Having rented before, I expecting the standard: conversation with host prior to the stay, check in directions, etc. No such thing happened.. There was no conversation prior and the only information made available was located on the VRBO app (WIFI login, Lock Box, code, and brief Check-Out Instructions). There were no directions, signs, etc. in the home whatsoever.
Overall our stay at the home was pleasant. The pool was nice and their neighbor who services the pool came over to clean it and offered to turn the heater up for the rest of our stay.
Upon leaving we followed the check-out instructions. We removed all bedding and towels, emptied all trash into the outdoor cans (unable to pull to the curb due to padlock on gate), ran the dishwasher.
However later the owner (lives out of state) called and accused us of leaving her home in the worst condition ever and of stealing towels. Neither of those statements were true and she threatened to take our deposit. She then accused us of going through her personal things in her garage, which was false. We moved a fold up table from the garage to the yard but realized it was a low table and did not use it. At no time were we ever instructed to not enter the garage or move anything out of it (Perhaps a sign on the door would work if you donât want it opened?). She also said we were out partying in the yard till 4 am which is false. Our concerts got out late but we did not spend time in the yard after returning to the property. We never heard from a single neighbor during our stay besides the pool man.
After trying to make contact a few times to try to talk through what appeared to be a large misunderstanding, I received a voicemail from her telling me all of the towels were accounted for and that the cleaning was no more than normal. I apologized for moving the table even though it was unclear that the item was off limits.
The owner never apologized for these false accusations and proceeded to accuse us of exceeding the guest limit. For the first 3 nights of our stay we had 4 total guests. The final 2 days we had the final couple show up bringing out total to 6 guests (house sleeps 8). I originally
reserved the house for 5 but we had one more join us for our annual trip. At this point it seems as if the owner was looking something to complain about.
Our group was made up of 2 first responders, 2 teachers, a camp counselor, and mom. We donât trash homes. We will never rent from this host again.