Verifing rentals by owner?

kklay · Post by **kklay** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:46 pm

Hello, I'm looking for some help and feedback. I have been a frequent traveler to St. John and have rented thru both Management companies as well as directly from owners. So far, there has never been an issue with being a victim of what I would call "fraud." My question to you is, do you do any special "checks" when renting what appears to be directly from an "owner" to ensure they are indeed the owner? This question would pertain to both villa owners as well as someone who owns a timeshare. The reason I ask is a friend of mine almost was a victim of a fraud - luckily, I don't believe he will lose any money over this, however it has made us a little uneasy going forward. I would appreciate any and all feedback and yes, I know that's probably one of the big benefits of using a Management company - however there are many good, honest people who are renting their places/time out on sites such as VRBO, etc. Thank you all again!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 12:58 pm

I don't have any tips but our neighbors (repeat STJ visitors) rented from an "owner" once who was actually the caretaker of the villa.

Long story short, they were forced to vacate the property with no notice as they were watched by police with guns drawn.

2muchsnow · Post by **2muchsnow** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:14 pm

Our last villa we rented we found through VRBO, when we clicked on the link to contact, it linked us directly to their on-island management company. No issues.

loria · Post by **loria** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:23 pm

PA Girl wrote:I don't have any tips but our neighbors (repeat STJ visitors) rented from an "owner" once who was actually the caretaker of the villa.

Long story short, they were forced to vacate the property with no notice as they were watched by police with guns drawn.

WOW pa girl! was this on STJ? that is crazy! I have used VRBO numerous times both on STJ and elsewhere and NEVER had an issue with anything ever!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:25 pm

Opps, wanted to say that we are renting from and owner in February. The house came recommended to me by more than one forum member. I paid the owner directly and right from the beginning, she told me which agency manages it.

My friends were a bit "what do you mean, you are paying this person directly?" as their comfort level is with dealing with an agency but based on other's recommendations and my exchanges with the owner, I was comfortable paying her directly.

Maybe asking "who manages the villa and who is our on-island contact?" would be a good first question to ask. If it is a "a key will be in the flower pot" type of deal, that might require a little more investigation about the rental.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 1:36 pm

loria wrote:
PA Girl wrote:I don't have any tips but our neighbors (repeat STJ visitors) rented from an "owner" once who was actually the caretaker of the villa.

Long story short, they were forced to vacate the property with no notice as they were watched by police with guns drawn.
WOW pa girl! was this on STJ? that is crazy! I have used VRBO numerous times both on STJ and elsewhere and NEVER had an issue with anything ever!

Yes, on STJ and it was totally crazy.

They rented from a man who represented himself as the owner. Like I said, they were repeat visitors and she was familar with the house. She hadn't stayed before there but knew about it.

Things were ok for the first two days. On day three, they come back from the beach to find some sort of federal agents in full gear in the house. Things were super tense for a couple of minutes until they got out their passports and proved their identity.

Turns out, the caretaker was engaged in activities that came to the attention of the feds. (drugs were part of it) It just dumb luck that they were renting when when he got arrested. Because he had no authority to rent the house, they got kicked out (and lost their money) and the feds sealed up the house.

This was a few years ago, 2006-2007 maybe?

ETA - they didn't rent through VRBO. A friend of a friend had rented the house and gave my neighbor the contact info.

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:24 pm

I read on another forum recently that someone wired money (dumb move) and got scr*wed. A hacker had set up a by owner listing on another site and swindled them out of a weeks rental.

Ask who the on island contact is, ask for a phone number and call them. never wire money and always ask for a contract.
If it seem sketchy, as some questions that only a STJ regular would know. Ask about a restaurant that may have closed or ask a question about a business or person that you know to be false, if you catch them in a lie, then you have your answer

There are a ton of reputable owners out there you just have to do your homework

bdkane · Post by **bdkane** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:35 pm

In the past, and in the states, when using VRBO or likewise, I have called directory assistance and verified the owner, even when a unlisted number if you ask them to confirm the name matches the address they will do it.

In the USVI you could check with the tax assesor if the person is the listed owner- a search is available online

St. John Lover · Post by **St. John Lover** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:51 pm

I have rented from vrbo owners directly (not through their management companies) for many, many years now and have had not one bit of a problem. In fact, on the contrary, I have found the vast majority of owners to be much more helpful than the management companies because they obviously know their properties well and have a direct interest in your enjoying your stay there (most want you to be a repeat guest).

I have rented vrbo places in St. John, S. Carolina, Charleston, Indiana, Italy (several places in several different towns inc. Rome, Venice. Montepulciano, San Gimagnano, Lucca), Paris, Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Anquilla, the Cotswalds & London, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Blokzil, Germany, Colmar.

I can usually tell after a couple e-mail exchanges and/or a phone call whether they are on the 'up & up' and going to be helpful and are proud of their apartment, condo, townhome, house, villa.

Sometimes I've rented in slightly different towns than I originally wanted just because the vrbo owner seemed more helpful and I knew they'd be willing to and excited about guiding me to the best restaurants, sites, guides, etc.

Just take the time to get a 'feel' for them via chatty emails and/or phone conversations.

Very frankly, some of the property owners are probably just as nervous if not more so renting to strangers.

St. John Lover · Post by **St. John Lover** » Mon Dec 05, 2011 2:58 pm

Oops, I hit 'send' before finishing my last thought re: homeowners probably being just as if not more nervous about who they are renting to. Basically, I feel like I (we) are putting at risk several hundred to a couple thousand dollars whereas some of the places I've rented have easily been over a million $+! Guests could rob or trash their places easily (& unfortunately from what I've heard, some definitely have done so). Personally, I just find it so sad that more and more each year, the bonds of trust that used to exist quite extensively in our society are just fraying and breaking more and more. Not just in rental accommodations but in so many other ways.

toes in the sand · Post by **toes in the sand** » Wed Dec 07, 2011 12:10 pm

I have requested a copy of a utility bill for the property to verify that at least this person is paying the utilities and is probably the owner.

usvi-on-line

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Verifing rentals by owner?

Verifing rentals by owner?