Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Re: Am I required to return a week of vacation rental monies?

I have prepared both short term (from a weekend to a month) and long term rental agreements for vacation property. Before I can properly advise you, I must see the actual advertisement and then discuss the particulars. You may call me in my office after 9:00 a.m. this Monday, (781) 593-7379

Re: Am I required to return a week of vacation rental monies?

I don't like the fact that you're not sure you should do what you agreed to do.

You said you talked to one or another family member about the lake, but you didn't say that you told that one that there'd be no swimming.

I could agree with you that you never deceived them, and it's even questionable whether they're just taking advantage of you! But that's water under the bridge and you should abide by your promise to refund, I believe. However, you should not have made that agreement out of fear that they would harm your property!

Where do THEY live? Did they say ANYTHING to suggest that you had reason to fear, or was that just your own worry? Big question: didn't you take a security deposit from them??????????? Okay, here's one possible proposal. You call them up and say that you SHOULD have taken a week's rent as a security deposit, but you hadn't bothered with that for them, but now you will use that second week's rent as security deposit to be returned in the event that there's no damage. If they clearly don't believe you, you can either take your chances (and I think it's unlikely that they would leave the place in anything but pristine condition, ... but it's not my house to gamble with!) OR you can try to go one step further to convince them, for example by offering to mail or fax them your agreement to refund (after they've left and you've inspected) so they have it in writing. That might convince them better.

Good luck. Call me with a list of answers to my questions if you want me to give you more advice.

(617) 527-0050.