Bay Forest Real Estate Services

Monday, March 23, 2020
My name is ***. I live in northern New Hampshire. My wife and I, along with four other couples, were planning on driving to North Naples for the month of April, as we have done for several years. We have rented in the same development for four years.
I called the agency to say that it would be impossible for us to travel to Florida given that many states may close the borders to nonessential travelers and rest areas are closed. We were told that if we didn't take the rental for April we would lose all the money except for the damage deposit and cleaning fee. Besides that comment was the one that took me aback. An assistant said ? we can't give the money back, we have to work'. I certainly understand that sentiment, but aren't we in this together? This is not right on any level.
What I finally spoke to the manager, I said 'work with me on this'. We have over $4,000 on the table that my wife and I have saved all year for this special time to come to Florida. Believe me, we were packed but the government officials are saying 'stay home'. Our friends and family in Florida who we look forward to seeing each year are saying 'stay home, everything is closed'..we don't want you to come'the danger is too high.'
The manager just said'.?you cancel or don't come, you lose your money'. The reality is we can't get there due to 'stay at home', 'stay in place? and that certain states do not want you to travel through.
We have received a email back from the manager stating '..(in big letters)'.?this is my final email '..THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON CANCELLATIONS.'
It is not right for rental agencies to take the money and run under extreme situations such as a pandemic? I am looking for a refund or a credit toward next year or a month when it is safe to travel again.
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