Are You Considering an Arizona Vacation Rental?

However, if you’re new to vacation rentals, renting a vacation house can seem more like a daunting task than a new adventure.

How do you know you’re choosing a good rental?

What should you know before you go?

Before you sign that rental contract, here’s a little vacation rental advice to help you decide on an Arizona vacation rental.

1) The Price is Right.
Just as with home buying, location is everything. The more desirable the area, the higher the rental rate will be. To find lower Arizona vacation rental rates, stay in less desirable areas. For example, avoid popular and more expensive Scottsdale and stay in north Phoenix. If you're going to Tucson, skip the luxe Santa Catalina foothills and stay in Tucson's midtown or east side.

An Arizona vacation rental in Tucson’s Santa Catalina foothills is generally more expensive than one in midtown

2) Stay in the Off-Season.
An Arizona vacation rental may often be a little cheaper during the low and shoulder seasons for the area. That means vacation rentals in Scottsdale will be a lower price in July than in March.

However, Flagstaff vacation rentals are less expensive in March than in June. If you do plan to stay during an area’s high season, you might be able to negotiate the price down if the property hasn’t been rented.

3) Extend Your Stay.
Most Arizona vacation rental homes rent by the night, the week and the month. If you can stay one week, you’ll get a better rate than if you just stay three days.

4) What Can't You Live Without?
Before you start your vacation home search, make a list of the amenities that are most important to you. Will there be enough space for you and your family? Is a pool with a hot tub a must? Or do you need to be near a favorite attraction or sports stadium?

Once you've got your list, it will be easier and quicker to do your search. Decide ahead of time what you can do without in order to get the best bargain. Homes that have views or that are on golf courses or large parcels of land are more expensive than a simple home in a typical neighborhood.

Charming older houses like this one in Flagstaff have a lot of character but not as many amenities

5) Know What You’re Getting.
Read the guest reviews. If there aren’t any, ask for past customer referrals before booking your Arizona vacation rental. Don’t book if you can’t see a photo of the property. Ask if the photos are current.

You could also try looking up the property on Google Earth. This will give you a real idea of where it’s located and what the neighborhood is like. Also, don’t be afraid to ask the rental owner lots of questions.

6) Your Home Away From Home.
Make sure the rental has what you need. Does it have dishes? Linens? Cable TV? A washer and dryer? Is it a pet-friendly rental?

8) Details, Details, Details.
Get the rental agreement in writing and get it before you hand over any money. Read the fine print and be sure that it clearly states the dates you will be staying and the check-in/check-out times.

Other details to note: What are the payment options and cancellation policies? Is there a security deposit? A cleaning fee? A non-refundable pet deposit? A required minimum stay?

9) Credit Cards are Renter’s Best Friend.
It’s best to pay with a credit card. This way, if there are any problems, you’ll have an easier time of getting your money back.

Some rental owners will only accept money orders or personal checks. You’ll have to decide if you’re comfortable with this. This is where those past reviews and recommendations can really come in handy.

You can find an Arizona vacation rental in the mountains but reserve it before the busy summer season

10) Advance Reservations.
Will you be staying during one of Arizona’s high seasons? Don’t wait to make your reservation until the last minute. If you plan to stay in Phoenix or Mesa during Arizona baseball spring training, you'll need to book your Arizona vacation rental home well in advance.

Similarly, if you plan to visit Tucson in early February during the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, you need to make your reservation at least six months ahead of time.

11) Who You Gonna Call?
Before you arrive at your Arizona vacation rental home, know who to call if there’s a problem with your rental. Have the rental owner’s phone numbers and those of any repair people.

12) Stocking Up When You Get There.
Once you arrive at your Arizona vacation rental home, you'll probably want to get groceries fairly soon. In Arizona, Basha's and Fry's supermarket chains are generally the cheapest. Safeway is a little more expensive.

AJ's Market is the place to go for gourmet food items plus they have a great deli with hot foods, a salad bar, sushi and even a breakfast bar. And, the deli prices are very reasonable.

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