{"id":25250,"date":"2024-04-16T12:16:08","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T16:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=25250"},"modified":"2024-08-07T03:14:18","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T07:14:18","slug":"guide-renting-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/guide-renting-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find the Perfect Apartment for Vacation Rentals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"How<\/p>\n

I used to hate renting apartments from websites like Airbnb or VRBO. As a solo traveler<\/a>, I preferred the social atmosphere of hostels. You got to meet people, they ran activities, hosted events, and were where you were “supposed to stay” as a backpacker. <\/p>\n

When I did want something other than a hostel, I used a hospitality network liked Couchsurfing<\/a> or simply stayed with friends.<\/p>\n

But, after a decade of life as a nomad<\/a>, there are times when I like my privacy (and sometimes I also need extra space for work). While I may not use apartment rentals all the time, I stay in them often. I\u2019ve found that they provide good value (especially if you’re traveling with multiple people), privacy, space, and a great home-like environment.<\/p>\n

While Airbnb does contribute to overtourism<\/a>, there are still lots of great hosts on the platform who provide budget-friendly accommodation to travelers looking for an alternative to hostels that won’t break the bank.<\/p>\n

After using apartment rentals regularly for years, I wanted to create a detailed guide about how they work, how to pick the perfect apartment, and how to not get cheated.<\/p>\n


\n <\/p>\n

How Do Apartment Rentals Work?<\/h3>\n

\"How
\nApartment rental sites allow locals to rent out an individual room, shared space (such as a couch in a living room), or entire home\/apartment. The host lists their place online, posts photos, writes a description, hits publish, and, presto, they can start to make extra money with the unused space.<\/p>\n

The booking process is like booking any other type of accommodation online. You search the database, find a place you like, create an account, and request a booking. When the owner accepts, you are sent a confirmation. <\/p>\n

Additionally, many websites allow owners to list their place with an instant booking option, which means you don’t even have to wait for the owner to reply. You’re instantly booked in your accommodation (similar to when you book a hotel). <\/p>\n

You’ll also be able to read reviews about the host and the apartment and see exactly what amenities are included. For example, you can see if there is a kitchen (so you can cook your own meals to save money) or if there are restrictions on noise, smoking, and pets. Maybe you need access to a washer and dryer or fast Wi-Fi. You can find all of that out in the host’s profile (or in the reviews).<\/p>\n

Most accommodation rental sites also include a map so you can see where you’ll be located. That way, you can pick an apartment close to the attractions you want to visit, or, choose one further afield so you can have a quieter stay and get a feel for local life beyond the tourist crowds.<\/p>\n

Who is this for?<\/strong>
\nApartment rentals represent the space between hostels and hotels. If you are traveling on business and want the comforts of home, you probably aren\u2019t going to stay in a hostel. But hotels may be too expensive or too impersonal for you. A rented apartment is a perfect compromise.<\/p>\n

Or maybe, like me, you love the hostel scene but occasionally need more space and privacy. An apartment rental will be a lot quieter and more relaxing than a hostel since you won’t need to be around as many people (or as much noise). You\u2019ll also be able to cook your own food, helping keep costs down on your trip.<\/p>\n

Traveling with friends or a big group? This is definitely the option for you. Squeezing a bunch of people into a rental home\/apartment will be much cheaper per person than a room in a hostel or hotel. Plus, you get space to spread out and relax. Dorm rooms and cramped hotels don\u2019t give you a lot of \u201cme\u201d time.<\/p>\n

Moreover, Airbnb has a new feature called “Rooms” which lets you search for listings in people’s homes or guest houses. It’s like how Airbnb used to be \u2014 people renting out extra rooms or guest houses for added cash. You always get your own room and, sometimes, a private entrance. You’ll also get to interact with your host, who can provide lots of insider tips and insight to your destination. <\/p>\n

I’ve used Rooms a lot in the last couple of years \u2014 in LA, Rome, Paris, Nice \u2014 and, to me, as a solo traveler, it’s a much better way to travel. I highly recommend doing this as a way to combat the negative effects of these platforms (more on that below).<\/p>\n

How to Pick the Right Airbnb<\/h3>\n

\"How
\nUnfortunately, as accommodation rentals have exploded into the mainstream, it’s become harder and harder to find great hosts. A lot of hosts now own multiple properties and live elsewhere. That means you often deal with property managers and never get to interact with the actual owner. <\/p>\n

Additionally, a lot of apartments aren’t quite as nice in reality as they appear in the photos (my team had to get a refund on an apartment in Boston because it was dirty and falling apart).<\/p>\n

