Follow-up to our prior review.
First, I'd like to point out we have received a full refund for the rental of this unit. As far as I'm concerned my goal has been met. However, I refute the content of the response from Ridge Realty for the following reasons:
1. The pictures of the black mold were taken after a minimal cleaning attempt was made. We confronted Ridge Realty and they indicated the owners unwillingness to do deep cleaning was the issue. They also said the type of blinds contributed to the problem. We have shown the pictures to several health care professionals and they have confirmed our findings of the black mold. Our goal when we reached out to the Hawaii Dept. of Health was to provide guidance to them on how to properly address and resolve the mold issues as it was apparent they were lacking the ability to resolve this issue in this unit.
2. We've also have reached out to the Dept. of Health Vector Control and Ridge Realty has not provided access to them to conduct a thorough investigation for bed bugs. I would think a company that boasts of many years of experience would be cooperative in this area. I spoke with Lenny from Vector Control and he indicated he was informed by Ridge Reality that a deep cleaning had been performed. He asked if they normally do this type of clearing and the response was no, "deep cleaning is only performed when the owners are due to arrive". Also, I asked them (Ridge Realty) in person to please let us know what the owners reply was to the mattress being turned upside down and the brownish red spots that were found on the pillow top. They never got back to us nor did they respond to our follow up text. If the spots on the mattress were from bed bug residue, we needed to know so we could treat our suitcases and clothing. I simple phone call could have avoided a lot of this nonsense.
3. Ridge Realty offered to refund our first night's stay since we had an event on the south side of the island. We did not ask them for this they volunteered it which was nice of them to do. We just wish they would have been this responsive in getting back to us to resolve the black mold and bed bug issue. We have numerous pictures, emails, and text messages that support our position.
4. It is apparent their response is nothing more than them trying to make themselves look good regarding a poor situation and lack of engagement. Again a simple phone call and or responding to our followup text messages could have avoided a lot of this nonsense.
Prior to receiving the refund I opened a complaint with the State of Hawaii Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. I spoke with Ryan Yamashiro would be investigating, and told him we had received a refund. He indicated we could still move forward with the complaint because he would take the position the unit may have been misrepresented to the consumer. He was concerned with the description of the villa using the terms "luxury, ....rivals even the finest of spas". Based upon the pictures, texts and e-mails included in our complaint he felt the evidence may have a conflict with the description. We elected not to move forward with the complaint but the complaint will be in an inactive status with no further action at this time. He suggest we update our "Yelp" review and inform consumers of the assistance the Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs can provide.
I hope others never have to experience the disgust and aggravation We had to endure. Hopefully Ridge Realty will take a proactive approach in their dealing with the public. Luckily, the consumer has resources such as BBB, Yelp, Dept. of Health, and Dept. of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for assistance to help resolve issues when they arise.
Again, I have received a refund but it was with no communication it just suddenly showed up. I consider this matter closed. read more