USVI-On-Line

We are two people renting in August. Those of you that have rented for years must know all the right questions to ask. For example, do you ask if there have ever been break-ins? I don't know where to begin.

Thanks.

I would start with researching the villa completely and then see if you have any particular questions about the villa for things that matter to you..
(Example: Is there a stereo with ipod dock, do the bedrooms have external access, or just inside, etc)
Then you need to see if you have any particulars about the area..
(Example..how are the roads to the villa, how far is the nearest store for grocery items).
You also might want to know if there is a villa contact person on island in case of any issues like something not working at the villa, etc...
Those would kind of be my basic guidelines for you...I am sure others will jump in with some great advice..
Keep in mind, things that are important to one person that they want to ask about, may not matter to you..

Most management reps will usually tell you all of the important info for the villa you are renting.

I usually ask where the key light switches are. Where the flashlights are and where the breakers are for the pool and or hot tub pumps.

If this is your first time renting a villa on STJ my first question would be "Is your office and staff based in St. John?" Many agencies are based stateside and have people on STJ who work for them to greet the visitors. These agencies are noy who I prefer to deal with. I want to rent through on-island agencies who are there managing the properties and providing their services to you.

The second question is "Do you charge extra fees?". I prefer to rent through agencies that do not charge additional fees. I don't like extra add-on fees regardless if it's a bank, airline or anyother business.

The third question would be "Do you accept payment by credit card or do you require that a personal check be mailed?" I like to get the miles on my credit card so if that's an option it's a plus for me but not a deal breaker by any means.

Next - "Will you do my Jeep reservation and pick up the keys on my day of arrival? (we never arrive on STJ until after the rental agencies close for the day).

Obviously you will have questions regarding whatever villa your are inquiring about and this would include the condition of the house such as are all the appliances in working order (I don't want to be surprised to find out the washer or dryer don't work or the stove is broken etc.)

VIVA has a great rentals policy page with lots of info - this is just one company, but a great place to start!

http://www.vivacations.com/site/12345/default.aspx

Here is a list that I kept:

•Screens on the windows? How new?
•How old are the pictures on the web site?
•Ask for a floor plan and sizes of beds in each room
•If there is no dryer, is there a clothes line?
•How many cars can park there (if going with a group)
•Ceiling fans? Which rooms?
•Breezes?
•If something breaks or doesn't work, who do I call and where do they live? (How soon will they get there?)
•Is there a phone in the villa for local phone calls?
•Are any provisions left in the house, e.g. Ziploc bags, olive oil, foil, etc.
•Are there other amenities that aren't listed on the website? (blender, ice maker, etc.) Are all the amenities listed on the website still available and in good working condition?
•When does the pool get sun, and is it warm in the afternoon?
•What is the road to the villa like? Paved or not?
•Are there pool floats, beach chairs?
•Houses close by?
•Construction in the area?
•If not listed, is there A/C in the bedrooms?

Ruth would tell you to ask how many chickens are within ear shot.

Ask how much water is in the cistern - and how long it would be for a truck to bring you some more water if it ran out during your stay.

Here is our list of questions:
•Are the bedrooms air conditioned?
•Are there ceiling fans and are the windows screened?
•Any type of mosquito repellant such as spray or citronella candles provided for patio use?
•How are the roads and driveway to the villa? Dirt, paved or concrete? Steep or flat?
•Is there traffic noise or traffic other than residential traffic?
•Are there currently construction projects near the villa? If so how close and size of the project. (single home or multi unit construction)
•How well is the kitchen stocked? Cookware, spices, other.
•Is there a hair blow dryer?
•BBQ grill?
•Towels, cooler, beach chairs, floats provided?
•Washer / Dryer / clothes line?
•Is there parking and how far to the villa entrance from parking?
•How much sun does the pool receive? Is there a pool cover we can use to keep the pool warm?
•Owner or others living on the property?
•Any part of the villa deck or pool that is shared with other units?
•Will there be a greeter at ferry dock to direct us to the villa and provide instructions for the villa and appliances etc?
•Local contact if something breaks?
•Is there a safe in the villa?
•Have you had any break-ins or burglaries in the last couple of years?

I can't thank you all enough for taking the time to reply. This information has far exceeded my expectations. I will cut and paste these questions, and send them to the agency of the villa I have found. Thank you, thank you.