How safe to book villa with check or bank transfer

[tootsie rolls]

Hi we are struggling to find a villa for next year the owner will only accept bank transfer of a check ,how safe is this please .

[Mel49]

To be honest it gives you no protection at all with cheque or direct payment to a Bank Account but many people (myself included) are prepared to take the risk if you do your own homework. There will be terms and conditions which vary between owners and you can carry out various checks (see sticky on villa page which explains these in detail) but at the end of the day it comes down to trust on both parts - that there will be a villa and that it is as described and that you won't trash it.

If you are wary booking direct I would suggest you consider a DIBB property where you can see reviews and posts by owners which can help you decide if you feel they are genuine. Alternatively one through say HomeandAway/AirBnb or a travel company where there is some financial comeback.

The first time we booked direct we had a backup credit card and were off the mindset that if it was not as appeared we would just book a hotel locally but luckily did not need too. You can post a request in the villa section of size, area and dates you are lookng for and owners with availability will contact you direct.

[pamela1960]

Ask to pay by Paypal and pay Paypal with a credit card.

[colzo100]

Originally Posted by pamela1960

Ask to pay by Paypal and pay Paypal with a credit card.

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Be aware this offers NO protection through your credit card as you are paying through a third party. Paypal will give you limited cover. You are NOT covered through section 75. I know you mean well please don't take it the wrong way!

[tootsie rolls]

Thanks,it is a dibb villa and the reviews look good but that is the only way they take payment.

[Guest]

I booked a dibb villa in lake berkley and paid by bank draft, flight was cancelled, they werent allowed to rent the villa but when it came to a refund they kept my money and wouldnt shift dates, currently going to go down the small claims court route just waiting on reply from insurance, I read all the reviews and thought they were good but when it comes to money trust no one. I for one will not book a private villa again if I cant use a credit card.

[mason1]

We’ve always rented privately and paid either by cheque or bank transfer. This year was no different, however, with the current situation we decided to cancel last month, and had written off the deposit. The owner has been fantastic (Dibb villa) and has transferred our deposit to a future booking. It’s a difficult balancing act - do you book direct and get what you want but have no protection through credit card, or book via a TA and take a chance on the type of villa you get.

[WindwoodBay]

Originally Posted by victorbertram

I booked a dibb villa in lake berkley and paid by bank draft, flight was cancelled, they werent allowed to rent the villa but when it came to a refund they kept my money and wouldnt shift dates, currently going to go down the small claims court route just waiting on reply from insurance, I read all the reviews and thought they were good but when it comes to money trust no one. I for one will not book a private villa again if I cant use a credit card.

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Just out of interest why did you not claim on insurance as your 1st port of call? Is that not why we take travel insurance to protect against unexpected situations?

At least 4 of my affected guests have been successful in their claims and 2 at the beginning i have not heard from since providing them with invoice letters for their insurance companies. We have collected no more balances since guests due until end of May. 3 have booked next year. 1 can't as he is not certain if he will still have a job.

Also when were you due to rent as no longer a ban on STR in Osceola/Polk or Lake now

[EssexSue]

Originally Posted by victorbertram

I booked a dibb villa in lake berkley and paid by bank draft, flight was cancelled, they werent allowed to rent the villa but when it came to a refund they kept my money and wouldnt shift dates, currently going to go down the small claims court route just waiting on reply from insurance, I read all the reviews and thought they were good but when it comes to money trust no one. I for one will not book a private villa again if I cant use a credit card.

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Two sides to every story. Why are you not waiting for insurance to reply?

(This is not us by the way, all our affected guests are happily resolved).

[SussexFamily]

Originally Posted by victorbertram

I booked a dibb villa in lake berkley and paid by bank draft, flight was cancelled, they werent allowed to rent the villa but when it came to a refund they kept my money and wouldnt shift dates, currently going to go down the small claims court route just waiting on reply from insurance, I read all the reviews and thought they were good but when it comes to money trust no one. I for one will not book a private villa again if I cant use a credit card.

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Sorry to hear this. Difficult times for everyone. I’ve never ever had an issue with any villa owners (all U.K. based) that I have dealt with in the past. Indeed, they go out of their way to assist.

It’s a terrible time for everyone and that includes villa owners.