In order to find suitable accommodation, I use the following criteria when looking for a place to stay on these platforms: <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Do they have positive reviews?<\/strong> \u2013 If other people stayed there, had a good time, and found the apartment as advertised, you probably will too. <\/li>\n
  2. Do they have multiple listings?<\/strong> \u2013 This is important because many people use these sites to be property managers. They buy a bunch of apartments and then re-rent them on Airbnb. I try to avoid these places because they cause a lot of problems for the local rental market and lack the personal touch that comes when hosts rent out their own apartments.<\/li>\n
  3. Do they have accurate photos?<\/strong> \u2013 Any listing that doesn\u2019t include a lot of (quality) photos is probably hiding something (or at the very least misrepresenting the accommodation).<\/li>\n
  4. Are they an active user or Superhost?<\/strong> \u2013 Active users are good users, so see when they last logged on. If it’s been a while, your query might go unanswered.<\/li>\n
  5. Is their calendar updated?<\/strong> \u2013 While listings only show up in a search if they are available, hosts don\u2019t always update their calendar. If someone hasn\u2019t updated their calendar in 30 days, I tend to skip it. There\u2019s nothing worse than going to book a place, only for them to cancel and say, \u201cWhoops, sorry, it\u2019s not available!\u201d<\/li>\n
  6. Are they verified?<\/strong> \u2013 Verified accounts are less likely to be people of suspicious quality, as the listing site has at least found some background information on them.<\/li>\n
  7. Have they been someone else\u2019s guest before?<\/strong> \u2013 If they were someone\u2019s guest and that went well, it\u2019s likely that they will be reliable.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    These rules are helpful guidelines, but at the end of the day, you have to go with your gut. I don\u2019t need a listing to meet every point. I once had a host who hit only a couple of these points and she turned out to be my favorite host! And sometimes, in places without many hosts, you might have to be a little loose with this list.<\/p>\n

    But the more points a place meets, the safer I feel.<\/p>\n

    A Note on Gentrification\/Legal Issues<\/strong>
    \nOver the years, Airbnb and other apartment rental websites have dramatically raised the price of rents and pushed out the locals you want to interact with as people have started to buy multiple properties in order to rent them out to tourists. It’s a big problem. <\/p>\n

    In many places, like Lisbon<\/a> and Venice<\/a>, most locals can’t afford the price of rent anymore. And it’s not just cities. Rural areas are now becoming affected too<\/a>. <\/p>\n

    There have been strong protests against Airbnb (and similar sites) in Barcelona. Throughout Europe you often see “Airbnb go home!” graffiti. Japan cracked down on Airbnb<\/a>. NYC<\/a> has strict laws against it now too. <\/p>\n

    Given local pushback and the issues with over tourism and the housing market, I strongly encourage you to only use Airbnb if you are renting a room in someone\u2019s house if you can. As I mentioned above, Airbnb has a new feature called “Rooms” which allows you to easily search for rooms in people’s houses where they actually live. They are verified listings and a much better way to use the platform. It’s like how Airbnb used to be before it grew so big \u2014 people renting out extra rooms or guest houses for added cash. I highly recommend it.<\/p>\n

    However, if you can’t, try as hard as you can to make sure that the place you are renting is either a licensed B&B (if it’s only used for tourists) or someone’s house that they actually live in. This way you won’t add to any local housing issues! <\/p>\n

    Help end overtourism<\/a>. You have the power. Don’t displace the people you want to visit! <\/p>\n

    Are These Sites Safe?<\/h3>\n

    \"How
    \nThese sites run on trust. All these companies try to verify both buyer and seller to ensure no one ends up robbing anyone else, but you sometimes hear reports of sex parties, robberies, or creepy hosts.<\/p>\n

    However, apartment rental companies do provide a window that allows you to get your money back if you get a place that\u2019s not as advertised. Just call their 24-hour hotline and they will set you up somewhere else (you can also reach out on social media to get the conversation started). They also hold your money in escrow so that if the place isn’t as advertised, you’ll get your money back. You never hand it over directly to the host.<\/p>\n

    All types of accommodations have risks (cleaners can steal from hotel rooms, dorm mates can take clothes from hostels, Couchsurfing hosts can get creepy), which is why these rules are important. I don\u2019t think apartment rentals are any less safe than your other options, and the benefits greatly outweigh the perceived danger.<\/p>\n

    Moreover, hosts rely on reviews much more so than traditional accommodation. That means, as a guest, you have a lot of power should there be a problem. <\/p>\n

    The Best Sites to Find a Rental Apartment<\/h3>\n

    While Airbnb reigns supreme, there are actually several websites you can use to find rental accommodation while you travel:<\/p>\n