Sep 16, 2026
Emerald Coast By Owner (ECBYO) announces its True Ownership Verification Guarantee for Gulf Shores rentals, verifying property ownership and providing reimbursement protection for eligible travelers who book directly through the platform.
Destin, United States, September 16, 2026 /PressCable/ -- Emerald Coast By Owner (ECBYO) has announced its True Ownership Verification Guarantee (TOVG) for qualifying vacation rentals in Gulf Shores, giving travelers a way to confirm the property owner before booking. The guarantee adds an ownership verification component to ECBYO’s direct-booking platform in one of Alabama’s major beach destinations.
More details can be found at https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com/alabama/gulf-shores
The announcement comes as rental fraud continues to affect travelers searching for accommodations online. Scammers often clone legitimate listings and advertise them at unusually low prices on social media or classified sites. After travelers send payment, the scammer may disappear, leaving them to discover the property doesn't exist or is already occupied. The Federal Trade Commission reported nearly 65,000 rental scams and around $65 million in reported losses between January 2020 and June 2025.
Interest in direct booking also continues among short-term rental guests. According to Touch Stay’s 2026 STR Guest Insights Report, 95% of surveyed guests were open to booking directly with a host, with 69% saying they would do so to save 10% to 15% in platform fees. Another 26% would consider direct booking if they trusted the host, highlighting the role of confidence when travelers arrange rentals outside traditional platforms.
ECBYO’s True Ownership Verification Guarantee provides an ownership check for qualifying Gulf Shores listings. The company states that listings with the guarantee identify the owner as verified and offer reimbursement protection for eligible travelers who find that the person or entity listing the rental was neither the owner nor an authorized agent.
“Travelers should be able to know who they are dealing with before they commit money to a vacation rental,” said Joe Godar, founder of Emerald Coast By Owner. “Verifying the person behind a listing gives guests an additional piece of information to consider when comparing properties and deciding where to book.”
The TOVG also provides a defined financial remedy for eligible claims. Customers who meet the guarantee requirements may receive reimbursement up to the total amount paid by credit card through the applicable online platform. Travelers must first attempt to resolve the matter with the person or entity they paid and notify ECBYO no later than the first day of the rental period.
The verification also has relevance for hosts whose property details may be copied into fraudulent advertisements. By identifying qualifying listings linked to a verified owner, the guarantee gives travelers more information about the rental while helping legitimate hosts distinguish their properties from unauthorized listings. This adds an extra layer of security for both guests and hosts.
ECBYO lists Gulf Shores vacation rentals across categories such as condos, townhomes, beach homes, private-pool properties, and pet-friendly accommodations. Travelers can refine their search by property type, location, amenities, and other preferences. Gulf Shores features 32 miles of white-sand beaches, Gulf State Park, fishing, boating, wildlife experiences, golf, restaurants, and family attractions.
The TOVG is part of ECBYO’s direct-rental model, which enables travelers to communicate directly with property owners and managers about accommodations and rental terms. ECBYO does not charge percentage-based traveler service fees, allowing travelers to avoid guest service fees commonly charged by major vacation rental platforms.
About Emerald Coast By Owner (ECBYO)
Founded in November 2016 by ivacationonline.com LLC, ECBYO began with approximately 350 vacation rentals and now lists over 10,000 properties across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The company says its platform is built on direct communication, transparent pricing, and no percentage-based traveler fees, principles that guide its approach to serving both guests and hosts.
Additional information is available at https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com/
Contact Info:
Name: Joe Godar
Email: Send Email
Organization: Emerald Coast By Owner
Address: Destin , Destin, Florida 32541, United States
Website: https://www.emeraldcoastbyowner.com
Source: PressCable
Release ID: 89203487
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