Unfortunately we of course do not have the resources to checkout the validity of every property advertised on the website so we can not guarantee that the information provided by the advertiser is legitimate, however many of the owners of the properties advertised on EOS are EOS members and hence communication and verification in some cases can be a lot easier than other sites, however here are some safe booking tips that we strongly advise you follow:
Make sure you call the owner and ask all the questions you think necessary about the property and request references from past guests. Ask for email addresses or phone numbers of past guests who have agreed to be references, and contact them to ask about the property and their stay. You should also request a rental agreement, if the owner or estate agent manager does not use rental agreements for short-stay holiday ask for a printed list of your obligations as a tenant.
Most can be done via email when booking your short-stay accommodation but we strongly recommend you speak personally to the property provider before confirming a booking or making payment. Ensure they answer all your questions and give clear, concise instructions on how to pay.
Use recommended payment methods such as credit card or bank transfer. Never pay by cash or instant money transfer services such as Western Union or Moneygram. These payment methods are highly susceptible to fraudulent activity.
If you are considering a long-term rental we highly advise you visit the property before proceeding with any payments or contracts and if in doubt consult with a lawyer.
Thanks