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Service Animals - the two questions 4 replies

JTVRs
Jun 3, 2019 6:14 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

It is also useful to learn how to identify fake service dogs. I watched a couple Youtubes on how to identify a fake service animal. Every VR owner should do that once. There is a huge difference between service animals and others. The 2 questions are one thing. Picking out fakes is another. My lease agreement also states that people with fake service animals can lose their booking without refund.

Service Animals - the two questions 4 replies

DreamsNDruthers
Jun 3, 2019 1:10 PM
Joined Jun, 2017 8 posts

Hi, I am a happy OR user from SC, managing 14 properties at Isle of Palms and a couple elsewhere in the state.

I'm just taking a tour through these messages and spotted this.

We have pet friendly properties and used to get requests ALL. THE. TIME. for pet fee to be waived for a service animal. We finally put the note below at the bottom of our pet policy. We also have a policy for Service Animals that we provide to "remind" guests that their animal should never ever be left alone in the property, as well as the other typical things they forget. Haven't had a request to waive the fee since.


A NOTE REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT OR THERAPY ANIMALS:

We welcome all Service Animals in all properties.   
While we recognize the value of emotional support animals and therapy dogs, according to the ADA laws, emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not considered SERVICE ANIMALS and therefore are not afforded the same rights as animals that are working dogs, trained to do a specific task to assist an individual with a disability.  If you have questions about SERVICE ANIMALS please see the Americans with Disabilities Act website:    https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html.

Under Properties in Booking Area - errors 1 reply

Chris Hynes
May 23, 2019 12:36 PM
OR Team Member Joined Oct, 2012 1403 posts

Good catch, we will get those fixed.

Under Properties in Booking Area - errors 1 reply

JTVRs
May 20, 2019 10:49 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

Under Properties in Booking Area - errors

Under Sports & Adventure:
Ski Lift Privileges is there twice,Bay/Sound Fihising is misspelled.

Alternative to PayPal payment processing 35 replies

Paul W
May 2, 2019 9:39 AM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 864 posts

Emma, thanks for reaching out about your product. However, OwnerRez does not currently integrate with Paycron so it would not be possible to use within OwnerRez as a payment processing alternative. If you are interested in integrating, please send an email to our ticket system with integration information and someone will take a look at it.

Alternative to PayPal payment processing 35 replies

Paycron
May 2, 2019 1:28 AM
Joined May, 2019 1 post

E-check is an electronic version of a paper check used to make payments online. Benefits of Echecks include quicker payment, secure payment method, lower cost and reduced chances of bounce checks. Paycron provides fast, reliable and secure electronic check payment processing. Contact us to save time and money with this service.

Service Animals - the two questions 4 replies

JTVRs
Apr 19, 2019 2:19 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

All they have to do is a $5,000 fine and misdemeanor for misrepresenting a service animal and the problem goes away.

The ones they really hurt are the disabled.

Service Animals - the two questions 4 replies

ShenRent
Apr 18, 2019 9:36 PM
Joined Dec, 2009 59 posts

Good for you! There's way too much of that bullshit going around these days.

Service Animals - the two questions 4 replies

JTVRs
Apr 18, 2019 8:28 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

So, today, I had a person text about a 2 bedroom apartment I had for (longterm) rent.

She asked what the monthly pet fee I charged was.

I asked her what kind of animal (11 year old shnorkie??) - we discuss it a bit

Then she said it was a registered service animal and asked if she still had to pay the pet fee. The hair went up on the back of my neck

I said "why didn't you mention this at first" - sensing a possible lawsuit.

She said a lot of people discriminate against it which is illegal

So I did the two questions "is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? "

She said "Yes - for a mental disability"

Then I asked "what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?"

She then said it was an emotional support animal.

I said that is not a service animal. And that in some jurisdictions, falsely claiming it is a service animal is a misdemeanor.

Then she left the conversation. I am guessing someone trying to get out of a pet fee and it might not even be a support animal!

Providing Linens for a rustic rental 5 replies

JTVRs
Apr 9, 2019 10:49 AM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

Why don't you put in a stacking washer/dryer? It may be less of a headache than other workarounds

Inventory software 1 reply

Chris Hynes
Apr 6, 2019 6:28 PM
OR Team Member Joined Oct, 2012 1403 posts

We don't integrate with any inventory tracking software right now, but there are a ton out there: https://duckduckgo.com/?q=inventory+tracking

Is there something you're looking for on the integration that would help the workflow from being connected to OwnerRez? Seems like a lot of the inventory side would be separate from the booking side that you track in OwnerRez, so it might just work with a separate system.

