Booking a holiday home: tips

Planning to rent a house or apartment for your holidays?
Make sure you're well informed, because there are certain pitfalls.
Our blogger Lisa gives you some good tips.

Holiday rentals are booming among Belgians, as confirmed by the Holiday Rentals Barometer and the 2021 Summer Holiday Barometer published by Redion. Following the Covid-19 crisis, it turned out that renting a house or apartment isn't only a safer option than staying in hotels where you rub shoulders with other people, but that, generally speaking, holiday homes also guarantee greater privacy, peace and comfort.

Look for a holiday home on trustworthy websites

The holiday rental booking website for private individuals that everyone knows is of course Airbnb. FlipKey, Belvilla, Interhome, Pierre & Vacances and TUI are equally reliable alternatives, among many others. Homes & Villas by Marriott International also offers properties let by private individuals, but focuses on more luxurious rentals. The main hotel booking sites (Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia) often also offer holiday rentals and apartments. You'll also find some on Facebook and Instagram.

Are they reliable?

All the websites mentioned above have in common that they offer a large number of properties to rent all over the world and have set up a relatively secure system for checking properties, their descriptions and their owners in advance. Owners' backgrounds and addresses are always verified, tenants can leave reviews and ratings, and, in the worst case, report an unreliable rental. Booking through their website comes with a basic guarantee and assistance in the event of cancellation or problems with the owner. Often, by choosing smaller or more local rental agencies, you'll have weaker guarantees than by going through a larger, more experienced entity.

But before searching for a holiday rental online, you can also consider other travel options. Those who'd rather not go to a hotel or stay with private individuals in a guest room during high season can go camping or look after someone's house and pets.
Would you like to enjoy regular use of a holiday home? Then a timeshare arrangement could suit you.

The pitfalls of renting holiday homes

Booking a holiday home shouldn't be done lightly. You not only need to find out about the property's condition, but also its location, establish contact with the owner, and check any rental conditions and cancellation options.
Here are a few points to watch out for when renting a holiday property.

Accommodation, price, location

• Are you getting value for money? Just because you've found an expensive apartment in a city centre doesn't mean it's better than a cheaper (and often more spacious) property on the outskirts. Study the photos carefully and read reviews from previous tenants.
• A house's exterior appearance often matters. Check the address on Google Street View and inspect the facade, the street and the surrounding area to avoid surprises.
• The location of the property also plays a role. It's best to draw up a list of your options. Is the place accessible on foot, or will you use public transport? Might it be more convenient to have a (rental) car available? Sometimes owners are happy to lend you their bikes.
• Regarding transport options during your stay, it's important to find out about the safety of the area. Check what others have said about the place. Are there any complaints about the neighbourhood? Are you travelling alone and is the holiday rental in an isolated area?

Practical aspects

• Are there enough beds and bedrooms for all travellers? If someone has to sleep on a sofa bed or an extra mattress, have you decided who will make the sacrifice? Is there only one bathroom for 3 couples, or do you have to walk through one bedroom to reach another? Think through the practical side of the stay.
• Pay attention to the details: are bath towels, soap, coffee and utensils provided, or do you have to bring everything yourself? Are you expected to cook?
• Do you want to rent accommodation for a longer period? If so, choose a rental with major household appliances to make your stay convenient. Is there a washing machine, a dishwasher, a (microwave) oven?
• For a larger group, an extra key isn't a luxury.
• Coming by car? Ask the owner whether there's a safe parking space near the house or apartment.
• Do you plan on working for a few days during your stay? Ask whether the Wi-Fi connection is strong and reliable enough.
• Think about the people you're travelling with. Are there specific accommodations for guests with children? Are pets allowed?
• Are all your travelling companions aware of the rental property's amenities?

Contact with the landlord

• Do you have the owner's email address? Their phone or mobile number? Do you share a common language so you can communicate easily?
• Always check with the landlord whether they live in the same building as the holiday rental. This could mean you'll need to share an entrance, a hallway or even a common staircase.
• Ask the owner all the useful questions before arriving. Not only will you get to know each other (online), but you can also agree to leave your luggage if the house isn't ready to welcome you yet when you arrive.
• Take note of the rules or "fine print" of the contract. Does the owner ask you not to make noise after 10pm? If so, this property might not be the best option for you and your group of friends who often stay out late.
• Trust your gut when you have your first contact with the owner. If you don't get a good impression, choose a place run by a host who inspires more confidence. Do you have to wait a long time for a reply to your questions, or does the host respond evasively or rudely?
• Does the owner ask for a deposit in case of damage? When will you get it back? Make sure this is properly documented.

Don't wait to book

Once you've chosen the property you want to rent, all that's left is to sort out payment and booking.

Do you have to pay immediately, or will the money be held on your account until the day you arrive? If you can cancel free of charge or for a limited fee, it's useful to know until when this remains possible. Also check the conditions for a possible cancellation. Will you be reimbursed in case of illness or a cancelled flight?

Find out from the landlord about the procedure for receiving the keys. Will they greet you in person, or will you need to get the key out of a lockbox using a code? From what time are you expected? Do you need to arrive before a certain time in the evening? Is there a surcharge for a late arrival?

Have you found a holiday home that suits you? Then don't wait too long to book. Even if you'd like answers to all your questions, it's best to make your booking as soon as you're convinced. Some sites offer a cooling-off period during which free cancellation is still possible.

Before and at the end of your stay

As soon as you arrive, it's a good idea to check that everything works properly. Hot water, the shower, the stove, the lighting, the door lock... Your stay will be more pleasant if you and the owner are immediately informed of any issues with the property.

During your stay, you should of course take care of your holiday home as if it were your own. Out of respect for the owner, you should keep it tidy and immediately inform the owner if you (accidentally) break something. Always lock the house or apartment properly when you're away, to prevent theft.

The owner will also give you instructions on "check-out". You may need to hand the key back in person or leave it in the property.

Ask the owner in advance what they expect in terms of cleaning. Cleaning fees are often charged and their price can vary significantly. Leave the rental as clean as possible, but don't do unnecessary chores like vacuuming or sweeping if cleaning fees are already included. Leaving clean dishes and waste sorted into the right bin will likely earn you a good review from the owner. You can use that to book your next rental on the same booking site.

Enjoy your holiday and don't forget good travel insurance!

Additional insurance to protect your rental deposit

As accidents happen quickly, Redion has launched an insurance product called "Easy Rent" that protects your rental deposit. For a modest price, you're guaranteed to get your deposit back, with repair or replacement costs covered by the insurance.
Click here to find out everything about Easy Rent insurance.

Our blogger Lisa:
Lisa is a freelance blogger who just spent a year exploring Australia alone in a Jeep. When she's not travelling, you'll often find her at home, on her sofa with her rabbit Nelson on her lap and a language course in hand. You'll find her articles on Greek mythology and Bali on her site lisasvividwriting.com.