Help using Holiday-Rentals
Help for Advertisers
Help for Travellers
SEARCHING FOR A HOLIDAY HOMEMAKING AN ENQUIRY & BOOKINGRENTAL GUARANTEE |
PAYING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOMEBEFORE & DURING YOUR STAYREVIEWS |
SEARCHING FOR A HOLIDAY HOME
How do I search by location?
There are three ways to search for a property by your chosen location:
- Click on the interactive maps from the homepage and regional pages
- Type in your destination in the search box from any page
- Use the location links in the left hand column of the search results
How do I search by availability?
There are two ways to search or a property by available dates:
- Use the availability feature under the search box from the homepage
- Use the availability feature at the top o the left hand column of any search results pages
How do I search by price?
To search or a property by price, use the price search option on the left hand column of any search results pages. Simply select the minimum and maximum price you want to pay or your rental.
How do I search by my specific requirements?
In addition to location, price and availability, there are several additional search options available. Once you have selected your location, use the links in the left hand column of the search results to refine your holiday rental search by:
- Number of bedrooms and sleeping capacity
- Facilities such as pool or internet access
- Property type such as villa or apartment
- Special requirements such as wheelchair access or pet friendly
- Local activities such as ski or golf
- Location type such as rural or city centre
How do I search for holiday rentals with special offers?
There are two ways to find properties with special offers
- Click on the 'Special Offers' tab on the top right of every page
- Click on the 'See Special Offers' link on the search results pages
MAKING AN ENQUIRY & BOOKING
How many properties should I enquire about?
We recommend you enquire about several holiday rentals that suit your needs, in the event that your first choice isn't available for the dates you require or if an owner is slow in responding to your enquiry because they are on holiday or otherwise not able to respond.
If you do not hear back from the owner via email in 24 to 48 hours, we recommend you contact the owner by telephone, if the phone number is provided.
How do I contact the owner to make an enquiry?
Click on the link to 'Contact the Owner' on any property advert and use the form to send your enquiry to the owner by email. Alternatively, you can contact the owner on the telephone number provided. We recommend you contact the owner using the form, but feel free to choose the method of communication that is most convenient for you.
How do I make a reservation and booking?
Each homeowner has their own reservation and booking confirmation process. When making your rental reservation, cover all details with the property owner including arrival & departure dates, number of adults/children in your party, pets traveling with you and any special requests.
The owner will usually send you a rental contract as confirmation of the booking. Review the rental contract to ensure all details you communicated are correct. The rental agreement should include the arrival and departure dates, payment schedule, and cancellation/refund policies.
RENTAL GUARANTEE
What type of guarantee do you offer?
The HomeAway Rental Guarantee is FREE for travellers and protects your payment for rental property of up to £2,500
How do I register to qualify for the HomeAway Rental Guarantee?
Follow these 3 easy steps to qualify for the guarantee:
1) Reserve Your Holiday Rental - Confirm availability with the homeowner and reserve your dates.
2) Register Your Trip - Register your trip online BEFORE sending payment to the homeowner.
3) Send Your Payment - Send your payment to the homeowner and have a worry-free holiday knowing you're protected.
Reminder:
The only payment methods that are covered under the HomeAway Rental Guarantee are credit card, PayPal, personal check and direct bank transfer. Payments through Western Union, Moneygram, wire transfers or cashier checks are not covered under HomeAway's Rental Guarantee.
PAYING FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOME
How should I pay for a holiday rental?
There are many ways to pay for a holiday rental, but some payment methods are safer than others. Payment methods vary from owner to owner, so always inquire beforehand.
Recommended Payment Methods
1. Credit or debit card
2. Pay Pal
3. Personal cheque
4. Bank transfer
» Learn more about the benefits and risks of the various payments methods
We strongly recommend you do not pay for your holiday rental by cash, cashiers cheque or via a money transfer service such as Western Union. You have little financial recourse when you use these payment methods, and you will not be covered for payment protection with the HomeAway Rental Guarantee.
If an owner requests you to pay by these methods, please contact Customer Support so our team can advise you.
What type of deposit and payment schedule can I expect?
Each owner will have their own deposit and payment schedule. However, it is standard practice for most owners to require a deposit of between10% to 50% of the rental rate to secure the booking. Full payment is usually expected 8 weeks prior to your arrival date. It is important you submit all payments as specified in the rental contract in order to avoid losing your booking and/or your deposit.
What is the penalty if I need to cancel my booking?
Each homeowner will have their own cancellation policy which should be made clear in the rental contract. However, it's acceptable for homeowners to charge a fee if the cancellation is made 60-90 days out from the arrival dates.
Cancellations due to weather conditions are usually not permitted unless specified in your rental agreement. We recommend you buy travel insurance to protect your payment to protect you in case unforeseen circumstances require you to cancel your trip.
How are security deposits handled?
It is common for homeowners to require a security deposit in case of damages to the property and facilities. The rental contract should clearly communicate the owner's policy on security deposits and how the are refunded after departure. On occasion, homeowners will withhold a security deposit because the guest has caused damage to the property.
BEFORE & DURING YOUR STAY
What do I need to know about the location of the property?
Ask the owner as many questions as necessary to feel comfortable about the location o the property before making a booking. For example, if the advert says "within walking distance to the beach", ask the owner whether it's a mile away or across the street.
Get as many details as you can about proximity to local attractions, restaurants, etc. to feel confident that the location is ideal for you. Also, read reviews about the property from previous guests.
Once you receive the property's physical address in the rental agreement or pre-arrival instructions, you can type the address into Google to view a detailed map of the area and/or satellite image.
Can the owner help me with travel arrangements?
Whilst you are responsible for organizing your own travel arrangements, the owner will be able to advise you about most aspects of your trip including the most convenient airports, local car hire agencies and alternative transport options such as bus or train. Special parking requirements and parking passes should be detailed in the rental contract or pre-arrival information.
What type of pre-arrival information should I expect to receive?
Beore you arrive, the owner will provide you with:
- The physical address o the property and map/driving directions
- Any access details such as alarm codes
- Keys, keypad lock instructions or arrangements to meet someone at the rental
- A name and telephone number to contact in the event of any problems
Who do I contact if there's a problem during my holiday?
The owner should provide a name and phone number in event you encounter problems during your visit.
The contact name and phone number should be included in either your rental contract, the pre-arrival information or available at the rental. It is in the owner's best interest to fix any problems immediately.
How do I check-out of my holiday rental?
Each owner has different check-out procedures (take out the rubbish, strip the sheets on the beds, etc.). Check-out instructions are usually available inside the rental but it's always best to ask the owner before you arrive.
REVIEWS
How do I write a review of the holiday rental I stayed at?
1) Return to the property advert page on Holiday-Rentals
2) Click the "Write a Review" link
3) Fill out the form and submit your review
4) Reviews which meet our Guidelines are posted within 3 working days
