Sounds weird...need advice

[Halloweenqueen]

First thanks in advance to responders, I really need some help.

I have a huge family, so we often rent houses on the beach, so I immediately looked into renting a home during our first WDW trip.

I found the perfect home, put in a deposit, then waited for a response or receipt. I finally called the home owners (wife) who told me everything was fine and that they were just too busy to respond. Two days after that conversation the husband calls and tells me there has been a mistake and my dates won't work. It takes me close to two weeks to get my deposit back.

I start from scratch. I find another house with the available dates. The house's booking information states that they need a $250 deposit with the payment in full by 8 days before arrival. It is a home that has returned to the rental market.

I sign on. I later get a confirmation email stating that the deposit would now be 10% of the balance with the balance remaining due 8 weeks before arrival.

I call the management company (have a hard time getting in touch with a live person). They tell me that they need the 10% immediately. I pay via credit card and ask for a receipt via email or mail. I call back because I never received anything. Still nothing at this point.

Now I think it is lousy that they changed the policy. (they tell me the website is outdated and they have changed it since)

Anyway, I receive an email yesterday stating the entire balance is now due today. It also states that I need to do nothing since they already have my credit card.

First, the balance should reflect the 10% I already paid. Plus I was told I could send a check or money order for the balance since the credit card would have an additional 3% fee. I call the management company, but only get a reservationist who thinks the 10% was a deposit outside the balance, actually in addition to the total reservation.

I have a call into the homeowner and management company asking them not to charge my credit card until I discuss this with them.

I've looked into a lot of management company policies this morning and most state 30, 45, or 60 days before arrival. All these changes have me worried, especially since I've already been burned before.

Does this sound fishy? I don't feel comfortable proceeding with this if I don't have anything in writing. I was told that I would receive a four digit code to enter the house a week before we get there.

I would be a nervous wreck if I only have a code to get into a house with nothing to prove I have paid for the rental.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[A&CsMom]

I have only rented two homes, and from the same person, but here's my take. 60 days is pretty much the same as 8 weeks, and we pay our balance 8 weeks in advance as well. We do pay a refundable deposit of $300 on top of the full price, which we receive back within 2 weeks of our return home. The homeowner we deal with e-mails us our invoice showing we have paid the whole amount after she receives our full payment 8 weeks out, and she also sends us our door code. So some of what is going on seems ok, but I agree they should send you a receipt or something.

 

[isla bonita]

Because they are all owned individually it is hard to say there are any hard and fast rules. They should be in contact with you at all times. It is not good business practice to ignore a guest.
They should have informed you of there new policies, sent you a copy of the new policy, given you something in print that you have paid and so on. Again if they are away or just neglegent it is hard to say.
I would talk directly to the owner and explain everything and see what they say. Any one who is answering questions should have a clue. JMHO
I am sorry you have had any problems it should not be so. The process should not be this painful.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Thanks everyone!

I just received an email from the homeowner. He was surprised that I did not receive anything from the management company. He tells me he will make it right.

Hopefully it all looks like it will end well.

Maybe I should bring our tent just in case.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I haven't rented a home, but your thread caught my attention. If it were me, I'd notify my credit card company now to inform them of the situation. They can better advise you of how to proceed. They may refuse the additional charge without your approval, or let it go through then you can dispute it, if you haven't agreed to the terms. Retain proof of the website stating conditions other than what they are now requiring. Personally, I wouldn't send them a check or money order, unless I had good communication with them & felt comfortable with the transaction. I definitely wouldn't, without getting a receipt for the deposit 1st. If you don't get a receipt for one transaction, how can you be sure you'll get one for the entire amount? Using a CC as payment, is the safest route to take.

ETA: I'm glad you got it straightened out. I started posting a while ago, but got distracted.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Thanks. That's exactly why my husband told me to pay via credit card, not money order/check.

I still haven't heard back from the managment company. I've actually started to look to alternatives if they don't contact me soon.

 

[mbb]

Just going to pop this downstairs for you - and hope everyhting is

 

[horseshowmom]

Thanks. That's exactly why my husband told me to pay via credit card, not money order/check.

I still haven't heard back from the managment company. I've actually started to look to alternatives if they don't contact me soon.

I'm really sorry you've had so much trouble. I know it can happen sometimes. I've rented quite a few houses and have been blessed to have very little trouble (none ahead of time). We love renting houses or condos and wouldn't go back to renting a hotel room. I think you'll love it when you actually get there.

Since I generally prefer to book just a month or so before leaving (to get cheap rates), I can't speak to the timeframe (8 weeks) you're talking about, but I usually do have to pay in full when I book my property.

I agree about the credit card. While I'm sure that the vast majority of homeowners are legitimate and honest, I only rent from owners who take a credit card (for my own protection). I would never pay by check/money order/etc. That way I have some recourse if I do have a problem.

Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Update: Just wanted to thank everyone again. I paid via the credit card and think everything will work out.