent activity. These reviews are made of averages, and it may be the case that your property started out really well and got great results. However, if you do not look at recent events, you may end up with a place that has become dilapidated and unloved. 

There could be a number of reasons for this. The renter may not have had the time to maintain it like they used to, or they may have taken on too many properties at once and failed to maintain them. You may even find that reviews mention a specific problem, that you could ask the landlord to rectify before your arrival. 

3. Expectations When Renting Summer Homes

A summer rental is very different from a hotel. You are renting the property, and it is your responsibility to do with it what you wish. It is not a hotel, and you can not expect the service and amenities that would come with one. 

Understand that your sheets may not be replaced daily, you will have to do your own cleaning and you won't have room service on hand. If these services are advertised, then that is a bonus and you should let your landlord know in advance that you will require them. 

4. Not Checking Cancellation Policies

Even with the best of intentions, things can go wrong and plans can change. If you end up in this situation, do you really want to be left footing the bill for a rental you have not even stayed in? With uncertainty over global health, it pays to have a rental home that has a flexible cancellation policy. 

Luckily, most rentals will have this clearly displayed. Many now offer free cancellation up until the last few days before, giving you more security and time to adapt. 

5. Taking Photos at Face Value

A good photographer can make even the drabbest of rooms look bright, airy, and inviting. Staged photographs on websites may well be truly reflective of the property, but they also may be bending the truth a little. If the great pictures are accompanied by negative reviews, then the alarm bells should start to ring. 

Another way to check this is to find independent pictures of the property. Some rental sites allow users to upload their own pictures. These are often a much better, unbiased representation of the accommodation. 

6. Not Sharing the Rules

If you are on summer vacations with friends, you may find yourself sharing a larger rental property. One person will be in charge of booking this and liaising with the letter. If this is you, you must share the property rules with the group. 

If the property and you don't share them with the group, you become liable. If someone breaks a rule and you lose a deposit, if you have told them specifically not to do it the blame shifts from them to you. 

7. Overstocking

As rental homes are self-catering, you need to provide your own food and drink. Of course, you can go out and eat, but cooking and drinking in the rental is part of the fun. However, that does not mean you should go overboard. 

If you take too much, then you have two options at the end. Either throw it away and waste it or take it home. With all the luggage you probably already have, taking it home can be a real pain. 

8. Not Checking the Check Out

All vacation home rentals have different check out procedures, and it is up to you to make sure you know them. The first step is to have a look at the check out time. Make sure you have vacated the property by this time and left it ready for the next occupant. 

After this, check how you will leave. Perhaps you will need to drop the keys somewhere or call the owner. If you are checking out at an odd time, then definitely let the owner know so you can make any arrangements well in advance. 

Respect the Property

Finally, when renting summer homes, treat them as you would your own. Keep them tidy, and never do anything you would not do in your own house. 

Are you looking to rent a property for the long or short term? First Choice Properties should be your first stop for any real estate needs in Abu Dhabi. Contact us for all your commercial and residential real estate needs, so we can find your perfect home starting today!  

Contact Us

Office Location

Office 1304, C88 Tower - Electra Street
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates


Contact Details

Working Hours

  • 9am to 6pm from Saturday to Thursday

Brokerage Registration No. 2018/292755