Can anybody help me with this??

[Huntava]

Good idea to write those agencies you listed. When a local mover's employees broke our wooden headboard on our bed, I lodged a complaint with the local BBB. Although we never ended up getting any restitution from the moving company, an "unresolved complaint" ended up on his record with the BBB, so anyone checking on this mover in the future will be informed of his bad record.

 

[mbb]

And thanks for the update!!

 

[Samantha]

I can't believe the nerve of that guy! I really hope you can nail him on this!

 

[klj27]

Sounds like you are taking all the right steps to resolve this. Looking forward to seeing how it ends.

 

[debden]

I just received Mr Higham's Security refund Check for $50.00. It was sent un-signed.
Debbie

 

[diznygirl]

Don't cash anything he sends you unless it is for the full amount that he owes you. Not that you could cash an unsigned check! But if you cash anything, it will look like an agreement to settle.

He sounds like a peach of a guy!

 

[PhotobearSam]

How much was your security fee in the 1st place? $50 sounds like he ripped you off big time.

 

[kaylajr]

HI all just found this thread and read it all

Just wanna share my thoughts

years ago we rented in home from a private owner in the UK
and when we go there the place was really dirty and all the certifcates on the wall were out of date. We photographed everything and than i spent an hour cleaning so we could un pack

We called the owners the management co and everyone we could think of
We felt we were due a gesture of some kind like maybe a refund on the pool heat that was only working 3 out of the 7 days
Well the owner refused to help after several emails and even long distance phone calls
so i reported him to all againcies I could think of Even posted here on the DIS not to use his house
I checked about a year later and his home is no longer listed on VRBO

anyway FASTFORWARD a few years and time to go to WDW again

I want to try a house again but i will admit I was leary
burned once and all

well We found the most perfect house for our family and the nicest owner
even if one little thing was not exactly right her or her managment co fixed it right away

so everyone please don't give up on private pool homes
they are definatly GREAT and so are MOST of the owners

and if you want one you can be sure has no problems
try Jan's she is AWESOME
the link to the home is in my signature check it out

TO the OP
hope this all works out for
you and i am glad your not letting one bad apple ruin
your future plans

 

[djkeenan]

I think we should all go to this guy's website, request a quote for a week's vacation and a few days later email back and say "Sorry, but aren't you the guy who won't document why you are keeping $100 of someones security deposit? I would never stay in your property."

Let him get a hundred of those emails and I'll bet you will get your payment returnd in full.

 

[dizneefamily5]

I hate to admit it, but I already did that - the day she posted her message. He needs to know that the internet is a powerful tool. People do their research and his poor customer service will cost him $$$$$$$$$. I would also suggest posting this on tripadvisor.com as many people seem to use that to check references before making ressies. You're in my thoughts and prayers, debden!!

 

[debden]

I have to admit I had to chuckle at djkeenan's idea and dizneefamily5 actually doing it!! That's OK.My sister has come up with a few evil ideas of her own. She said send him back the $50.00 check with a letter that says: Keep the $50.00 and buy yourself some honesty and integrity!.....
Oooh,so nasty. But I can't do that. I just mailed the check back to him and put 'check un-signed' on the outside of his envelope.
The Security Deposit was for $150.00.
Thank you all for your good wishes and great comments and suggestions and for sharing previous experiences. I really appreciate it.
I have also complained to: Orange County Consumer Fraud Unit and the Better Business Bureau.
Too bad Mr Higham felt the need to be so rude and un-cooperative.
It just doesn't make sense to me at all.
Debbie

 

[mbb]

.....My sister has come up with a few evil ideas of her own. She said send him back the $50.00 check with a letter that says: Keep the $50.00 and buy yourself some honesty and integrity!.....
........

Oh, we're liking your sister!!!


You're right, though...it is too bad that this owner is acting like this...what a difference had he called/emailed you and said, *nicely*:

"Debbie, look, my management company just called and said there's a stain on the carpet. They think it may cost $100 or so to get it out.
I don't know where it is, and as I'm in the UK, I can't tell you myself, but I will find out and let you know. I'll return $50 of your security deposit, right now, and I'll let you know ASAP about the rest of it. I'll get them to take a picture of the mark on the floor. I'm sorry I can't be more thorough and clear about this right now, but rest assured, when I find out what's going on, I'll be in touch.

Thanks again for your booking, we're happy you chose our villa for your vacation..I know we'll be able to work this out."

Unfortunate that he made a different choice.

...(I would have sent the cheque back, just like you did...only with the added notation, "..Cheque unsigned and missing $100" !!!!!)

 

[debden]

That is an example of a 'Perfect' reply! I think the owner of Rick and Karens Villa needs to take some lessons from you on how to be diplomatic!!
If he had e-mailed me the reply you wrote I would have been fine with his needing to keep my security deposit until he knew more about the cost and getting me the info on the stain. I would have wrote a raving review on his home (which is gorgeous by the way!) and even rented from him again in the future but it's all in how you put (or write) things. Be diplomatic,forthcoming and honest and most people will be happy with that! But when you act like an 'A_ _' and are rude and short with people they react accordingly.
That was a great reply mbb....just wish it had been my e-mail from the owner.
Debbie

 

[JANNYANS]

Great reply mbb !There is always a good way and bad way to operate and this guy seems to have taken the wrong route .
Deb den you may want to contact some one in the Osceola county dept as well as thats where his home is situated .

 

[mbb]

Thanks