What would you do?
~Mavis
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The Problem with Having a Vacation Home
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Anna G says
Wow! As a landlord who is debating whether to rent my home during the 2015 US Open and married to a professional musician…there are a lot of questions to ask. How much are they willing to pay, have you vetted them, are they crazy rockers who will be partying as they make their recordings, what will the neighbors say if the drums are loud and again will it be worth your while $ wise. Good luck I can’t wait to read about the outcome.
Vickie says
no!
Pauline Petros says
Not blinking likely!
Jackie says
No!
Em says
Honestly there are pros and cons, but you have to trust the person you’re giving access to. Pro is it can make your empty house look lived in, they can report problems to you, and could maybe turn on the heater to keep it from freezing. However, I am not sure you have known this person long enough to hand over the keys!
Em
Kari says
Big.fat.no!!
Christine S. says
Think of your home as a big suitcase of money. Your handing it to this person with the expectation of getting it back in the same condition, with no money missing. You trust this person that much? How about those other band members, whom you DON’T know. Their hands will be on that money too.
KAte says
This is a really excellent analogy.
Ann says
Do you know the person that texted you? If not, how did they get your number? Then, regardless if You know this person or not, the answer is H@LL NO!
Gino Schafer says
I’m sure it would be fine. I mean its not like guys in bands tend to party a lot or anything.
Cindy says
Absolutely no way!!!
sarah says
I feel like I’m missing something. Assuming you rent out your vacation house on airbnb or VRBO, why would you decline to rent to musicians? He or she is being forthcoming regarding their plans. I would fear those guests your see in the news who say they’re staying alone and then conduct illegal activities.
My reply would probably ask, what do you mean exactly by “turn into a music studio?” If they’ll be doing anything to the house or its contents to set it up, obviously that’s a no.
Above all, I do think you need to go with your gut. If your intuition is telling you to say no, then say no.
Jess says
I agree with Sarah! I think it’s very presumptuous to assume that just because these people are in a band they would destroy the house. They’re being honest about it and they’re going to be writing and recording. Sometimes you just need a neutral space for creativity. Also it’s just over the weekend. They’re going to be busy working, not vacationing. I’d be more concerned about people on vacation since they’re more likely to go a little crazy.
ChrisM says
Who is this person? Family? If it’s a new neighbor that you barely know, then NO! What if the recording session is nothing more than a monstrous party? Why can’t this person turn their own home into a recording studio? No matter what the situation, you could be legally liable if someone gets hurt on your property. I’ve been burned too many times. No way would I let someone in my home when I am not there. I would even tell them how rude it is to ask! Now if it’s family that you trust…then maybe. Too sketchy for me!
PattyB says
Oh HELL no.
Madam Chow says
Does your homeowner’s policy allow you to rent the house out like this, or would it be like letting a friend stay there? If it’s a rental, and you’re not insured for that, any damage may not be covered. In addition, you would probably be liable for any injuries that occurred on the property.
Brenda says
Think DEPOSIT. VERY, VERY LARGE DEPOSIT. If they agree, then yes. Go for it. Line your wallet. What do you have to lose?
Face it…we ALL want our deposit back! Big or small.
Kim says
My first answer would be no. If I knew the person, then maybe yes, with a large deposit and a valid credit card # in case damages exceed the deposit.
Diana says
Been there with my little cabin on the lake. Be courteous in how you say no. My impression is, anyone who asks that question is a decent person (and probable family member) who truly doesn’t understand what your vacation home means to you and what they are asking of you. Notice I did not leave open the notion of saying yes.
Leslie says
No
Rosaleen says
You re getting some wise feedback.
-Insurance situation?
-Persons vetted?
-Local friend/agent who can check on things?
-How much sentiment is invested in the vaca home/How painful would any damage be to YOU?
Wrap up: probably no.
Glenda says
NO. If you have new neighbors around your vacation home they would, most likely, not appreciate the loud music.
