New to time share rentals

I am trying to rent a time share threw a woman on redweek and she is asking that I send her the check to her. However she is not the owner of the time share. This is all to me and I don't want to be naive about this process. MY questions are: Is this normal? Are there typically a contract or written agreement? What other things should I know about how I rent a time share? Thank you so much for your feedback!!

Payment to the owner is customary unless in the agreement the owner is renting thru a service that offers escrow. In that sense it's still in the owners name but held by a third party. Until the reservation is complete and no further charges are placed against the renter. When we have rented ours there is always a contract/agreement between the two parties, as to cost, dates of occupancy, and responsibilities and payment made to me in my name. A contract would insure who is responsible for what, not only to insure the resort when you showed up, that have right to use the week you rented. You should ask for proof or been offered proof that the person who you are dealing has what they say they have, and that would be in the contract to rent also. You can also double check the resort that is being offered by calling the resort, to see it is legit. Long story short, ask for a reservation number that you check with the resort, get it in writing as to, dates of occupancy, who is responsible and for what, and if your unsure, ask questions/ GOOD LUCK.....

You might want to ask this person VERY specifically if she is renting out an "exchange" that she has obtained from RCI or II. That practice is clearly prohibited by BOTH of those exchange companies and if that's what she is attempting to do it could result in loss of her RCI or II membership and, more important to you, potential denial of occupancy if caught.

I'd be asking more questions to determine if this person is renting out something that she doesn't even actually own in the first place. Unless she is a licensed broker acting on behalf of an owner with owner knowledge and authorization, or a points owner in a system (e.g. Wyndham, etc.) I don't see how she can possibly rent out what she doesn't even own. Proceed with caution.

weddingbarnatlakotasfarmk wrote:

I am trying to rent a time share through a woman on redweek and she is asking that I send her the check to her. However she is not the owner of the time share. This is all to me and I don't want to be naive about this process. MY questions are: Is this normal? Are there typically a contract or written agreement? What other things should I know about how I rent a time share? Thank you so much for your feedback!!

Hello, Is there a contract guideline to refer to or is the contract as simple as putting the information in any email?

deniseh407 wrote:

Hello, Is there a contract guideline to refer to or is the contract as simple as putting the information in any email?

Email just doesn't cut it for a rental, at least in my opinion. Get a hard copy rental contract, SIGNED by both owner and tenant. If you are not familiar with the assorted intricacies of a properly prepared "short term lease agreement" (i.e., rental contract), you should definitely seek one out and use it. I think you can find one at TUG (http://www.tug2.net). You can also purchase one through the magazine Timesharing Today (I think it costs $20 there, however). You might also be able to find one elsewhere for free via Internet searching.

In any event, an adequate rental agreement should very clearly and very specifically identify check in / check out dates and times, unit size, occupancy limit, minimum age of contract signatory (many people want absolutely no part of college "Spring Breakers", so they make minimum age 25, as is absolutely their right as an owner), prohibit sub-lease or transfer of the rental to someone else, state "no pets" policy, identify specific payment due date, clearly state cancellation and refund (if any) terms, identify any resort-imposed damage deposit policy (usually requiring a credit card imprint at check-in, with that card being in the name of the tenant), etc. Often, a rental agreement will also state that parking at the resort will be provided for only one vehicle.

Don't conduct a rental on the basis of email exchanges. That's plainly inadequate (in my opinion). Good luck.

Denise -

RedWeek provides a sample rental agreement on this page: Rental Agreement.

Phyllis

phyl21 wrote:

RedWeek provides a sample rental agreement on this page: Rental Agreement.

Phyllis

Live and learn --- I had no idea. Thank you!