When you plan your vacation, the first item on the agenda tends to be accommodation for you and the group you're traveling with. While hotels have always been the popular choice, vacation goers are now looking for more out of their holiday rentals. Self-catering villas are the alternative for travelers looking for a home-away-from-home; an accommodating retreat that meets your luxury and leisurely needs. They have started to soar in popularity in recent years due to the many benefits being offered as well as the promotion of these properties from websites such as Flipkey, Tripadvisor and Airbnb.

There are quite a number of reasons why vacation villas are becoming the preferable choice. They are a form of holiday accommodation that offer a wider array of options, benefit and amenities that extend well beyond the limits of what hotels can give you.

Villas allow for the privacy one would find in a private home, without the inconvenience of neighbor guest interrupting your leisure. You no longer have to put up with strangers interrupting the peace of your vacation because of shared amenities. You also don't have to worry about 'keeping it down' because your neighbors can hear you through the adjoining hotel room walls or you hearing them. Villas provide a private space for you and your family to unwind. When you want to completely relax and get away from the crowds and their hustle and bustle there is really only one choice and that's a private vacation villa. Villas are usually located in the quieter areas away from main streets, with no hotel or street noise.

Additional space is another major perk of renting a villa, especially when traveling with a group or with family. While hotels are often limited to one or two bedrooms, villas give you from two bedrooms up to four or even more and are usually coupled with en-suite bathrooms. When traveling with large groups you may actually have to book several hotel rooms or suites which can become extremely expensive. The group can also feel disconnected if they are split up into smaller factions. Villas are also equipped with modern kitchens and appliances, large living areas, balconies, lounge spaces and private pools. Therefore, with plenty of living and dining room space at your disposal, you are definitely not going to feel cramped.

The exclusive use of a wider range of amenities is also on offer. Many villa rentals today feature washer / dryer combination, entertainment system including large flat screen television, cable tv, and surround sound not to mention Wi-Fi / internet that is not shared among many other hotel guests and workers. You don't have to worry able being less secure when renting a villa either. Most vacation villas will either have a digital security system or actual security guards on the premises.

Another advantage of note is that villas provide a freedom and flexibility that can't be found in a hotel room. Say goodbye to hotel schedules and restrictions and go by your own timetable; ditch the formalities and say hello to freedom. With this alternative accommodation you won't be ruled by the schedule of dining times, you can have a dip in your private pool at midnight, and come and go as you please. Instead of getting fully dresses and queuing up for breakfast or lunch at specific times, you can whip up something in the fully equipped kitchen or order in while still in your PJs. Villas feel like your home-away-from-home, which allow persons to feel more in touch with where they're staying, and encourage them to experience the culture and lifestyle as if they were locals themselves.

The benefits of vacation villas speak for themselves, and while this may seem too good to be true, villas are actually a rather realistic and affordable option. They often end up being less expensive than staying in a hotel. You do not pay for activities you are not going to participate in, for food you are not going to eat and drinks you will seldom order. This is because villas come with no added fees; prices are given upfront with the inclusion of local tax so what you see is what you get. No fear that the price of splurging on extra amenities, such as having drinks by the pool, getting a massage or ordering room-service will sneak up on you with an additional surcharge. Villas save you money and stress on your vacation, and by the time you come to the end of your stay you often see a huge difference in costs.

Because of the increasing costs and standard of living, condo rentals in are becoming more and more popular each day. Long before, tourists were the ones who simply preferred condo units for their holiday and vacation purposes. With condos, they would have the opportunity to have a safe place to stay each time they would come and stay at a particular time and place. However, things have significantly changed because of people renting condos, considering them as their place of residency. Simply, renting condos is a lifestyle. Many people these days are quite busy with their own schedules; living in apartments has become least on their list because everything needs to be taken care of in there.

Now, if you are thinking of renting a condo, the following guidelines can be of great help.

