VRBO is a popular online marketplace for vacation rentals, offering accommodations like beach houses, cabins, condos, cottages, and houses all over the world. It’s a great option for travelers that prefer a more personal experience than staying at a hotel. However, the cozy and home-like atmosphere of a VRBO doesn’t always work out if there are hazardous conditions on the property. Bed bug infestation is a common problem at these rentals, and unfortunately, most people don’t realize the situation they’re in until they wake up to a series of itchy, red bites.
If you find that your vacation rental is full of bed bugs, VRBO should assist you in obtaining a refund for the rest of your stay. You can also ask them to help you find new accommodations, as you cannot be expected to stay on the premises. Unfortunately, this process is not as smooth and easy as most people expect, and many renters find themselves without the funds they’re entitled to.
My VRBO Rental has Bed Bugs! What are my Rights?
If there is clear evidence of a bed bug infestation at your VRBO rental, you have the right to demand a refund from your host or the company, since you are entitled to a clean and safe environment. VRBO claims that bed bug complaints are taken seriously, and they will remove the reported listing until the owner submits proof of a recent fumigation. In the meantime, the property owner has the power to refund you directly through their VRBO account. If the host is unwilling to refund you, the company should step in to make things right.
In truth, there are plenty of sad, harrowing accounts from people who were lied to or ignored by VRBO when they reached out for assistance. However, help is available if VRBO refuses to reimburse you for a vacation rental that was infested by bed bugs. Contact us right away and speak with a bed bug lawsuit attorney.
I need to ask VRBO for a Refund – What do I do?
Taking the right steps to notify VRBO is crucial to protecting your rights and receiving the compensation you deserve. First, you will want to verify the presence of bed bugs on the property, as various insects can leave red, itchy marks. The problem is, bed bugs are hard to spot during the day as they are nocturnal. But you should be able to spot indicators like black streaks of bed bug excrement and small, white eggs. Here are some places where you are likely to find these signs:
- In between mattresses and box springs
- Inside dresser drawers and closets
- Underneath couch cushions
- On walls, usually behind picture frames
- Under carpets and rugs
- Behind electrical outlets
Make sure to notify your host right away and try to get a refund from them directly. Then, notify VRBO, whether the owner refunds you or not. Many people forget this important step, but it’s essential to hold the owner accountable and ensure that the beg bug infestation is taken care of. If the VRBO host refuses to reimburse you, the company should intercede and take whatever steps are necessary to issue a refund.
Evidence to Support your Right to a Refund
Understandably, VRBO will need evidence from you before they issue a refund based on a bed bug complaint. Make sure to take plenty of photos that clearly show your bite marks, as well as eggs, bed bug streaks, and other signs of an infestation on the property. You should also seek medical attention right away, as leaving the bites untreated can lead to infections and other serious complications. Include your hospital bills, prescriptions, and other medical records as proof of the losses you have suffered. This is particularly important if you qualify for a personal injury claim, which can help you recover damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Finally, keep a record of all communications (emails, chat logs, texts, etc.) between you and VRBO.
Help – VRBO is Refusing to give me a Refund after Beg Bug Bites at one of their Listings!
Sadly, this is not unusual when it comes to online marketplaces like VRBO and Airbnb. We’ve spoken with many beleaguered renters, who have told us that they were promised a refund, only to be told weeks later that there was insufficient proof. Or, VRBO will tell the customer that the host must be given a chance to tell their side of the story, i.e., show proof that the property is bed bug-free, before a refund can be issued. This, by the way, is after the renter has shown ample evidence of bed bugs on the property. Many of these people have called our office to ask, “Can I sue the VRBO for refusing to give me a refund after a bed bug infestation complaint?”
There may be legal actions we can take on your behalf if your refund request is denied. The important thing is to contact an experienced bed bug lawyer right away, who can advise you of your rights and legal options.
Average Value of a Bed Bug Lawsuit against VRBO
While claimants are curious to know the average value of a bed bug infestation claim, each case has its own set of losses, which determine how much the victim is entitled to. Along with a refund of your rental and booking fees, you may also be eligible to receive:
- Cost of medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering (for emotional trauma)
- Property damage
- Attorney’s fees
The combination of these losses may be anywhere from $25,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity of your injuries and the level of negligence by VRBO and the property owner. If there are serious health complications – for example, anaphylaxis, permanent scarring, and long-term mental health issues – a bed bug injury settlement may be valued at around $100,000 to $250,000 and above. As we can only provide estimates, please contact one of our attorneys for an approximate value of your case.
How long will it take to Settle a Bed Bug Claim against VRBO?
When a bed bug injury victim comes to us for help, it’s always our goal to recover their payment within 6 to 8 months. However, even relatively minor complications can add weeks to the settlement process for one of these cases. Furthermore, VRBO’s main priority is to save themselves money, so the more damages you are due, the harder they will fight to lowball a settlement. As a result, negotiating a settlement that’s adequate for your harm and suffering can take anywhere from a year to 18 months. Depending on VRBO’s cooperation during the negotiation process, it may become necessary to file a lawsuit and prepare to argue your case in front of a judge and jury. A trial is highly unlikely as most lawsuits are settled out of court (around 95%), but the process can still take 2 or more years.
Statute of Limitations for a Bed Bug Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for a bed bug claim is normally two years in the state of California. However, this timeframe may be different depending on the circumstances in your case, so please speak with one of our attorneys to confirm how long you have to file a lawsuit. Keep in mind that the courts are generally unyielding when it comes to statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline to file your case, you will most likely lose the chance to seek compensation from VRBO. Please don’t delay in reaching out to us and taking action on a VRBO bed bug infestation claim.
The Attorneys of Bed Bug Legal Group
Our bed bug lawsuits attorneys are waiting to assist you and bring you the payment you deserve. Bed bugs can cause serious injuries, as well as damage to your personal belongings. You should not have to suffer these losses on your own when someone else is responsible for a bed bug infestation.
Bed Bug Legal Group isn’t just here for new claimants. If you have a pending bed bug claim against VRBO and need a second opinion, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Whether you’re unhappy with your lawyer or need to confirm that your case is on the right track, we are happy to review your case and provide an honest assessment. A second opinion at our office is completely free of charge, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with us.
No matter where you are in the claims process, we offer a Zero fee guarantee, which means you won’t pay a dime for any of our services. We bill VRBO for our expenses, so we only get paid by winning your case. If we don’t recover your damages, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees. For a free case review or second opinion, contact the attorneys of Bed Bug Legal Group.
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