We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

VRBO warning!!

Lowell, Michigan
Level Contributor
275 posts
3 reviews
VRBO warning!!
Save

I rented through VRBO (which I have done several times) and put down a $300 security deposit. We stayed the first week in April. As of right now I have not gotten it back and have not heard a word from them. I emailed several times and no repsonse. The unit was left in perfect condition so no chance they kept the money because of damage! Any suggestions??? Help we are talking about $385

UK
Destination Expert
for Florida
Level Contributor
52,114 posts
20 reviews
18 helpful votes
1. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

call them

Cleveland, Georgia
Level Contributor
486 posts
13 reviews
8 helpful votes
2. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

If you do not receive a response please contact VRBO and let them know that you are having problems. At least that way they may kick them off of the rental website so this will not happen to any one else. Also give it a bit and then post the vrbo # on this forum so again others won't be in the same boat. You may try to send them a certified letter and make sure the post office has them sign for it so you know they received it.

Wisconsin
Level Contributor
682 posts
10 reviews
13 helpful votes
3. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

Your warning should be about that particular owner, not VRBO in general. The vast majority of people, including myself, have had great luck using VRBO. I wouldn't vacation any other way. Sorry about your bad luck. Send an e-mail to VRBO and they'll try to help you with it.

UK
Destination Expert
for Florida
Level Contributor
52,114 posts
20 reviews
18 helpful votes
4. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

some owners, esp older ones don't check email each day. Or they are travelling and don't have a laptop. did you take out the VRBO insurance?

there could be legitimate reasons, and they could, like some, be waiting for their last utility bill. I routinely refund within 2 weeks and then get a stonking bill (like a double water bill of 19,000 gallons for one senior couple with no leak in sight!)

email is easy to miss, phone calls not so much. So call.

Harriman, Tennessee
Level Contributor
32 posts
193 reviews
106 helpful votes
5. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

I have rented from VRBO many times with great results. However I ran across a really bad owner this year in PCB. I did notify VRBO, however they could not do anything since I actually only had trouble renting from them. I was not allowed to post a negative on their site since I did not actually stay in the unit. It was VRBO 295721. Tamara Nelson was the owner. Very bad experience and dishonest person.

Most owners are great on VRBO. However I would definately report any problems with them to VRBO.

Austin, TX
4 posts
1 review
6. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

I was also defrauded out of a $300 property deposit by Tamara Nelson on the very same listing (beach front condo at the Edgewater Beach Resort in Panama City Beach). I had reserved for the week of June 5th-12th right after the oil rig explosion in the Gulf. After watching the news reports about the spreading oil slick, I called Tamara and expressed my concern about taking this vacation. She told me she was going to cancel my reservation and keep my deposit--which I told her was wrong. The call ended and a couple of days later she emailed me that she had someone eavesdrop on our phone conversation who would back her story up. It was an obvious attempt to try to intimidate me from trying to get my money back. She is a scumbag with no scruples or ethics. If anyone knows how to get her mailing address in PCB, I would love to know so that I can pursue legal action.

Bill

Austin, TX

Austin, TX
4 posts
1 review
7. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

Was the owner Tamara Nelson? She defrauded me out a $300 deposit and owns unit #1207 at Edgewater Tower I.

Louisville, KY
Level Contributor
108 posts
8. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

So I'm confused, back her side of what story?

Most places if you cancel beyond a certain date you forfeit a deposit.

UK
Destination Expert
for Florida
Level Contributor
52,114 posts
20 reviews
18 helpful votes
9. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

If you cancelled because of the oil spill, in which not a drop has yet arrived on any FL beach, not to mention PCB- then she witheld the deposit legally.

If and when oil arrives, I would expect she like others might offer a rescehduled vacation for another week later on or even a refund.

Asking an owner to refund you months or weeks in advacne when the oil spill is not affedcting FL is unreasonable.

Austin, TX
4 posts
1 review
10. Re: VRBO warning!!
Save

I NEVER CANCELLED!!!!!!!! She cancelled, re-booked the condo and kept my deposit! She illegally had someone listen into our phone conversation and threatened extortion by using this person as a "witness" against me.

Life is simple. Treat others as you yourself would want to be treated. It's called the Golden Rule. When you engage in sleazy, shady, business practices, it's only a matter of time before it catches up to you.

I once sold a used SUV to a young couple. The transmission went out 1 week after I sold it to them. I didn't have the money, but I sent them a check for $1,000 to get a new transmission put in. Legally I didn't have to do that, but I did it because it was the right thing to do. Condo owners who defraud renters are no better than common criminals who cheat or steal.

Get answers to your questions about Panama City Beach
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.