I was a happy customer of Homeaway until I found out their fatal flaw!
As owners we charge security deposits to cover damage done by guests.
I am now fearful to deduct the cost of damages done because of their ability to then retaliate an post negative reviews about your property.
Homeaway allows these slanderous reviews to be posted and gives owners almost no consideration. Owners are coerced into waiving fees for damage done because of the fear of retaliation.
By allowing this, they cripple the owners ability to enforce their rental agreements. As an owner we pay to advertize on the site.
We are the customers.
It is very upsetting that we, the customers who pay to purchase ads, are not given more consideration and have no control over what is posted on the ad page that we are paying for.
This is a problem.
The only recourse an owner had is to cancel the ad and to lose the money they paid to run it for an entire year. Homeaway does not issue refunds for the balance of unused time if you do this.
Homeaway is a Monopoly
Unfortunately, with huge investments from Wall Street, homeaway has bought up other independant sites and become a sort of monopoly.
One bad review can do a multitude of damage the reputation of a rental.
Other sites have better policies. VRBO allows you to Opt out of reviews and Trip advisers allows only reviews from guests that you request to submit one. I highly recommend Homeaway review & and amend their policy. It seem to otherwise be a good company with one fatal flaw. Remember your customers. I welcome anyone to visit our property and inspect it. It is beautifully furnished and kept in immaculate condition.
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