1. Complete Furnishings

Condo rentals are an advantage for many people because, unlike apartments, many of the noteworthy things are under the management’s concerns, such as safety and steady electric supply. Most of the time, condo units, which are for rent, are complete with furnishings. Picking such a kind of unit will surely give you complete savings in terms of money, time, and effort. This is especially true when you do not need to deal with the different hassles of transporting and moving in the belongings. Here, you will no longer have to scrape off money from your wallet to furnish your new living place. Thus, it really pays to examine condo rentals whether they are complete with the furnishings or not.

2. 24/7 Maintenance Management

Always remember that privately owned buildings like condo rentals usually have maintenance department as one of the most common problems. It is particularly useful on your part to determine the existing system imposed in a particular condo building. Ideally, you need to know whom you need to call in times of emergency or problems. Having someone to immediately assist your needs is certainly a benefit of condos for rent.

3. Excellent Amenities

Another critical factor you need to look for in condo rentals is the amenities they offer. Amenities are significant because they help you save money and time in the process. It is extremely beneficial to ask such things to an agent in order for him or her to display a list of the best condo units that have complete and excellent amenities. For an instance, if you need to pay your bills, there is then no need to get out of the building anymore because the condo management itself will do all the processing and services for your advantage and convenience. Hence, these amenities will serve as excellent comforts

4. High-end Security

In choosing condo rentals, your security must not be taken for granted. Places with security guards or high-end security systems would allow you perfect ease and comfort while staying in your unit or within the condo. Remember, there are many people who live in the condo and many can get inside. Safety! Safety! Safety!

With Chryslers, Nissans, Hyundai, Ford, convertibles, and hybrid cars, it’s no wonder why so many people choose National car rental services. No matter what type of car or van you’re after, National offers it. The company has rental locations in big cities throughout not just the US, but the world. Popular countries include US, Canada, UK, Spain, France, Germany, etc. You can rent a vehicle at just about any airport or city.

It began as a company run by multiple, independent vehicle rental operators, and today it is the among the largest rental car corporations in the world. Part of National’s success is attributed to the company offering superior services to leisure travelers and business travelers alike.

The minimum age requirement to rent a vehicle is 21, although there are some exceptions. For instance, a government employee as young as 18 can rent a vehicle, but must present his or her official orders to the renting office. Also, renters between the ages of 21 and 24 years old may only rent economy through full-size cars. In the states of Michigan and New York, anybody 18 years or older can rent a vehicle, although a “young Renter Fee” will be charged.

A variety of additional equipment is available for anyone who needs them. If you need child safety seats, mobility devices, GPS units, ski racks, etc… notify National of your requirements when booking your reservations.

Airport Options and Other Fees

The company always keeps in mind that flights and buses are sometimes delayed. Because of this, they will hold your vehicle for twelve hours after the scheduled arrival, OR until the end of that business day, whichever comes first.

There is a fee for a secondary driver, which currently averages around $12 per day with National car rental. However, this second driver fee can be waived for certain circumstances, such as in states that allow a renter’s spouse to be added as an “automatic authorized driver” and rentals by members of the Emerald Club whose spouses, domestic partner and common law spouse has the same address on their driver’s license and meets all other normal rental requirements.

Renting from National is easy. Sometimes it’s better to go through an online travel discount website instead of booking directly from National’s website itself. This method also comes with opportunities to save on not only the vehicle rental but airfare as well. The company is flexible with its services and will accommodate your needs. You can arrange to drop the vehicle off at a different National car rental facility than the one you picked it up from.

The whole process of obtaining National car rental discounts is simple: just use travel search tools offered online, who offers a best price guarantee. It’s a vast site that offers plenty of budget travel options, no matter where you plan to travel to and what kind of vehicle you want to rent.

According to a recent study conducted by Rent, an online apartment guide, 68 percent of property managers in the United States are expecting rents to rise by an average of 8 percent in 2016. This is not a very desirable condition if you are looking for cheap apartments to rent. However, budget-friendly apartments do exist. All you need is expert tips to find the ideal residence. Here are some excellent pointers to help you find affordable apartments to rent:

#1. Start during the Off Season

Studies show that most renters tend to sign apartment lease between April and August. This is the reason the winter months are the ideal time to look for affordable apartments. Although the number of apartment options is on the lower side during these months, there is less number of people looking to rent too. In fact, you may get better scope to negotiate for a lower price due to the insufficient traffic of renters during winter.

