The first time I rented with GS, everything was great, no issues whatsoever (2 years ago). Well, this second time around was very much the opposite. They charge a standard $250 cleaning fee which is customary (for them).
However, GS attempted to charge me for very strange things. The house I stayed in was not modern or updated, all of the appliances were at least 10 yrs old. The "blankets", I'm not sure what to call them....maybe cum rags...were literally the most disgusting pieces of fabric I have ever encountered in my entire life. I had to purchase all new bedding at Walmart because the "blankets" and bedding was not something i felt comfortable having my child and my nieces and nephews touching, let alone sleeping on night after night. I have no idea of the decades of scum that accumulated on those rags. I'd sooner trust the blankets at an hourly rate motel by 95.
The newest objects in the house were the lightbulbs. Everything else in that house was old, dirty and quite frankly scummy, down to the carpet. It had an old standard white stove, nothing wrong there but after at least a decade and a half, you'd expect some wear and tear, no? According to GS, it was brand spanking new! Zero flaws. How cute. I guess the cleaning fee didn't include wiping the stove with a damp paper towel. The fridge was freezer over fridge and it was literally leaning to one side, (not my job to ensure that the appliances are perfectly balanced). The ice maker was a joke and it had rusty dents. A rusty dent=old dent. It's like some insurance scammer trying to convince the insurance company that some damage is new as they point to pockets of rust. Rust accumulates over time, not over 5 DAYS.
Lastly, they sent their handyman over about 3x/day. Why? One time he came over to fix a "rogue doorknob" (his words)....what is wrong with these people?
There were so many issues with this company that I just don't have the energy to write about now, but if you are wondering whether or not to rent with Grand Strand, I recommend you choose Elliot or Thomas, they are far more reliable. I have rented with both Elliot and Thomas as have several of my family members who visit the Cherry Grove area in every season. If I decide, I may continue to document the negative experiences I've had with good Ol' Grand Strand.
If Grand Strand becomes your last resort, (it was for me, unfortunately), at least negotiate....to the bone because that's what you'll end up with bare dirty old bones. Keep in mind, they lie at the end so they can keep your deposit and so they can demand even more money after you vacate. Some of their properties are lovely, but it's a scam. I guess that is how they manage to maintain a meager profit.
p.s. if you do not empty the garbage pails, vacuum the carpet, mop the floors, wipe down the surfaces and sterilize the oven and the fridge, YOU WILL NOT GET YOUR DEPOSIT BACK. because apparently the $250 cleaning fee does not include any of those things. ELLIOTT OR THOMAS! Airbnb is probably even better than Grand Strand (Paul). read more