Arriving at the Rental
How does the check-in and key exchange process work?
Confirm with the manager/owner how you will get the key before check-in. Each manager/owner has a system for key exchange. For instance, property managers typically have key pick-up/drop-off at a central office location near your holiday rental. Other managers/owners may use lock boxes or keyless entry codes, or may simply mail you a key prior to your arrival. Some managers/owners like to meet their guests at the rental property to go over check-in/check-out details. In this case, you probably would not receive a key prior to arriving. Your rental agreement should include details about key exchange; if it doesn't, be sure to ask the owner/manager in advance.
Safe renting practices
How can I protect myself from fraudulent managers/owners?
Paying via the secure Tripadvisor inbox gives you the safest paying experience and the Tripadvisor Payment Protection. Learn more. You can ask this owner/manager to accept payments via the secure Tripadvisor inbox.
Tripadvisor conducts its own verification of the rental properties that list with us. That said, we recommend you follow these safe renting practices and conduct your own research for a trouble-free holiday.
Call the owner or manager: A quick phone call to the owner can reassure you. Look for the phone number on the listing page, or send them a message to ask for a phone number.
Check the details of the home: Watch for any inconsistencies. Check the home's full address on a map and verify that the holiday dates you've booked are marked off on their calendar. Read reviews, if any, and search for the owner/manager's name to see what comes up.
Time on the site: The longer an owner/manager has listed properties on Tripadvisor, the more likely it is that other guests have booked with them without problems. Click on the owner/manager's name in the Owner Details section to see how long they have been listing on the site.
Sign a rental agreement: You should be asked to sign a rental agreement with details of the terms and conditions of the rental and the payment and cancellation policies. If you aren't, ask for one.
Collect their full contact details: Make a note of their full name, phone numbers, and their own address, plus their company address if they're a property manager. Find out which phone numbers you can use to reach them if necessary during your holiday.
Don't pay the full amount too early: You shouldn't be asked to pay the security deposit (usually up to 25% of the total booking) and settle the full cost of the rental until about eight weeks before your holiday.
"Pay safely: Paying via the secure Tripadvisor inbox gives you the Tripadvisor Payment Protection. Learn more."
Check your insurance: Insurance doesn't always protect you if something goes wrong with accommodation or flights that are booked independently, e.g. if the airline goes out of business or the accommodation doesn't meet your requirements. Check the small print or look for an insurer that covers you against such things.
Does Tripadvisor protect my rental experience?
Tripadvisor offers Payment Protection which is only available if you book via the Tripadvisor inbox online. At this time, the owner/manager of this property does not accept online payments via Tripadvisor. If you would like to have this coverage, ask the owner/manager to accept Tripadvisor payments, and then book your stay via this secure Tripadvisor inbox. If available, the Tripadvisor Payment Protection helps protect guests from rental payment losses as a result of internet fraud, inability to access your rental, material misrepresentations of the home, or wrongful withholding of rental security deposits.
Should I use a rental agreement?
It is important to use a rental agreement and speak to the owner/manager on the phone before securing a booking. A written agreement helps you and the owner/manager cover all terms of service and will clarify outstanding questions. How to initiate the terms of service prior to officially confirming the booking: Work out the terms of the rental with the owner/manager by phone or email. Review the written rental agreement, as discussed with the owner/manager. Any questions should be answered prior to signing a contract. If everything is included as discussed, sign and date the rental agreement. Return the signed agreement with a deposit (if required).
Is my payment protected in any way?
If you would like payment protection, ask the owner to sign up to accept online payments on Tripadvisor. Only payments made via Tripadvisor are covered by Payment Protection.
How can I pay using secure methods?
We recommend that you pay via the secure Tripadvisor inbox because you'll be protected by Tripadvisor's Payment Protection.
Learn more. You will use a credit/debit card or PayPal account when paying via Tripadvisor. We advise travellers not to pay by bank transfer, as there is no protection for these payments, in the unlikely event of fraud. Be cautious of owners/managers who require that you pay with cash or by Western Union or MoneyGram. Payment requests by bank transfer can be legitimate, but run the risk of being associated with a potential scam. On the rare occasion when a scam occurs or in an unforeseen circumstance when the rental is not lawful, your credit card company may be able to help, giving each traveller added protection. Each homeowner and property manager with a property listed on Tripadvisor has been approved by the Tripadvisor Trust and Safety team.