Can anybody help me with this??

[debden]

I just got back this morning from Orlando.We rented a vacation home in Crescent Lakes.The owner just e-mailed to tell me they found a big stain on the rug and it will cost me $100 out of our security fee. I wrote back to ask where it was located and he just wrote me back to say it is irrelevant where the stain is located. So I wrote back and told him that it was relevant to me and he is not responding.
This is not fair.We checked everything before we left and did not find anything wrong!
Any suggestions or comments??
Debbie

 

[spiceycat]

what was the site you rented from?

sometimes the site manager can help.

 

[debden]

spicecat,We rented from the owner www.rickandkarensvilla.co.uk They are managed by mid-florida villas. We checked out everything before we left this morning and did not see anything that should require $100 cleaning fee....
I wrote to ask where the stain was located to get an idea how or when it might or may have happened and he came back with 'it's irrelevant where the stain is located' . It made me so mad.I wrote again to say if he is taking $100 out of my security fee I at least have the right to know where the stain was located!!
Any suggestion on what to do would be appreciated.
Debbie

 

[spiceycat]

start with mid-florida villa

then also file a complaint with the BBB in florida in the town where this is located.

but tell them both FV and the people you rented from - that you didn't do this and are filing complaints against them.

definitely NEVER use them again.

I hate it when the rentee try to get more out of renters.

 

[Doctor P]

I know this is really tough, but the best advice might very well be to eat the $100 and be done with it. I know that that can be a lot of money, but the time , the expense, the heartache, and the stress of trying to fight this (especially with an overseas owner it appears) may not be worth the $100. I know it is a matter of principle, but think through whether it is worth the fight (even if you are in the right and know it).

 

[msmayor]

As someone who's rented private homes quite a bit, let me ask these questions.

What provisions were made when you 'checked in' for you to evaluate the condition of the home and report any existing stains/damages/problems? Most every place I've ever rented, I either contacted the rental agency or the private owner' on the first day to make a report. This way, both parties know up front what each considers 'appropriate condition' at the very beginning.

Did you take any photographs at the beginning/at the end of the trip that can back up your position that the house was left in the same condition you 'received' it? Especially if they are date/time dated, they bolster your contention that the house was left in fine condition.

I would suggest finding out exactly what Florida law requires when a landlord returns a security/damage deposit. Most times, a specific accounting must be made of any money withheld. Press the landlord on exactly where the problem is; my feeling is you have a right to know exactly where the stain is and what was done to remedy the situation.

The other suggestions, about contacting the BBB and any other agencies affiliated with this rental, are a good idea. Just remember to stick to the facts and try not to let emotion overrun your statements.

 

[JANNYANS]

Ask the owner for photographic evidence and compare it to any you may have taken during your stay.If it turns out to be a small stain then I think $100 is a bit steep for what probaby could only need spot cleaning.
The BBB is a good organisation it will try to help you out with the situation by acting as a go between.There is also

http://www.800helpfla.com/

which is the division of consumer services you can report the management company to if you wish to take things further.

I am really sorry you are having this problem it does not do the owner /guest realtionship any good in my book and that hurts us all .This owner also runs a b&b in Blackpool UK so should be used to dealing with guests
I hope it can be sorted amicably .Please let us know

 

[HopperFan]

I would make sure I had the remainder of my security money in hand before I filed any complaints or made any calls. You don't want to have to fight for the balance. Then all you have lost is the $100. I certainly would be one to complain if I felt they were trying to commit fraud. The owner (who appears to be out of the country) may even be taking the word of the cleaning people, and who knows if they are trying to pad their pockets. That could possibly explain why they haven't answered your question of location, they may not know. Good Luck.

ps I always photo issues at places I rent when we check in for this very reason.

