Community : Discussion List - Phoenix, Arizona

Keeping AC costs under control

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:06:14 GMT

Hello everybody,

Just received a very high electricity bill this past month for our 1 bedroom condo. We reminded our corporate renter of a few things to do and not to do, but regardless no changes so far for the next bill!!! Does anybody have any recommendations in regards to thermostats? or anything you do that you can share with us? I am trying to stay away from setting up a limit in my Rental contract. thanks in advance for sharing and stay cool!

Problematic Renters: Warning/Question

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 23:06:14 GMT

I am new to Vacation Renting. I have been renting now for almost a year. I had a couple of weekend/holiday renters before taking on a long term "snow bird" couple. They seemed so congenial, like excellent and experienced renters. The wife informed me they had rented in the valley for the past 13 years. (never at the same place twice because they loved to stay in different places) She claimed that owners LOVED to have them rent because they did upgrades etc, added needed items, helped with the decor, etc. and she would help me out as it was our first "season". I told her I would welcome any advice that would make our renters experience better, and that if she chose to add things to the rental, move things, etc. that she needed to contact me first as per the rental agreement. She said most of the items she added were from Goodwill, etc. and that she had totally improved one of her prior owners properties....and that they had been thrilled. They seemed like such a gift to have as our first "long term" renters. We had some glitches; heat not working properly, ice maker that needed replaced, etc. We took care of these in a timely manner and everything seemed peachy. Then, to make a very long story short, the "requests" began. One room needed a floor lamp, too dark, they really thought the family room needed a recliner, could we add things to our "blah" patio?, she needed more flatware, dishes, chairs for a party. It truly went on all winter, with me jumping every time she would request. Eventually, I put my foot down and just said no to some things. Long long story short, at the end of the stay I received a long letter, written in the form of a review, with a litany of complaints!!!! She had spoken to my neighbor who had told them I had quoted his Snow Bird parents a rate that was less than what I billed them. Then she accused me of taking advantage of them!!! She basically blackmailed me into refunding quite a bit or she would post the review!!! The problem was that I had no other reviews so the one review I would have would be her bad one! I found out later, in talking to my neighbors, that she was inordinately picky and complained to them daily about various benign "problems".

I am posting to see if perhaps any of you have experienced this? I also wonder if these people sound familiar to you. They are on the up and up, just very very picky and difficult renters and I would hate for anyone else to have to go through this with them! I don't want to, or even know if I can, give any identifying information for them. I would never post names in a public forum, however, would be happy to discuss privately. I feel like we as owners should be able to let others know when we have recurring visitors who could be potential problems. I know this is long and I could go on and on about the issues. I appreciate feedback. Thanks in advance!

Need rental help in AZ ASAP Traditional search methods not working

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:30:40 GMT

Okay, so here's my problem: I'm a wheelchair user who has monies available to modify a house or apartment to rent in Chandler or Scottsdale. You'd think landlords would be thrilled to have modifications done for free, right? Wrong. They say, "Of course you can, as long as you change it back." I wish I could but it doesn't work like that. So, that's what brought me here. I thought there might be wheelchair accessible vacation property owners who would like GUARANTEED monthly rent paid by the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program. With that in mind, below is an email that I've sent everywhere:

I just got word that I have a Housing Choice Voucher after waiting 7 yrs! Unfortunately, my current place doesn't accept vouchers. I need to move asap & would appreciate any resources you can find. Please feel free to refer elsewhere.

I'm looking for anything for a House (preferred) or an Apt to rent in the Chandler or Scottsdale area w/ the following features:

Single level

Roll-in shower (or allow to be put in)*

Take Section 8 (or willing to accept.)

Eligible for 3+ bd $1227 Chandler/Scottsdale $1343 mo. ( includ util)

Accept neutered cat w/ dr note

*Free govt program makes accessibility modifications

Thanks so much,

Jill Wiele

480.748.1622

jillnoell@gmail.com

This link shows two pieces of equipment I use at home.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/LFPFW0WTAbw

Recent inquiry from Kiev Ukraine

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 19:32:43 GMT

Has anyone else been contacted recently with a rental request for 4 adults from Kiev Ukraine? I notice there was a similar scam going around in the fall of 2011. We didn't get to the actual booking process but the contact person indicated they want to rent the house for 1 week starting October 20, 2012. We decided to ignore the request but I think people should be aware that this is going on (again).

Does any one in the Phoenix area want to share a both at the Canadian Picnic?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 03:39:06 GMT

I am checking into renting a booth at the Canadian Picnic (02/04/13). It is very costly but last year they had 3000 attendees. I only have 2 rental properties and I thought other landlords in the Phoenix area would like to share the booth cost and join me in advertising their properties. If you are out of state, for a fee I would handout information about your properties. Some might think that this is a conflict of interest but tenants are looking for different locations,amenities and/or on a budget.

I have not done this type of advertising before and am open to suggestions.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Linda Downie

Downy's Nest LLC

Would the Phoenix group like to get together?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 22:45:05 GMT

Is anyone in the Phoenix area interested in a get together to discuss rentals? I have 2 vacation rentals. One in Chandler and one in Carefree. I frequently have request that I can't fill. I think as a group it would be nice to refer tenants. Is anyone interested?

Where to find a good housekeeper

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 20:49:29 GMT

We are renting our condo out for the first time and have arranged most things except for a housekeeper.

We are in the condo at the moment but leaving to head back to Australia later in the week. We have a company coming in to clean the place when we leave but we are looking for a good reliable housekeeper who knows what needs to be done for vacation rentals.

As we are so far away having someone who knows what they are doing and who is relaible is important as we can not check on what they are doing.

Does anyone have any recommendations for housekeepers in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Judy

Covered Parking Necessary?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:38:35 GMT

My wife and I are new to vacation rentals. We bought a great condo in Scottsdale 2 years ago, and rented year-around to the former owner until March. I've been here since then (we're currently living in Australia) furnishing our home for rentals. Its a great place in pristine condition, great location, great view, great amenities, etc. BUT, we were talking with a property manager the other day and, although he loved the place, he INSISTED that we provide either a covered parking spot or garage. We do have an attached garage, but we need it for our car, as it's kinna hard for us to drive here from Australia. He suggested that we store the car when we're not here. However, when I checked the cost of car storage, the price was somewhat prohibitive, especially when added onto the hefty 30% commission. My question, is covered parking really all that necessary for tenants? There are lots of open parking spots right outside the unit, and many of the owners here don't seem to mind using them. So, is the lack of a covered parking or a garage a deal killer for most tenents, or not?

Does anyone offer military discounts

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:50:46 GMT

I have been asked if I offer military/police discounts. My home is in Goodyear but I live in Canada and am not familiar with the opportunities that are offered to the military. Can anyone provide guidance with this.

Barb Gillies

VRBO #280203

Best site for Phoenix area rental

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 01:05:09 GMT

For those of you in AZ, I'm wondering which is the best site to advertise on. Thanks!

Furniture stores with quick delivery?

community-no-reply@homeaway.com — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 03:32:52 GMT

We are going to our new place soon to furnish it. Any suggestions for stores that have decent furniture with quick delivery?