How do I reserve/book a property using FlipKey?

Can I reserve/book a property online using a credit card?

What are the general deposit policies for vacation rental properties?

How are cancellations and refunds handled?

What information should I get prior to arriving?

How are keys exchanged?

What happens if there are problems with the rental property?

How do I checkout at the conclusion of my stay?

How can I protect myself from fraudulent managers/owners?

Does FlipKey insure my rental experience?

 

How do I reserve/book a property using FlipKey

• Contact owners and managers directly. You can use the form located on the listing page to directly contact the owner or manager about your interest in renting the property. If there is a phone number published on the listing, you can also contact the user by phone.

• Contact a few rentals. Ask questions before you make a reservation. We recommend contacting at least 5 rental owners or managers to make sure you can choose the perfect place.

• Pick a vacation rental. You will receive responses from rental owners and managers confirming rates and availability. Now you're ready to select a rental and book your reservation.

• Sign a rental agreement. A rental agreement helps everyone understand the pricing, policies, and check-in/check-out procedure for your stay.

• Send your deposit. Most rentals request a deposit to confirm the reservation. The deposit should be made only after the rental agreement has been reviewed and signed by both you and the owner/manager.

• Stay safe with your payment. Most owners/managers accept checks or credit cards. Avoid paying by wire transfer (such as Western Union or Money Gram), and instead always pay by credit card or PayPal.

• Protect your vacation. FlipKey offers travel insurance specially designed for vacation rentals. 

• Ask us! If you aren't sure about anything, feel free to contact FlipKey for advice.

 

Can I reserve/book a property online using a credit card

Some of our properties can be booked online using a credit card.  At the top of the FlipKey property listing page, it will indicate whether a property can be booked online. Most of the properties on FlipKey require that you contact the owner/manager in order to book a rental. You can contact each owner/manager directly from FlipKey by either phone or email.  Expect to receive a rental agreement to confirm the reservation. Most owners/managers require a deposit in order to validate the booking. We recommend paying by credit card via PayPal or by check. Avoid paying by wire transfer (such as Western Union or Money Gram).

 

What are the general deposit policies for vacation rental properties?

After signing a rental agreement you will likely have to secure your reservation by providing a deposit. Deposits, which often range from $200 to $500 of the total rental cost, are usually due within the first few weeks of confirming the booking.  Rental agreements will include specific details related to the deposit.

Each owner/manager has their own policy in regards to booking their property so payment schedules and methods will vary. While some managers/owners will take credit cards, many will only accept checks or PayPal.  To protect yourself, never submit payment via instant wire services such as Western Union or Moneygram.

How are cancellations and refunds handled?

Each owner/manager has a unique method for handling refunds and cancellations.  Your rental agreement should clearly communicate policies for cancellations and refunds. Unlike hotels, vacation homes can only be rented by one guest at a time.  Owners/managers who provide refunds for canceled trips would likely have to know about cancellations weeks or months in advance.  A traveler who cancels a vacation last minute will likely not receive a refund.

What information should I get prior to arriving

We recommend contacting your property manager/owner prior to arriving. Property managers and owners should provide information about check-in/check-out procedures, driving and parking directions, keys, and an emergency contact. Many properties include a welcome packet with details about garbage disposal, heat and air conditioning instructions, as well as passwords and keys to amenities such as the internet, hot tub, common amenities, etc.

Many properties provide soap, shampoo, detergent, linens/towels, basic toiletries and kitchen utensils.  Either ask the manager/owner in advance or bring some small travel containers in case they are not provided.  If you plan on cooking, ask the owner/manager where the local grocery store is located and bring any necessary spices or condiments from home.

Travelers renting seasonally should inquire about the amenities provided before arriving so you don’t have to buy anything once you’ve arrived. Properties on the beach may include beach towels, chairs, tubes, kayaks, life vests, etc., but be sure to confirm whether or not these are included with the rental beforehand.  

Quick Tip!  Managers and owners are great local resources for information on top restaurants and attractions so be sure to ask for some tips!

 

How are keys exchanged?

Every manager/owner has a system for key exchange. If renting through a property manager, they will typically have key pick-up/drop-off at a central office location within close proximity of your vacation home.  Other methods of delivery include lock boxes, emailing you a keyless entry code, or even postal mailing you a key prior to your arrival. Make sure that you confirm how you will get the key before check-in.  Some owners/managers like to meet their guests at their home when they arrive to go over check-in/check-out details. In this case, you probably would not receive a key prior to arriving. The rental agreement should include details about key exchange, otherwise be sure to ask the owner/manager in advance.  

What happens if there are problems with the rental property?

On the very rare occasion that there are problems with the rental property, managers/owners should provide you a phone number in case of an emergency or issue.  Many management companies and even some owners provide 24 hour maintenance services. Contact information should be included in either your lease agreement, welcome packet, or on the refrigerator or counter of the rental home. 

For emergency situations call the local police or fire department.

How do I checkout at the conclusion of my stay?

Often owners/managers will leave instructions for check-out procedures, including a check-out time.  It’s common courtesy to clean the kitchen and bathroom, sweep the floors, strip the beds, throw out the trash and leave the vacation home in an orderly state. Be sure to check with the owner/manager about returning the key, if necessary.

How can I protect myself from fraudulent managers/owners?

It is important to use a lease agreement and speak to the owner/manager on the phone before securing a reservation. 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 reservation:

• 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).

Quick Tip! We highly recommend paying by credit card via PayPal or by check. Please be cautious of owners/managers who require that you pay with cash or by Western Union or MoneyGram.

Does FlipKey insure my rental experience?

FlipKey works with a third party insurance partner, Aon, to provide the opportunity for travelers to purchase travel insurance.  Aon is the parent company of Berkely, the plan administrator, which provides customer service and claims processing for FlipKey’s plan.  The Vacation Rental Protection Plan is an optional travel insurance plan that is available to anyone who rents a property via a FlipKey listing.  Travelers purchase it to protect their vacation investment in the event something unexpected happens, leading to unanticipated expenses or penalties.

 

The full terms, conditions and limitations of the plan can be viewed here.  For detailed questions, contact 1.866.808.7385. There is a 24 hour toll free helpline for assistance.