This is the time of year when you might be receiving inquiries just days before arrival. This can be exciting, but don't let the urgency cause you to skip your normal screening and payment procedures.
It’s important to speak with the vacationer. A quick phone conversation can answer questions, confirm expectations, and give you confidence that the booking is legitimate. It's also an opportunity to discuss who will be staying, arrival plans, and house rules.
Be wary of unusual requests. These aren't necessarily signs of fraud, but they should prompt additional questions. Exercise extra caution if someone:
- Wants to move the conversation off your normal communication channels immediately.
- Pressures you to skip your rental agreement or screening process because they're "in a hurry."
- Offers to overpay or asks you to refund money.
- Wants to pay in an unusual way or asks you to accept payment from someone not staying at the property.
Don't allow access until payment has cleared. This is especially important with last-minute bookings. A payment that appears to have been sent isn't always the same as money that has been received and cleared. Before providing entry instructions, keys, lockbox codes, or smart-lock access, make sure you've confirmed that payment has been successfully received and is available to you.
Use a signed rental agreement. Even when time is short, don't skip your agreement. It protects both you and your guest by documenting the rental terms, payment, cancellation policy, and house rules. Using an electronic signature program like Docusign can expedite this process.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to decline the booking.
Remember, a legitimate vacationer will understand your need to verify payment and complete the rental agreement before taking possession of your home. Most guests appreciate that these steps protect both parties.