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VRBO

Jeff von Bargen discovered mouse droppings in his vacation rental in San Luis Obispo, California and left the home after a sleepless night. The owner offered to refund part of von Bargen's rental fee in exchange for a five-star review, but von Bargen refused and contacted Vrbo, the vacation rental platform he used to book the property.

Mice in my vacation rental! But why can’t I get a refund?

September 20, 2024February 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What are the policies of the major vacation rental platforms when it comes to mouse infestations? And what should you do if you find a mouse in your vacation rental?

Categories Advocacy
Explore the issue of vacation rental hosts cancelling stays and keeping the paid money through Vrbo. Learn about the dispute resolution process and find out if you qualify for a refund in such a scenario. A must-read for all those planning their next holiday or weekend getaway.

Vrbo took my $1,270! Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money?

January 22, 2024February 13, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Can a vacation rental host cancel your reservation and keep your money? Shannon Jenkins wants to know after her host decided to pocket the money she paid Vrbo for a four-day weekend in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

Categories Advocacy
There's a musty smell in her Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

There’s a musty smell in her Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

January 19, 2024February 7, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

… Read more

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
When she shows up at her Vrbo rental for a one-night stay, the access code doesn't work. She asks for a refund, the owner blocks her.

She wanted a refund for her Vrbo rental. The owner blocked her.

January 21, 2024May 30, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

… Read more

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Interested in a vacation rental? You'll need to know a few important things before you push that "book" button.

How to rent a vacation home in 2025: the ultimate guide

January 1, 2025January 28, 2021 by Christopher Elliott

Before you rent a vacation home, listen to Richard Powers’ story. Earlier this year, he found a bargain on a four-bedroom cabin in Lake Placid, N.Y., through Vrbo, a vacation rental site. He contacted the “owner” through the platform, who instructed him to wire the money to his bank account.

Categories Answers, Ultimate Consumer Guides
When I read Grace Lou's email, I couldn't believe it. I thought this problem had already been fixed. But it was staring me in the face.

The VRBO scammers strike again! But can I help?

February 5, 2024September 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When I read Grace Lou’s email, I couldn’t believe it. I thought this problem had already been fixed. But it was staring me in the face.

Categories Should I Take The Case?
What makes Sylvia Guarino's case interesting isn't that she had a disappointing stay at a vacation rental she booked through VRBO.

Do I deserve a refund for this Sicilian vacation rental through VRBO?

January 27, 2024August 18, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

What makes Sylvia Guarino’s case interesting isn’t that she had a disappointing stay at a vacation rental she booked through VRBO.

Categories Should I Take The Case?
Diana Younts' problem isn't her vacation rental from hell. That one, she fixed on her own. She was trying to leave a review.

Why can’t I leave a review about my vacation rental from hell?

January 27, 2024June 9, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

… Read more

Categories Should I Take The Case?
Pat Morin’s vacation rental in Aruba is a disaster -- and she hasn’t even left yet. She’s trying to get her money back, but the owner refuses. Is there any hope?

I canceled my vacation rental, but they’re keeping my deposit

January 23, 2024August 9, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Pat Morin’s vacation rental in Aruba is a disaster — and she hasn’t even left yet. She’s trying to get her money back, but the owner refuses. Is there any hope?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Just when I thought it was safe to rent another VRBO vacation home, I received a complaint about a rental in Utah that went terribly wrong

Oh no, not another VRBO phishing scam!

January 22, 2024September 10, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

… Read more

Categories Commentary
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