Hello everyone, I have used VRBO a couple times and have had Amazing hosts and hospitality. B
I’ve fallen on hard times and am currently homeless with my 2 year old and son. My ex husband has helped tremendously. He has purchased a hotel the past 2 weeks because I have no family or friends that would help. He unfortunately had to do some jail time, he wanted us to be safe and have more room. So we found a decent price for a one bedroom home for 2 weeks ensuring we will be ok for at least that amount of time, and honestly, it felt like the biggest blessing!
Of course this turns into a nightmare. I got an email a few hours before check in from hubby the host stating he forgot he had his listing posted that he now has his gf and an older gentleman living with him. That the room he had listed was now being used by her as an art studio, would I like him to move her things or put a bed in his semi finished basement for more privacy and seclusion for my son and myself. I had no choice. I felt like it would be ok if we had a decent place to stay the next 2 weeks. Well I arrived later because he said he had to do things to make this room. It was 8:30pm. I go in with my son and he helps carry all my bags in and brings them downstairs to our room. At this point the girl is talking and talking to me, then the host started talking and I kept saying I was tired while my son still acting out so was tired as well. Finally they showed me my room around 11:15 ish? It was pretty dark I put a sheet over the bed and we laid down, I was exhausted. I woke up freezing and to the smell of cat urine so bad I could barely breathe. I stepped off the bed and my feet were soaked from the rug. I also started to realize my clothes were “damp”, the bed and rugs were covered in cat urine! It was 6 am I got my son up and immediately went to the bathroom I had to share with all these people to wash us. I felt so uncomfortable but I also had my son, I couldn’t have conformation and it be bad! All my bags were downstairs now and my son is almost 3 he goes slow and carrying everything would be quite difficult especially without these people becoming suspicious. I got as much of my valuables as I could and finally got out around 5pm. I felt as if Everytime I said I had to leave they distracted my son or started saying stuff and finally I was like ok I’m leaving and left mid conversation.
I call support and explain I’m scared I took pictures. The floors were discussing down there. The basement was not semi finished. It was unfinished and I’ve never seen anything like it. I explained my things were there that if I got a refund can I please get my things before he initiates anything or calls the host. He tells me to stop crying and being a baby. Why am I scared? This guy won’t touch my things etc etc. (I am recording the call after the first 2 hours in the phone) I say ok and as soon as I was almost there this guy messages saying I stole his info and canceled the booking and I’m a fraud etc etc that today wasn’t good yo get my things come back another time. I called the police, the guy said I couldn’t come in but the police could. She said it had to be quick asked me about me things and went in. She carries out what he gives her. That’s it. I ask what if everything isn’t there. She said call vrbo. Well finally at 2am I’m getting to the hotel and look at my stuff. Of course he kept so many things. I call Vrbo immediately, she says it’s late but will call the host and it will be ok etc. I called them 4 more times over an hour each time. Each said they’re reaching out don’t worry. So I call the police. The cop calls me back to say he will call and go over there to talk to him. Finally he calls and says he went there a couple times and called with it looking like a “ghost town” that my best bet is small claims?!?! I asked for a police report and he says have vrbo co tact him. So I call them again, this lady, a supervisor was so rude. She said call the police it’s out of their hands. Again recorded. I told her to call the police and she won’t. So I’m just screwed over our belongings and we already don’t have a lot. Does anyone know what I can do? If you came this far, thank you! It’s long and I’m sorry! Also apologize for any errors in my writing.