Aruba – A security deposit for a vacation home generally runs between $200 and $500. The reason this is such a hefty sum of money is because you are being entrusted to care for someone else’s financial asset.
“Sometimes it can be hard to let loose on vacation with so much money on the line,” said Matthew Smillie, owner of Aruba Villa Vacation Homes, a company that specializes in Aruba beach villas. “But if you take the proper precautions and treat the home with care, you should have no issues getting the money back.”
To help you maintain your peace of mind and thoroughly enjoy your vacation, the Aruba accommodation provider suggests the following:
- Fully understand your deposits and fees
The best way to avoid the surprise of paying more than you expected for your rental is to understand your rental’s deposit and fee guidelines. Some rentals include addendums that state non-refundable cleaning fees and/or pet fees. It is best to speak with the property manager before signing the contract. - Inspect the property when you arrive
Before you settle in and unpack your bags, walk through the home. Take photos and make notes of any existing issues that the management company may have overlooked. Contact the management company via email or telephone and make them aware of any damage that you do not want to be held accountable for when it comes time for checkout. - Protect the property
Vacation rentals are typically decorated by the homeowner and while most decorate with visitors in mind, you should take the time to put away anything you think might get damaged. This is especially important if you are traveling with children, said Smillie who provides villas in Aruba. Anything that can be hazardous to your child or that they could get hold of and damage should be stowed away in a safe place. - Honor the rules in the contract
Violating a rule outlined in the contract is the best way to ensure you will not get your security deposit back. Don’t allow more than the allotted amount of guests and if the rules state no pets, be sure to leave them at home with a sitter.“Whether or not the rule violation causes damage to the property makes no difference,” said the villas in Aruba professional. “If you think you won’t get caught, think again. The neighbors are typically permanent residents and most enjoy watching over the home while renters are present.”
- Admit to damage
Accidents happen, so if you do break something while at the property call the management company as soon as possible. Whether it was a small item that was damaged or a stain on the carpet, the faster you report it, the more likely you are to get your deposit back. - Clean before leaving
Even if your contract states that a company will be brought in to clean the home after your departure, it’s always better to tidy up before you leave. Take the sheets off the bed, make a pile of used towels and take out the garbage. By doing these simple tasks, you may avoid excess cleaning fees. - Travel insurance
Most people are not aware that some travel insurance policies include security deposit protection insurance or accidental rental damage insurance. By purchasing this additional coverage you will pay a small repair fee instead of being left with a large bill if something goes wrong.
“There are few instances where people do not get their deposit back on their vacatoin rentals in Aruba,” said Smillie. “And while we trust and screen our renters, accidents do happen. It’s how the renter handles the accident that will determine whether or not they get their deposit back.”
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Tags: accommodations in Aruba, Aruba beach villa, Vacation rentals of Aruba
