We take great pride in providing our guests with luxurious and comfortable retreats across various locations in multiple states, all while maintaining respectful relationships with the local communities. Unfortunately, a recent experience at one of these properties, The Stilt House, has underscored the vital importance of adhering to house rules, local laws, and rental platform policies.
Understanding the Community
The Stilt House is nestled in a unique community where most residents live year-round, rather than just visiting for leisure. This means that a respectful attitude toward neighbors is not just a courtesy but a necessity. Maintaining peace and harmony within the community is a top priority for us, and we work diligently to ensure all our guests understand the importance of this balance.
What Went Wrong
Despite clear property disclosures on our listing and multiple pre-arrival reminders emphasizing the need to read and respect house rules, some guests choose to neglect them. In this particular case:
1. Violation of House Rules: The guests smoked marijuana inside the property, a clear violation of our no-smoking policy.
2. Disrespect for Local Regulations: Dogs were repeatedly seen off-leash, despite HOA regulations requiring pets to be leashed at all times.
3. Noise Complaints: A domestic dispute in the driveway disrupted the neighborhood, resulting in complaints from residents.
4. General Disregard for Cleanliness: After the guests were evicted, our cleaning team discovered a significant mess inside the property, underscoring a lack of care for the space.
Our Efforts to Prevent Escalation
Whenever we notice rule violations, we always start with a warning to give guests a chance to correct their behavior. Unfortunately, in this case, the guests continued to break the rules even after multiple warnings. Despite our best efforts to communicate—through VRBO messages and notices—the behavior persisted, leaving us no choice but to involve local law enforcement to enforce the eviction.
Why House Rules Matter
House rules are not arbitrary. They are designed to:
• Protect the Property: To ensure it remains in pristine condition for future guests.
• Respect the Community: To maintain good relationships with neighbors and comply with local laws and regulations.
• Enhance Your Stay: To create a harmonious environment where everyone can relax and enjoy their visit.
When guests disregard these rules, they not only jeopardize their own stay but also disrupt the experience for others in the community and place undue strain on our team.
Lessons for Future Guests
We want all our guests to have a memorable and enjoyable stay at high-end properties like The Stilt House. To achieve this:
• Read the House Rules: They are available in the listing description and sent to you before check-in. Understanding and following them is crucial.
• Respect Local Communities: Remember that many residents live in the area full-time and expect a peaceful environment.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about any rules or policies, don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification.
Final Thoughts
We strive to provide every guest with an exceptional experience. However, when rules are repeatedly ignored, we are left with no choice but to take action, including eviction. This is never our preferred outcome, but it is sometimes necessary to protect the property, the community, and the overall experience for future guests.
The Fallout: The Stilt House Is No Longer Pet-Friendly
After this very problematic stay by Andrea, which involved police intervention and disturbed neighbors, we were left with no choice but to make The Stilt House a non-pet-friendly property.
This decision has significant consequences:
• Impact on Future Guests: Many prospective guests who travel with pets will no longer be able to book The Stilt House, limiting their options.
• Financial Loss for Owners: The reduction in guest flow will have a financial impact on the property owners, as pet-friendly listings often attract more tourists.
While most guests are responsible and respectful, even rare cases like Andrea’s—where community rules, such as keeping dogs on a leash, were repeatedly violated—outweigh the benefits of allowing pets. Protecting the harmony of the community and the integrity of the property had to take precedence.
Despite these challenges, we invite you to book your next vacation at The Stilt House, where you can enjoy a luxurious retreat in a serene and respectful environment. Click here to book your stay now.
Let’s work together to make your stay as enjoyable and trouble-free as possible!