We had a fine stay but a nightmare two weeks after. First for the stay...This property is in a multi-unit condo in the beautiful Old Edwards Club development. The area is gated, quiet, and essentially halfway between Highlands and Cashiers. Large living space and nice master and bath. Great views. We had some issues getting the unit to heat up but the owner was responsive and gave us some info regarding closing an upstairs door which helped after several hours.
14 days after our stay, the security deposit had not been refunded. When questioned, the owner quickly reported that 3 days following our departure “on-site” persons entered and smelled cigar smoke and due the clean up (floors, upholstery, and dry cleaning) we would not receive a refund of the deposit. The owner had not contacted us regarding these alleged issues and only raised them when we asked for the refund status.
I advised the owner that no one in our party currently smokes, has ever smoked, and did not smoke in the unit, that the 3 day gap in the inspection of her property and/ or the presence of others in the adjacent units in the same building who could have been smoking were the likely cause(s) of any cigar smoke issues . I asked for an accounting of the security deposit, i.e. invoices, receipts, communications with cleaning folks, etc...only to be directed to the owner’s lawyer.
We love VRBO. Rented with them many times with no issues. We love Highlands and it is near and dear to us as a place we have enjoyed as a family in good and difficult times, but we are now suffice it to say, soured towards both.