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

Vacation Condo Tips for Vacation Homes Owners    Learn more about condominium tips and renting a vacation condo.

Vacation Rental Security Deposit FAQs    Answers to common questions about security deposits.

Vacation Rental Terms Glossary    Definitions for terms that come up often when researching or talking about vacation rental homes.

Complying with State, County, and City Short-Term Rental Laws    A list of considerations a new vacation rental owner should look into.

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

3 Steps for Resolving the Problems of Your Vacation Rental Guests    How to turn a disgruntled renter into a repeat one.

How to Create an Email Newsletter for Past Guests    Sending an email newsletter to guests who have either stayed in your home (or who have expressed interest) is an inexpensive way to keep in touch and to encourage future bookings.

Seal More Bookings with Your Inquiry Responses    Learn when to say yes, when to say no, and when to just pick up the phone!

Three Perspectives on Accepting Pets at Your Vacation Rental    A fun take on the reasons you want or may not want to allow pets in your vacation home.

Checklist for Responding to Vacation Rental Inquiries    Be sure your email includes all the necessary information before clicking send

How to Accept Security Deposits by Credit Card for Your Vacation Rental    How to handle deposit payments from your vacation rental guests via credit card.

Sample Vacation Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts    Two sample vacation rental contracts, leases or agreements, including cabin and condo rental rules, plus a rental invoice and confirmation, and a credit card authorization form

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

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

The Scoop on Accepting Credit Cards from Your Vacation Rental Guests    Ten good reasons to reconsider accepting them from your guests.

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

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

Electronic Signatures and Vacation Rental Contracts    Learn the pros and cons of accepting e-signatures on your rental agreements.

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.

10 Things to Include in Your Directions for Your Vacation Rental Guests    When creating the pre-arrival packet for your vacation rental guests, don't forget to include these things

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

Checklist for Creating a Booking Confirmation and Invoice     What information you need from renters to create a complete booking confirmation and invoice

Checklist for Creating Comprehensive Directions for Your Renters    Use this checklist to make sure you aren't leaving out any important information for your guests

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

Sample Vacation Rental Deposit Refund Letter (Asking for Review)    Sample thank you letter asking renters to leave a review.

Establishing Strict Check-in and Checkout Times for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Avoid potential conflicts and problems for your housekeeper and 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?

Guidelines for Accepting Pets in Your Vacation Home    Creating a set of specific pet policies will make the process of screening guests with pets much easier.

Sample Directions for Your Vacation Rental Guests    Learn how to make your vacation rental directions clear and thorough.

Sample Hot Tub Rules for Your Vacation Rental    If you have a spa or hot tub at your vacation property, use these rules as a guideline.

Sample Emergency Information Sheet for Your Vacation Rental Guests    It's important to have certain emergency contact information readily available to your guests

Preparing Your Vacation Rental Home for a Natural Disaster    What to do if the location of your vacation rental home is prone to natural disasters.

Sample Short-Term or Seasonal Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts     Use our sample short-term or seasonal rental agreements for summer rentals or short-term rentals throughout the year.

Building an Emergency Supply Kit for Your Vacation Rental    Some basics you can include in an emergency kit.

25 Things to Put into a Local Attraction Book for Your Renters    Tips for creating a local attraction book with area activities, contact information, and vacation home rules

Sample Nightly or Weekly Rental Lease, Agreements & Contracts     Use our sample weekly rental agreements for weekly rentals or weekend rentals at your vacation property

Christine's Blog: First Impressions with Your Directions (10/15/08)    Christine gives some useful advice on providing clear directions to your renters and solidifying that best first impression!

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

Policies & Procedures    Sample forms for your vacation rental business. Plus, tips for security deposits, best practices, and written communications with your renters.

Sample Condo Rental Rules, Lease, Agreements & Contracts     Use our sample condominium rental rules to create a short-term rental agreement for your condo or vacation property.

Mortgaging and Refinancing Vacation Homes: Part 1 (Transcript)    Christine talks with the President of Colonial National Mortgage and vacation home owner, David Motley, about mortgaging and refinancing options for vacation homes.

Ask Christine #34: What to Do if Damages Exceed Deposit?

How to Market Your Vacation Home to Large Groups    Don't miss out by forgetting large groups when equipping your home and creating your ads.