I am writing this detailed review in hopes that it’ll help a future traveler. Please check Jerry’s profile for reviews before booking (I wish I had). He has 800 reviews and most of them mention the poor maintenance and cleanliness of his properties....
I booked Jerry’s townhome (Unit D) in Oak Lawn because I am relocating to Dallas. I came into town with family (7 people in total, one 75-year-old woman, 3 pre-teens, and 3 adults- all of which were included in the booking) I’ve been renting Airbnb’s for years and this was absolutely the WORST experience I’ve had on this platform.
* PRE-SCREEN
Please be aware that there is a VERY lengthy background/verification check that you have to complete to book this unit. I was not worried because I don’t have a record and I am highly reviewed via Airbnb. I have never had any issues with previous rentals and I’ve utilized this platform for group and solo travel. So the background will ask you a lot of information, require you to upload a picture of your debit card to be “stored only” (which I later realized was not the truth), upload your ID (take selfies while holding the ID if the system can’t get a clear shot, sign an agreement (appeared to be some type of leasing or renter’s agreement), full names & emails of all guest(s), etc.
I completed all of this the night before my check in date. Jerry reached out to me to ask if I would be partying in his unit. I said no I am traveling with family to relocate as I had added on his verification process. He went on to tell me how I can’t party at this unit any noise and the neighbors will call the cops. I informed him again (now 2 times) that I would not be partying. My booking was confirmed, my card was charged, and I received a message saying that I would receive check in details regarding my smart code etc.
*CHECK IN
The morning of the day I was due to check in, I received a message from Jerry requesting that I upload my ID and card again or email them because they didn’t go through the Airbnb verification link. I told him that I uploaded it again and also asked for the email but he didn’t respond. A few hours went by and I noticed that it was a hour until I had to check in and I still hadn’t received any check in details. I wrote Jerry to ask for the check in information so I can get in the unit upon our scheduled time .
He responded to me and said that he just wants to make sure I won’t be partying (now a third time) because if I do the neighbors will call the cops and if drugs are found then arrests will be made ( I have no idea what would make him say this other than profiling me because of my age and or race- I don’t have any negative reviews about me on this platform nor do any of them mention issues with me partying or having drugs). I assured him again that I will not be partying I am with an elderly woman and 3 pre-teens. He took some time to respond then asked how many cars I have. I answered two then he didn’t respond.
It’s now 20 mins until check in and I don’t have any way to get in the unit or book another this late in the day with 7 people during Covid restrictions. I called Airbnb and opened a dispute. The agent advised me to let her know in the next 20 mins if I could access the unit. After I talked to Airbnb , Jerry’s assistant called me and I explained my frustrations about being stuck outside with my grandmother in 100+ degree heat. I informed her that I spoke with Airbnb, if they weren’t going to send me the code then I would like a refund. They sent me the code to access the unit.
*THE UNIT
The rental itself is a beautiful townhouse. Like many other reviews, it could’ve been cleaned better. I wasn’t able to fully enjoy my stay due to the fact that after I experienced that terrible booking and check in process, I did not feel welcomed at this property, neither did my family.
*CHECK OUT (2 days later)
I checked out of the unit, emptied the trash, and turned off the AC and lights (per Jerry’s request). It was maybe a day later, I receive a damaged request for $450 dollars from Jerry via the dispute center claiming that we put a dent in the wall that led to paint chipping. I was unsure as to when or how this could’ve happened because we barely spent time inside the unit except to sleep ( we were uncomfortable with all of the mentions of calling the police).
I immediately called Airbnb and opened a dispute of my own. I responded to Jerry’s request and asked him to send me dated proof of the wall before check in and a copy of the estimated damages, he never responded. I had a pre-authorized charge come to my card from a company I had never heard of. When I called my bank, the number to the company had the same area code as Jerry’s assistant. I blocked the charge (be aware because this is where my card was only suppose to be “stored” to verify my booking but they tried to take money from it)
*UPDATE
Today (July 30th, 2020) I received a call from Jerry’s assistant again. She wanted to talk about the damages. She went on to say she spoke with him (that’s funny because he called you to ask you to call me but he never responded to me) and he will just fix it the dent himself but if I can pitch in and