What are my rights when renting a holiday home?

Are you going to rent a cottage or apartment from a private landlord? Here are some helpful tips:

• Check accommodation reviews, photos and descriptions on various websites
• Be wary of luxury apartments in fantastic locations at a suspiciously low price. Does the price seem too good to be true? Then it usually is...
• Does the landlord want you to pay full rent or a large deposit up front? Then check with extra care.

#holiday-home-legit

When in doubt, it is always wise to take your time. Think carefully and do research before you book. Here are some helpful tips:

Step 1: Make sure the address is correct

Look up the address via Google Maps, for example. Look through the images and the Street View feature to see if you can find the holiday home on offer.

Step 2: Check for warnings about the holiday home rental on internet sites

You can copy the text of the ad and enter it into a search engine.

Step 3: Make sure the photos are real

You can do this by using Google's "Search by Image" feature. Scammers like to use the same photos for different ads.

#holiday-home-check

• Book, pay and communicate only through the website. Never make a payment outside the website.
• Make sure you know how to get the keys before you book. Does the owner ask you to meet him in a parking lot? Or does the owner want to send the keys by mail in exchange for cash? Then do not confirm this booking.
• Does the landlord ask you to transfer money through a payment service like Western Union or Moneygram? That means it may subsequently be impossible to find the recipient or get a refund.  Keep in mind that bank transfers are not always secure either. This is because you cannot cancel or reverse the transfer.

#holiday-home-booking-tips

Credit cards are the safest way to pay. Are you confronted with a scam or fraud? Then you can request reversal from your credit card.

Here are some more helpful tips:

• Pay only through the booking website.
• Pay by credit card or by direct debit if possible. PayPal is also a secure payment method and offers buyer protection.
• Avoid direct wire transfers and cash payments, such as through Western Union.

#holiday-home-pay

A landlord may charge a cancellation fee. Whether you have to pay cancellation fees and the amount of the fee depends on:

• The cancellation terms of your booking
• At what point you cancel the holiday home rental

This applies even if you cannot go on vacation, for example, if you are sick. This is why it makes sense to purchase travel insurance in advance.

Note: Did you book through a booking website? Then you must also process the cancellation through the booking website.

Service charges

Paid service fees are usually not refunded. Some booking websites also charge additional service fees for arranging your cancellation.

When do I not have to pay?

Certain fees are not always payable. This concerns fees for services that the landlord now no longer has to perform. For example: if you do not come, the landlord does not need to clean. The cleaning fee is then not due.

Could the landlord rent the cottage to someone else after your cancellation? This may mean that you do not need to pay a cancellation fee. In practice, though, this is very difficult to prove.

#holiday-home-cancellation-fees

Did you book through a booking website? Then the landlord must cancel the booking through this website. The booking website will give you more information on what to do.

In most cases, you will receive a full refund. Also, the booking website usually helps you find other accommodation. In some cases, booking websites also help if the replacement accommodation involves additional costs.

#holiday-home-rights-cancellation

The landlord must fulfil the promises made in the advertisement. Is something not in working order in the cottage? Or is a room dirty or mouldy, for example?

• Ask the owner in writing to resolve the problems. For example, via email or WhatsApp.
• Report the problems to the booking website where you booked.
• Send clear photos that show the problem in detail.

#holiday-home-problem

Does something break or break down in the accommodation during your stay? For example, a household appliance like a washing machine or a stove?

• Take clear photos and videos.
• Contact the owner immediately. Do not wait until your vacation is over.
• Ask the owner to repair or replace the damaged item.

Is the problem not being solved? Then you can ask for a discount on the rent.

#holiday-home-defect

If you cause damage to the rented cottage or apartment, the landlord may hold you liable. This is why it is smart to purchase liability insurance in advance. Before your trip, check if your policy covers this type of damage. Is damage you cause not covered? Then you can get more comprehensive insurance or a separate policy from another company. Please note that you must always report damage you cause to the landlord directly.

#holiday-home-damage-liability