Avis charged me $450 for a 'heavy smoke smell' in my car

Irented a car from Avis for a quick 7-hour trip between California airports. I returned the vehicle clean, with no odors or damage.

A week later, I received a $450 cleaning fee for a “heavy smoke smell” — even though neither I nor my wife smoke.

The company’s “proof” included photos of dust and a form dated three days after my return, with a mileage reading one mile higher than at drop-off.

I fought the charge, sent time-stamped security footage of the car sitting unused in my driveway and escalated to the executives, but Avis still charged my card. How can a company bill me for damage that didn’t happen? And how do I make this right? — Randall Lee, Los Gatos, Calif.

Avis should have inspected the vehicle immediately upon return and notified you of any issues right away. Anything could