The Hermitage

Complaint: I am rejecting this response because: The intention of this post is to warn potential renters about the dishonest claims set forth by the landlord of the ‘Hermitage’ in order to help others from experiencing financial loss and frustration As mentioned: I am a single, mid-sixties, professional woman who has owned four homes and is very responsible and familiar with rental agreements I was satisfied with the unit during my stay This complaint has nothing to do with the unit, but with the claims landlord made in regard to repairs, cleaning, and replacement of articles I never used any pots or cookware at all, yet was charged for the removal of stains on cookware In fact, I found a horribly stained pot and brought it to the attention of the landlord when I first moved in to avoid being accused of that damage If the cleaner cleaned for hours prior to my arrival, this at least was missedAnd this is a very small, one room rental with bath There were claims of needing to rearrange shelves and cupboards when nothing was ever used or disrupted Claims that a window needed to be painted are absurd What could have been done to warrant that when the window was never touched or opened? And IF there was such a stain on the duvet, I surely would have at least tried to wash it or have it dry cleaned I would not have hidden it from the landlordWith claims such as these, I would have liked to have seen the items I was accused of ruining These are dishonest actions and claims that future renters should be aware of before becoming involved with the Hermitage and its landlord This is no way to do business Regards, [redacted]

Complaint: 10680385
I am rejecting this response because:
The
intention of this post is to warn potential renters about the dishonest claims
set forth by the landlord of the ‘Hermitage’ in order to help others from
experiencing financial loss and frustration.
As
mentioned: I am a single, mid-sixties, professional woman who has owned four
homes and is very responsible and familiar with rental agreements.
I was satisfied
with the unit during my stay.  This
complaint has nothing to do with the unit, but with the claims landlord made in
regard to repairs, cleaning, and replacement of articles.
I never used
any pots or cookware at all, yet was charged for the removal of stains on cookware.
In fact, I found a horribly stained pot and brought it to the attention of the
landlord when I first moved in to avoid being accused of that damage.  If the cleaner cleaned for 17 hours prior to
my arrival, this at least was missed. And this is a very small, one room rental
with bath.
There were
claims of needing to rearrange shelves and cupboards when nothing was ever used
or disrupted.
Claims that
a window needed to be painted are absurd. 
What could have been done to warrant that when the window was never
touched or opened?
And IF there
was such a stain on the duvet, I surely would have at least tried to wash it or
have it dry cleaned.  I would not have
hidden it from the landlord. With claims such as these, I would have liked to
have seen the items I was accused of ruining.
These are
dishonest actions and claims that future renters should be aware of before
becoming involved with the Hermitage and its landlord.  This is no way to do business.
Regards,
[redacted]

Tenant accurately reports that she stayed in our unit for 5 weeks. She...

paid a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. The maximum that can be charged is two months rent so we regard this charge of half of what is allowed as reasonable.
Tenant was informed that before she moved in, a major deep cleaning was done on the unit totaling 17 hours. Therefore, she received the unit in excellent condition. Any charges that were made against her security deposit were attributed to her stay and not to any previous tenants.
The cleaner was informed to only clean those areas that were in need of cleaning. Any other areas were to be excluded. The landlord worked side by side with the cleaner and can verify that she followed these directions exactly.
The disposition of the security deposit sent to the tenant outlined in detail the areas that were in need of cleaning when the tenant vacated the unit. The total deducted for cleaning in addition to four loads of laundry for linens, towels and bathroom mat was $225.
In addition, a yellow stain about one foot in diameter was discovered on the duvet cover and could not be removed by cleaning. A special trip was made by the landlord (without charge) to replace this item and a coupon was used to bring down the cost from $89.99 to $77,75. Hence the total deduction from the security deposit was $302.75.
All this information is true and accurate. The accusation of dishonesty is false and disrespectful. We have been renting this unit for many years without any complaint in the past. This is the first tenant who has expressed dissatisfaction although, prior to her demand for more money, she said she was very happy with the unit. We regret that she has chosen to change her position and make these unfounded accusations.
[redacted]
Landlord

Review: I recently rented The Hermitage for 5 weeks: 1 month at $1,700 and an additional week at $700. During that time I spent a week on business out of town, but paid for that week at the Hermitage in order to have a place to come back to. (I had just moved to Santa Barbara) Rather than pay the low deposit rates the owner has listed on some rental sites, I was charged $1,700 and was led to believe the policy had recently changed. The understanding was that cleaning fees would be deducted from my deposit and the rest would be returned. I had moved to Santa Barbara after 15 years on Maui. I am a quiet, 64 year old, single woman who has owned four homes and a business of my own. I know how to care for real estate. Before I departed, I cleaned this one room and bath meticulously, even wiped it down with Clorox wipes. I never used any pots or cooked a meal there as the kitchen was inadequate. I microwaved a cup of water for my tea or soup and ate out. I left the place exactly as I found it with the exception of vacuuming the carpet and changing linens. However, I was charged for nine and half hours of cleaning! I was charged for the window to be painted! A window I never touched. I was charged for the stains in the pots I never used and for the need to reorganize shelves I never touched. Not only that, I was accused of spilling something on the duvet so that it had to be replaced! This is again, something that didn't occur.The owner of this rental is extremely dishonest and has her property listed on a large number of vacation rental brokerages such as AirB&B, FlipKey, craigslist, etc. In some listings, the rates are different as is the deposit and cleaning fee. I wrote to her explaining my position and requested an addition to my refund while leaving her with enough for four hours in cleaning fees. I was declined. The owner is a dishonest businesswoman. People need to be warned before they rent The Hermitage.Desired Settlement: I would like this letter posted so that consumers can be warned about this person, and I would like $202.75 returned to me.

Business

Response:

Tenant accurately reports that she stayed in our unit for 5 weeks. She paid a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. The maximum that can be charged is two months rent so we regard this charge of half of what is allowed as reasonable.Tenant was informed that before she moved in, a major deep cleaning was done on the unit totaling 17 hours. Therefore, she received the unit in excellent condition. Any charges that were made against her security deposit were attributed to her stay and not to any previous tenants.The cleaner was informed to only clean those areas that were in need of cleaning. Any other areas were to be excluded. The landlord worked side by side with the cleaner and can verify that she followed these directions exactly.The disposition of the security deposit sent to the tenant outlined in detail the areas that were in need of cleaning when the tenant vacated the unit. The total deducted for cleaning in addition to four loads of laundry for linens, towels and bathroom mat was $225.In addition, a yellow stain about one foot in diameter was discovered on the duvet cover and could not be removed by cleaning. A special trip was made by the landlord (without charge) to replace this item and a coupon was used to bring down the cost from $89.99 to $77,75. Hence the total deduction from the security deposit was $302.75.All this information is true and accurate. The accusation of dishonesty is false and disrespectful. We have been renting this unit for many years without any complaint in the past. This is the first tenant who has expressed dissatisfaction although, prior to her demand for more money, she said she was very happy with the unit. We regret that she has chosen to change her position and make these unfounded accusations.[redacted]Landlord