Frequently Asked Questions
1. I've never rented directly from an owner. How does it work?
By renting directly through the owner, you save on realtor commission fees. Our rental procedure is pretty simple. Once you decide on your week(s), confirm availability with me (via e-mail) and send me your mailing info. I'll then mail or e-mail to you our Rental Agreement. It is very straightforward. Just sign and mail to us with a check for 50% of the total rent. This will hold your week(s). One month prior to your move in date, the remaining 50% rent plus security deposit is due. Once final payment is received, I mail you house key along with useful information about the house, packing list, and local things to do.
2. Are there things to do nearby?
Yes! We are in a great location of the Jersey Shore--bordering Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head. If you cross the road behind our house (Route 35) you will find a 7-11 convenience store, Rockn' Joe (internet cafe), Beach Peddler (rent bikes & beach items), pizza place, nail salon, and Marlin's bar and grill. The Arc Pub and Restaurant is a quarter mile up the road as well. One mile away is the famous Point Pleasant Beach Boardwalk, filled with many attractions such as kiddie rides, mini-golf, arcades, Jenkinsens Aquarium, Jenkinsens Bar, the Tiki Bar, pizza, ice-cream, shopping, etc. The quaint town of Bay Head is less than 1 mile south of our house, and visitors come from all over to visit the shops, restaurants and B&B's. The NJ Transit railroad station, with trains connecting to North Jersey and New York City is just a few blocks away. Oh and there's also miles and miles of beautiful beach. Maryland Avenue beach is just across the cul-du-sac from our front door--about a 2 minute walk.
3. Do you rent to high school or college students?
No. Families only.
4. Do you allow pets?
Sorry but no pets are allowed at our house...not even as visitors.
5. What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel your vacation for any reason, contact me right away. I will re-list the week(s) on our rental websites and try to get someone to fill. If I can re-rent it for full price, you will get a full refund. If I need to discount (which is necessary if week is less than 6 weeks away) and it rents to another family, then you will get back whatever you paid less the amount of the discount. If the week is not re-rented, you will not get any of your rent money paid back.
6. Is there parking at the house?
Our house does not have a driveway so you must park on the street. Getting a spot in front of our house can be tricky during weekend beach hours (10am - 5pm). The worst case scenario is you'd have to park up the street until one of the spaces in front of our house is cleared. We have found weekday parking to not be a problem.
7. Do I have to cross any major roads to get to the beach?
No. Our house is located on an oceanside cul-du-sac so there are no major streets to cross. The cul-du-sac does get a bit of traffic during the summer months so you do need to watch young children. The distance to the beach is about 1/2 block. You can see a picture on our photo page taken from our house to the beach access.
8. Explain what the security deposit is for?
A $500 security deposit is required per rental. This amount could be used to cover the cost of damages to our property caused by your family or guests during your stay. In our 9 years of renting our house, we've only had a few incidents that led us to deduct a portion of the security deposit. We really don't want to keep anyone's deposit. Your deposit is returned within a week of us receiving back the key.
9. What if something at the house breaks or doesn't work during our vacation?
We work hard at preventative maintenance prior to each summer so that our tenants will not have any disruptions. Unfortunately, like any house, things sometimes need repair. Your first action is to call us and let us know the problem. We then contact our local handyman or appliance contractor to schedule repair. Our handyman is usually able to get to the house within 24 hours to assess the problem and repair as needed. We cannot guarantee immediate assistance but we will do our best.
10. When our vacation is over, what do we need to do?
On the last morning of your vacation, you need to leave the house in good condition. I provide a brief check list of things you'll need to do: empty house of all food items and personal belongings, take out garbage, leave beach badges on the kitchen table, make beds, etc. Our cleaners arrive promptly at your departure time to mop floors, clean bathrooms, vacuum, etc. to get house looking nice for the next tenants. The last thing you need to do is mail the house key back to me, in a provided self-addressed stamped envelope.
11. Does your house have telephone or internet connection?
Sorry but no. There is an internet coffee house across the street from our house (on other side of route 35). Please bring your cell phone and chargers. I'll need your cell phone numbers as well should we need to contact you during your stay.
12. I'm ready to reserve. What do I do?
Please e-mail me first to ensure availability of the week you want. I check e-mail frequently. Then provide your name, address, home and cell phone numbers. I will forward you our Rental Agreement. Upon your review and approval, mail back to us with a check for 50% of total rent. This locks in your week. Other rentals will be considered until we receive and clear your first payment. The balance is not due until one month prior to your move in date.
