They vary from agency to agency. You will have to check each site as there is no set rule for the off season date.

I was kinda wondering about that myself if each rental agency kinda set there own dates or if it was the Caribbean islands as a whole. We have only visited in April and beyond but this up coming year I see us wanting to come in late April very early May.

Nothing is set in stone. I start my summer season 1 week after Easter Sunday, whenever it falls.

I have noticed over the past couple of years that summer discount rates seem to start around the third or fourth week of April

I found a rental company that we wanted to use and actually picked out a villa but there slow season does not start until May 1st next year and hubby wants to come mid to last of April. So I'm hunt continues. He also said he doesn't want to sit and look at new condos or tall buildings either. He's still upset with the new set of condos in Cruz Bay and thinks they look out of place and tacky. So my mission is to keep looking r rental companies today. ugh

Remember folks...these things might be negotiable. I find this is especially true if you are a returning client (i.e. a known good tenant) and definitely if you're staying more than a minimum 1 week.

I didn't know that. Has anyone had a good experience with a negotiation with a rental company before? Either with dates OR weekly rent?

We called and asked for the 4 person rate for 5 people and they said no problem. I find that it is best to check the calendar for the house first. If it is a very popular rental, you may not have great luck, but if it looks like it is wide open, you will have bette luck.

It does not hurt to ask, but being a year away, you may not have great luck.

Also, don't be insulting. If the rate per week is $4000, don't offer $1000. You will have better luck if you're reasonable. Asking for summer rates for the last week or two of winter season is totally ok. But as suggested above, check the rental history. If this a popular property that stays rented, you'll have less luck.

I will do that if they have calendars available. Our budget for the 1 week is around 1200.00-1400.00 so not to awfully expensive. Just want a good quiet location with nice views and a pool if were lucky. But with that budget I doubt it but we do have the beach. We used Seaview homes last time and would love to use them again but the rent on the place we rented from them went way to high and now out of budget so Im kinda starting over from scratch. But thats ok to gives me more time to slowly research more then on to car rental.

Call the folks you used last year. Tell them your situation and ask what they suggest. You might be surprised.

I know for sure by at least May alot of the rates change. I just made reservations for June 2011 at Point Pleasant thru VRBO and they have been awesome and are honoring this years rates for me for next year. Check it out.

That's another great bargaining idea! If you're booking really early, ask for this years rates. Most time, unless it's a very popular rental, the agent/owner will give you this year's rates.