#2. Don’t Exceed Your Budget

According to industry experts, a reasonable amount for rent is that one that stays in between 20 percent and 35 percent of the renter’s monthly income. In fact, the US government defines the ideal affordable rent as no more than 30 percent of the renter’s monthly income. Therefore, if you are looking for cheap apartments, avoid an option that is exceeding the budget you can afford. If the place is close to your university or office, you can exceed a little bit as you will save big on transportation costs.

#3. Apply for Section 8

If you live in the United States and your income falls below 50 percent of the country’s median income, you can opt for housing assistance programs such as Section 8. These federally funded voucher programs help renters in the low-income group to rent safe and affordable apartments. However, check with your state housing authorities about Section 8 and other such arrangements in your preferred locality.

#4. Get a Roommate

Getting a roommate is a good way to enjoy all the amenities of your apartment home without paying the full charges out of your pocket. This is one of the easiest ways to split the expenses. However, make sure to check with your property management office if they have any policy about this matter. You must also include your roommate’s name in the lease to avoid any complication.

#5. Use a Real Estate Broker

Local real estate brokers are your best bet, as they have a precise and thorough understanding of a preferred locality. They have a strong network, and as a result, take very less time to locate the best sources of low-cost apartments.

Keep these five pointers in mind when you are looking for affordable apartments, and you are sure to find loads of budget-friendly solutions in your preferred neighborhood. Have a great time apartment hunting!

Compared to owning a home, living in an apartment rental is incredibly easy. Why do the work yourself when you can enjoy the following benefits:

· Dedicated property and maintenance staff to call if anything goes wrong

· No back-breaking snow shoveling, lawn maintenance or pool / sauna care

· One single monthly rent check usually pays for everything (instead of several separate bills and fees when you own a house or a condo)

You Get More for Your Money

Believe it or not, you can usually rent an apartment or house for much less than the cost of buying it – especially if you live in a larger city. And if you want to be right downtown, renting is almost always more affordable than owning a condo (and you get a lot more living space, as well, as downtown apartments are usually much larger than downtown condos).

As well, apartment renters don't have to come up with the thousands of dollars in down payments, closing costs and fees for things such as building inspections, legal counsel, land transfer taxes and insurance.

And this doesn't even factor in the cost of borrowing – in the first five years of ownership, most mortgage payments are applied only to the interest, not the capital. This is money that you won't get back when you sell your home (and you'll still have all the hassles and extra costs of putting your house on the market).

That Tax Break is Not Guaranteed

Getting a big tax break is supposed to be one of the greatest advantages of owning a home – but you can't always rely on getting this break. If your annual mortgage interest payment, plus any other deductions you are entitled to, isn't greater than your standard tax deductions, you will not receive any tax benefit from owning a house.

If you rent an apartment, however, you'll always receive some form of tax relief, as a large portion of your rent is tax deductible every year.

Maximum Flexibility

Renting provides an enormous amount of flexibility. You can pack up and leave immediately at the end of your lease (which can be monthly or yearly, whatever best suits your lifestyle) – there's no waiting to sell and no agonizing about the housing market before you move. For many people, the freedom to live where you want and when you want is a huge benefit that simply cannot be overlooked.

Minimum Risk

For homeowners, the stakes are enormously high should their finances crumble. When they can't pay the mortgage, the lender has great leverage – the house and all the equity invested in it could be in jeopardy. That's not to say there aren't consequences if a tenant can't pay the rent – but the financial devastation that comes with losing your home is far greater than being evicted from your apartment.

In addition, there are several social service programs that are run by all levels of government to help people in need pay their rent so they won't be evicted. Are the banks as lenient or supportive when it comes time to pay the mortgage?

Ultimately, making the decision to either rent an apartment or buy a home involves much more than simply comparing rental rates, mortgage payments, lease lengths and tax breaks. It's a combination of all of the personal circumstances happening in your life – both now and several years down the road.

Complaints regarding the hike in rents from Dubai residents are rising due to unreasonable increases being demanded by the landlord. There is no federal law determining the rent cap, each emirate has its own separate laws.

