Help Me Hank: Rental Rights

Mrs. Czulada
"We had a great summer!"

But this picture of the house they rented brings back some not-so-sweet memories. The Czuladas put a $500 security deposit on the place, but they didn't get it back.

Mr. Czulada
"Because we left the house in perfect condition we expected a check to come back to us for the full value of the deposit."

Days, weeks, months went by…

Hank
"You called, you emailed, you wrote and?"

Mr. Czulada
"What happened then was nothing."

And the phone calls to the landlord produced only promises.

Mrs. Czulada
"Oh he would act surprised like you mean I haven't sent that?"

And no matter how much fun the vacation on the vineyard was, they were not going to give up on the money, but it seemed like nothing would work.

Mrs. Czulada
"We just didn't know what to do!"

That's when they called "Help Me Hank."

Now thousands of vacationers sign short-term rental leases every summer and most require security deposits to pay for any damages. But real estate experts warn, with a short-term lease, getting the deposit back depends on the individual contract signed with the landlord.

Ed Shanahan, Greater Boston Real Estate Board
"That's why it's so important to read and understand what it is you're being asked to sign. It's the terms of the contract."

The Czuladas' contract does say they should get their deposit back! So we called the landlord and explained their check was way overdue.

Hank
"They're just wondering, where's the check?"

This time the check was put in the mail and it arrived within the week!

Mr. Czulada
"We finally made an honest man honest."

And as for this summer, when this family says they're heading to the islands, they mean the big ones!

Mrs. Czulada
"We're going to Hawaii!"

So when you sign a vacation lease, make sure the deal on the security deposit is clear and make sure you get a receipt. If you're fighting a consumer battle, maybe I can help! Send it to helpmehank@whdh.com