Vacation Rental "etiquette"

Little Bear · 05-29-2014, 10:22 AM

I would contact the Consumer Protection Division at the Attorney General's Office in Concord. NH has very specific Landlord/Tenant laws, which may prohibit what actions the property owners have taken.

http://doj.nh.gov/consumer/sourcebook/renting.htm

salty dog · 05-29-2014, 11:37 AM

This definitely sounds like a bad way to do business, although it sounds like the owners will no longer be doing any. I wonder how many other regular renters were given the same treatment? Too bad you couldn't get in touch with any of them to confer. We've been renting in West Alton for the past 4 seasons and go through Curry Realtors who have always been pleasant and forthcoming to deal with. I think we just got lucky with this place, especially with allowing Sadie, our dog, to stay. It's quaint but comfortable and always clean. There's a $50 cleaning fee and the cabin is cleaned each week at the turnover. I think this is reasonable and sort of provides a baseline for each renter coming in because it's always cleaned the same way. The same people rent each year; everything always looks as it did last stay and we've never seen any damage that we can tell. We turn our key in at the end of the week and reserve then for the next season, and our security deposit is returned within a month. We get an email in January with an attached bill for one half the rental fee which we mail in, the balance due when we pick up the key that summer. It's a shame this has happened to you, especially at this late date when it may be difficult to find a place available. Taking legal action is certainly an option but at what cost in man hours, legal costs and "agita"? Good luck in whatever you decide and in finding an alternate vacation spot.

codeman671 · 05-29-2014, 02:25 PM

When we were doing rentals we notified the renters the same day they checked out if there was damage and dealt with it accordingly. We had 2 instances where partial or full security deposits were kept.

I think leaving your security deposit out there from year to year was a mistake, granted the way that the owner handled it was far from proper as well.

WakeboardMom · 05-30-2014, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

When we were doing rentals we notified the renters the same day they checked out if there was damage and dealt with it accordingly. We had 2 instances where partial or full security deposits were kept.

I think leaving your security deposit out there from year to year was a mistake, granted the way that the owner handled it was far from proper as well.

We take a $600 deposit at the time of a reservation, that becomes a security deposit at the time of rental. We always send back the deposit even though folks have indicated they will be returning next year.

(In three years, the one time that I was tempted to keep the security deposit was because I never specifically stated "Do NOT deposit fish remains in the trash!" The shed where we have tenants put the trash needed a good scrubbing when those renters departed on Saturday.

)

LadyJane · 05-30-2014, 12:38 PM

thank you all for your input. The owner arrived when my daughter was getting ready to depart at the end of our week. They were right there in the house, had pleasant conversation, all was well. It was only several days later that he claimed there was a mark of some kind on the refrigerator door, which I assured him we didn't do. I thought it was settled, but only a few days ago he let me know the door was so damaged that it needed to be replaced ( total hogwash), but managed to fix it for $400. which took up all of our security deposit. And he supposedly decided not to rent his property anymore. It's been a bad experience. I appreciate info on other rentals, can't afford the expensive ones, but they are beautiful. Happy to see there actually are many that are still available, even at this late date.

Misha888 · 05-30-2014, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyJane

thank you all for your input. The owner arrived when my daughter was getting ready to depart at the end of our week. They were right there in the house, had pleasant conversation, all was well. It was only several days later that he claimed there was a mark of some kind on the refrigerator door, which I assured him we didn't do. I thought it was settled, but only a few days ago he let me know the door was so damaged that it needed to be replaced ( total hogwash), but managed to fix it for $400. which took up all of our security deposit. And he supposedly decided not to rent his property anymore. It's been a bad experience. I appreciate info on other rentals, can't afford the expensive ones, but they are beautiful. Happy to see there actually are many that are still available, even at this late date.

Unfortunate. The rentals I manage we charge an insurance fee, that way they renter doesn't feel slighted and will cover the cost of any damage. Luckily, we've had good renters and haven't needed to use it.

Good luck in your search. There are a lot of good ones out there.

Check your inbox.

kauriel · 05-31-2014, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyJane

thank you all for your input. The owner arrived when my daughter was getting ready to depart at the end of our week. They were right there in the house, had pleasant conversation, all was well. It was only several days later that he claimed there was a mark of some kind on the refrigerator door, which I assured him we didn't do. I thought it was settled, but only a few days ago he let me know the door was so damaged that it needed to be replaced ( total hogwash), but managed to fix it for $400. which took up all of our security deposit. And he supposedly decided not to rent his property anymore. It's been a bad experience. I appreciate info on other rentals, can't afford the expensive ones, but they are beautiful. Happy to see there actually are many that are still available, even at this late date.

We have an affordable rental in Weirs Beach area available the last week in July or first weekend in August. Let me know if you're interested and I can send you more info.