For the emirate of Dubai, Law No. 26 of 2007 regulates the relationship between landlord and the tenant and provides for regulations in regards to rent. In respect of rent, the Union Supreme Court has stated that “the effect of the provisions of a contract of lease (tenancy contract) as set out in articles 742 et seq. of the Civil Code is that rent is payable in consideration of the enjoyment of the thing leased.”

(It should be noted that the Dubai Law No. 26 of 2007 is applicable all over Dubai except for the areas that are covered by the DIFC zone as the real property in the DIFC zone is regulated by the DIFC Law No. 4 of 2007).

The law defines rent as a specified amount of consideration which the tenant is bound to pay according to the tenancy contract. The tenancy contract is the contract by which the landlord is committed to enable tenant to benefit from the property for the specified purpose and period against specified consideration and thus the amount of rent is to be specified in the contract and shall remain the same till the expiration of the said contract.

Further the law provides for the determination of the rent value in case the same is not provided for in the tenancy contract or where the rent is determined but it is not possible to evidence the same. In such cases the Committee i.e. the Judicial Committee authorized to settle disputes between landlords and tenants, is to determine the rent of the property so leased in accordance with the ‘similar rent’. The ‘similar rent’ is to be specified by the committee in accordance with the standards of specifying the rent increase percentage applied by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). Also, the general economic circumstances in the Emirate, the status of the property, market rent in the same area and existing legislation are all factors that have to be taken into consideration when determining the similar rent. RERA is to set out criteria to determine the rent increase rates in the Emirate, in accordance with the general economic conditions therein.

Any dispute regarding the rent of leased premises is to be referred to the committee as the jurisdiction of the committee includes all such disputes.

Upon the expiry of the tenancy contract, it is to be renewed for a similar period and during the renewal the landlord may amend the contractual terms. He may review the rent which he may either maintain at the same rental amount or he may increase or decrease it. The rent so increased or decreased would be valid for the period of the tenancy contract. For the tenancy contract to continue to be in force it is essential that the tenant consents to the terms so amended by the landlord, if the parties do not reach an agreement, the Committee may decide a fair rent. If either party to the tenancy contract wishes to amend any of its conditions then he must notify the same to the other party not less than 90 days prior to expiry date but this condition may be nullified by agreement of the landlord and the tenant.

The law also sets a ceiling limit to the increase in the rent by the landlord so that landlords do not take advantage of the vulnerable position of tenants and exploit them by unreasonable increases in the rent rates. Also the rent may not be increased during a tenancy contract. It can be increased only after the expiry of the previous contract, and therefore the rent is to remain for a period of one year starting from the commencement of the tenancy contract.

Further the Dubai Decree No. 62 of 2009 concerning rental prices in the emirate of Dubai has fixed the maximum increase in the rents of properties in the Emirate of Dubai according to the average rent of properties in the same area and the percentage of the difference between the average rent and the present rent. Thus depending on the difference the increase may be up to the following limit:

i. zero increase of rent in the case the rent is up to 25% less than the average rent of properties of similar specifications;

ii. 5% of the applicable rent in the case the rent is 26% to 35% less than the average rent of properties of similar specifications;

iii. 10% of the applicable rent in case the rent is 36% to 45% less than the average rent of properties of similar specifications;

iv. 15% of the applicable rent in case the rent is 46% to 55% less than the average rent of properties of similar specifications; and

v. 20% of the applicable rent in case the rent is over 55% less than the average rent of properties of similar specifications.

Apart from this the government of Dubai has provided us with an online rental increase calculator on the following website: http://www.dubailand.gov.ae/english/Tanzeem/Rentals/Rental_Increase_Calculator.aspx

The above mentioned website of the government provides for a service to calculate increase percentages in order to obtain rental values in certain areas as a guiding tool. All that the user has to do to use this service is to select the calculator from the website and enter the required details and then he/she shall be provided with the increase cap and average rental for the requested area and unit.

Tips on avoiding an illegal rent hike:

1. Make sure that the landlord has given a notice in writing to you of the proposed rental increase not less than 90 days before the end of tenancy contract.

