Please help--Villa owner Misrepresented himself

[maps]

Hi
I need some help. I have a home that I rented from vrbo several months ago after much research.

I specifically rented this home in Emerald Island because the owner told me he had a security alarm on the villa which was our number one priority.

I still have the email from him telling me that he has an alarm all over the house.

One month before our trip and he tells me there is no alarm but not to worry about it--WHAT?!!!

He has all of our money and deposit and I don't know what to do. I want to call him right now but I know he's probabaly asleep (he's in the UK) and the management company is closed.

What recourse do I have? I'm so devasted right now because all my hard work and now I'm back to square one. We will not stay there because we want an alarm.

Does anyone know where I could find a home at such last minute?

thanks

 

[jinglesmountjoy]

Try...
vacationrentals.com
cyberrentals.com
villadirect.com (this is a company that owns many homes in area. But when you have so much money tied up in equity, you need to rent...especially in low season)

1. vacationrentals.com
2. cyberrentals.com
3. villadirect.com (company owns a LOT of homes on many properties including the one you were booked into. That's a lot of money tied up in equity, so you might get a deal at this time of year with rentals not being at their peak.

I booked through vacationrentals.com but have yet to go (Feb 3) but so far, the people seem very nice and forthcoming.

Regarding your current rental...if he denies telling you there was an alarm, you simply email him a copy of his original email stating the presence of an alarm. Then, POLITELY suggest that perhaps he confused the home with another one of his properties and you have included the original email so he understands that you have a legitimate and understandable reason for requesting your full amount back (the alarm is an important feature).

If he accepts that he has misled you but is refusing a full refund, email him a copy of the original and remind him that rental web sites frown upon misrepresentaion and you will contact not only VRBO.com but also all other US based and UK based rental sites with the original email and he'll be yanked...get it...yanked. C'mon...he's British...your American...yanked...oh forget it.

If you don't think that will work, just let him know the reason you need the alarm is because you're hosting a 'Risky Business' party for the week and with all the money that will eventually be there and people coming and going, you don't need to take the chance. The chance that the one night you have to go out and round up new 'female talent' at mid-week, one of your first week clients will seize the opportunity.

Then assure him that you will have all the legal permits for the party and...

...not to worry about it...

!!!!

 

[minijeanie]

Personally,


I don't get it?

are you bringing $$$$ of jewels with you?
why are you so dead set against not having an alarm
Normally, there is not one in hotels
I realize this person told you there was one and if you really need to have a safe.
book a hotel room which has a safe in each and every room

 

[CarolA]

I have to be honest. I have rented a lot of condos and never gotten one with an alarm... This could be hard to find anyplace.

Most police depts charge for "false" alarms which would make owners very unlikely to want to put on an alarm that someone who doesnt' know how to use will set off!

 

[HappyLawyer]

Personally,


I don't get it?

are you bringing $$$$ of jewels with you?
why are you so dead set against not having an alarm
Normally, there is not one in hotels
I realize this person told you there was one and if you really need to have a safe.
book a hotel room which has a safe in each and every room

it really does not matter, if that is what they want and paid for then that is what they should get, it really is no ones business why.

 

[minnie29uk]

Hi!
This is not on.You had your criterion and if he misrepresented thats not fair.Have you contacted the site you booked through?
My home does have an alarm,but I did have a guest who wanted to hire a safe for the duration of his stay.Ill see if I can find who he used and post on here later.
If he is not prepared to refund your money - you dont really want to pay for another villa.
Hope you get it sorted,

Lynn

 

[debden]

it really does not matter, if that is what they want and paid for then that is what they should get, it really is no ones business why.

IAT!!!

 

[ujpest_doza]

Emerald Island is a Gated Community with a 24 hour security guard on the gates.
You cannotm gain access to the community unless you are allowed to be there ie a guest or registered management company employee.

An alarm really isn't needed.

(it ain't my house though )

 

[swilshire]

Even though I agree it's none of our business WHY you want an alarm and the renter should have provided what was promised, I was also a bit puzzled. I've stayed all over Orlando and have never felt unsafe. I'm sure there are bad areas, but I would avoid them alarm or no alarm.

Unless you are bringing along something especially valuable, I'd just try for a rent reduction because of the problem and stay where I'd booked rather than start looking again. But that's just me.

JMHO.

Sheila

 

[maps]

Thanks for your responses. So far the owner has told me that he has mixed up the 3 of his villas by accident and he tried to get me into another one but couldn't.

The reason for the alarm is a pesonal one and it's not to protect my valuables.

 

[jenks0718]

Thanks for your responses. So far the owner has told me that he has mixed up the 3 of his villas by accident and he tried to get me into another one but couldn't.

