The delights of renting (Part 1)

[M n M]

One of the funniest things that we have heard from some owners near us, was that they were asked for an extra blanket from their renters, as they were too cold with the air-con running all night at 18 degrees!!!

[MartynE]

One of the funniest things that we have heard from some owners near us, was that they were asked for an extra blanket from their renters, as they were too cold with the air-con running all night at 18 degrees!!!

hahaha yep, we have had that as well... as recently as June this year actually, when it was really hot! It is real fun trying to think of suitably sarcastic comments a a time like that. I think I said... "yes we can provide an extra blanket but we don't want to make you too warm, do we.... after all, the aircon won't go any lower..."

[Bdancer]

Its horrid to hear of guests behaving this way, in the main I think most people that rent are respectful, but it is always a worry, and we like others accept that accidents will and do happen. We have had some who have not been respectful of our home, but also many lovely guests, who even apologised for just breaking a glass. These are ones you always hope will return.   

We always take an accident deposit cheque and do not rent to young single sex groups, not just for our sake but also our neighbours, as in the last apartment we owned our neighbours once had a group of young girls in, and they were a nightmare! but there only so much you can do to vet people before they go and a lot does go on trust.

Perhaps we could pm each other, if asked, on guests that have caused serious damage? just a thought. As if I had problem ones, I wouldn't want other owners to suffer.

Isis

[pw]

The answer is simple. To ensure you only attract the standard of guest you want, just amend your ad and Ts & Cs to include " STRICTLY NO RIFF RAFF

You're welcome.

pw

[Irene]

Couldn't agree more!

[MartynE]

I agree, Isis, the vast majority of our guests are absolutely lovely people; they take great care and will do things like buying a whole new set of glasses just to replace one broken one... which is certainly not expected, but very much appreciated.

But as always, it's the exception that proves the rule. The occasional nightmare guest stands out much more in our memories,  because most people are so lovely that we ind of expect everyone to be the same, so it's a real shock to the system when the worst behaviour surfaces! I'd say it's only about once a year that something bad happens, out of a total of around fifty or sixty guests overall... so that's not a bad average really.

Your idea of a kind of early warning system - a neighbourhood watch for owners! - is quite an interesting one. I wonder if we could make that work?

[Chris S]

This idea of a warning system seems very worthwhile.
In the event of  a nightmare guest, just put a note on the forum saying something like 'guest alert' - no names - and any owner interested could request a pm.

[tortoise lady]

There really are delights in renting.   It is a lovely feeling when guests write to say how much they have enjoyed staying in the villa.   We can't use the villa as much ourselves as we would wish so it is a pleasure to share it with others.  Also when first timers go to Kalkan and write to say how lovely they found it.

Of course having said that we have had some damage from time to time, mercifully so far fairly minor.   We don't take a deposit and to date have not suggested guests make a contribution to pay for any damage.  Just wish, though, that guests would always let us know (directly or through the local agent) when anything is broken.   Hiding a burnt-out saucepan is an example.   Even if we took a deposit we would be happy to put the minor accidents down to wear and tear.

Yes, like other owners we have heard that some guests will go out for the day, or by the pool leaving air con units happily whirling away. 

Like other owners on this forum we have had some lovely guests and often keep in touch afterwards, exchange recipes etc.  I am sure the majority of renters do treat their holiday home in Kalkan with great care but human nature being what it is there will always be some less careful.  It would be amusing to compile a booklet of stories such as MartynE's and others on this this topic.  Then owners could leave a copy in their accommodation to amuse renters but gently remind them of some things as sensible use of air con units.

[Kalkan Magic]

I have to say I would def be interested in a 'guest alert' early warning system, obviously with no details except via PM. It's v important to be aware of those that can cause trouble with either the property or neighbours.

