RENTERS BEWARE! Our family recently rented Property VOH68 "Ocean Escape" at 1264 Lakeside Drive, Corolla, NC through Village Realty. Unfortunately, the condition of the property was so far below what was represented online that we were forced to leave and secure alternative accommodations, resulting in the loss of valuable vacation time and significant frustration. Apparent that the property had suffered from an extended period of neglect.
The exterior grounds were unkempt and unsafe. The yard contained overgrown grass, poison ivy and poison oak, broken glass, litter, and numerous red anthills throughout the driveway and walking areas. Several poolside chairs were broken, Adirondack chairs were damaged and unsafe to use, the pool light did not function, and the grill was so dirty that it was unusable. Not to mention the drip catcher for the grill was spilling over. The decks were covered in dirt and cobwebs, and the wood was in such poor condition that walking barefoot risked splinters.
The garage was equally concerning. It was cluttered, dirty, disorganized, and filled with debris, random clothing, and extensive ant activity. This was not a matter of minor housekeeping issues but rather the appearance of a property that had not been properly maintained or inspected.
Inside the home, conditions were no better. Carpets were visibly dirty to the point that our feet turned brown after walking on them. We found dead bugs on the floors, observed a cockroach in the bunk room, and discovered dirt, dust, and food debris inside drawers and cabinets. One bathroom cabinet contained a used bloody feminine hygiene product. The toaster oven, grill, oven, cookware, and kitchen items were dirty and contained food residue from previous guests. Furniture was stained, damaged, or worn, window shades were broken, and the overall condition of the home did not remotely match the images presented online.
We spoke with Rebekah Wilks @ Village Realtor regarding these issues. During the conversation, she acknowledged that she had never personally visited or walked through the property she was representing. When we invited her to come inspect the property with us firsthand, she declined. Explanations offered included statements such as "stuff grows" regarding the condition of the exterior and suggestions that clutter in the garage may belong to the owners.
At no point were meaningful solutions offered. Tony, a maintenance worker, did initially come to blow the leaves out from around the pool & said he'd be back Sat morning to clean.. didn't show up. After visiting the office again Saturday morning, Rebekah again refused to inspect in person, even after showing her pictures & videos at the office of the conditions of the home & grounds. She simply offered a new cleaning of the home. But there is no quick 2-3 hour cleaning that can fix all these issues, broken deck furniture and unkept wooden deck and unsafe walking pathways on the property. Not to mention the interior issues listed as above.......
NOR were we willing to wait especially after an 11 hour drive from Cleveland, OH and the amount spent on this property that we originally booked for our children and grandchildren to celebrate Father's Day, birthdays, anniversaries, and my daughters 5 year celebration of being breast cancer free. NOR did Rebekah offer any other solutions, refund, or properties to move us into, therefore, we had lost one day of our vacation trying to find another safe, clean, and habitable place to stay. We spent more money for another place last minute that was suitable. In the end this situation has cost us 2 vacations days with family.
We prefer to resolve this directly with Village Realty vs continue to make a fuss, but we feel completely misled, AND utterly unaccommodated when we brought the list of issues forward. We HAVE extensive photographic documentation and are hopeful management will review this and facilitate our complete REFUND!!!!! read more