Harvey Heaven

The biggest problem was finding the house full of someone else's things. Cupboards had clothes, shoes and office papers, and there was food in the fridge. I was told the place would be cleared for us, but it wasn't. The floors were dirty, beds squeaked, and cupboard and vanity doors and drawers were broken. One power point was hanging out; it was later fixed after my wife tried to steam her clothes and the power went off. We had no heater that night, and the family stayed cold. I booked through Airbnb after speaking with Wasim Mohammed at Harvey Heaven about hiring the whole house. I agreed to pay Aust $880 for six days in a five-bedroom house. He sent a personal account number, and I deposited $300 in cash, with the rest due when I arrived. After a 12-hour drive with my wife and small children, we reached Sydney last Wednesday and couldn't get through to him by phone to get the key. A message said he was busy and would call later. Eventually Wasim, sounding friendly, told me where the key was. He came to collect the balance and deposit, but when I asked for a receipt he said he'd bring one the next day. It never arrived. After I explained what happened with the steamer and power point, he said he'd arrange an electrician. When we got back, he said it was fixed. About 20 minutes later he called to say the electrician had charged him $200 and I needed to pay half. I said no, since I hadn't done anything wrong. Since then there has been a dispute. He sent a photo of a small dent in an ironing board and said I damaged it, though we didn't use it because we had a clothes steamer. I was also told not to discuss the rental or payments with the neighbours, and I don't know why. I'm still trying to get my receipt and deposit back. Now Wasim is threatening to tell his insurance company to claim excess from me. I have screenshots of our conversations and photos, and I'm seeking expert advice. I also want to complain to Airbnb about paying for a stay where the cupboards were full of someone else's belongings. I hope no one else ends up in this situation away from home with young kids.