The reason for the alarm is a pesonal one and it's not to protect my valuables.

I agree that it is a personal thing. Why you want one wasnt the question. Best of luck to you.

 

[3kidsmommy]

There are so many reasons to want an alarm! Take me for instance...we have one on our home and live in a very small town in a very safe neighborhood where everyone knows everyone. BUT--my 7yo has autism and is prone to wandering if something catches his eye. During the day, this isn't an issue--he is a momma's boy and stays near me. Because his room is near the front door, nighttime is an issue. So, we set the alarm at NO DELAY and if he tries to get out, we know it! The police do still drive by, but are well aware of WHY we have the alarm and are glad that we are taking our son's safety into account. So...see...so many different reasons for wanting an alarm! To the OP--hope you either get a refund or the villa you wanted!

 

[kilee]

First, I think it's awful that the guy said he had the alarm and now does not.

That aside-- you do need to be aware it's going to be difficult to find a house w/ an alaram. So, you may not want to go this route.

Also, for someone who mentioned the gated communities----umm--don't let that fool you into safety please. I just don't want people to let their guards down. We've stayed in Emerald Island. We had family staying in hotels too. They were only stopped 1/4 of the time to ask why they were coming in (they were spread out over 4 cars so it's not like it was the same car over and over). They didn't have passes. So, realistically it's there more for show than effectiveness.

 

[Brian Noble]

Seems like an honest misunderstanding. Get him to commit to a refund if you can find another house that is suitable. There is an off chance that you won't find one---so you'll need to think about what you'll do in that situation.

 

[maps]

Thanks for your support.

Well, I told him I was upset about his misrepresentation and he apologized for his "genuine mistake", told me his other houses were occupied and he'd give us $50 for the "inconvenience".

He said he planned to put the alarm in this winter but the alarm people didn't show up. I asked then if he would consider putting it in before our stay in one month since he was planning to put it in anyway. He said the house was fully booked (which accoding to his website, is not) and his offer was more than fair. Unfortunately, the tone of the last email was not as friendly as his others and he hasn't called me even though I have asked him to twice--I don't have his number.

Since we are going during a busy week, there doesn't seem to be much available, let alone with an alarm. Therefore, we'll probably end up going.

Now I'm concerned that he'll find a way not to return our deposit. It's a leap of faith to deal directly with owners and now I don't think I'll do it again. I know not all of them are like that (had a great experience last year) but I can't risk the uncertainty again.

Anyone know if I can get the management company to come when we check out to evaluate the house? That way I can prove we left the house the way we found it. I usually take pictures and video tape the house when we leave but I just don't feel I can trust this guy anymore.

 

[bvc314]

Hi maps,
I also have a problem with a vrbo home owner ...this is in Williamsburg, not Orlando. It can be very frustrating. It's amazing how they can go from being so very nice to not so nice! I've learned my lesson. I'll will be booking through a company that I used in the past from now on!
Good Luck!

 

[JANNYANS]

Maps- I am sorry you have been let down by this owner and hope you manage to find a satisfactory solution to your dilema. Ask the management company to be present when you check out and maybe get them to sign a release document saying the home is in good repair and just ensure they check the place over to your satisfaction.
I know you have reasons for needing an alarm -but try not to let it become the focus of your trip as you won't enjoy your self on your undoubtedly well deserved vacation.

 

[Brian Noble]

Maps: seeing as how you don't really want to look for another home, here's a way you can make the best of it. Send him a quick note that you understand that he can't get the alarm installed, you appreciate the $50 credit gesture, and you're looking forward to your vacation.

That will help put him in a better mood about the whole thing, and minimize the chances of something done in spite.

In any event, if his management company is at all reputable, their post-occupancy inspection won't be influenced by any requests on the part of the owner to "check very carefully." If you are taking pictures before departure anyway, you should have everything you need.

The reason I suggest this: if you push him too far, he's going to just refund your money and tell you to look elsewhere for your lodging, because he'd just rather not deal with you. This is not what you want.

The only other suggestion I can make is to consider offering to pay him a bit more for your week if "he can find some way" to install it. Depending on how important it is to you, this might be worth it for peace of mind. It also helps the owner see that you're not trying to take advantage of the situation.

Of course, you shouldn't have to do either of these things, but, again, I'd try to make the best of it I could.

 

[Brian Noble]

Depending on what you need the alarm for, you could also consider getting one or more of these products:

http://www.quakepro.com/SafetyTech/alarm.htm

 

[kilee]

I think you got a lot of good advice here. I am sorry the guy misrepresented the home. That is awful. Just like anyplace there is always at least 1 bad apple.