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

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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.

A: Avis should have inspected the vehicle immediately upon return and notified you of any iss

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