Rented Points: Disappointed in Humanity

I remember it vividly, because it made me realize that even renting through him didn't mean you definitely had accommodations. And while I am sure he is a wonderful person, he made no effort to accommodate the renters who lost their reservations - at least that was the impression I got. If he did and that just wasn't translated on the Boards, I apologize.

That's how I remember it. The guarantee is to get a refund which the people did. It was a different point broker that made the effort to get new accommodations for at least one of the parties who had no room to stay in.
 
So it might be wiser to use transfers vs. renting? How many points are allowed to be transferred each year?
 
So it might be wiser to use transfers vs. renting? How many points are allowed to be transferred each year?
If there is a maximum, I'm not aware of it but since the maximum number of points that a member can own at one resort is 2,000 that would be the upper limit. You are only permitted one transfer (either in or out) per membership. That's not one transfer per contract. It's one per membership per UY. IOW, you would not be able to get transfers from multiple owners because you yourself can only accept one transfer in during your UY.
 
Just got back from a lovely trip and a VERY frustrating last night. All was wonderful at our 3 nights at BLT. All was wonderful for next 2 nights (2 studios) at BWV (used remainder of transferred in points). THEN...on the 3rd BWV night(s) I had rented points for the very first time in order to extend our standard studios for one more night. This was all done in June, 2017 (11 months prior). Though I was very nervous about renting in general, I did my due diligence prior to and after the transaction. I found him on this board.

I was shocked when a very nice man from BWV 'back office' called my room to say there was a big problem for our last nights' stay. BIG problem.

The owner "owed money" and I would have to make other arrangements in order for DD and I to stay for the additional night. I couldn't believe my ears. I asked if Renter was still a member and mentioned I had done all I could prior/after renting. The answer was Yes, a member. I asked if he didn't pay his dues. The answer was "that's not the problem but we can't say anything except he owes money and Member Services cannot get a hold of him". (They had the same email/phone #s that I had on my several correspondences with him 11 months ago).

The only thing that was odd is when I emailed for him to make a return Magical Express once I got air about 3 months prior, he said to have MS do it. I didn't think they would but they graciously did.

Thank goodness, I had Poly points that I used for the 34 points but I cannot believe he could do this to me. How could this have gone so wrong if he was / is a Member and has paid his dues???

WHAT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE REASON? What if I hadn't had points at all to use? I got back last night and am still shaking my head in disbelief.

Ok, so as a new DVC owner myself, and trying to understand the situation, if the owner you’re renting from is any type of arrears, the renter is on the hook for it at time of stay I guess? And the renter has no recourse? If so, I would suggest publicly putting this person’s name out there to prevent anyone else from being in the same situation.. that’s just awful!!
This is exactly why I would never rent points from an owner directly.:eek: One never knows what type of "problem" could be lurking behind the scenes. It is analogous in real estate to "buyer beware". I am quite frankly shocked at many on this board who jump at these opportunities with owners. :scared1:Bottom line is when you are a renter, you truly are at the "mercy of the member". Knowing that, my personality type is such that I couldn't really be at ease with making a reservation, buying expensive airfaire, with the possibility there could be a "blip". Just not "my cup of tea" not having control over my own vacation. Hope that you can resolve the problem in some way to your satisfaction. :goodvibes
 


This is exactly why I would never rent points from an owner directly.:eek: One never knows what type of "problem" could be lurking behind the scenes. It is analogous in real estate to "buyer beware". I am quite frankly shocked at many on this board who jump at these opportunities with owners. :scared1:Bottom line is when you are a renter, you truly are at the "mercy of the member". Knowing that, my personality type is such that I couldn't really be at ease with making a reservation, buying expensive airfaire, with the possibility there could be a "blip". Just not "my cup of tea" not having control over my own vacation. Hope that you can resolve the problem in some way to your satisfaction. :goodvibes

Agreed, to each his/her own. That said, there are ways to minimize the risk of loss. As others have said, David's at least will work to reduce your $$ loss, though that doesn't help if you've paid for airfare and made other plans in reliance on the rental actually happening. "Knowing" the owner you're renting from also helps - I have rented from people who I felt like I knew here (not naming names, but you know who you are :)) and ones I did not. For the ones I didn't know at all, I was somewhat comforted by having a written contract.

@DVCjj, did you have a written contract with this owner? If so, he breached his contract with you because he did not provide the points you paid for, and it would be relatively easy to prove. Just a thought.
 
This is exactly why I would never rent points from an owner directly.:eek: One never knows what type of "problem" could be lurking behind the scenes. It is analogous in real estate to "buyer beware". I am quite frankly shocked at many on this board who jump at these opportunities with owners. :scared1:Bottom line is when you are a renter, you truly are at the "mercy of the member". Knowing that, my personality type is such that I couldn't really be at ease with making a reservation, buying expensive airfaire, with the possibility there could be a "blip". Just not "my cup of tea" not having control over my own vacation. Hope that you can resolve the problem in some way to your satisfaction. :goodvibes
What is your opinion on transfers of points?
 
What is your opinion on transfers of points?
Transfer of points makes sense to me for both owners. Have never transferred, but my understanding is that as a seller, my responsibility ends when the transfer is made. From the person to whom the transfer is made, that person assumes full responsibility over the points, no lack of control issues. Again, have never done a transfer, but seems to be a win win!::yes:: The person who receives the transferred points gets to control the entire reservation and is not at the "mercy" of a possible problem happening.
 


