u/movingthroaway3

Avis $450 cleaning fee despite photos showing clean return-how can I dispute?

Hi all, I was charged $450 cleaning fee from Avis (and have pictures that car was clean on dropoff). This is obviously a huge amount and was on a two day rental and I really cannot pay it. I emailed to ask what specifically the fee was supposedly for (and again, I have pictures from drop off, so I was thinking I could disprove it), and got this back via email:

---

Thank you for taking the time to contact Avis regarding the cleaning fee on your rental. We appreciate the opportunity to review and respond to this matter.

Charges for vehicle cleaning are assessed when a vehicle is returned in such a condition that makes it not rentable and requires the vehicle to be sent for detailing putting it out of service. Charges are calculated based on the level of cleaning required to return the vehicle into service. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of food stains on the seats, pet hair that cannot be removed through normal vacuuming, excessive odor, smoke odor, and cigarette burns.

After careful review of our records, we find that the location has provided ample documentation of the condition of the vehicle upon return. Based on this information, we find the charges to be valid without exception.

We apologize that we are unable to offer a more favorable response.

---
They still did not say what the fee was for? How does this make sense, how can I disprove something that they won't say what it is? There were no pets or smoking in the car at all, no spills, etc. I did have a previous issue (same car/reservation this fee is about) last week where they tried to charge for gas, but they did agree to take that one off since I had the gas receipt and a picture of the full odometer at drop off, and they did credit that ~$70 back to my credit card.

Has anyone dealt with something like this, or have suggestions on what to do next? I honestly do not know what to do and am really regretting renting a car now, do not plan to do again any time soon

reddit.com
u/movingthroaway3 — 1 day ago

Avis car rental help / is this normal?

Hi all, I was charged $450 cleaning fee from Avis (and have pictures that car was clean on dropoff). I emailed to ask what specifically the fee was supposedly for (and again, I have pictures from drop off, so I was thinking I could disprove it), and got this back via email:

---

Thank you for taking the time to contact Avis regarding the cleaning fee on your rental. We appreciate the opportunity to review and respond to this matter.

Charges for vehicle cleaning are assessed when a vehicle is returned in such a condition that makes it not rentable and requires the vehicle to be sent for detailing putting it out of service. Charges are calculated based on the level of cleaning required to return the vehicle into service. This includes, but is not limited to, the removal of food stains on the seats, pet hair that cannot be removed through normal vacuuming, excessive odor, smoke odor, and cigarette burns.

After careful review of our records, we find that the location has provided ample documentation of the condition of the vehicle upon return. Based on this information, we find the charges to be valid without exception.

We apologize that we are unable to offer a more favorable response.

---
They still did not say what the fee was for? How does this make sense, how can I disprove something that they won't say what it is? There were no pets or smoking in the car at all, no spills, etc. I did have a previous issue (same car) last week where they tried to charge for gas, but they did agree to take that one off since I had the gas receipt and a picture of the full odometer at drop off, and they did credit that ~$70 back to my credit card.

Has anyone dealt with something like this, or have suggestions on what to do next?

reddit.com
u/movingthroaway3 — 1 day ago