Vacation rental damage deposit question....

[zeke11]

We recently stayed at a condo on the beach - the building was by no means a new building, nor was it deluxe. We were satisfied because it was on the beach, that's all we wanted.

Our payment included a $250 damage deposit. When we returned home, the condo owners (this was not rented through a management company or agency) emailed us asking if we had an "accident with the closet door." I sincerely had no idea what they were talking about. I hadn't even used their closet other than to toss our suitcases in after we had unpacked and put our clothes in the drawers.

I responded to the email that I was puzzled about their question. There was no response from them.

So I asked my husband if he noticed a problem with the closet door. He said that in fact, he did. It was a louvre style door, most likely original equipment. He noticed that at the top of the door, the louvres were beginning to separate from the top wooden frame. It appeared to be a case of wear and tear had finally gotten the best of the doors and the glue was coming undone. He said he could have fit it back together, but didn't want to mess with it so he left the door partially ajar to cut down on the use. It didn't matter, we weren't using the closet anyway. He didn't even mention it to me.

So having received no response to my question, I sent another email to the owners explaining exactly the way I did above. I also added that we have been renting condos, cottages etc. for 25 years with all our kids and have never once damaged any property and we are very conscientious and considerate renters.

This last email was sent almost a week ago - no response.

I'm beginning to think they are going to keep our damage deposit becasue of the closet issue.

What do you think? I guess we don't have a case here, but do you think that would be fair? I'm really going to be turned off on renting from private owners if they use damage deposits to fix wear/tear issues. Suppose the microwave had gone out while we were there? Would they charge us to purchase a new one??

Opinions, please, woujld be appreciated.

Thank you,
Kris

 

[dakcp2001]

I would wait and see if they plan to charge you.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I know if I do rentals I always take a walk through to make sure there is at least no major visible damages and take pictures as well. That way it covers you in some reguards. At this point as pp said just wait to see if you hear back from them. Give them a reasonable amount of time to get back with you. But save everything, emails any pics you may already have. Hope it all works out for you.

 

[DrCavin]

Does your contract specify how long on returning of the deposit? Most of mine say 30 days, usually show up in about 2 weeks after stay is over.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My parents have a rental vacation home. They've never charged a security deposit except many years ago when they rented it for a time as a permanent residence. For weekly renters, they only charge the nightly rental fee, room tax (required by the city) and a cleaning fee. Sometimes little things get damaged. Some renters contact my parents and let them know what happened and offer to pay for it. If they don't come forward, the cleaning lady checks the place after every renter and notes any damage. Usually, my parents don't bill the renter unless it's something major. They figure small repairs are part of the price of doing business.

If the owners try to charge you for the closet door, it's really your word against theirs. It could be that they haven't been to the house in a while and didn't know the closet door was broken and the cleaning person didn't notice or report it. If they want to get your business again in the future or have you recommend their place to friends, they should give you the benefit of the doubt and return your entire deposit.

I would definitely write them a detailed letter explaining the condition of the closet door when you arrived. That would give you some documentation in case you need it. I guess this is a lesson to everyone to do a walk-through of any rental before moving in and taking pictures of any pre-existing damage. I hope it works out for you!

 

[Luvchefmic]

I would call them if you have a number at this point