Update 11/3 ~ Anyone else have an owner just cancel reservation?

[aljjgfamily]

Please delete

 

[Freaky]

That really is not good business practice by the owners! Once you have taken a booking you shouldn't just bump them cause a longer one comes along. Perhaps though they are having to do repairs but that seems odd as your booking is still a number of months away - you would think the repairs would be being done now rather than during a busier time

Good luck finding a replacement home

Tracey

 

[Sunrisedream]

Many communities have their own owners forums - could they not help find you an alternative?

 

[JANNYANS]

Sorry you have been treated this way by an owner but maybe if the villa did need repairs you will be better off out of it -never the less it is not a good way to do business in the current market.I hope you find an alternative soon.

 

[Sillyminny40]

Just to let you know, we had a vrbo and when we arrived repairs were ongoing. They booked us into a BETTER place but boy were we lucky. You should find if they have a bigger group...

I agree, they should have found you an alternative....maybe better off not with them....

 

[aljjgfamily]

Bumping for update.

 

[dis-happy]

Have you tried emailing them back and asking what the deal is? Did you have a contract when you first booked? If so, I'd tell them you want the contract honored or you will be contacting whoever in the state to file a complaint (guess you'll have to research this to find out what would be most effective). Also, why wouldn't you post the names? Maybe it will turn up on a google search so the next person won't be so quick to rent from them. Personally, I'd be pretty mad, and wouldn't go down without a fight. Good luck.


PS. They should at least offer you $100. or so for the inconvenience they have caused you. Of course, all this is predicated on the fact that the place isn't under repair but is actually being rented to someone else.

 

[Freyja]

Wow. Unbelievable. Had you already paid a deposit?

 

[aljjgfamily]

:

Have you tried emailing them back and asking what the deal is? Did you have a contract when you first booked? If so, I'd tell them you want the contract honored or you will be contacting whoever in the state to file a complaint (guess you'll have to research this to find out what would be most effective). Also, why wouldn't you post the names? Maybe it will turn up on a google search so the next person won't be so quick to rent from them. Personally, I'd be pretty mad, and wouldn't go down without a fight. Good luck.


PS. They should at least offer you $100. or so for the inconvenience they have caused you. Of course, all this is predicated on the fact that the place isn't under repair but is actually being rented to someone else.

 

[JANNYANS]

Contact VRBO and inform them of what has happened they may look into removing the home form the site.

 

[Freaky]

Sorry I may have picked this up wrong - has the home owner not refunded your deposit? If you booked via VRBO did you use their 'Rent with Confidence' scheme as they may be able to assist you in some way.

With the owners being here in the UK there really is no-one to contact here as they operate the business in Florida. They must have a local management company in Orlando who may be able to help and at least explain what is going on.

At the very least I would have expected them to have arranged another alternative home for you via their owners network in the sub-division - meaning you don't have the hassle of finding another home.

Tracey

 

[aljjgfamily]

please delete

 

[Freaky]

At least you have not lost any money! Finding another property with everything you want and within your budget when you thought everything was sorted is just a nightmare. Good luck with your search

 

[dis-happy]

Unless they are doing all their rentals under the table (which I doubt since they are on VRBO and there is a record of their activity) I'd assume they have a FL business license and an account with the tax dept. for rental sales tax and occupancy fees, not to mention their contract with VRBO. You can place a complaint with the BBB and also the state AG office, not to mention VRBO itself. Email the owner and ask what gives. Tell them you are not satisfied that they cancelled your contract while saying the place is uninhabitable until next Jan. yet they told your friend there was availability in Nov, not to mention some of your original dates are still available. Tell them that if there isn't resolution you will be filing a complaint to the state of FL, VRBO, not to mention letting your internet friends know how they conducted business toward you. Mention that you put a lot of time and effort into finding the rental, sent in a deposit in good faith, had a contract, and now are having to put more and effort into finding another place on short notice. Really, they should compensate you for the inconvenience.

 

[kilee]

I'm sorry they did that to you. I'm thinking with the simple fact that they've refunded the deposit, there isn't going to be much you can do in all honesty. They MIGHT have a legitimate reason. They might not......

Unfortunately, there are some bad apples out there. I don't know what to make of it for sure. If they were running a scam I doubt they'd of refunded you. So, I'm thinking they are just bad business people.

 

[aljjgfamily]

 

[isla bonita]

Hope all works out. Not so nice business practice thats for sure.

 

[leebee]

Is it possible that they are having some sort of repair done and the contractor has given them dates X through Y, so they've posted them as "unavailable" on their calendar? It would look as though the unit is rented, when it is really under construction. That would also explain why your friend could rent it in November- that'd be before the repairs are scheduled to begin. Just trying to think of a legit reason you've been cancelled. The returned deposit makes it look like something real, not a fishy situation.

 

[aljjgfamily]

please delete

Is it possible that they are having some sort of repair done and the contractor has given them dates X through Y, so they've posted them as "unavailable" on their calendar? It would look as though the unit is rented, when it is really under construction. That would also explain why your friend could rent it in November- that'd be before the repairs are scheduled to begin. Just trying to think of a legit reason you've been cancelled. The returned deposit makes it look like something real, not a fishy situation.

 

[Chelley00]

Just be glad they refunded your deposit so quickly and you didn't have to fight them for it. There are TONS of villas/condos for rent in the area. I'm sure you won't have a problem finding another. We also rent in Sunset Lakes, so if you are looking for another in that area, I can let you know where we stay and you can check to see if they are available.