Inventory software 1 reply

Cheryl H
Apr 6, 2019 12:15 AM
Joined Mar, 2019 2 posts

I’m looking for software that links up to OR to keep track of linens and amenities inventory does anyone know if there is such a software or program that is out there?

Providing Linens for a rustic rental 5 replies

Cheryl H
Apr 6, 2019 12:12 AM
Joined Mar, 2019 2 posts

I own a cleaning business in Tampa and I clean a few vacation rentals. I also work for my daughter cleaning and managing her cleaning business in Destin. That being said you have two viable options first being as previously mentioned having three sets of turns on hand with a private cleaner which is what I do in Tampa with the rentals I clean. Or you can check around for a cleaning service that provides linens for every turn they bring in the clean and take the dirty with them. There really isn’t much difference in cost the difference is with a cleaning service that provides the linen you know you will always have the places cleaned and fresh linen in unit at all times with someone private if they get sick or car breaks down they would have to find someone to not only clean it at the drop of a dime but be able to get the clean linen to the unit. The other benefit to a service is they get good quality linens at a better price than we can get they do the ordering when needed and they can let you know when the guests should be charged for missing or damaged linens so your not absorbing the costs. Also going with a service you do t have to store linen in the rental in an owners closet which is great when you have limited space to store things. You just need to check in the forums of Airbnb or vrbo even Facebook groups or google cleaning services and call around for prices they are all over the place anymore.

Paypal no longer refunding fees on refunds 1 reply

JTVRs
Apr 2, 2019 7:38 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

Doesn't surprise me, but I am not sure that a legitimate business should be largely dependent on PayPal. I have heard good and bad about people using them for business. I heard HomeAway (sorry, verbo :) may be allowing owners to get away from the dreaded yapstone/vacationrentalpayments, but not sure yet how they handle this deposit situation yet.

I am leaning towards Lynnebrook group. But honestly not sure if other processors do the same thing to refunds like you say. I think there is a lot of value in having someone who handles a lot of vacation rental activity (besides yapstone).

Of course, Airbnb there isn't really a deposit. Maybe the above makes them more valuable in that way.

Paypal no longer refunding fees on refunds 1 reply

Tim K
Apr 2, 2019 12:12 PM
Joined Jul, 2017 77 posts

Paypal announced changes to their Terms of Service effective May 7, 2019. Among the changes is the fact that Paypal will no longer refund service fees if you refund all or a portion of a charge. Those of you using Paypal for rental payments may want to consider alternative processors if you deal with many refunds. Especially if you have used them for security deposits....that's $15 for every $500 deposit you refund.
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/ua/upcoming-policies-full

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

JTVRs
Mar 28, 2019 11:21 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

I plan to have Playstation Vue on 1 TV in each apt. But the free apps on all tvs. Showing people how to effectively cut the cord is going to be part of my shtick. Some have heard of it, but not know how to really get started.

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

Tim K
Mar 27, 2019 8:57 PM
Joined Jul, 2017 77 posts

I have YouTubeTV in my home and previously PS Vue. It's fine for my house where basically it is me and my wife who watch. And mostly DVR shows. I actually really like it. But I wouldn't think of putting it in my rentals. It's just too.....different. The guide is different. The fact that you have to turn on the tv and then choose an app to watch TV is different. Changing channels is different. It's easier for me to overpay Comcast for cable TV that everyone can use, than to worry about educating my guests and saving $300 year. If I had 10 units it may be a different story....

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

Stacy S
Mar 25, 2019 7:25 PM
Joined Feb, 2019 31 posts

I have 2 tvs in my rental that are Roku TVs. Because the primary TV still has local cable, the two Roku TVs are only streaming Netflix and Prime, plus whatever my guests log into for their own accounts. However, in Atlanta, we ditched cable and stream Hulu live plus the other streaming channels and can use just a Roku remote for everything. If our internet standards ever improve at the rental, I'll ditch cable altogether and also have Hulu Live (or some other version) for live tv.

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

Rich S
Mar 25, 2019 12:40 PM
Joined Dec, 2018 302 posts

@Jacques - Another option is to keep your existing setup and just supplement with a streaming account like Netflix.

I've done this with 2 units so far and gotten both zero complaints and zero feedback (after about 60 guest bookings since december).

I'm personally not yet a cable-cutter at my own house. The industry is changing so rapidly, and it's just too easy for me to get the massive numbers of channels from a primary provider like spectrum or comcast or directv and just stream the movies I want with added services like netflix, amazon prime, hulu etc. Before switching to such a setup at vacation rentals I'd want to be confident that the setup just flat out works. Turn on any tv and it's live, no need to navigate somewhere or login.