2. Check that the amount of the increase accords with the RERA rent calculator for your property.

3. If you cannot reach an agreement with your landlord on the amount of the rent increase make an application to the Rent Committee.

Do you ever dream of renting a sporty SUV just so you can go on an off-road adventure? Or do you just need a reliable car during your next business trip? Whatever type of vehicle you need, Thrifty car rental rates are some of the lowest in the industry. The company operates over a thousand locations in dozens of countries across the globe. It’s one of the most widely recognized vehicle rental brands in the industry, and caters to both leisure and cost-conscious business travelers.

A few examples of the vehicles you can rent include:

• Lincoln

• Dodge

• Chevrolet

• Jeep

• Chrysler

• Hyundai

• Ford

When booking your reservation, you will be able to select from literally thousands of cities and towns around the world, including airports. Thrifty car rental offices are found at all major airports as well as many smaller ones.

As with most auto rental companies, you’ll have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in most places in the US. However, there are a few areas in which individuals as young as 18 can rent. Renters under 25 are subjected to a daily surcharge. If you’re going to an international destination, the rental age will depend on that particular country’s laws.

With any car rental, Thrifty offers some extra options, such as child seats (infant or toddler), DVD players, ski racks, navigation systems, hand controls, etc. Add any of these to your vehicle if you think you’ll need them.

Rate Calculations for Thrifty Car Rental

The rate is calculated based on a 24-hour rental day, which begins the hour you pick up the car. The base rate includes the total cost of rental, excluding the fees, taxes, mileage (if applicable), surcharges, optional items, and mandatory coverage.

Keep in mind that you can bring your own child seats and GPS navigation system. Some newer vehicles, like the Chrysler minivan, already have child seats built-in.

Don’t plan on going on a round trip? Thrifty offers deals on one-way rentals in many locations. Make arrangements ahead of time regarding the pickup and drop off locations.

If you’re going to be driving in an area with a lot of tolls, you might want to consider the PlatePass. This optional service takes care of all of the toll passes electronically ahead of time, thus allowing you worry-free unlimited access to toll ways, including express lanes.

Sometimes you can find better Thrifty car rental deals if you go through a third-party travel discount site instead of directly through the company.

The best place to go for getting Thrifty car rental discounts is online. Some companies work hard to secure the lowest car rental and hotel rates in locations around the world. You might be able to get an even bigger deal with the use of online promo codes.

Short-term leasing of furnished apartments is becoming a popular trend these days. The short-term lease gives the tenant the benefit of vacating the premises as per his convenience or extending the lease if required.

What is a furnished apartment?

It is an apartment which comes with all the basic furniture. It has an equipped kitchen with a cook-top, microwave, refrigerator, etc. The kitchen also has the required utensils, cutlery, etc. In addition, this type of accommodation has a washer, dryer, etc. Some apartments provide cleaning services.

People who need apartments for short-term rentals are:

• Individuals who are staying in a rented accommodation and are laid off. Such people look for a furnished apartment for a short-term. This enables them to be located in the same area and look for new opportunities.
• When someone needs to move to another city for a short assignment. He / She will prefer to stay in a furnished accommodation rather than a hotel.
• Many tourists are preferring apartments to hotels.
• If one has moved to a new city, then one might use a furnished apartment till they find a home of their choice.
• When one is shifting home or getting their house renovated, they will prefer a furnished accommodation to a hotel.

Benefits of a furnished apartment on short-term rental:

• It is like a home away from home. It is apt for weekly, monthly or even six-monthly stays.
• It is cheaper than a hotel.
• For families, it is a better option as more space is available.
• These accommodations have separate living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. This gives professionals on assignments, enough space to relax and work comfortably.
• If the people staying in the apartment have guests, they can be easily accommodated at no extra charges.
• This type of accommodation gives the guests more privacy.

Drawbacks of a furnished apartment on short-term rental:

• The owner generally charges a higher amount for a short-term lease when compared to a long-term lease.
• If the tenant needs to renew the contract, the owner can change the rent and the terms and conditions of the contract as per his will.
• Most furnished apartments are booked online after viewing the pictures. Many a time, this can be misleading. When the guests arrive and do not find the accommodation up to their expectation, it is very difficult for them to find other options.

