Question regarding Cottage rental payment

[jayk]

We're renting a cottage soon, for a total of ~$1700 split among a couple ppl.
The renter got me to pay 50% deposit then pay the remainder of the payment ie.$850 in a couple weeks.

They are expecting the remaining $850 to be in cheque I think, but I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to request to have it paid with CC through Paypal for an extra layer of protection.

But I have to pay $1000 damage deposit as MO or certified chq in addition to all this.

Is this standard? Cuz technically the owner could run off with the damage deposit, and I would have no recourse, no?

[Rikardo]

Yes. It's standard. I'm renting one this year. $1200. $600 booking fee. $600 due a couple weeks before we go. And a $600 damage deposit which will be returned if nothing is broken. Most people are renting out their personal property so it's either cash or cheque. If you were to rent out your basement, would you accept anything other than cash or cheque?

I always keep a photocopy of the cheques that I write and also make sure I have the person's name and address and email trail. You should have this since you will need to write the cheque to a person's name. Then you can mail it to an address.

I don't think you'll have anything to worry about.

[rc51]

We're renting a cottage soon, for a total of ~$1700 split among a couple ppl.
The renter got me to pay 50% deposit then pay the remainder of the payment ie.$850 in a couple weeks.

They are expecting the remaining $850 to be in cheque I think, but I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to request to have it paid with CC through Paypal for an extra layer of protection.

But I have to pay $1000 damage deposit as MO or certified chq in addition to all this.

Is this standard? Cuz technically the owner could run off with the damage deposit, and I would have no recourse, no?

I would think this is pretty standard..as the other poster mentioned these are usually privately owned units that the owners are using for revenue as well. If you've rented from someone reputable, than you should have no worries.

We just bought a place in Mara Lake, BC, and rental incomes range from $1800-$2500 per week for a unit like ours, we'll be renting it out with similar restrictions. Lakefront property ain't cheap, people have to cover themselves.

[joejack]

I just booked a place in Blue Mountain and it was the same: Half now, half later, and a deposit check to be posted dated in the future (after return date).

The owner asked to simply mail the check, which I refused. I asked to meet him in person, gave him a check, got him to sign a lease and also got a receipt for my money.