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Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our guests. Of course, if your specific question can't be found below, we'll be happy to answer it individually. To ask a different question, fill in the box below and we will respond within 24 hours.
Booking a Villa directly with an owner for the first time?
Let me reassure first time holidaymaker's how straightforward it can be to book a villa direct with an owner. For the majority of owners advertised on Vacation Florida Homes it is their second home and treated as such. It is loved and looked after, as well as frequently visited by the owner for their own enjoyment. Usually the first contact is with the owner who, is probably so enthusiastic about their second home that they find it difficult not to spout off at any opportunity about their pride and joy. Owners are full of knowledge about their property, the surrounding area, its suitability for families, couples, singles, disabled persons etc. They can offer so much more than the average travel agent.
My experience has been that people will ask more questions of the owner than a travel agent regarding their package holiday, and frequently the owner will be able to answer all of these questions, and comply will all of the requirements - most importantly in plain English!
How Do I Book A Villa?
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Find the villa that is right for you choose the one that matches your budget, quality requirements, and wishes.
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Once you've found the property that's perfect for you, just click on the "Contact the Owner" and send the e-mail to the owner who will respond direcley to you.. You may wish to tell them:
· Detail the property you are interested in
· The dates you wish to book
· The number of nights you wish to stay
· The number in your party.
Most owners will be happy to advise you on all flights and other travel arrangements, and will usually 'hold' a villa for a few days whilst suitable flights are secured. Owners are often people with mounds of experience when it comes to dealing with independent travelers who realize the importance of efficient service. Don't forget the owner travels to this destination frequently and can offer many useful tips.
 What do I need to bring with me to my vacation villa?
Each Vacation Floria Homes l property has been carefully furnished and equipped to ensure that you have a great vacation. All of our properties offer the following amenities:
Air conditioning, Washer/Dryer, Iron & Ironing Board, Bedding and Pillows, Towels, Arrival soaps and tissues. Cable or satellite TV
Private and optionally heated pool on pool homes or on resorts a community pool
Fully equipped kitchen including: Stove/cooker/range, refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, microwave oven, toaster, coffee maker, vacuum cleaner, brush and mop, china, pans & flatware.
 Is Maid Service included in the price?
Our properties are rented to guests on a "Self-catering" basis. Each and every Vacation Florida Home property is cleaned on departure of every guest. For your convenience and hygiene, each home is provided with a dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, mop, brush and pan for maintaining the property cleanliness during your stay. All homes are treated regularly for insects, and the pools are treated to maintain their cleanliness.
Some guests that stay for a longer period (over 10 days) request a mid-term clean, which can be arranged in advance with the owner for a standard fee.
What will the weather be like when we arrive?
This is based on statistics and although we can’t guarantee what will happen during your stay, we do have a pretty clear idea of how the weather will be like.
|
Month |
Low
(°F) |
High
(°F) |
Rain
(in.) |
Snow
(in.) |
|
January |
49 |
72 |
2.1 |
0 |
|
February |
49 |
75 |
2.83 |
0 |
|
March |
57 |
80 |
3.2 |
0 |
|
April |
58 |
86 |
2.19 |
0 |
|
May |
63 |
90 |
3.96 |
0 |
|
June |
69 |
91 |
7.39 |
0 |
|
July |
73 |
92 |
7.78 |
0 |
|
August |
73 |
92 |
6.32 |
0 |
|
September |
70 |
91 |
5.62 |
0 |
|
October |
61 |
87 |
2.82 |
0 |
|
November |
54 |
76 |
1.78 |
0 |
|
December |
51 |
75 |
1.83 |
0 |
Please note that, because of the sub-tropical nature of Florida's climate, rain storms can be sudden and heavy. So in the peak months of rainfall (June through September), rain typically falls daily in the afternoon for a short period before clearing to give superb weather.
What Happens if there is a problem at the property while I am staying there?
In Florida, all the properties are looked after by a Management Company. Full details of key availability are advised when directions are forwarded to the client. From the owner. In the event of breakdown or breakage's - that's what the Management Company is for - they are on call 24 hours a day with help, advice and guidance far superior that that of a travel rep. Their knowledge of the area are also often includes useful money saving tips that the holidaymaker's ordinarily know nothing about.
The luxury and freedom of living in your own villa gives your holiday the 'wow factor' Whilst you can book a similar arrangement with a tour operator you could find that it will cost a great deal more, require payment of supplements if your party doesn't fit their criteria, and you will not be guaranteed the exact villa or location that you thought you were booking.
By booking directly with the owner the price you pay is usually per villa per week. There are no hidden extra's, but a lot of free help and advice.
Compliants
We occasionally receive complaints from renters who found a vacation rental advertised through Vacation Florida Homes and ask us to help resolve a problem with the rental. Here's how we respond.
- We request specifics of the complaint. Usually, the complaint claims misleading listing content (eg. amenities "not as advertised"), or the complaint concerns deposits not promptly returned in full.
- If the renter agrees that we can forward complaint details to the advertiser, we do so by e-mail. We ask the advertiser to promptly resolve the complaint, or to reply otherwise.
If we receive more than two complaints about a specific property, and we believe that the complaints are valid, then we remove that property from the site and will not allow it to be advertised here again until the advertiser can prove to our satisfaction that problems with the property have been resolved.
Catastrophes
If a catastrophe (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, act of terrorism, etc.) impairs a vacation rental, this is what we expect of the owner or advertiser. (However, if the advertiser has a written agreement that has been signed by the renter, and that agreement specifically covers catastrophes, then the signed, written agreement applies instead.)
If a catastrophe occurs, the advertiser is not responsible for any of the following:
- finding alternate lodging for the renter
- renter's financial losses related to transportation or alternate lodging
If, on the day that the rental is scheduled to begin, the property is uninhabitable, or the property is not reachable by the renter's usual means of transportation, or access to the property by visitors has been prohibited by authorities, then the advertiser should refund all money paid by the renter for the vacation rental, including any deposit and prepaid rent.
If renters are required by local authorities to evacuate the area, and actually do so before their stay in a vacation rental is completed, then the advertiser should refund a pro-rated portion of the unused rent, plus any deposit. There should be no deduction from the deposit for damages that could have been caused by the catastrophe.
Avoiding scams
If a renter wants to send you payment that exceeds the required amount, that is a red flag. You should not agree to this unless you are absolutely certain it is not a scam. Also, never agree to send a refund until the original payment has cleared and the successful deposit to your bank account has been confirmed by your bank.
Sales tax for vacation rentals
Like hotel rooms and B&Bs, most vacation rentals are subject to sales tax in the USA. While renters pay these taxes as an add-on to the rental cost, the law requires that homeowners collect and remit them. Substantial penalties and interest may apply if you fail to comply. These sales taxes typically total 12% of the rent, but the amount varies widely by location.
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