Follow These Steps to Protect Your Vacation Rental From Fraudulent Chargebacks

Today’s expert guest is Keith Brady. Owner of Florida Vacation Rental Law, he’s Florida’s leading authority on vacation rentals. Keith has dedicated his career to the vacation rental industry and offers counsel to governments, businesses, and individuals.

Keith’s here to give us the cold hard facts about vacation rental chargebacks. The truth is, you’re very likely to be at risk! More truths? Chargebacks are a scam. They make us feel powerless. They force us to question the good in the world. They make us mad! But – they can also be avoided. And we even have a few useful steps to take after experiencing a vacation rental chargeback.

Keith walks us through preventative steps to take in our messaging which drastically reduce our susceptibility to fraudulent chargebacks before, during, and after a contested reservation takes place. He’s an open book in sharing secrets of the trade, detailing his own professional experience, and leaving us with actionable steps to help protect against scammers.

Don’t leave your business open to be taken advantage of! Preventative care is the name of the game. Huge thanks to Keith for sharing this important information with the Thanks For Visiting audience. 

(00:01:24) #STRShare: @seascapevillastx

• Award-winning oceanfront villa
• Champion your custom architect or designer 
• Promote your supporting services 

(00:03:24) Introducing Keith Brady: Vacation Rental Law Expert

• Getting started in the STR industry at Disney 
• What is a chargeback and how does it impact vacation rental owners?
• Why direct booking sites are at the most risk  
• Credit card fraud vs. chargeback vs. OTA refund

(00:11:49) Tried & True Methods to Circumvent STR Credit Card Fraud

• When you should require state ID with matching CC 
• What to do when a credit card is declined 
• Following your gut: the “Harvard Hunch”
• Anchoring your requests as the hotel standard 
• Why Google is more secure than most web hosting platforms 

(00:19:20) How to Avoid Short-Term Rental Chargebacks 

• Turn down the occasional guest – 2% of customers 
• Identifying a vacation rental scammer
• Guest questions and complaints that are clues to grooming 
• Three important directions to place in your house rules 
• Communicating via phone vs. in writing 
• Low and high chargeback examples  

(00:33:36) Tips to Combat Fraudulent STR Chargebacks

• Who is responsible for reviewing chargebacks? 
• Keith explains the rubric they use to determine a case 
• What to say and how to say it 

(00:40:19) What to Do AFTER Losing/Winning an STR Chargeback Case

• Benefits to appealing the chargeback decision  
• When and why you should threaten litigation 
• How to weigh the risk vs. reward of fighting back 
• Recent example from Annette and Sarah 
• Beware of repeat scammers!

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

• Website: floridavacationrentallaw.com 
• Email: admin@floridavacationrentallaw.com
• Video: 7 Creeping .. Airbnb Business Expenses 😬 Look Out! 
• Submit your property for our next #STRShare at strshare.com
• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com

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@seascapevillastx

Today’s STRShare spotlight shines on the US Virgin Islands: @Seascapevillastx! Seascape offers a blend of modern design and oceanfront relaxation that’s hard to beat. With its striking architecture, recognized by Architectural Digest, and thoughtful amenities like a fully stocked beach gear shed, it’s clear the hosts have put a lot of love into this space. Plus, their collaboration with Isla Vita Vi Luxury Concierge means you can add a bit of extra pampering to your stay. It’s a place where every corner invites you to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty around you.

• Instagram: @seascapevillastx

Submit your property for our next #STRShare at STRShare.com!