 

[debden]

Thank you everyone for responding. I just don't understand why the owner cannot tell me where the stain was located? I know I keep harping on that fact but it's really bothering me because I do not recall any stains on the rug when we left....honestly! It's a beautiful home and we really enjoyed our stay!
We checked everything out and cleaned up really well before we left.
It's very hard to work something out when the owner blows you off and doesn't respond to your e-mail.
I thought he was writing to ask how our stay was at his home.That's what alot of the homeowners that I've rented from do at one point in time or another.
Well,he is not responding to my e-mail so I called Mid Florida management company and they have not returned my call yet.
I will not be taking this any further than just e-mailing the owner and talking to the management company.
I have never had any problems what so ever in all the vacation homes I have rented in the past.
I did look at the BBB website but they don't appear to have any complaints against them.
I am still not happy about this and feel I was 'taken' but I am just going to let it go. I had hoped to rent Mr Highams home in the future but that's definitely out of the question after this incident.
If there are any updates on this situation I will certainly let you know.
Thanks,
Debbie

 

[debden]

I wrote him an e-mail stating he said if I had any questions not to hesitate to ask yet when I asked where the stain was he said it was irrelevant.I told him that was bad business....
Here is his response: "This is now the last email i will send you please read other emails carefully WHERE THE STAIN IS is irrelevant NOT the question.
Please don't tell me what is good or bad business as i am very successful thank you and have 2 bussiness."

I have never had to deal with anybody like him before and hope I never do in the future.
I will have nothing more to do with any dealings with this person.
Debbie

 

[diznygirl]

How rude! I would write him back and tell him that this is your last email to him before reporting him for fraud - when the location of the "alleged" stain will most certainly become very relevant!!!

Good luck!

 

[JANNYANS]

Please don't let this owner get away with it -it will give us all a bad reputation he has been exceptionally rude to you in his e mails and you should not have to stand for that.
just because the BBB has no record of complaints against his man co doesn't mean you can 't file one.In fact maybe you should so others will know what they are dealing with and can make sure they dont encounter the same problems.

 

[kylara]

If you paid the security fee by credit card, you might want to fight the charge and get the credit card company involved. I am sure they would find the position of the spot relevant.

 

[debden]

Hi Everyone, Well just to update: I have sent an e-mail and called the Management Company and e-mailed the owner.If I have not received a response by either come Friday I am going to report both of them to the Florida State Attorney Generals Office,the Better Business Bureau and the Dept. of Consumer Affairs.
I am requesting; the 'location' of the stain,'what kind' of stain it was and what products were used to 'remove' the stain that cost $100......
Thank you for your help,
Debbie

 

[dizneefamily5]

Good for you, debden!! Keep us posted! This is really feeding my concern about renting a pool home - maybe we should stick with Disney

 

[JANNYANS]

Please don't put all pool home owners in the same category as this one -we are not all the same and the majority do everything we can to help our guests enjoy their stay and put their minds at ease at every opportunity .

 

[SB in KY]

I would make sure the BBB had a copy of that doozie of an email he sent you also!! Thank you for pursuing this...it may save other families from being defrauded as well.

Anytime someone with holds security $$ and cannot provide documentation of the reason....something is rotten in Denmark!! For all we know they with hold $100 of every renters deposit!! Thank you for speaking up.

 

[mbb]

Please don't put all pool home owners in the same category as this one -we are not all the same and the majority do everything we can to help our guests enjoy their stay and put their minds at ease at every opportunity .

Our first experience with renting a villa was wonderful
The owner, and the Management/Development office were just great Lots of email contact, even a couple of phone calls.
www.vistaparkresort.com We rented http://www.vrbo.com/35531 this house.

So far, our rental process for our next trip has been excellent as well - the owner has been *really* helpful with everything...
http://www.onlinefloridavillas.com/Villas/1968.aspx

The discussion boards at www.orlandovillas.com are a wealth of information about renting a villa.

Good work Jann! You're the kind of owner everyone needs to "vacation" with!

Sorry for the thread hijack, debden Let us know what happens with the BBB and the MgmtCo And I'm glad you spoke up too - the house you stayed in was one we looked at as well.

 

[dizneefamily5]

I don't want to derail your thread either, but I appreciate ALL of the referrals of those who have stayed in pool homes and were happy. We have 3 kids and Disney rooms just get tighter every year We'd love to stay in a pool home but I have cold feet! I am going to search the forums for referrals and try to make my decision that way. It just makes me so nervous

 

[isla bonita]

Debden,
So sorry this has happened to you. I think what you are doing is the smart thing. Letting the BBB know. Being a home owner I can not imagine treating a guest like they have treated you. Hope you feel better about the situation after your letters are written.