This was perfect!

Guest: G&T (Charlottesville, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/26/11 Review Submitted: 01/23/12

It was a last minute decision to go to Ponte Vedra, look for a vacation home and invite our college/post college kids to join us if they could. The villa, neighborhood, golf, shopping and activities were perfect. We never cooked because the nice restaurants were so conveniently located. However, had we wanted to cook, everything we could have needed was in the condo. The condo was nicely appointed and very clean. Hopefully, when we return to look at more property, this condo will be available because it will be our definite choice. Thank you to the owners, you made this entire stay and paperwork very easy. We all had a wonderful time - including our dog :)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, pet owners, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, people with disabilities, families with young children.

Renters Beware of your Security Deposit

Guest: VRBO user and vacation owner (Ponte Vedra Beach FL)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

While we enjoyed our stay at the above villa and respected it as our own home, we were shocked when it came time to receive our refundable security deposit. We rented the villa for 9 months (May 2010 - Feb 2011) because I transferred from NJ to FL for work purposes and my wife and I (and our 9-year old golden retriever) needed a temporary place to stay until we sold our home in NJ. We had a good and professional relationship with the landlord, always paying the monthly rent on time. When we vacated we made sure everything was as we received it. We cleaned the villa paying special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. All of the linens and towels were washed and dried. The carpets in the unit are very old (probably original) and quite frankly in need or replacement. We even had them cleaned professionally in Nov., the total cost was $68, paid by us and reimbursed by the landlord, which of course we can prove. There were no damages whatsoever and we therefore expected our full refund because we left the place in as good a state and condition as we initially found it. As long time VRBO users and owners of 3 vacation properties we especially know how to take care of and maintain a rental property and understand and respect the sensitivity of our guests security deposits. We even asked the landlord if there was anything we could do prior to vacating the villa and his response was "don't worry he has it covered". After generating a significant amount of rental income , we couldn't believe he had the audacity to charge an excessive $175 for a carpet cleaning (receipt provided) and $125 for housekeeping (no receipt provided). The terms of the lease were as follows: Surrender of Premises. At the expiration of the lease term, Lessee shall quit and surrender the premises hereby demised in as good state and condition as they were at the commencement of this lease, reasonable use and wear thereof and damages by the elements excepted. As owners of rental properties we are prudent to make sure a stated cleaning fee amount is included in the lease. Additionally we have our carpets cleaned regularly at our own cost simply because it would be ignorant to assume they won't get soiled with normal wear and tear. The landlord here has passed on costs that he is obligated and responsible for and all future renters of this property should be made aware of his unethical ways. We also plan to take further appropriate action because renters have rights in Florida as well.

Owner response:My wife and I have owned this unit for six years and have dozens of satisfied tenants..Wehave upgraded the plumbing,replaced the shower doors,stainless steel appliances,washer and dryer,new tile kitchen floor and carpet,plantation shutters,new box springs and mattresses,lamps,leather furniture,3 televisions,cable and high speed internet service,painting as well as new towels and linens. Certainly we all have different lifestyles and levels of cleanliness. Our standsrds match the quality of the property we own When a tenant vacates we professionaly restore the condo to the same level we respect regardless of the rental fee. Pehaps our standards are high, however, all of our past tenants comment on the quality care we maintain. We will NOT allow our property to be trashed! .

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