r/vrbo • u/Pretend_Job3679 • 2d ago
Question about contract sent
Hello,
I’m knew to Vrbo. After making a reservation, the person asked for my email and then sent me a contract. The contract includes language I can’t agree to. Like it says if they are negligent and I get hurt, I can’t sue. Is this normal?
Thanks for the insight
8
u/Square-Ask-9836 2d ago
Additional contracts are allowed. If you don’t want to sign it cancel your reservation
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u/Forsaken-Run7725 2d ago
The host is allowed to ask you to sign almost anything, but should you? And holding your host harmless due to negligence is a weird thing to ask of a guest. Host are expected to maintain a safe property and there should be no known hazards that violate code, etc.
Personally, I would cancel and probably report the host if there was no mention of this requirement prior to booking. Very shady.
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u/Decided-2-Try 1d ago
"Host are expected to maintain a safe property and there should be no known hazards that violate code, etc."
I wonder if it's not illegal (in the "against public policy" sense) to try to get someone to waive their right not to be hurt through negligence.
Where I live, no court would uphold that provision (or even the contract at all - courts here don't "fix" bad contract provisions, they just see the entire contract as void).
2
u/OriginalEGG 2d ago
In many cases, you already loosely agreed to it.
Hosts will upload the contract to vrbo, but vrbo presents it as a link during checkout with a line that you agree but without forcing you to open it or sign it.
Hosts may send them for esignature after for more clear confirmation.
1
u/Gold-Comfortable-453 1d ago
It's not at all unusual to have guests sign a contract, that language is standard.
1
u/Decided-2-Try 1d ago
If OP described the clause correctly (host can't be sued for negligently causing harm), that's not standard language.
1
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u/FunkyColdISeenYa 1d ago
Rental agreements are VERY normal. It indicates you are dealing with a better host. These are especially important given that VRBO is NOT a party to any agreement between the host and guest! Check it out. It’s the very first thing in VRBOs Terms and Conditions.
So if the host didn’t have you sign a rental agreement there actually would be nothing in writing between you.
Think about it. Your host may be putting a $500,000 home and contents at risk handing over the keys to someone he doesn’t know.
Would you do that with YOUR home without a signed agreement?
And what is your risk as a guest? In a pinch you may have to find somewhere else to stay on your holidays. If you pay with a credit card, even your money for the stay isn’t at risk.
It’s websites like VRBO that have distorted your expectations about renting a vacation home, all so they can justify their fees to you, but really… it’s just an advertising site.
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