Looking for a bright side to the tight economy?  Look no further than the boom in cheap vacation house listings. Thanks to tight purse strings all around the county, an increasing number of people are listing their vacation homes as rental properties throughout the year. Many of these homes are located in picturesque settings and rent for much less money than you would pay for a local hotel stay.

Not only is there an increase in the number of vacation houses for rent, there’s also a decline in rental prices – along with a boost in the concessions most rental home owners are willing to make. For instance, houses that would normally go for $1,000 a week are being dropped down to prices as low as $600 a week. Owners who previously required a one-month rental commitment are now agreeing to allow renters to come for only one to two weeks at a time. Property listings are also upping the maximum number of people allowed in a home at a time, in some cases doubling the number of allowed occupants. Owners are also making other concessions, such as allowing pets to stay in their vacation homes.

This is all good news for the average consumer. Not only does it mean you have access to scores of picturesque rental properties, it also means you can rent them at bargain prices. With agreements that allow for pets, it means you don’t have to pay for your animal to be boarded in a kennel while you’re away. The increase in the number of people allowed to stay at a property at one time means you can share the expense of the rental house with extended family members or with friends.

An extra bonus that comes with finding houses for rent for vacation is the added savings you will enjoy. You won’t have to dine out for every meal while on vacation because you’ll be able to prepare food in the kitchen of your vacation home. You’ll be able to enjoy in-home entertainment, as most vacation homes include DVD collections or access to rent-on-demand films, both of which are cheaper options than going to the theater while on vacation. Plus, if you’re able to score a vacation home close to a local attraction, such as a lake, you’ll likely be able to save on transportation costs.

To find ideal houses for rent for vacation, follow these tips:

1. Locate an area where you would like to vacation and then seek out local travel agents. Ask them if they have any new vacation listings or any with reduced prices.
2. Check websites for vacation rental listings. Be sure to search for local websites, as you’ll often find top deals on them. National listing websites tend to run higher in their rental prices.
3. If you find a property that you’d like to rent but which doesn’t include a stipulation you need, simply ask if an exception can be made. For example, if you have a small pet but the listing doesn’t include an allowance for pets, ask if you can still bring your pet. In a down economy, people are simply eager to get their houses rented so your wishes may be accommodated. Just know that you may have to agree to certain terms such as keeping the pet off the furniture or in a crate while you’re out.
4. If you’re trying to keep your own vacation costs down, consider renting close to home or at least in an area you can drive to. This will save you money on airfare and will allow you to bring food and other provisions from home rather than having to buy them once you arrive at your rental location.
5. Make sure you read and understand any rental agreement thoroughly. You want to find a property that sets reasonable expectations for appropriate behavior, not one that makes you feel like you’re living in a glass house. Remember, the goal of looking to houses for rent for vacation is to find a comfortable, affordable retreat. Keep this in mind as you search for properties.