Kamper · 05-31-2014, 03:54 PM

I'm pretty sure deposits are supposed to be kept in an interest bearing account and you are entitled to the interest. While it may not be enough to justify a law-suit, you can roll that into any complaint you make to the appropriate authorities.

LadyJane · 05-31-2014, 08:29 PM

greatly appreciate the support as well as suggestions on other rental properties. Maybe it's best to send info on that to my inbox, as a private message. Not entirely sure yet if I can get up there this summer because of medical issues, but in general, can come any week, even a 5 day, "week-day" works for me. And if it doesn't work out this summer it most surely will next summer. Can't keep me away from the lake for too long, no matter what the season !!! I was just there in January and loved it.

Oregonrain · 06-01-2014, 01:50 PM

We're thinking of renting a cabin over the 4th of July and found one called Proctors Lakehouse Cottages. (they have 1 cabin left for the days we want...) Does anyone know anything about that area? From what I understand, it seems to be in the middle of all the activities by the Weir, or am I understanding that wrong? Thanks for the help!

MAXUM · 06-01-2014, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonrain

We're thinking of renting a cabin over the 4th of July and found one called Proctors Lakehouse Cottages. (they have 1 cabin left for the days we want...) Does anyone know anything about that area? From what I understand, it seems to be in the middle of all the activities by the Weir, or am I understanding that wrong? Thanks for the help!

Yeah that's right next to the NASWA which can be a hopping place especially so on a holiday week. Being in the channel between the lake and Paugus bay there is a steady stream of boat traffic all day long so if you are looking for a serene, private and peaceful setting, you may want to pursue other options if available. Sadly you are late to the game so options may be limited or not available at all since most book well in advance especially for the 4th of July. Couldn't have picked a more popular time to be "at the lake"

Oregonrain · 06-01-2014, 03:45 PM

Can you see the fireworks from there?

TiltonBB · 06-02-2014, 06:26 AM

You may be able to see the fireworks but if you can't see the fireworks from there it is only a short walk to the publc beach at the Weirs where the fireworks are launched.

Proctor's has a nice beach and some people find the "boat parade" through the channel entertaining. The property is very well kept

kauriel · 06-02-2014, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonrain

Can you see the fireworks from there?

Just a heads up Weirs Beach does their fireworks at 12am on the morning of the 4th so be prepared since you will certainly be able to hear it!

goldengirl · 06-02-2014, 11:42 PM

It seems to me that the owner who has decided to not rent this year has also found a reason to keep security deposits that have been held for previous renters that had planned to rent again. This is wrong and I would take him/her to small claims court. Something seems very dishonest here from the owners standpoint. Stand your ground!

LadyJane · 06-03-2014, 05:38 PM

I talked with a gal from Preferred Vacation Rentals in Center Harbor and we booked a place in Suissevale that looks like it would be a good fit for us. The beach is close, there's a playground for my granddaughter and basketball for my grandson. Instead of a security deposit there was a $59. fee that covers things if anything should go wrong. At least that is how I understood it. Where do you like going for groceries, C-store, restaurants etc. in that area? I would suppose I'd go back out to E.M. Heath in Center Harbor. Well now I'm excited !!!

mcdude · 06-02-2014, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oregonrain

We're thinking of renting a cabin over the 4th of July and found one called Proctors Lakehouse Cottages.

Fred, the owner, has quite the collection of Winnipesaukee ephemera. The Hotel office is like a museum of collectibles! Be sure to check it out!

05-29-2014, 11:37 AM	#2
salty dog Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beverly Cove, Ma Posts: 359 Thanks: 288 Thanked 148 Times in 82 Posts	This definitely sounds like a bad way to do business, although it sounds like the owners will no longer be doing any. I wonder how many other regular renters were given the same treatment? Too bad you couldn't get in touch with any of them to confer. We've been renting in West Alton for the past 4 seasons and go through Curry Realtors who have always been pleasant and forthcoming to deal with. I think we just got lucky with this place, especially with allowing Sadie, our dog, to stay. It's quaint but comfortable and always clean. There's a $50 cleaning fee and the cabin is cleaned each week at the turnover. I think this is reasonable and sort of provides a baseline for each renter coming in because it's always cleaned the same way. The same people rent each year; everything always looks as it did last stay and we've never seen any damage that we can tell. We turn our key in at the end of the week and reserve then for the next season, and our security deposit is returned within a month. We get an email in January with an attached bill for one half the rental fee which we mail in, the balance due when we pick up the key that summer. It's a shame this has happened to you, especially at this late date when it may be difficult to find a place available. Taking legal action is certainly an option but at what cost in man hours, legal costs and "agita"? Good luck in whatever you decide and in finding an alternate vacation spot. __________________ I'd rather be relax'n at Winnipesaukee

06-01-2014, 01:50 PM	#10
Oregonrain Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region Posts: 144 Thanks: 199 Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts	Same thread, different question... We're thinking of renting a cabin over the 4th of July and found one called Proctors Lakehouse Cottages. (they have 1 cabin left for the days we want...) Does anyone know anything about that area? From what I understand, it seems to be in the middle of all the activities by the Weir, or am I understanding that wrong? Thanks for the help!

