Very high refundable deposit for vacation rental in Santa Barbara

goldbyron

Hi,

I am planning a trip to California later this year staying in palm springs and Santa Barbara. I have rented a villa in Florida for four years and several cottages in the uk so I am used to paying refundable deposits of £100-200. The villa in PS is being let through the owner who is requesting a one off payment of $49 property damage protection which is fine. The SB villa is let through an agent at a rate of $2000 for the week which seems normal for the area. However the agent wants £953, $1500, as a refundable security deposit 60 days before we arrive. I feel this is very high and allows them to earn interest on my money fr two months. In addition it means raising nearly one grand just to stay there further to saving for the holiday. What is everyone's views on this, is this standard in some places or should I negotiate? The agency seems reputable and is called the Santa Barbara luxury rentals with an address and press in the region.

Thanks

withabix

You have got two choices.

goldbyron

Lol, yes I know. Californian rental agents have these ridiculous deposits which I can't believe haven't killed the industry. It's making me look again for owner direct and maybe not the coast as it is soooo expensive.

markandjayne

Hi
We are planning a similar visit for summer
Did you manage to get sorted?
I have onl just started to look so any tims for me?
thanks

budgetflyer

considering it may be a million dollar property, that security deposit doesn't seem that bad.

claire16c

Have you tried vrbo?

I've rented places in Hawaii and the deposit is never more than $250. I'd never pay $1500. Plus you often loose out as the exchange rate will change - you could gain of course but its normally Sod's law you won't!

I'd try to find another.