7 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Vacation Rental Stay

Vacation rentals can be a fantastic way to travel, but treating them like your own home can quickly backfire. Travel writer Caroline Morse Teel highlights seven mistakes that guests should avoid if they don’t want to lose deposits—or their future booking privileges. From overlooking the house rules to forgetting to wash dishes or leaving the rental in disarray, simple missteps can create big headaches. Losing a key, ignoring the host’s instructions, or trying to sneak in a party might sound minor, but these moves can result in hefty fines, bad reviews, or even being banned from platforms like Airbnb. The best approach? Respect the property, follow the guidelines, and leave the space better than you found it. A little courtesy ensures you’ll be welcomed back the next time you hit “book.”