If you want an outdoor garden, fireplace or other special feature such as a pool be prepared to pay a bit more on the rental. These features are all use at your own risk and renters will have to sign a waiver for liability from the agency for using these features.

Check what insurance you need to cover the property as well as your possessions while you are staying at the rental. Are your personal items covered with the insurance they carry? What about theft or damage?

You need to decide in advance what features you need in the rental. If you don't do this you are likely to fall in love with one place only to realize when you get there it really doesn't have all the features that you need.