MBVacation Sunset Red Condo, Andy Caldwell Scammed out of Security Deposit Atlanta, Georgia

Id like to mention a few points for our potential future guests to consider:

1.       During 2012 we have withheld 5.1% of security deposits (so refunded 94.9%).

2.       Our security deposits are small and nearly always do not cover the cost of damages, but are designed as a financial incentive for the guest to respect the property.  Renting out real estate and not operating with a security deposit results in damaged and run-down property.  Unfortunately this is a sad fact of the industry.

3.       We try not to withhold security deposits as it nearly always causes problems.  80% of guests having security deposits withheld proactively try to harm us further.

These particular guests the Hultin Family (Tracy and Dan Hultin):

Our instructions are very clear in that if a guest is unhappy at check in to call the manager so that we have time to address any issues.  This group did not call at all during their vacation.  They did call several times after their vacation and I took all of their calls but informed them I would respond via email as to why their deposit was being withheld.  I did respond and forwarded pictures to them of the damage they had caused.

Why their deposit was withheld:

The property is non-smoking.  The contract clearly states this and mentions the deductible should the group smoke.  This group smoked in the property.  They also spat or spilled chewing tobacco dip down a bedroom wall that needed to be cleaned and touch up painted as the paint wore off the wall when the cleaners tried to magic eraser the mark off.  This expense (smoking and painting) alone exceeded this groups security deposit.

The group spilled purple liquid on the couches in three places.  They also attempted to hide the spillage by turning over the cushions.  Fortunately we use removable covers so we could replace them with spares for the next guest.

The cleaners charged a significant additional cleaning fee because of the amount of sand left in the property; floors, washer, dishwasher and some beds.  The cleaners mentioned they had never seen as much sand in the unit.  Interestingly, the group spokesman, Dan Hultin, replied to this comment by saying that we should expect this.  Perhaps if they had exercised a little care, not smoked inside and kept their children in check while on vacation they would have had their deposit returned.  94.9% of our other guests do.

(Other notes on the Hultin family:  They were habitually late with payments on their payment plan for their vacation.  They also reduced their vacation from seven days to six days and were discounted and refunded 1.3 times what their security deposit fee was.  At no point were their calls not returned.  At no point were they told a check is in the mail.  We do accept credit cards.  The Hultins received extra discount by mailing in payments, all be it late.  Master/Visa /Discover do not honor loss, theft or damage, so CC security deposits are not really a viable business option.  We do however use them for our repeat guests that have looked after the property).

Sincerely

Andy