Hi akriger,

I’m sorry you’ve been unsuccessful at hearing back from the owner. I see  you’ve already contacted our Customer Support about this issue and I’d  like to assure you that our Trust and Security team has begun looking  into it. I’d also like to encourage you to try all methods of  communication with the owner, if you haven’t already, and remind you to  check your junk mail.

If you purchased our Carefree Rental Guarantee, you’ll receive further instructions to ensure you qualify for reimbursement.

I hope this information is helpful.

Kind regards,

Travis

akriger, I'm sorry to learn of your experience.  It reflects poorly on the rest of us owners, who advertise on HomeAway.

Since you were a guest, I suspect you signed a lease (or, should have) provided by the landlord.  Check to see specifically what it says about timing of return or notice of intent to retain part or all of it.  Also, check to see what the lease says about venue for litigation.  If-as I suspect-it states it would be where either the house or the owner is located, small claims court is probably not a viable option for you. 

As a retired property mgmt exec, whose operations included multi-family properties in FL, I know that there's a statewide applicable Landlord-Tenant law.  There may also be applicable resort rental law (for short term rentals) as there is in the Carolinas where our own properties are located.  If so, there's provisions in most for assessment of punitive damages against the landloard enforced by the state.  Most often, it's double the deposit amount.  Check with the state of Florida.

Again, I'm sorry to learn of your experience and hope you get quick resolution to your situation.

I am trying to take all of your feedback below and anywhere else I can find it and build a vacation rental website we would all love.  In fact, I am documenting my journey doing this.  I would love more of your feedback at www.vacationwebsitereviews.com please.