Deb k says
1. If there isn’t a soundproof room in the house, you are just asking for trouble with the poor neighbors who are stuck listening to the noise. 2. The risk of damages to the property OR you being responsible if a person is hurt on your property is something that would scare me if it were my house. 3. And lastly, this seems like a really ballsy request. My guess is the person asking is either young and has no idea how intrusive it is or an adult with no manners. Either way, not someone who understands the concept of boundaries, so not someone I would feel safe letting into my house when I’m not there. Good luck.
Meg says
Mavis, this sounds suspiciously like a porno movie looking for a house to film in.
Erin Wilson says
I’d say yes. And I’d ask them to please make a sweet reference to the place in the liner notes. Because I love stuff like that.
Stacey says
Not a chance, unless you really know and trust the people who are asking to use it.
Debbie says
NO I think its creepy they are asking you.
They can get a house from VRBO – this includes a signed contract that basically states they are responsible for leaving the property as they found it or they pay for damages including cleaning fees..
Kath says
Are they asking to rent it from you? Then the answer is a maybe. Professional performers often have insurance policies to cover themselves – I would ask if that’s the case (and for proof of said insurance). Otherwise, whether they’re asking to freeload or if they aren’t self-insured, the answer would be a big fat no.
Carol says
Unless you or your HH are going to be there the entire time….just say NO. Insurance issues, police problems, damage to your new place, new neighbors hating you forever…..nope, I wouldn’t do it.
Kristina says
I don’t understand the context for this. Is this person a stranger or a friend? If a friend, is it a grown-up type with a job and mortgage? If it is, then my only worry would be noise. I am a musician myself, and I know lots of musicians, most of whom have professional day jobs, kids, mortgages, etc. I wouldn’t hesitate to loan them my vacation home to a friend for such an endeavor if I was reasonably sure they wouldn’t annoy the neighbors with excessive noise. A stranger, I’m not too sure about, but having rented out my vacation home myself, I can tell you that a nice family with a couple of kids can also be noisy and wreak some serious damage. I’m a little stunned by how vehement some of these answers are. I never knew musicians had such a bad reputation!
Mavis Butterfield says
Friend, with a real job. I too and surprised at how many negative comments there are. 🙁
Jess says
Ultimately it’s up to and your husband, and don’t ever feel guilty about the choice the two of you make, whether it be yes or no. It’s your house. If the answer is yes just make sure all of your bases are covered with insurance and such. And contact the neighbors to let them know since you will be thousands of miles away. If the answer is no, be courteous with your denial(it is your friend after all). Don’t feel like you have to give an explanation of why either, it is your house and sometimes that is the only reason there needs to be.
Leslie says
Me. No way. But I’m not sure if you rent your house or what you do with it, so maybe there are other factors.
Jennifer says
Honestly, I’d say no for many different reasons (friend or not). But if you feel comfortable lettin’ ’em stay there, go for it.
Helen in Meridian says
How did they get a-hold of your email address to contact you? How do they know who you are? Can they break into your property after they use it?
Ellen says
It all depends on your comfort level. I’m a host on airbnb and absolutely love it!!. Movie location scouts saw my house on that website, contacted me and my house was used for a movie location for 5 days of shooting. It was a fun fun experience. I met Lady Gaga’s boyfriend, Taylor Linney, several other stars and was an extra in the movie. Everyone was very respectful of my home and me. In this case, I did not do it for the money, I did it for the experience. In the end, I realized that lots of people were able to make do what they love. I’m lucky in that I have gotten to do that so why not let others have that experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
I would want to know exactly who was going to be in your house. Names, addresses, phone numbers, emails addresses, etc. Nobody can contact me and request a room on airbnb without that information. You should at least have that before you make a decision.
Linda says
N -O
Carol says
Soooo, what did you decide?
Lisa Scott says
Tell them, sorry but no! Your husband would not allow it 😉
My hubby blames me and I blame him when you just don’t want to tell a person NO!