VRBO/Homeaway damage deposit; how long does it take?!

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I was notified on 18th Oct, a week after coming home, that my damage deposit was being processed. That was 12 days ago but no sign of it in my bank account as yet.

When I looked into the “notification”, it said any issues, speak to the property manager, so not VRBO? Then I noticed that it stated further down that it had been paid on that date. I checked by account again but no, not there. I have emailed the property manager but this is the first time I’ve used VRBO for a booking, so I’m unfamiliar with their methods. I find it strange that the PM would hold the deposit.

Can anyone enlighten me please?

I’m halfway through listing with them but won’t now go ahead with them. Nor will I book through them again.

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I am a host on VRBO as well as Airbnb. It takes 7 business days. It is not the fault of the host. The host doesn’t have your money! Hosts are getting paid after you leave. The security deposit goes into a special account that is held by VRBO. I suggest you call VRBO customer service and talk to them.

I’m surprised that you thought about posting here - which primarily is an Airbnb host discussion group, not a guest group - before thinking about calling VRBO customer service!

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I’m a regular contributor to the forum and one well aware that it is an Airbnb host forum, not a guest group. However, lots of us travel, use Airbnb/VRBO, host on both, and ask our fellow hosts for advice about sides of the divide.

My sincerest apologies if this has annoyed you @adrienne12.

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So, it’s been 19 days since checkout? WTF? Looks VRBO’s deposit escrow is another offender that is floating money to earn interest.

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Not sure if it is related to the change over from Yapstone to HA payments. I list on VRBO and my deposits auto refund 7 days after check out.

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I used VRBO in July of 2018. The home had a $1000 deposit which was charged to a credit card. The stay ended on the 28th of July. The email stating I was being refunded was dated 4 Aug. The credit card statement shows my credit appearing Aug 4. So it was a short delay and what delay there was appeared to originate with the Costa Rican property management company.

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Everyone should recheck the deposit return time on HA/VRBO with the new change over mine were set to 14 days after check out with a 5-7 business day processing time for guests to receive the deposit back. I had them set to 7 days prior to this with YapStone payments unless I released early which I always do if there was no issues on check out.

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That’s probably because you and Mr J trashed the place. Expect further claims on your CC.

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Older members may reognise the image, and realise that Joan really wasn’t alone that night :wink:

:musical_note: :musical_note: :musical_note: :musical_note: :musical_note:

JF

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I list on VRBO and my last guest payment in October took much longer then in the past. It was 8 days after my guests left but the HolidayRent Payment email was sent on the second day of their 7 night stay saying it was released and would be in my account in 2-3 days. I think the switch over from Yapstone has caused delays. Maybe the same thing with your security deposit. I have always refunded my guests security deposit the same day they leave - would hate to cause unnecessary worry for great guests.

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Joan must like an ice cream man in his prime ,)

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Many many thanks for all of the positive replies. Really helpful in giving me the info I need to challenge them, when I call CS this morning.

I doubt that they will continue to harrass me to finish my listing with them afterwards.:imp:

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Update;-

I’ve just called them and learned that the refund was made on the 18th Oct, and was told to check the date of my booking (22nd Sept, 6 days before we stayed in the property) where I would find it; some banks attach a refund to the date a payment was a made.

And yes, they do. I found it.

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So this was a “tempest in a teapot” - just a misunderstanding.
Are you still mad at Vrbo and never going to use them again? Whether or not Vrbo is a good choice for your rental will depend on your market and your property, so you might be missing out on some bookings if you don’t proceed to list there.

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My “competition”, another village B&B a few houses away, has closed down recently. For the sake of sanity (she’s a most unpleasant, bullying individual…) we only listed with Airbnb and TripAdvisor, not BDC as that was her bailiwick, and jealously guarded. It was bad enough that we existed in the first place, although our offering is very, very different to hers.

We are now going to list with BDC as winter sets in instead, in the hope of more bookings from people working in the area. She used to get a lot of staff from English Heritage and The National Trust monitoring the various castles hereabouts.

Yes, a misunderstanding, but an odd one. I just hope the info helps others.

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Good luck. It’s been a good earner for us, higher rates than Airbnb and non refundable really means non refundable. Their rate plans are a great feature, far more customisable than Airbnb.

JF

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Thanks for the positivity John.

I have one more kitten related task to complete (as well as the BDC listing…), that of weaning the buggers off their litter tray. They are now spending hours at a time outside, then rush back inside for a pee/poo.

I can’r risk a review of “smelled of cat shit”, but at least lots of maintenance has been done in the interim.