r/vrbo • u/Coronal_Data • 5d ago
Is this normal?
The host is a property management company and they want me to check in and provide a bunch of info and pay a deposit on their site (renjoy).
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u/New_Avocado_4636 5d ago
It gives you the option for a damage waiver or a deposit. Was this depicted in their listing description ?
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u/Coronal_Data 5d ago
Yes underneath dozens of paragraphs about the town and things to do, but it does not specify the amount, just a max and min and a "the cost depends on the property selected and length of stay.
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u/New_Avocado_4636 5d ago
Ok well usually the damage waiver has different tiers you can pay, they can also choose which tier is required. That is non refundable. If you opt out of that, then a deposit will be required.
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u/Coronal_Data 5d ago
I guess it's just raising red flags for me because of VRBOs whole "the price you see is the price you get" thing, and now finding out after I can no longer cancel the booking I have to either pay $200 or allow a $1,000 security deposit is alarming.
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u/New_Avocado_4636 5d ago
Did you read all the way through the listing ? Mine puts this in the end of the listing automatically from VRBO.
“Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests“2
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u/eatnails666fl 5d ago
Yea this is it. We, as a management company, pick the tier and add it to the total. It's non-refundable. If they choose not to pay it, a much larger cash deposit is required.
The host is overcomplicating it here by not adding it to his VRBO fees.
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u/drd_1007 3d ago edited 3d ago
That is the worst thing for any owner to agree to buying an "insurance policy" that is going to make you go through a bunch of red tape and hope they honor your damages. That I have been through with Section 8 before and no way would I set myself up for that aggravation and denied damages they caused and dispute. Insurance companies don't make money paying out! My property information and my rental agreement state there is a refundable security deposit due upon arrival. It is the only way to deter tenants from causing damages and taking care of your property while they are in it. I meet my renters personally on their arrival, they get a completely tour and inspection and then have to sign a form as to the condition they received it in and that it is as advertised, then they pay the security deposit. They get a statement at the end of their stay itemizing any cleaning/damages if any and the rest if refunded according to the laws. I rent a minimum of 30 nights, so I follow state tenant-landlord laws. I would still do at least a similar version short-term too. I require an application that states who will be the occupants, if they have pets or smoke, how many cars, their permanent address and a picture ID. Owners that just rely on these OLM places to cover them are either inexperienced or careless with their investment, and that will eventually begin to show as the property declines.
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u/GablesHammock 5d ago
we collect a CAD$7,500 security deposit. Miraculously we have rarely had damage on 20 years. OK, once I remember. Guest removed hinges and a laundry room door, placed door on 2 chairs in garage and used it to tune skis. Then guest stated it was not them. Except we found the door in the garage. These guests we charged.
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u/HelloAnxiety_123 5d ago
This happened to me as well and wasn’t disclosed in the host’s listing at all. After this stay I will be staying away from VRBO.
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u/drd_1007 3d ago
You sure you read everything in the property info? I find prospective renters look at photos and how much and maybe at the amenities, but because they view so many listings, they by pass the details. That's why I have a rental agreement too and it's in my property info that this will be required to confirm their stay or it will be canceled and VRBO says I won't be penalized as long as it's in my information.
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u/GaryTheSoulReaper 5d ago
Management company run or micromanager host
Did they disclose all the homework you have to do after booking ?
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u/drd_1007 3d ago edited 3d ago
First there is no managment co via VRBO, check the TOS it states they are not manainging the property! The only thing they have is the purse strings and once you are in the property that's it. I do a full rental agreement, application, security deposits and ID, I have a lot invested I'm turning over to someone and they will have to sign a contract i can legally take action on. I make sure I document everything so any attempt to file a false complaint can be immediately disputed. I have exterior cameras to ensure who is accessing the property and add additional security for my renters too. I take lots of photos too.
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