I expect that any kind of streaming setup is still not as easy to use these days. No single service has all the content people want, and for sure you need at least something that resembles typical cable broadcasting with the major networks, CNN, espn, etc.

For myself, I've chosen to keep Comcast and add Netflix streaming using the TV's themselves. There are no extra boxes involved.

At each cleaning I have my cleaning person turn on the tv and start netflix and watch something. She actually prefers music, so this works for her anyway. This helps me know that the streaming is still working, and some folks will log in with their own account and forget to log back out when they leave.

If you have reliable wifi in your unit you don't even need a wired ethernet cable at the tv, but wired is still preferred. Fewer things can go wrong. But for me all of our TV's are connected by wireless and like I said, zero complaints.

My condos are in a large building at a resort. The building has excellent wired internet service and spotty wireless, so I've just configured a router/access point so that it broadcasts a private wifi in the area of our condos (which are about 1,000 sqft). That too has seemed to work pretty well without complaints, but it's hard for me to know since my instructions tell people to use either building or private (mine) wifi so they have two choices.

I chose the higher end 4K Netflix with I think is about $16/month, but I can use it in both units, plus a 3rd I'm about to add.

One issue is that I *never* give the account email address/password to the guest. If it turns out that the streaming isn't working, I've been prepared (and my instructions state) to tell them I cannot give it out. The reason being that with the email/password someone could change the password and lock me out. Wouldn't be too easy to correct either since I wouldn't have online access. I've worried about Netflix logging itself out, but it seems that isn't an issue for me since at least the cleaning person uses it every few days.

Back to your original question, maybe consider experimenting. The beauty of streaming is that (I think) it's mostly geography indpendent. So just buy a TV and use it for a few months in your home as your daily setup. Maybe set it someplace near your usual tv so it's reasonably convenient. Once you can convince yourself that it's simple enough then deploy it in your units. You might find that you have to return whatever tv(s) you buy if they don't work easily enough.

hope this helps ;-)

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

JTVRs
Mar 25, 2019 12:23 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

Yea, with satellite it's tough. Streaming only makes sense in fast internet, which we have. I can handle 20 TVs with their fastest service. Service wise, they shouldn't have to worry about the fire sticks. And there is at least 2 TVs per unit. It has been proven simple so far.

Each person needs to work through what works for them.

When facing a $65 VS. $700 monthly bill for 6-7 units, it is worth it for some people...

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

BlueMtnCabins
Mar 25, 2019 11:23 AM
Joined Jun, 2016 1159 posts

It all big DEPENDS. In my location you cannot get streaming anything, Our internet is over satellite, and I pay a fortune just to get bare basics, which will NOT allow to stream. Also, I have 4, 6, 8 TVs per property. Can you imagine trying to stream on 8 TVs plus a few kids with their Ipads at the same time? Third thing, is we host multi gen families, and in offseson- groups of older adults. I do not want or need to be on tech support 24X7 and have frustrated renters who cannot figure out those Rokus and Fire sticks (even if I had streaming internet). I practice KISS method... which may not be cheapest per-month, BUT saves me money in time and aggravation - everyone knows how to operate simple DISH stuff and they have channels that they expect. I had to add Hallmark package around Christmas because I didn't have it (go figure) and 2 separate families in 2 separate cabins were requesting it.

I am sure hotels could go to Rokus and stuff as there is streaming internet where they are located. But they do not. Why? - Simplicity, I am sure. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

JTVRs
Mar 19, 2019 10:06 AM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

This is scary! Exactly what I am working on this week. Part of my reason for streaming, is antennas don't work here and I have a lot of units.

Consider researching a bulk package from Dish TV. It requires 10 TVs - drops) min, and works out to about $10 per television monthly. And it requires a person to set it up for you who does not work for Dish TV. Of course, I assume you have to pay for equipment initially.

You only need the sports on one TV per unit. Can you get sports via antenna? Window? Rooftop? Google to learn about finding towers and antenna types.

There is also Roku channel, free and premium, but less simultaneous streams. May work better on Roku TV?

PlayStation Vue is what I had selected. I have not actually done anything yet, but my plan was to be implemented in six properties with a total of about 15 TVs.

One was a 32in RCA 720 TV with a built-in DVD player from Walmart. That would be 1 / property. It would have a fire stick, a selection of DVDs, and a few movie/TV Show streaming apps such as xumo, Tubi, etc (see Google play store)

I would have a larger TV without a DVD player that would also have a fire stick in the streaming apps as above

I would also have a large TV without a DVD player and a fire stick that would have the streaming apps and it would also have PlayStation Vue.

