4/10 Poor
Gregg W.
19 January 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy
Owner's Fickle Change of Lease a Month After Getting Our Group's $1000 Deposit Meant Two Couldn't Go
The listing stated the unit 'Sleeps 6' so I reserved with a $112 fee. The next day ReMax sent a lease which states "Only those designated in this agreement as Tenant shall occupy the unit unless written consent of the Agent is obtained." By phone ReMax assured me that my wife and I could host up to 4 guests for a total of 6 overnight occupants. Upon that assurance I signed the lease and paid a $1,000 security deposit.
A month later ReMax and I discussed by phone and email the beds for 6 overnight occupants and ReMax again assured me a total of 6 people could occupy the house overnight. Once more 2 weeks later ReMax further assured me 4 additional guests could accompany my wife and me in the house on any or all overnights as a group of 6 occupants.
The next day however ReMax's Property Manager informed me no more than 4 people could occupy the house on any overnight. I questioned what appeared to be a "bait 'n switch". As an explanation ReMax's Manager said the owner had recently experienced a troubleome group of occupants at one of the owner's other rental units, and as a result the owner had decided to allow no more than 4 overnight occupants during my group's stay. ReMax's Manager also indicated it was illegal for a group of more than 4 to stay overnight. She said if I canceled ReMax would charge me a $275 cancelation fee. After 7 weeks of planning for a group of 6, I was left with a choice of trying to find an additional rental for at least 2 people, or paying $275 to cancel and then trying to find alternative lodging for all 6 of us. ReMax's Property Manager empathetically offered that the VRBO description of 'Sleeps 6' was an error she intended to correct.
Despite my concern ReMax or the owner might again change our agreement, I cautiously proceeded with the house lease rather than suffer the consequences of canceling. Only 4 of us went; 2 bailed out.
Thankfully there have been no more surprises to date. Now - 17 days after vacating the house - ReMax assured me in writing it intends to refund my deposit in full. Nonetheless I remain anxious as I await a refund.
I don't intend to rent from this owner again. The substantial change of the lease at the owner's whim chilled any assurance the owner would perform its obligations. This rental experience has caused my group too much grief. I'll look elsewhere in the future. Whether ReMax refunds my security deposit will help me understand whether ReMax also is responsible for the bait 'n switch.
Gregg W.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2022
