Vacation home rentals: What you need to know

(FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - With summer just around the bend and plenty of great places to vacation in the Bay State, many families will make a weekly rental part of their stay-cation.

But before you do, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, Barbara Anthony, says there are potential concerns within the rental market that you need to be aware of.

Tips from Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation ( mass.gov/consumer ):

-- Research and compare rentals online.
-- Beware of ads posted on Craigslist and other online classifieds.
-- Get references from family or friends.
-- Be careful if renting from an individual.
-- Get the address of the vacation rental and use an online map.
-- Verify the condition and location of the rental property.
-- Get everything in writing.
-- Do not pay or put money down until you have carefully read and signed the rental agreement.
-- Never pay via money wire.
-- If at all possible, pay with a credit card, which provides some consumer protection if there is a dispute.