7. Check the cancellation policy.
Make it your first stop on every listing that catches your eye. Some landlords give you only 48 hours after booking to cancel with a full refund—a deal-breaker for us. We stick with landlords who offer full refunds up to one month ahead of the booked check-in date.
8. Read the reviews.
They’re your best defense against a choice you’ll regret. Guests will tell you what landlords won’t, about everything from neighbourhood safety and noise to the comfort, cleanliness and overall condition of the property. If the Wi-Fi is dodgy or the cutlery drawer contains just four of everything, someone will likely speak up. Of course, little things can go wrong with any rental. What counts is how quickly and cheerfully the landlord solved the problem.
Newly listed properties with no track record tend to cost less than five-star favourites, but we prefer to let beginners prove themselves on someone else’s dime (and vacation time).
9. Study the photos.
Are you game for a month of climbing stairs to your front door? Is the kitchen so poky that you’ll blow your budget eating out? One appealing house we saw had neither a dining room table nor a desk—bad news for us with our two computers. We liked the price, though, so we set up one work station at the ample kitchen island and created another with a cheap desk and chairs, amortizing the cost over the three years we vacationed there. (The landlord was happy to leave the furniture in place—it allowed him to advertise a “dedicated workspace” on Airbnb.)
10. Get to know the neighbourhood.
Does running out of milk mean hopping in the car? Is the house next door a wreck? Once you have the property’s address, which the landlord likely won’t provide until you book, do some preliminary exploring on Google Street View. Still, there’s no substitute for a look-see. After we booked a house in Victoria, my cousin—a lifelong resident—volunteered to drive over. On his advice, we cancelled the booking.
11. Who’s in charge?
We’ve booked with property managers, but we’ve found that owners are more committed to guest satisfaction. Either way, you’re wise to message your key contact with a friendly question. If there’s no parking space provided, for example, you might ask about your prospects on the street. You’re not just gathering facts; you’re checking for a courteous response—and developing a relationship.
12. Read the fine print.
Many landlords have a no-parties rule or expect to approve any house guests in advance. The house rules may even state that they use video cameras to watch for unauthorized guests. If pets are allowed, expect to pay extra for the privilege—as little as $50 for an entire stay, but a head-spinning sum if the landlord is charging by the night. Never assume that your pet stays free. If no charge is mentioned, ask what you’ll pay.
13. Watch for hidden charges.
I’ve seen a landlord require that guests pay for regular cleaning (well over USD$100, with tip, each time). Damage deposits are not uncommon—one more reason to make sure you’re dealing with a fair-minded landlord.