[clara 50]

I think I know how you feel and we don't own a villa just rent. My "Twenty two" year old son has moved back in and I dread even coming home after even a weekend down our caravan just to see what he's done this time. Despite stringent rules set out something always happens and his housekeeping leaves a lot to desire.  We are out next week for eighteen nights so gawd knows what we'll come back to so I can empathise with you all it can be very frustrating. We treat our rented villa with respect and would replace breakages. Maybe we go a bit over the top sometimes we wash sheets and towels while we're there and make sure the beds are stripped and the bathrooms and kitchen are clean when we leave, even though the cleaner comes in when we go, just hate to leave our mess for someone else. Just a pity it doesn't run in the family lol 

[brian j p]

PW - re "STRICTLY NO RIFF RAFF"   love it,   ---  my oh my what am I saying  as that counts me  and my family out --   ha ha

[kalkan4eva]

the thing is....who would ever think they were RIFF RAFF....? I'm pretty sure no-one would recognise themselves in that statement. Who would read that and say "oh that's me, best not rent that property then....."

[MartynE]

Actually, I can think of quite a few who would probably take great pride in describing themselves that way, in an inverted snobbery kind of way.. you know "weer ruff and reddy and praaaaaad ov it"

They would book just to spite us all...

[Denners]

The air con scam:
1. Go out via the patio door (left unlocked) so the key fob can be left in so the air con continues working whilst they are out; or
2. Ask for a 2nd key when they don't really need it; or
the best I've heard of:
3. Get a second key cut !

[Babs]

I am shocked to hear of some things that people do when they rent......we have replaced glasses that have been accidentally broken and just generally take care as we are aware we are in someone else's home. We have asked for second keys the last few times we've been with our daughter as we don't keep the same hours  and we have literally been given a second key......no card for the electric.....in fact we have then had lots of complaints when she has got in before us say, during the day and not been able to put the air con, it we forgot to give her the right key! Such honest renters!!

[onelove]

The air con scam:
1. Go out via the patio door (left unlocked) so the key fob can be left in so the air con continues working whilst they are out; or
2. Ask for a 2nd key when they don't really need it; or
the best I've heard of:
3. Get a second key cut !

Just let them go home Denners 

[MartynE]

The air con scam:
1. Go out via the patio door (left unlocked) so the key fob can be left in so the air con continues working whilst they are out; or
2. Ask for a 2nd key when they don't really need it; or
the best I've heard of:
3. Get a second key cut !

Also discovered one (who regularly comes to Kalkan) who had actually bought a spare electrical key fob from the electrical shop one year, and then simply brought it with him and used it every time he came back.  Crafty bugger.

Needless to say our electric bills were always VERY high the weeks he (used to) book with us.

Not any more though

[kalkan4eva]

Martyn, I have to say rough and ready does not neccessaritly equate to riff raff.....in my opinion
I have seen riff-raffish behaviour from people who have come through public school and indeed the people we were talking to who go out and leave the air-conditioning on all day were from this background. Just saying...
They certainly wouldn't identify themselves as riff raff ......quite the opposite.

Conscious that I don't want to open a debate about what constitutes "riff raff" though....it will end up being hidden in EK cyberspace

[pw]

OK, let's be more specific. The "Strictly No Riff Raff" policy can be extended to include:

"Hoi poloi
Ne'er do wells
members of the Great Unwashed
Hobbledehoys
Reprobates
Thieves (particularly those thieves specialising in Kilowatt theft)
Loafers
Louts
Libertines
Boorish oafs
Vagabonds
Wastrels
Cads
Bounders
Rotters
Cheats
Rakes
Incorrigible rogues

and

Eskimos (or others from particularly cold places)

and any other undesirable not otherwise specifically listed above (you know who you are)."

That should cover all the bases and ensure that no one over uses the AC &/or stains the linen

And if you are concerned about inappropriate table tennis you can instruct renters to refrain from wiff waff (unless you provide ping pong facilities)

So, to summarise: "No Riff Raff. No Wiff Waff. Decent People always Welcome "

Hope this helps.

pw

[Cosetta]

Question:  how does the electric key fob work if you have 3 entry doors and aircons on 3 floors?  Does it turn everything off when they go out any door?  Did anyone get this system here in Kalkan or in the UK?

We ask people to turn off the AC when they go out and tell them what it costs us per week, but I think they feel they have paid dearly and will use what they want.  We did have young Russian renters who indeed got out wool and mohair winter blankets in early June.