Trust me, Homeaway does NOT assist you contrary to what you might think of them as sort of a back-up if there are problems. It's the worst agency I've ever dealt with.

How to solve your "last minute cancellation problems"... REQUEST and DEMAND in writing an iron clad rental agreement. I owned a property on Hilton Head that I rented for 14 years... we were very busy... everyone of my guests had to sign a three page rental agreement... yes three pages... that outlined everything about the rental. It protected me the owner and most importantly the guest. They knew upfront that they were protected and they did not have to second guess about anything. Any property owner that does not require you to sign a rental agreement should not be dealt with. The guests need to be protected just as much as the owners. Don't shy away from requesting a rental agreement... it is the only way to know for sure you are not getting the last minute " oh... I cancelled your reservation"... renting a home and or a condo is defin. So much better than a hotel room while away BUT you need to cover your bases. Most home owners are honest but you do not want to take that chance... GET A RENTAL AGREEMENT...

I don't know of any rights. My suggestion is that you try checking another web site such as Flip Key/Trip Advisor or Vacation Home Rentals/Trip Advisor.

Here lies the problem I had... You can't leave a review unless you stay at the property... You must get Home Away involved to put a notation in their "file"... But my problem with this... They get to stay with a slap on the wrist while your out tons of money, wasted planning and still no place to stay... I will never use this organization again due to this flaw... They are just like any other company being paid by advertisers... They aren't gonna remove the hand that feeds them...

Its no really a Homeaway thing, its an owner thing. I am an owner so I know the business. I would NEVER do this to a guest. That is not right that the owner did that and you should tell them its unethical. I would tell them that you'd appreciate their honoring your reservation or finding you an equivalent one, and tell them all the plans you've made. Then, if they do not come through, write them a bad review (and tell them that is what you plan to do if they refuse). If your review warns people that their reservation could be canceled without notice, close to the date, they will lose rentals and they should given how they've treated you.

With HomeAway you are merely dealing with an intermediary, so any contract is with the home owner. They have obviously treated you despicably but unless you have signed a contract with them which protects your rights in this case, there is little you can do.

This is one of the reasons that so-called agents like this are of little use when a dispute arises.

If you signed something, look at the small print. If not, threaten legal action through whatever small claims court exists in the country where the accommodation is located.

Although it may do YOU know good, write to the local Mairie or equivalent body in the village or commune where the accommodation is located or the local tourist office and complain bitterly about the way you have been treated.