Whatshot

2026
2025
November
2024
June
April
2023
March
2022
2021
2020
March
February
2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2014
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2012
December
November
October
September
August
July

The dos and don'ts of last-minute holiday renting

The dos and don'ts of last-minute holiday renting

Author: Pranil Maharaj
Date: 2017-01-13
At this time of year a surprising number of people who had been planning to stay home for the festive season will suddenly decide to go away, and frantically start scouring online and classified advertisements for last-minute holiday rental deals.

Unless you want to risk extreme disappointment, you really do need to slow down, avoid being pressured into a decision and be very careful who you do business with and what you sign up for.

Crooks and con-artists thrive on desperation and hasty decisions and they use all sorts of bait to tempt you into parting with your money and getting nothing in return.

What to consider before making the final decision:

1. It isbetter to deal with an established and reputable companythat manages a large portfolio of short-term rental properties and will usually have several options to offer you.

2. You really need toget into the specifics.

3.Beware of 'hidden' costs, such as fees for additional guests, pets, cleaning and even TV-hire or internet access.

4. It is important tobe aware that you may not get a refund of any depositsor other payments made upfront if your plans change, especially if your booking falls into high season.

5.Also, beware of 'housemates from hell'.