Rental Agreement Vrbo: Fill & Download for Free

Have the guest take a picture of signed rental agreement and license for “proof of purchase” :)

I have been using HomeAway for a few years. I am always surprised that anyone finds our Cape Cod cottage. I waited to renew the subscription last year so they could offer the higher tier for inquiries. It didn't make any difference. I was 'approved' to use their vacation-rental-payment processing. That was tricky. With an excellent credit score, I have the payments made via HomeAway into my bank account within a week or so less the processing fee. I like the option for the guest to buy vacation cancellation insurance from HomeAway. I also like requiring the guest to purchase damage waiver insurance. We are a summer rental, in a small town, where little has changed over the last 50 years. We require half of the rent at time of booking and it is not refundable unless we are able to re-book the cottage. Usually August is fully booked by the end of February (through HomeAway reservation calendar). We use our own vacation rental agreement and require payments by check, through the mail. Last year we tried online only payments for those who are more comfortable using credit cards but surprisingly, it didn't change the outcome and added an expense beyond the $400 subscription. In summary, HomeAway/VRBO isn't at all as bad as I thought it would be.

There are horror stories out there, but for me, airbnb is a bigger problem than any renter.I have rented out two vacation rental properties (one in the U.S. and another in Buenos Aires, Argentina), via VRBO and airbnb, with only one bad experience in over a dozen years; at our U.S. property. Interestingly, I seem to cause more problems and damage than any of the renters. Clumsily me.My worst experience, which wasn’t as bad as some that I’ve read about on the internet, was just this past summer. The rental agreement and my emails are very clear that the rental is limited to no more than 6 persons total; that no gathers or events are allowed in which the total number of people exceeds six; that no dogs are allowed; that no more than three vehicles are allowed; and, that no fireworks are allowed. The renter violated every one of those rules. They held a big party. Our neighbor emailed me, describing “an industrial grade fireworks display that went on until nearly one in the morning.” It was the 4th of July, so he put up with it. Two nights later they did it again. Our other neighbor corroborated. I was more upset about the fireworks than anything. For one thing, they are not legal in our area. More importantly, we are in a rural area and if a fire started, there would be no chance to save a house.Meanwhile, airbnb has made it virtually impossible to vet potential renters. I used to call renters or quiz them via email before they rented to assure myself that I wasn’t about to rent to a crazed killer. Now airbnb makes that impossible. Additionally, airbnb has started take SOME of the rental taxes that are due to the state, but only two out of the four taxes that we are required to collect and pay. They absolutely refuse to change their procedure and won’t even provide me with evidence of what they have paid and when. So I removed our listing from airbnb. VRBO is not perfect, but far better then airbnb. (see more on this here, if interested: John Brzezinski's answer to What has been one of your most unique experiences as an Airbnb host?)In closing, you have to have proper insurance that covers rentals and your housekeeper (essential!), absolutely understand what taxes and regulations are involved in your state and local municipality, have a separate rental agreement that supercedes that of airbnb or VRBO (after all, you are ultimately responsible for your property), and take reasonable precautions (i.e follow your instincts). Other than that, you’re on your own. There is definitely a risk. On the other hand, you can earn some good income.Good luck.