Basic Instructions on How to Rent your Vacation Property.

Market your property for rent with compelling ad copy and pictures (a picture is a thousand words)of the surrounding area, the stores and recreation in the area as well as the interior of the property.  Make sure to mention any festivals or events happening within the time of the proposed rental.  Put a face to who they are renting from (the family or just you) and smile doing it.  Mention that you have security features and you can discuss it with them over the phone.  Give a full description of the property and how many will it sleep and where.  Mention if you have laundry facilities, a deck, dock, central air and any add-ons to give your prospects more comfort on their stay.  Use testimonials if your have any, it will be a big plus.  Give references to qualified tenants only. 

The most popular resources are Homeaway, VRBO and Craigslist. Homeaway and VRBO charge a small annual fee, while Craigslist is free.

Field inquiries from potential tenants. Create your list of what a desirable tenant is to you.  Tenants will likely contact you by email.  You would do best to create a separate e-mail address to receive these inquiries (the e-mail should be related to the property, orlandovacation@aol.com , < not a real e-mail).  I suggest an aol e-mail address which is free and easy to create.   This way when you check the email associated to your vacation property rental you will not loose any business and you will be on top of it as it is all on one specific account.

Take a security a deposit and at least a portion of the rent when you find a tenant interested in renting your property.  The easiest payment way for the deposit is Paypal (online payment).  It is easy to setup and fast.  Paypal allows credit cards as well, so you got it all covered.  Note:  Paypal will take a small fee for the transaction.

E-mail or mail your tenant a rental agreement, which they sign and return, and a booking confirmation letter.  You can go here to get a sample Vacation Rental Lease, Rental Agreements & Contracts from Homeaway.com

Your tenant needs to be able to get into the property.  Arrange communication with a local person nearby (who you trust) to let your tenant into the property (with local information verbal or in writing which will improve the tenant's experience).  This is the best way to invite your tenant to your vacation property if you are not there.  Let your tenant know who is going to greet them and give them his/her contact numbers.  The personal touch with someone handing off the keys is adding value.

How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, the Book