Evictions are even worse than dealing with damages because you are faced with a potential confrontation. This is the only reason that I can think of that would require you to jump on a plane or in your car to go and handle it yourself.

• Do not rent your vacation home without a signed copy of the rental rules.

• Do not give anyone access to your property without full payment PLUS security deposit UPFRONT.

• Know the laws in your area and how they pertain to you and your property BEFORE you have a problem. It's much easier to think clearly when researching the laws than when your emotions are not running at full tilt.

• Educate yourself as an owner—you may think you have thought of everything but chances are there is something you missed.  

Thankfully, evictions are extremely rare, especially with by owner rentals, because homeowners screen guests themselves. The most common evictions occur as a result of miscommunication about the check-out time or date.  For example, a guest thinks they are staying until Sunday, but their contract clearly states the check-out day as Saturday.  This confusion is compounded by the expectation of new renters due to check in on Saturday (another reason why it's important to have signed contracts).

It's best to be proactive on this topic. When you are faced with the dilemma of having to evict someone from your second home, chances are your blood pressure will be at full tilt. Do your research now, while you are clear-headed and remember to make notes. Research the local policies on eviction for short-term renters. In most states, short-term and transient rentals fall under the same jurisdiction as your local hotels and motels. These laws tend to be quite different from the long-term lease laws, some of which are very restrictive.  For example, you cannot evict a renter if the temperature outside is X degrees or lower, or during certain months of the year. Find out ahead of time if the police department will supply an officer for the eviction. If it comes to this, stand your ground.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

Policies & Procedures    Rental agreements, sample contracts/leases, security deposits, best practices, and written communications with renters of your vacation rental home.

Security Deposit Guidelines for Vacation Rentals    Helpful guidelines to follow for handling deposits for your rental.

Merchant Credit Card Account Categories for Vacation Rental Owners    Be aware of the protection (or lack thereof) provided by your merchant account and/or business category.

Checklist for Creating a Thorough Rental Agreement    Use this checklist to sort through your own rental agreement and be sure you have all the necessary clauses.

How to Convert a Word Document to a PDF    Tips for changing your contracts, receipts, and invoices into PDF files.

Establishing Strict Check-in and Checkout Times for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Avoid potential conflicts and problems for your housekeeper and vacation rental guests.

The Top Ten Things You Should Have In Your Vacation Rental Rules    A good rental policy can go a long way toward protecting you and your renters from common vacation rental “disasters."

The Different Types of Vacation Rental Fees    Definitions of common fees included in rental agreements.

Sample Vacation Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts    Two sample rental contracts, leases or agreements, a rental invoice or confirmation, and a credit card authorization form that you can use for your vacation rental guests.

Why You Should Include Warnings in Rules and Rental Agreements    Are there known dangers regarding flora, fauna, weather, danger areas, or just plain crazy neighbors in your area?

How to Handle Security/Damage Deposits for Vacation Rentals    Tips for accepting and refunding security/damage deposits from your guests.

Guidelines for Communicating with Renters    Learn how to create thorough rental agreements, directions, and inquiry responses.

Christine's Blog: Updating Your Rental Agreements (12/11/07)    Christine make a few alterations to her rental contracts.