Consumer Alert: Beware of sudden vacation rental cancellations

Rental platforms are taking a hands-off approach to these last-minute changes. Here are your rights.

Photo illustration by Christopher Elliott

When Renae Philbrick showed up at her vacation rental in Atlanta, she expected to be allowed into the home. Instead, she received an urgent text message from the owner.

"He told me I couldn't stay there because the place 'needed maintenance,'" she says.