06-02-2014, 06:26 AM	#13
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,025 Thanks: 705 Thanked 2,208 Times in 940 Posts	Proctor's You may be able to see the fireworks but if you can't see the fireworks from there it is only a short walk to the publc beach at the Weirs where the fireworks are launched. Proctor's has a nice beach and some people find the "boat parade" through the channel entertaining. The property is very well kept

06-02-2014, 11:42 PM	#15
goldengirl Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 16 Thanks: 29 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Rip off It seems to me that the owner who has decided to not rent this year has also found a reason to keep security deposits that have been held for previous renters that had planned to rent again. This is wrong and I would take him/her to small claims court. Something seems very dishonest here from the owners standpoint. Stand your ground!

05-29-2014, 10:22 AM	#1
Little Bear Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 579 Thanks: 125 Thanked 247 Times in 133 Posts	I would contact the Consumer Protection Division at the Attorney General's Office in Concord. NH has very specific Landlord/Tenant laws, which may prohibit what actions the property owners have taken. http://doj.nh.gov/consumer/sourcebook/renting.htm

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LadyJane (05-31-2014)

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05-29-2014, 02:25 PM	#3
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,511 Thanks: 221 Thanked 819 Times in 492 Posts	When we were doing rentals we notified the renters the same day they checked out if there was damage and dealt with it accordingly. We had 2 instances where partial or full security deposits were kept. I think leaving your security deposit out there from year to year was a mistake, granted the way that the owner handled it was far from proper as well.

05-30-2014, 12:38 PM	#5
LadyJane Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern Ct. Posts: 335 Thanks: 129 Thanked 50 Times in 33 Posts	thank you all for your input. The owner arrived when my daughter was getting ready to depart at the end of our week. They were right there in the house, had pleasant conversation, all was well. It was only several days later that he claimed there was a mark of some kind on the refrigerator door, which I assured him we didn't do. I thought it was settled, but only a few days ago he let me know the door was so damaged that it needed to be replaced ( total hogwash), but managed to fix it for $400. which took up all of our security deposit. And he supposedly decided not to rent his property anymore. It's been a bad experience. I appreciate info on other rentals, can't afford the expensive ones, but they are beautiful. Happy to see there actually are many that are still available, even at this late date.

05-31-2014, 03:54 PM	#8
Kamper Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Thornton's Ferry Posts: 1,307 Thanks: 67 Thanked 172 Times in 128 Posts	I'm pretty sure deposits are supposed to be kept in an interest bearing account and you are entitled to the interest. While it may not be enough to justify a law-suit, you can roll that into any complaint you make to the appropriate authorities.

05-31-2014, 08:29 PM	#9
LadyJane Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern Ct. Posts: 335 Thanks: 129 Thanked 50 Times in 33 Posts	greatly appreciate the support as well as suggestions on other rental properties. Maybe it's best to send info on that to my inbox, as a private message. Not entirely sure yet if I can get up there this summer because of medical issues, but in general, can come any week, even a 5 day, "week-day" works for me. And if it doesn't work out this summer it most surely will next summer. Can't keep me away from the lake for too long, no matter what the season !!! I was just there in January and loved it.

The Following User Says Thank You to MAXUM For This Useful Post:
Oregonrain (06-01-2014)

06-01-2014, 03:45 PM	#12
Oregonrain Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: For now I live in Lebanon, OR, but this summer I'll be living somewhere in the Lakes Region Posts: 144 Thanks: 199 Thanked 26 Times in 19 Posts	Can you see the fireworks from there?

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Oregonrain (06-02-2014)

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LadyJane (06-03-2014)

06-03-2014, 05:38 PM	#16
LadyJane Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: northern Ct. Posts: 335 Thanks: 129 Thanked 50 Times in 33 Posts	I talked with a gal from Preferred Vacation Rentals in Center Harbor and we booked a place in Suissevale that looks like it would be a good fit for us. The beach is close, there's a playground for my granddaughter and basketball for my grandson. Instead of a security deposit there was a $59. fee that covers things if anything should go wrong. At least that is how I understood it. Where do you like going for groceries, C-store, restaurants etc. in that area? I would suppose I'd go back out to E.M. Heath in Center Harbor. Well now I'm excited !!!