Transfer of points makes sense to me for both owners. Have never transferred, but my understanding is that as a seller, my responsibility ends when the transfer is made. From the person to whom the transfer is made, that person assumes full responsibility over the points, no lack of control issues. Again, have never done a transfer, but seems to be a win win!::yes::
I guess is seems safer, I suppose. Trying to learn in case I might want to buy myself some transferred points.
 
What is your opinion on transfers of points?

I have done many point transfers into my account over the years. It's the only way I am comfortable making a reservation with another member's points - I want to have complete control.

That being said, the negative to a point transfer is you cannot see the points online in your account and when using those points you have to call Member Services to make the reservation. And remember, they retain the same Home Resort and UY as the original Member's account. Other than that inconvenience, I recommend it and will probably continue to do it . . . for the rest of my life. :rolleyes1

I have noticed lately that point transfer costs have increased significantly. And NEVER tell MS you paid cash for the points. That's a big no no!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/purchasing-transfer-points.3596133/
 
I have done many point transfers into my account over the years. It's the only way I am comfortable making a reservation with another member's points - I want to have complete control.

That being said, the negative to a point transfer is you cannot see the points online in your account and when using those points you have to call Member Services to make the reservation. And remember, they retain the same Home Resort and UY as the original Member's account. Other than that inconvenience, I recommend it and will probably continue to do it . . . for the rest of my life. :rolleyes1

I have noticed lately that point transfer costs have increased significantly. And NEVER tell MS you paid cash for the points. That's a big no no!
https://www.disboards.com/threads/purchasing-transfer-points.3596133/
Thanks for the insight! Strange though that MS would think that a transfer is made "out of the kindness and generosity of the members heart"!:laughing::laughing: Thanks for the "inside" tip though!:goodvibes:wave2:
 
Was the reservation with the conformation number still showing up in your My Disney Experience Account? If it was still showing up in there before you drove/flew down? I think I would have a bone to pick with DVC as well, because there would be no way of knowing that the reservation was canceled, and in fact had a reservation according to "THEIR" website.

Sorry this happened to you OP.
Please correct me if I am wrong, but from my understanding DVC has no responsibility or liability to renters.:confused: There is no contractual arrangement between the renter and DVC. The only contractual arrangement that exists is between the renter and the owner. This post is a great example of what potentially "can happen when renting points". Much risk involved with these transactions;:scared1: clearly my personal opinion.
 
Agreed, to each his/her own. That said, there are ways to minimize the risk of loss. As others have said, David's at least will work to reduce your $$ loss, though that doesn't help if you've paid for airfare and made other plans in reliance on the rental actually happening. "Knowing" the owner you're renting from also helps - I have rented from people who I felt like I knew here (not naming names, but you know who you are :)) and ones I did not. For the ones I didn't know at all, I was somewhat comforted by having a written contract.

@DVCjj, did you have a written contract with this owner? If so, he breached his contract with you because he did not provide the points you paid for, and it would be relatively easy to prove. Just a thought.
I did not have a contract. Because it was only for 2 one night studios and he had an extensive history on the rental board, good correspondence plus he was definitely an owner, I felt comfortable. I also had at least 5 previous experiences with transferring in points from 2 lovely owners (3 times from one and 2 times from the other). They were such positive experiences I 'presumed' the renting would also go well, especially with due diligence.

But, kboo, even with a contract, he obviously cannot be reached and has disappeared.
 
This may sound dumb but if you know his previous address can you file a complaint with his local police department?
 
This may sound dumb but if you know his previous address can you file a complaint with his local police department?
I presume with his not living there anymore, not much could be done and I'm not going to expend the time, energy or money to pursue anything further. Just using it as a life lesson learned. It's a shame because I'm old and don't want any more contracts. I've been transferring in to my limit and felt this new experience of renting would be the answer.
 
Exactly! I think it's more like "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and everyone looks the other way. :tiptoe:
I would think that's the semantic point of calling it a transfer, right? It implies a movement of assets more than a description of finances exchanging hands. Disney doesn't want to hear about how you made it work, only that it's working for you. ;) Ah the fun grey areas of accounting where they regulate, "Can't Do That" but they don't spell out all the different ways that one "Can Do That". :D
 
Thanks for the insight! Strange though that MS would think that a transfer is made "out of the kindness and generosity of the members heart"!:laughing::laughing: Thanks for the "inside" tip though!:goodvibes:wave2:

I have a perfect example where no money changed hands with a transfer. Another owner and I essentially swapped points. He need my 2019 BLT points for a big family trip next summer, and I needed his 2018 Aulani points for a trip this year. This does require a great deal of trust for us. He sent me his points in February, and I’m sending the same amount of 2019 BLT points to him in June when my UY turns over. A random example, but it does happen.
 
This may sound dumb but if you know his previous address can you file a complaint with his local police department?


For what? - this is a broken contract, a civil matter that police wouldn't get involved in. Her option is to sue in small claims court.
 
After just renting points last week for March of 2019, I am a little nervous after reading this thread. But thank you for putting your experience out there so people, like me, will be aware of what can happen.

Sorry that this happened to you.
 
I have a perfect example where no money changed hands with a transfer. Another owner and I essentially swapped points. He need my 2019 BLT points for a big family trip next summer, and I needed his 2018 Aulani points for a trip this year. This does require a great deal of trust for us. He sent me his points in February, and I’m sending the same amount of 2019 BLT points to him in June when my UY turns over. A random example, but it does happen.
Wow... that is trust!
 

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