Q: I have my renters send me a $200.00 reservation fee that converts to a damage fee and then is returned 14 days after the stay if nothing is damaged. However, I read recently that many owners just charge a flat usage "wear-and-tear" fee of $50-100, not refundable. I am wondering if I should do this "wear-and-tear" because I live too far away to check our condo after each rental, and the staff that cleans my property through the Keystone cleaning service does not give me details of problems or missing items. Because we are at the condo every 3-6 months, I know that basics are there and nothing is missing. Or if something is not working or missing, it is replaced and then charged to me in the monthly statement. But by then I have already refunded the $200! I could change the refund date to 30 days after the stay, but thought that was just too long.

A: Regarding deposits vs damage waiver fee, I don't really have an opinion either way is fine.

I do agree, 30 days is way too long to hold a deposit. And what does it really get you if you still don't visit the property for 3 more months?

If you are not confident that your current housekeepers are good at communicating damages, missing items, etc, then perhaps you could hire an independent housekeeper. I think communication with your housekeeper is imperative.