Points to be aware of when booking a villa

Many times we are emailed by potential rentors about the validity of the homes on our site. Unfortunately, this is because customers have had bad experiences when booking homes through other sites and with some travel agents.

We insist that our private vacation home owners supply information to us that we are able to verify. While this information is not available to the public, in effect it gives us information that ensures they are the home owner, also the amount of homes (if appropriate) that they own.

We have a very strict code of conduct that owners must adhere to to remain a member of this site; unfortunately other internet sites often do not, their aim is purely a financial gain--this is not the case with Last Minute Villas. We are passionate about the villa rental market and do everything we can to ensure that you the customer are protected.

Obviously we cannot protect you against all eventualities, so our advice is very simple.

Treat a transaction with our owners in the same way as you would in a normal travel agency (in fact you are protected by the same laws with a private owner as with a travel agent). Insist on paper work, receipts, telephone numbers, adresses, etc.

Insist on knowing who the management agent is that looks after the home as part of the details you receive usually a week prior to you occupying the home.

Many of our owners live elsewhere to the U.S.A. this should not be a problem; just allow extra time for the post (mail) to be delivered.

Usually a security deposit is required prior to you arriving. This is normal practice and should be returned to you within 30 days of you vacating the home. HOWEVER please remember that you are using someone elses home and it should be cared for as though it was your own--if you damage it, "borrow things", leave the home dirty, etc., the owner has the right to set this against your security deposit.

If you breech the rules and terms and conditions the home owners management company is entitled to charge you for repairs to equipment. Air conditioning is a classic example--many rentors are not used to this facility and often leave windows open and the air conditioning as low as possible; this will freeze the unit, which is a very costly repair.

Likewise the swimming pool. You should be aware that in Florida`s winter months, temperatures can be in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit. Electric pool heaters (exchangers) will not operate below 52 degrees F so there is little point in calling the management company to fix it.

If the pool has a cover on when you arrive then its there to help you maintain the heat, replace it and you will then be able to enjoy the pool heat you have paid for.

When you arrive in Florida ensure you have directions to your home, also that you have the correct access code to enter the house.