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We all look for a deal or a discount, but you need to be careful when looking for a place to rent whether its weekly or monthly. Typically, when you are searching for a short-term vacation rental you don’t plan on spending much time at the accommodation as you want to experience all that the area has to offer. This is a valid point but keep in mind, the rental must meet certain standards and most of all you don’t want to be duped.  

Here are the Top 6 Suggestions

When Searching for

Discounted Short-Term Rentals.

1.WHO = HOST/HOMEOWNER/MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Finding that discounted rate is great but who is offering it? Are you looking on a random website or a trusted site that can be contacted in case of a problem? Make sure you speak to the host or management company and go over the specifics of the rental before moving forward. AIRBNB is a great website that offers both the host and the guest protection.

2.PAYMENT

Even though it’s discounted you are still paying for it and money must be exchanged. How do you pay the host? Ask if you have to pay the full amount upfront or if a deposit will work for the host. Once rent is paid, no matter how cheap you think it is, if it’s a scam your money is gone forever.

3.PICTURES OF THE VACATION RENTAL:

Make sure to get a good look at the entire rental both inside and out. Only one picture of the outside of the rental apartment? This is cause for concern. Pay attention to “Discount” and other writing covering most of the picture(s). This is a deception at its best. Although you are paying less than you typically would, you still have the right to see what you are renting. 

4.LOCATION OF THE RENTAL

Neighborhood – Often, cheap apartments are listed for a deal because of location. Make sure the exact location is listed. If its not a highly desired location, the host will be more likely to offer you a discount. It may work for you and it may not. Pay attention to this.

5.REVIEWS

What types of reviews do you see? If the reviews are awful and just about every person who has stayed in this discounted apartment had a terrible experience it is probably an apartment you want to avoid. Pay attention to reviews on cleanliness and safety. Take a look at the article written to help with reviews - https://www.smartmovecrew.com/article.cfm?a=156 

6.HIDDEN FEES

The vacation rental may seem like you are getting it for a steal but ask about additional costs. In other words, read the fine print. What are the taxes? Is there a cleaning fee? What is the damage deposit required? All this can add up and an apartment that appeared cheap or discounted on the surface is in fact the same if not more expensive than other short term rentals you have looked at. Don’t be fooled – ask about all fees and additional costs so you know what you are getting yourself into.

Planning a vacation can be stressful so don’t take the first deal that you find. Many vacationers have been deceived in their search for that amazing deal! Don’t be fooled by that too good to be true apartment. It takes time and a lot of research to find legitimate discounted rentals for vacation.

Smart Move Accommodation has a wide variety of options with great deals available!

Take a look Smart Move Vacation Rentals