International Vacation Rental Issues: Who Offers Assistance When Problems Arise Post-Reservation?

In the world of holiday rentals, issues can occasionally arise. Here's a guide to help you navigate these challenges when renting a property in another EU country.

First and foremost, if you encounter any trouble with the condition of the accommodation or the handling, it's essential to complain to both the landlord and the booking platform. This will ensure that both parties are aware of the problem and can take steps to rectify it.

When it comes to scammers, be vigilant. Scammers may pose as landlords and ask for credit card details or request repeated payments. If you receive such a message, do not pay immediately. Instead, try to contact the accommodation outside the chat for verification.

A good sign when choosing a rental property is consistency in positive reviews over a longer period. However, be cautious of many new, positive reviews that might be fake. Always look at the reviews before booking, not just the positive ones, to get a feel for what to expect.

Clear photos of any defects should be taken as evidence. If the apartment does not meet your expectations, contact the portal in writing immediately and ask for a replacement accommodation. Make sure to get written confirmation that booking a new accommodation is okay.

If the landlord fails to fix the defect, you can demand at least a partial refund. In many cases, the European Consumer Centre manages to achieve at least a partial refund.

Ideally, book directly with the landlord to have a single point of contact and potentially save money. However, if the contact details of the landlord are not available on the booking portal's website, contact the portal.

When comparing accommodations, consider similar ones under similar conditions in the same travel period to assess pricing. Remember, landlords have the right to challenge a price if it's obviously wrong, so be mindful of pricing errors.

Take screenshots of the apartment description for proof in case something isn't as described later. Write to the landlord immediately, preferably with delivery confirmation to have proof. If contacting the booking portal does not help, contact the European Consumer Centre Germany.

Lastly, if you cannot find the tenant's contacts and the booking platform does not help, verify the rental property and contact information using other methods such as checking the property address with online map services, searching for reviews or experiences from other renters, and contacting local tourist information to verify the landlord’s details. If these attempts fail, consider seeking legal advice or contacting a consumer arbitration body for dispute resolution.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smoother holiday rental experience in the EU. Happy travels!

International Vacation Rental Issues: Who Offers Assistance When Problems Arise Post-Reservation?