How to rent safely

Step 1: Verify the listing

Renting a condo week?Before you send any money, call the management company for that village and ask them to confirm the person you're talking to actually holds that week. This is the single most important step, and a legitimate owner will have no objection to you calling.

Renting a private home?There's no resort management company to call, so verification falls to you. Confirm the owner's full name, ask questions only a real owner could answer (layout, neighborhood, access details), and be extra diligent with Steps 2 and 3 below. If anything feels off, walk away.

Step 2: Use a payment method with protection

• ✓Venmo, Zelle, or bank transfer are common for owner-to-owner rentals. Venmo offers some dispute resolution; Zelle and bank wire generally do not.
• ✓Credit card via PayPal adds a layer of chargeback protection if something goes wrong.
• ✗Wire transfers and gift cards are red flags. Any owner insisting on these methods should be treated with skepticism.

Step 3: Get it in writing

Ask the owner to send you a simple written agreement (even an email is fine) confirming the dates, the specific unit or home, the agreed price, and any cancellation terms. Screenshot your conversations.

Red flags to watch for

• !Price significantly below market (under $500 for a full week in peak season)
• !Owner refuses to give you their name or contact info for the resort to verify
• !Pressure to pay immediately before you can verify
• !Request for payment via wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency
• !Owner can't describe the unit, village, or check-in process accurately
• !Email address doesn't match the name they gave you

About LakeChelanStays

We are an independent community marketplace. We do not verify that owners actually hold the week or own the home they list, and we do not handle any payments. We provide the platform; you make the deal directly with the owner.

If you encounter a suspicious listing, please use the “Report listing” link on the listing page. We review reports and remove listings that violate our terms.