Margaret Barry Owner Of Hummingbird House cottage rental scam Lakeside Michigan

I located the cottage rental on the Harbor Country Michigan web site . I was pleased to know that the owner represented herself as a proud member of the chamber since 2006; therefore, I felt confident to stay at the cottage. Unfortunately, the web site poorly misrepresents the actual findings as stated below:

On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, my husband and I, along with 2 small dogs arrived at the Hummingbird House cottage at approx. 5:20 EST. Upon our arrival, we immediately noticed the unkept property which did not include the outside property items listed: Adirondack Chairs and Chimenea (outdoor fireplace). There was an old wrought iron table and chairs, and a wooden swing under some trees infested with bugs that had a broken, wooden seat. The weeds covered the outside of the door and the screen door was infested with insects. The blinds on one of the main windows were missing so there was no privacy in the main living area.

As we entered the cottage, I immediately noticed dirt on all the floors. It possessed a strange, musty stench. The kitchen area was filthy. The sink contained remnants of dinner. The refrigerator contained sliced watermelon uncovered in a plate and open food items. I am not sure if the cottage was cleaned prior to our arrival. The utensils were dirty and had food caked on them. I was told dish liquid and towels were provided; however only approx. 2 tablespoons was left in the container, and a few sheets of paper towels remained.

The web site advertised air conditioning. However, once the rental agreement was signed, the owner told me that she would need to have an air conditioner installed. She stated that it would be unusual to need air conditioning, anyway. However, since we were experiencing near 90 degree weather, we insisted on the air conditioner. The air conditioner was very dirty (appeared removed from storage or someone's garage). It was installed with a large opening on the side where mosquitoes came in and someone from the outside could see through. We stuffed paper towels in the openings at the side and bottom to secure. The air conditioner was installed above the kitchen sink and wired to the microwave on an extension outlet. The wiring was so faulty that if you used both appliances at once, the microwave would “kick out.” You had to turn the air conditioner on with the rusty pliers provided on the counter.

My husband refused to use the air conditioner unless we were in the room because of the faulty wiring. More alarming, is we later we noticed that both smoke detectors in the front room and bedroom had been disabled. The front room was filled with candles, even inside the glass panes of the windows in the front room. This is an accident waiting to happen!

The bathroom was filthy. There were old tissues left in the bathroom garbage, dirt on the floor and the tub was infested with insects. Thankfully, we were told to bring our own towels/washcloths and sheets.

Immediately upon our arrival, I called Margaret, the owner and told her the problems with the air conditioner and cleanliness of the cottage. I expressed concern that the cottage had not been cleaned from the other party. She acted as if she didn't believe me, dismissed my concerns. I also told her about the air conditioner. She said that someone installed it for us that day and that she assumed it was okay. I knew there would be no negotiation by her tone. If she had offered for us to leave with our money back, I would have gladly returned home. However, it was clear that she would not accept such idea.

The next day, Margaret, the owner, left a message on my cell phone. I was so upset that I did not want to return the call. My husband and I simply agreed to make the best of the situation. On the morning of our departure, Friday, August 1, the owner attempted to call my cell phone again. Shortly thereafter, a woman arrived on the property. My husband had left to go on a bike ride and I was alone. I was startled to see a strange woman peering into the window. She did not announce herself until after my dogs started barking at her. At that point, I gathered up my dogs and put them in the crates which they were staying. I did not open the door but looked through the window at her. The woman grabbed the hose in the yard and yelled, “I'm here to water the flowers.” She only stayed by the flower beds for a brief moment and left. I know for a fact that my dogs were crated for the whole visit, except when we were with them in the room. They were not allowed to roam and were crated each evening. We have stayed many places and have received our security deposit returned promptly. And, in much nicer establishments.

We proceeded to leave that morning about an hour early. We were told that there would be another party coming in right after us that day. We followed all the rental guidelines.

I left the cottage in better condition than I found it. My husband put the trash out by the curb as told to do. It was sickening when we took out the trash because the container was filthy at the bottom and smeller rancid from earlier. I washed all dishes and cleaned the counter well. I returned all items back in their place in the bedroom and front room. I did not have further contact with the owner. On Monday, I received the security deposit of 100.00 in the mail from the owner. It was not until Thursday, August 7, that I received an email from the owner that she had put a hold on the check due to problems from our visit.

**Of particular note: On the rental agreement under the pets section, the owner states, “Anxious dogs with separation anxiety tend to scratch the beautiful knotty-pine walls.” Since I know that I was with my dogs throughout our entire visit and the dogs were crated at night and during our absence, I am confident that any scratches were not caused by my dogs.

Anonymous
Chicago burbs, Illinois
U.S.A.