Therefore, I figure the 5 streams across 6 property TVs should suffice. Or 1 property may get Philo or something.

There is also Philo, Sling and Roku channel (which has free and premium selections)

Keep in mind 720 VS 1080 VS 4k and how much bandwidth it pulls. All my TVs will be 720. For larger TVs, that works if far enough away.


Providing Streaming TV 7 replies

Jacques L
Mar 19, 2019 8:51 AM
Joined Jun, 2014 50 posts

Hi,
I'm wondering what other owners are providing for TV service. I have been providing DirecTV via an actual satellite dish for my 4 units, but I feel like the time for this is gone. We do have 30 MBPS download internet even though we are very rural, so I think we can stream well enough.

A few tenants have mentioned to me that they enjoy watching local sports (Boston area) at the lake, so I found out that Playstation Vue streaming service is perfect: it has NESN and local channels, and you can stream on 5 different TVs on 1 account (I have 4 units). BUT, the interface is counterintuitive and glitchy on Roku, which is what the TVs there have.

I'm willing to buy all new TVs if I can get to a setup where:

- Every unit has 1 remote that entirely controls the TV and streaming TV
- The interface is easy to use and the same in all 4 units
- Service can play on 4 TVs for $75 or less without the renter needing to log in or do anything confusing like that
- Has NESN and local channels

Anybody have a great streaming TV setup their willing to share?

cheers,
-JJ

.ps I got most of my info about the streaming services from here:
https://thestreamable.com/channels/nesn

How to tell a fake service dog 3 replies

JTVRs
Mar 5, 2019 4:31 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

"Guests that cause Owners indirectly or directly to be delisted from a third party booking agency agree to pay a delisting fee."

How to tell a fake service dog 3 replies

JTVRs
Mar 5, 2019 4:16 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

If I challenge a fake service dog, I will probably film it! Part of me is thinking to go to all pet friendly to avoid the risk, and raise prices and deposits

How to tell a fake service dog 3 replies

Stacy S
Mar 5, 2019 12:14 PM
Joined Feb, 2019 31 posts

Thanks for the links! This has a been a big topic of discussion in one of my FB groups. Particularly with owners concerned about Airbnb's policies that exceed both laws and their own stated policies. I removed my listing from Airbnb last year because they unilaterally side with a guest on any dispute regardless of evidence and it looks like ADA compliance for a non-service dog claiming to be a service dog (even for a private homeowner) is not outside of their reach.

Here is a a summary of ADA requirements that I found helpful as well: http://www.bhgrlaw.com/blog/housing-provider-obligations-under-the-fha-and-ada-do-i-need-to-allow-service-assistance-animals-in-my-short-term-vacation-rental/?fbclid=IwAR1txec3dzVVVPUa_naUFaWIbat8O6WG59CriIOTnewRjwWCxZRI5MpmYQA

How to tell a fake service dog 3 replies

JTVRs
Mar 2, 2019 11:08 PM
Joined Jun, 2018 385 posts

As you are aware, fake service dogs are becoming a problem for VR owners. But it can be difficult to separate the fakes from the real. It is worth spending 15 minutes watching the following two youtube videos. It tells you what to look for to eject a fake dog.

Start at minute 7:30 for valuable part
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY4rKPdRiY8

Watch the whole thing - tells you ways to vet a real service dog.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y9CMp6jBcY

How can I modify alert email content? 1 reply

Paul W
Feb 4, 2019 4:06 PM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 864 posts

Emails to guests can be customized using email templates (Settings > Email Templates). That page has a list of system-defined events and then custom ones you can create (to send with triggers). You would find the template and then create one to override the system one.

If it's a user facing alert (ie. a notification OwnerRez is sending to you as the OwnerRez user) it may not be able to be customized. Most of those are hard-coded.

How can I modify alert email content? 1 reply

Michel O
Feb 4, 2019 8:43 AM
Joined Jan, 2019 1 post

How can I modify alert email content?

Alternative to PayPal payment processing 35 replies

Paul W
Jan 20, 2019 9:33 AM
OR Team Member Joined Jun, 2009 864 posts

Ross, check out OpenEdge too. We just started supporting them, and we've been impressed with their team. Fast customer service and a meet-or-beat guarantee on rates.

The downside of PayPal is that you don't have a card on file (in OwnerRez) so the guest has to be reminded to make payment or security deposit every time it's due. And so there's less that can be automated.

We also now integrate with Yapstone/VacationRentPayment too. That was just released about 10 days ago. However, your existing "HomeAway Payments" account will not work. Yapstone says that it's a different side of their business and only works with HomeAway. You'd have to get a Yapstone regular account.