As we can see the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Also, these drawbacks can be managed to an extent. The tenant can negotiate the rent and the terms of the contract. The reliability of the pictures and the apartment can also be cross-checked.

An informative guide to investing in rental properties for beginners.

There are many ways to make money in real estate, but investing in rental properties is by far the most lucrative, offering investors a twofold investment return; a steady residual income from the monthly rental and the equity from the property itself. Building wealth from rental property investments should not be taken lightly though; there are many things to consider before you purchase your first property. Here is a practical guide to investing in rental properties for beginners.

Look for properties that will require little or no repairs to get it ready to rent, down time means you will have no income from the property until it is rented. It is also important to use a balance sheet for each property that you intend to rent, this will show you how much you have invested in the purchase and repairs with the amount of return you can expect once the property is rented. Every detail of your investment strategy should be well planned with attention to the day to day management and maintenance as well as rental contracts. It is a good idea to also have a list of qualified repairmen to handle any potential emergency situation. You should also research the area you plan to rent in. Knowing the personal and financial climate of the area will give you valuable information to help you determine if the location is right for you.

Properties in popular seasonal locations have the potential for higher rental rates and could also be rented weekly. Another great rental investment idea is business property, rental rates are almost always higher for this type of property and most rentals of this type require a long-term commitment. Consider each possible rental property you view with its overall potential for quick profit, and ask yourself; is this an ideal location for such a property? How quickly can this property be ready to rent? What is the total amount I will need to invest, and what is return amount on my investment?

If you plan on purchasing your first rental property with a loan, then you will need to develop a spread sheet for the property you intent to purchase. A typical spreadsheet will cover a 12-month time line and include all income and expenses for the property; most of this information can be found in your personal balance sheet you created for the property. Along with your spreadsheet you will need to have a business plan that outlines your proposal to purchase and maintain your rental property. Your business plan should include the type of property you plan to rent, how you intend to manage and maintain your property and be sure to include any information that shows your ability to be profitable; a popular seasonal location or high traffic business or commercial property or other rental property with a high profit potential. You will also need to include how you intend to overcome any potential obstacles. Investing in rental properties for beginners is a lucrative means to achieving a long term residual income.

Houston, the 4th largest city in the United States, has numerous apartment homes for anyone wanting to lease. One question that many people ask, especially in this type of economy we’re in, is how one can be approved for an apartment without necessarily showing proof of income. For many complexes in the sprawling city, having a job is a major prerequisite to being approved. Not only does one need to have solid employment, but one needs to be earning enough to afford the monthly rent. Those who are jobless are therefore at a major disadvantage when it comes to being approved. But is there a way to actually get approved in Houston even without a job?

A few places where you can rent without a job

• Westchase District
• The Heights
• Mission Bend
• Katy
• Alief

Navigating joblessness when applying

We have seen that in Houston, renting an apartment involves being able to prove both income and employment. Many apartments actually go to the pain of verifying and this is usually done by a simply phone call to an 800-number or asking for original paycheck stubs or tax returns. Unfortunately in this economy, there is a sizeable chunk of apartment applicants who are without gainful employment.

One of the best ways to get approved for an apartment if you are indeed jobless is to have a co-signer. This is someone in good standing in the community who can attest that they know you and are willing to vouch for your authenticity. Some apartments will approve on the strength of this alone but some will insist on additional information.

Another layer of qualifiers that you can possibly provide is a list of your assets. If you own any property that brings in income, for instance, a rental property, you can show this as proof of income. Some apartments will take this in addition to having a co-signer.

A last and final step you can take to get approved in Houston without a job is to offer to pay a deposit. In addition to a deposit, one can also offer to pay 3 months of rent in advance and also show that they are actively looking for a job. This gives the leasing management the impression that the tenant will find gainful employment soon.

Remember that even after providing all this information, it is still the apartment’s discretion to rent to you or not. Some might also conduct credit checks and background checks to make a determination.