Unbelievable

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

So, I've rented more time out than most here and have lots of feedback in guestbooks attached to my ads.

This potential renter after going back and forth a few times says

Just wondering if we can have some sort of contract that we both sign as a precaution to each other. And was wondering if i pay the 900 through pay pal and give you a check for the 500 would you cash before there are any damages, or do you hold the check. Reason i ask is because this is two families and if i dont have to ask my friend for her half of the security deposit at this time then i wont i will just insure that i have 500 in my account of my own money for you if it should become necessary. Thank you again for the use of your home very much appreciated. Oh one other thing if there are in must see attractions that you would recommend i would very much appreciate it because in my planning i am finding that there is a lot to do.

This is my private condo in the crumbling capital of the free world, therefore the security deposit. She doesn't trust me, so she wants a contract, but she wants me to hold her worthless check for damages?

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

Some clients are just too much work IMHO. State terms of agreement clearly.

[grest Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close grest]

Just shaking my head in disbelief....

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

Some clients are just too much work IMHO. State terms of agreement clearly.

I knew it was going to be bad when her first response to my offer asked questions that were already answered in my first reply...

if your 3 bedroom is available
We have a wonderful 3BR/2BA 1500sqft Pied-A-Terre, full kitchen, dining room, living room, newly painted, carpeted, and furnished; available for your 14Oct 4nights for $900 plus refundable $500 security deposit.

How far is a bus stop or getting to some public transportation from your doorstep?
on the Washington DC METRO Red Line 300ft to station

answers in red bolded and underlined for emphasis in answer to her questions.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

I knew it was going to be bad when her first response to my offer asked questions that were already answered in my first reply...
answers in red bolded and underlined for emphasis in answer to her questions.

Spence - of course you have more experience renting than I do. That being said, the couple of times I've had people ask similar questions about things that were clearly discussed in the ad, the inquiries eventually proved to be scammers

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

Or just stupid people.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

Spence - of course you have more experience renting than I do. That being said, the couple of times I've had people ask similar questions about things that were clearly discussed in the ad, the inquiries eventually proved to be scammers

I agree, something is not quite right with your renter.

[kbletzer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close kbletzer]

It certainly sounds like you should keep a close watch on this one.

Are they from the U.S.?

[Hobbitess Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hobbitess]

I knew it was going to be bad when her first response to my offer asked questions that were already answered in my first reply...
answers in red bolded and underlined for emphasis in answer to her questions.

I don't fault her for the "available" question, because some people do leave up ads even though they've rented the place, but the one about the metro, and then the check routine... yeah.

[Pstreet1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Pstreet1]

I rented through VRBO and similar sites. Their number one question is how can I know your ad is genuine, always with "no offense" attached. Their second question is about the possibility of my holding the check until after they leave, sometimes just for the deposit, sometimes for the entire amount. They apparently heard a story, somewhere, of a person being scammed somewhere--it's probably the same urban myth about the same person and has been circulating for 10 years. I had one woman who was "soooooo" excited about the rental-----but she cancelled within the time period allowed because "she works for a law firm, and it's better to be safe than sorry."

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

I don't fault her for the "available" question, because some people do leave up ads even though they've rented the place, but the one about the metro, and then the check routine... yeah.

Well you should, the "available" question came after I had already responded to her inquiry WITH the availability in my response email as I showed in first post.

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

I rented through VRBO and similar sites. Their number one question is how can I know your ad is genuine, always with "no offense" attached. Their second question is about the possibility of my holding the check until after they leave, sometimes just for the deposit, sometimes for the entire amount. They apparently heard a story, somewhere, of a person being scammed somewhere--it's probably the same urban myth about the same person and has been circulating for 10 years. I had one woman who was "soooooo" excited about the rental-----but she cancelled within the time period allowed because "she works for a law firm, and it's better to be safe than sorry."

my account is not registered but my husbands is so i will get his info and send it to you today. thank you

is her latest response, this is not a scam, just someone who wants everything her way, I'm not Marriott. and I don't allow cancellations at all although I explain that if I can re-rent it, they will receive all the proceeds.

I had one a few weeks ago from an Israeli email address that went back and forth and back and forth --- I was sure the next email was the one where they were sending a cashier's check for 10K more than the rental, but the next email was a PayPal notification for $2800, so you never know.

[4ARedOctober Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close 4ARedOctober]

I didnt now you whare renting that....I will take it at your full ask praice if u conseduring taknig check from my unkle wridden by hiz bank in nigeria?

[Spence Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Spence]

I didnt now you whare renting that....I will take it at your full ask praice if u conseduring taknig check from my unkle wridden by hiz bank in nigeria?

This thread was not posted in Post a Joke, the Cafe, or the Hot Tub, so I fail to see your point.

[CarolF Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close CarolF]

is her latest response, this is not a scam, just someone who wants everything her way, I'm not Marriott. and I don't allow cancellations at all although I explain that if I can re-rent it, they will receive all the proceeds.

I had one a few weeks ago from an Israeli email address that went back and forth and back and forth --- I was sure the next email was the one where they were sending a cashier's check for 10K more than the rental, but the next email was a PayPal notification for $2800, so you never know.

The only good thing about difficult clients is that they point out the holes in your system. Plug the holes, life's too short to deal with PITA's.