The process for renting a holiday home differs from booking a hotel room. One of the many benefits is working with owners and managers directly. Their personal interest in your stay and knowledge of the property are far beyond that of a hotel concierge! This helps you make the best choice for you and your family. Sometimes it may take an owner or manager a while to respond to your enquiry for a variety of reasons. So be patient, send multiple enquiries and follow our easy steps below to reserving a holiday rental - it's absolutely worth it!
Search Holiday Rentals & Contact Multiple Owners
We recommend you make enquiries to multiple holiday homes that meet your preferences. Click the button near the top of the holiday rental listing to submit an availability request. When filling out an availability request, be sure to include your correct email address and a phone number where the holiday homeowner or property manager can reach you during day and evening hours.
Tip: Send enquiries to all holiday rental properties you are interested in. This will ensure you receive enough owner responses before making a final choice.
Secure Reservation with Deposit
To secure a reservation for a holiday rental, it is standard for homeowners or property managers to request a reservation/security deposit ranging from 10% - 50% of the total rental rate. Specifics related to the reservation/ security deposit, including property maintenance, damages and additional fees such as telephone charges, should be outlined in a detailed, written agreement.
Tip: Credit cards and direct deposit are preferred payment methods. Payment methods vary from owner to owner, so always enquire beforehand. Do not send money via Western Union, cashiers cheque or other wire services to any owner that requires immediate full payment.
Review, Sign & Send Owner Agreement
The holiday home owner or property manager should send you a written agreement which includes arrival/departure dates, payment schedules, pet policies, as well as cancellation/refund terms and conditions. Review the rental agreement carefully before signing it.
Tip: Keep a folder of all your rental documents, receipts and owner contact information for easy reference. Mark your calendar when security deposits and final payments are required to be made.
Tip: Keep a folder of all your rental documents, receipts and owner contact information for easy reference. Mark your calendar when security deposits and final payments are required to be made.
Register for Holiday Rental Payment Protection
The HomeAway Basic Rental Guarantee provides up to $1,000 of payment protection so you can rest easy on your next holiday. Make sure to register your trip immediately after you book the rental.
Send Final Payment to Owner
Payment schedules vary from homeowner to property manager. However, full payment is generally expected prior to arrival. Submit all payments as specified in the written agreement to avoid losing your reservation and/or deposit.
If traveling outside Australia, a wire transfer of funds may be requested. The property owner will provide you with instructions on completing a bank/wire transfer that includes: bank address, international bank account number and bank code. Your financial institution will need all this information to complete a transfer of funds.
If traveling outside Australia, a wire transfer of funds may be requested. The property owner will provide you with instructions on completing a bank/wire transfer that includes: bank address, international bank account number and bank code. Your financial institution will need all this information to complete a transfer of funds.
Receive Pre-Arrival Information from Owner
The holiday homeowner or property manager should advise you about travel arrangements, including the most convenient airports, car rentals, and alternative transportation options. Special parking requirements and parking passes should be detailed in the rental agreement and included in pre-arrival instructions.
They should also provide you with:
• Driving directions to the rental, gate codes and any other access details
• Keys (physical set of keys or instructions for using the numerical keypad lock)
• 24/7 contact name and telephone number in the event of any questions or issues
Ask in advance about check-out procedures as they vary from holiday homeowner to property manager.
They should also provide you with:
• Driving directions to the rental, gate codes and any other access details
• Keys (physical set of keys or instructions for using the numerical keypad lock)
• 24/7 contact name and telephone number in the event of any questions or issues
Ask in advance about check-out procedures as they vary from holiday homeowner to property manager.
Check-In to Your Holiday Rental
Pre-Holiday Checklist:
Ask owner what you need to bring
Have property's physical address
Have property's keys or key box code
Don't forget to take the owner's contact information with you
Make sure the owner received the final payment if mailed in a check
Print out driving directions to vacation rental from the nearest airport or your starting location
Enter property's location into Google Maps to find nearby supermarket, restaurants & shops
Ask owner what you need to bring
Have property's physical address
Have property's keys or key box code
Don't forget to take the owner's contact information with you
Make sure the owner received the final payment if mailed in a check
Print out driving directions to vacation rental from the nearest airport or your starting location
Enter property's location into Google Maps to find nearby supermarket, restaurants & shops
After Stay, Contact Owner to Collect Refund for any Deposits Paid
Contact owner and find out when you will receive your refund for the deposit. As long as you keep the house in the same manner you found it in and follow the owner's checkout procedures, you should receive your full deposit back.
Write a Holiday Rental Property Review
Share your experience with other travellers by posting a review of the property you rented on HomeAway.com.au. Visit the property listing detail page and click the “Write a Review” link.