Planning an Orlando vacation should be exciting—theme parks, sunshine, and quality time together. Unfortunately, vacation rental scams and disappointing properties still happen far too often. The good news? With a few smart checks, both can usually be avoided.
We’re sharing this guide as experienced, licensed Orlando villa owners who have hosted families for years and built long-term relationships with our guests. Many of our visitors book a year in advance, and by the time they arrive, we already know each other. That level of trust doesn’t happen by accident.
Here’s how to protect yourself—and why Lelani Beach Club is a safe, reliable place to stay.
Step 1: Verify the Florida Vacation Rental License
Every legal short-term rental in Florida must be licensed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). You can search licenses here: https://www.myfloridalicense.com
If a host can’t provide a license number—or avoids the question—that’s a major red flag. Why this matters:
- Licensing is required by law
- Complaints are handled through the same system
- Legitimate owners take this seriously
Lelani Beach Club is fully licensed and compliant, so you know you’re booking a real, legal vacation home.
Step 2: Research the Host (Not Just the Photos)
Disappointment often starts with stolen or heavily edited photos. Before booking, try this:
- Google the villa, host, or business name
- Check for consistency across Airbnb, Vrbo, and the property’s website
- Look for a professional, up-to-date site with clear details
A genuine owner has nothing to hide. If a listing only exists as a Facebook message or a single post, pause and investigate.
Step 3: Use Facebook Groups to Validate
Facebook vacation rental groups can be incredibly helpful when used properly. Before booking:
- Search the villa and host’s name
- Ask if anyone has stayed there before
- Past guests are usually quick to respond—and honest
Also click on the host’s profile. Is it a long-standing account with real posts and interactions? Has it been tagged by previous guests? These signals help you avoid scams and avoid homes that don’t match expectations.
Step 4: Look for Real Reviews and References
Reviews protect you from disappointment as much as scams. Ask for:
- Recent Airbnb or Vrbo reviews
- A consistent review history (not just one glowing post)
- A steady pattern of happy guests says far more than a single testimonial.
Step 5: Actually Talk to the Owner
This is where expectations get set—and where trust is built. Good owners welcome questions about:
- 🏊 Pool size and heating
- 🛏️ Bed layouts
- 🎮 Game rooms
- 📍 Distance to Disney and shopping
At Lelani Beach Club, we encourage these conversations. Clear communication now prevents disappointment later.
Step 6: Be Realistic About Pricing
If a villa looks five-star but is priced far below similar homes, stop and reassess. Orlando offers great value, but quality, size, location, and maintenance all still matter. Prices that seem too good to be true often mean outdated photos or cut corners.
Step 7: Read the Rental Agreement
A proper rental agreement should clearly outline:
- What’s included
- Payment schedule
- Cancellation terms
- House rules
This protects both you and the owner—and keeps expectations aligned.
Final Step: Trust Your Instincts
- Scammers rush you
- Disappointing hosts avoid details
- Great owners welcome questions and want you to feel confident
- Booking an Orlando vacation should feel exciting and reassuring—not stressful.
Why Guests Trust Lelani Beach Club
When you book with Lelani Beach Club, you’re booking:
- A licensed Florida vacation home
- A real owner with a real track record
- Clear communication and transparent expectations
- A home that matches its photos and descriptions
You’re not just booking a place to sleep—you’re setting yourself up for a great holiday 🎉🏰✈️ Safe travels, and don’t forget the sunscreen ☀️ We look forward to welcoming you. See if your dates at Lelani Beach Club are available and get a free quote today.
