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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142271
09/11/2017 10:10 AM
09/11/2017 10:10 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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My first advice would be PATIENCE. This is less than a week into the situation and many things still need to be sorted out. The owner of the unit has to deal with certain situations, insurance, VRBO and their personal loss.
This is also a good reason to READ and UNDERSTAND any insurance you buy when it comes to travel and vacations.
I am sure there are going to be a lot of people having the same issues and in some cases, you may be on the hook for a deposit or the entire amount. It will all depend on the fine print (hopefully people actually do read this) of the rental agreement you agreed to.
Good luck and let us know how it eventually plays out.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#142272
09/11/2017 10:24 AM
09/11/2017 10:24 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518 Eastern Caribbean
Ritchard
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Eastern Caribbean
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I am with Rural carrier. I have a hefty deposit down on a unit in Orient, and am also impatient, but I know I have to chill a bit. We just have to give them some time to deal with this. The managers of the properties may still be dealing with getting housing for their own families.
I think even people whose homes survived are just starting to come out of a state of bewilderment, and may start being able to think about getting down to business. What are the priorities? Food, water, lodgings, communications. The needs of the tourists really have to come second to the above.
How long would it take to get stuff in order if a huge bomb when off in your town? This is the equivalent.
_______________________
Working hard to be the best yacht bum I can be.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: Ritchard]
#142273
09/11/2017 10:34 AM
09/11/2017 10:34 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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I would also suggest keeping very detailed notes and create a paper trail of any correspondence you have in dealing with these situations. Print emails, get names of who you talk to, what the discussion entailed, etc. Make the initial contact to start the process, get a timeframe if possible and continue to follow up with REASONABLE inquiries.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142275
09/11/2017 11:11 AM
09/11/2017 11:11 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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I would give it at least 2 weeks before I turned up the pressure. You are also more likely to get the results you desire with a tempered approach.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142276
09/11/2017 11:48 AM
09/11/2017 11:48 AM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,146 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,146
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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If you have any additional travel insurance, it will cover your tickets , accommodations etc... The VRBO insurance has too many limitations to even bother with.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142279
09/11/2017 01:11 PM
09/11/2017 01:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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Not sure what the legality is of someone not being able to give us the rental unit but yet keep our deposit?? What does you rental contract state? Is weather/Acts of God mentioned or excluded? Remember, you are in Canada, you are renting in St. Maarten and dealing with someone and a company likely elsewhere. Diamond Resorts can say what they want but you did NOT deal with them, you dealt with VRBO and an individual. I am sure in 12 years of going to SXM you have never dealt with damage like this and neither has the owner of the weeks/unit. This is an entirely different situation. You are already mentioning a lawyer. I think that is a little premature and a whole different issue due to the logistics. You are not the only one in this situation. I do hope it works out but it will likely not happen overnight or as soon as you want it to happen. Did you read the contract/rental agreement? It may not be worth the paper it is written on or the email it is contained in but that would be something I would have researched by now.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: VitaMan]
#142281
09/11/2017 01:19 PM
09/11/2017 01:19 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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Thank you for doing that. Perhaps that will be the case with the situation here but I am also starting to wonder how it was approached initially at this point and if that has any bearing.
I do hope it works out but I also think the impatience with it being less than a week from the hurricane is uncalled for.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#142282
09/11/2017 01:59 PM
09/11/2017 01:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518 Eastern Caribbean
Ritchard
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 518
Eastern Caribbean
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I just had at look at the confirmation letter from the rental managers for our unit. It clearly states that they "cannot be held responsible for force majeur events such as weather conditions...".
It would be terrible practice to NOT refund all deposits; withholding such would ruin the reputation of such a business.
Last edited by Ritchard; 09/11/2017 02:01 PM.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: Ritchard]
#142283
09/11/2017 02:06 PM
09/11/2017 02:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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While I will agree with you, it is clearly stated and a reason to read such contracts/agreements ahead of time. This is where your paper/communication trail would start. Ask about the weather situation, especially if you knowingly book during hurricane season. Get the renter on record as to how a weather issue may be handled.
I do hope everyone is treated fairly in these matters but when the mention of a lawyer (sorry Carol!) has already been made, it may not have a good outcome or have had a good start when asking for the refund.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: modct]
#142286
09/11/2017 04:23 PM
09/11/2017 04:23 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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We are in the same boat - wired the deposit 2 weeks before the disaster... I emailed the owner saying that we will not be able to come due to the situation and asked for refund... Haven't heard back yet but I don't expect to hear back from him right away anyway due to the problems with power and wifi on the island.. I still hope I would be able to get the money back, or at least part of it...
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142291
09/12/2017 05:51 AM
09/12/2017 05:51 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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travelgal said: Thank you. I believe my sister tried that and yes we did buy insurance but was told it did not cover this type of cancellation. I will share all theses suggestions with my sister who booked our room. Let me try one more time... has anyone in your group bothered to read the rental agreement or contract yet?
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142293
09/12/2017 07:55 AM
09/12/2017 07:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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Thanks for the clarification and I hope he comes through.
J.D.
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Re: VRBO Rental at Royal Palm
[Re: travelgal]
#142297
09/13/2017 04:51 PM
09/13/2017 04:51 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,567
Ohio
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There you go and thanks for letting us know the outcome.
Patience is a good thing in many cases.
J.D.
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