In May I rented a vacation condo for 9/20-9/27 on Galveston Island from this individual. I found the condo info on the Vacation Rental By Owner site. The week was to be in celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary along with another couple who is also celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary.
However, due to Hurricane Ike potentially hitting the SW coast of Florida, where I reside, I chose to cancel the reservation (via e: mail on 9/6). I was concerned with preparation for the hurricane and the aftermath for cleanup. I also stated in my e: mail that it looked like the Hurricane could also effect the coast of Texas. I asked what the cancellation fee is because there was nothing noted on their advertisement for the condo on the website (VRBO.com).
The response was that they require a 30 day notice to cancel. With a 30 day notice it would be $ 30 reservation fee and a $ 50 cancellation fee. Less than 30 days notice the 25% deposit ($ 418.75) is forfeitedun less he could re-rent the condo for our time period. Also, to let him know what I wished to do. I already said on 9/6 that I was cancelling. As of today, 911, the site shows that the unit is unavailable (rented)
I subsequently sent another e: mail stating that I was surprised the fee would not be waived since the reason for the cancellation was do to Hurricane Ike (which right now, 9/11,2:15PM is looking like it will hit directly at Galveston/Houston area).in addition, I expressed that no one i their right mind would rent a condo knowing that there is a major store or hurricane such as Ike.
Maurine
North Port, Florida
U.S.A.
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