Is it worth the gamble

A friend from Canada wants to rent a house Lakeside from November for 5 months.

She found a place she likes and talked to the landlord using his English speaking gardener to translate.

They agreed on terms. First, he wanted the first month in advance ($500 Canadian) and then he said he wanted two months in advance.

He says he is a lawyer based in Guadalajara.

I suggested to her to make sure the deal is in writing, in Spanish, and includes all the agreed terms.

The one point that wasn't addressed is what would happen if she arrived and the house had been rented to another person either for past her arrival date or rented to someone else who doesn't want to move.

According to what I recall being told by a highly rated Lakeside/Guadalajara attorney a few years ago, she might just be S.O.L.

Off the top of my head, I would say she should only give the first month in advance although she already agreed to two months.

Any thoughts on how to best handle this (unlikely?) situation?

Thanks.

There are far too many other rentals with less tricky agreements to dick around with this one. I would tell her to move on to the next.

Also if she books something through VRBO or such, it is guaranteed or money refunded......

Have a neutral party like Spencer write up the contract. Money held by 3rd party until arrival. Never heard of 2 months rent in advance and no security deposit. CB not all rentals on vrbo are guaranteed. :)

Some rental agencies and renters, ask for first, last, (month), and security deposit.
It's negotiable.

Check out the lawyer, is he a deadbeat? Is he really an attorney? Does he have a real office? Does he have a power of attorney to represent the homeowner?

Go see Spencer....

SunshineyDay wrote:CB not all rentals on vrbo are guaranteed. :)

Here is what VRBO says:

https://www.vrbo.com/info/ha-guarantee/travel-with-confidence

From what I have seen that is true only if you use their online booking service. They allow owners\managers to accept bookings direct with travelers but allow them to advertise on vrbo.

Yes, they certainly couldn't be expected to guarantee any "direct deals".

I rent my house out, and have also rented an apartment for myself. I would never do it without an agency involved.