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2. How many will be in our party?
3. What’s our budget?
4. What is provided—and what should we bring?
5. What are our housekeeping responsibilities?
6. What deposits are we required to pay—and when?
7. Can we invite guests for dinner or to stay overnight?
8. What if we’re planning a party or special event?
9. What if we need to cancel?
10. Who do we call in case there is a problem during our stay?
Whether you choose one of the properties reviewed in Renting Paradise or are simply inspired to keep on
looking, here is a checklist that will help you evaluate your particular “paradise”—and enter into a vacation
rental agreement that results in a wonderful trip.
1. What’s the purpose of our trip?
A casual reunion of family or friends? A romantic proposal? A wedding or family holiday? A “make-like-a-couch-
potato-and-veg” weekend? Your answer is the beginning of a wish list such as: a big kitchen for “Big Chill”
meals, a secluded setting, a view of the water.
2. How many will be in our party?
As you shop for rentals, keep in mind that “maximum” occupancy often includes at least one foldout sofa or
futon. Sometimes that’s okay. My brother loved sleeping on the futon in the sunroom at a house we rented on
the ocean. He fell asleep under the stars to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks—a better deal
than the rest of us had in standard bedrooms. (Okay, I was a little bit jealous.) Also, be sure to confirm the sizes
of standard beds.
Don’t forget Fido. Pet-friendly homes are featured on pages 19, 33, 36, 39 and 42. However, you have to obey
some rules. For example, dogs are typically not allowed on the furniture, unless you cover it with a blanket you
bring with you. In some cases, dogs must be left in a crate when you leave the house. Some homes don’t
permit cats.
3. What’s our budget?
That may depend on the purpose of your vacation. Will the house be your primary destination or do you expect
to be out going-and-doing most of the time? If the house itself is your destination, you may want to splurge on
more amenities—a heated pool, a hot tub, private access to the water. Dining in—on local produce or the catch-
of-the-day—can be fun as well as economical.
Your budget may be strongly influenced by how many people will be contributing. Divvying up the weekly rent
can be a pleasant surprise.
TIP: Many rentals offer lower rates during the “off”-season. Surprise: That doesn’t always mean winter. The
three-bedroom home my family rented in South Lake Tahoe was $25 a day per person in early June, the week
before the summer “high season” began. The week after we left, the price increased to $50 per person
pernight. Weekday rates are often lower, as well. On the opposite end of the spectrum, holiday rates are
typically higher more—sometimes much higher—than regular rates.
4. What is provided—and what should we bring?
Some of the basics such as linens and towels and extras such as soap and a blow drier that
you’ve learned to take for granted in inns and B&Bs, may not be included in the vacation rental you choose.
Most of the rentals highlighted in this guide include high- quality linens and plush towels. But it’s always a good
idea to check the fine print on the Web site and/or rental agreement. If necessary, arrange for a linen service, so
that you don’t feel like a slave during your precious time off.
Beyond that, don’t assume anything. While I’ve been pleasantly surprised by scented soaps, bathrobes and
gourmet coffee beans, I never depend on them. In the same vein, your cell phone won’t work in some locations.
I’d recommend bringing a calling card to avoid surcharges. Some rentals include dataports or will rent you
wireless cards for high-speed Internet access. Again, the best policy is to ask.
TIP: If it’s important, bring your own. I forgot my blow drier during a mid-winter visit to an oceanfront home. The
night before, I frantically searched every cabinet and drawer in the place—twice. Finally, I got up extra early to
wash my hair so it would air dry inside before I ventured out. Ask about specific dishes and cooking utensils if
you plan to cook Thanksgiving dinner and need a turkey baster or gravy boat. If your house has a charcoal
barbecue, you may need to bring briquettes and starter fluid. Some, but not all, houses provide firewood
kindling and starters.
5. What are our housekeeping responsibilities?
While researching this book, I always seem to arrive the night before trash day. You may also have to schlep
garbage cans to the curb during your stay.
Typically, you’ll be expected to wash any dishes you’ve used, remove linens from the beds and return furniture
you’ve moved to its original location. And that’s about it. The rest is covered in the rental price or by a separate,
non-refundable, cleaning fee that can range from $50 to $250.
TIP: Take some time to read and understand the fine print of your rental agreement. Most houses stock basic
cleaning supplies and trash bags. However, you may be expected to launder sheets and towels or replace
toilet paper and cleaning supplies you’ve used.
6. What deposits are we required to pay—and when?
Every rental agent or owner will have slightly different policies and procedures. Be sure to read and understand
the rental agreement before you send any money.
Typically, you’ll need to secure your reservation with a deposit—payable by check or credit card—ranging from
$100 to 60% of the of the full rent. Expect to pay a separate deposit or non-refundable fee for pets. Some
companies charge an additional refundable security deposit or damage waiver.
TIP: Note the deadline for making deposits and final payments. Late payments could result in cancellation of
your reservation. Once you receive your confirmation, bring it with you.
7. Can we invite guests for dinner or to stay overnight?
One of the beauties of renting a vacation home is being able to entertain friends for dinner—even overnight if
you don’t exceed the maximum occupancy.
TIP: If you think you might need extra towels or linens, ask up front.
8. What if we’re planning a party or special event?
Larger homes may permit special events such as weddings and reunions—often for an additional fee. You will
probably be required to provide proof of liability coverage or a rider on your homeowner’s insurance to cover
personal injury to your guests during the event.
Check with the rental agent as to maximum number of guests, including those sleeping at the house, as well
as parking arrangements.
TIP: If necessary, you can arrange for shuttles or buses to bring in additional guests.
9. What if we need to cancel?
Full refunds are rare—no matter what your reason for canceling—so be prepared to sacrifice at least a portion
of your deposit. With advance warning—which can be as little as 72 hours prior to your planned arrival—the
rental company should be able to rebook your rental. If so, you may receive a full refund. Worst case, you’ll be
out a small cancellation fee. Keep in mind, you could lose your entire deposit if you cancel your reservation for a
major holiday.
10. Who do we call in case there is a problem during our stay?
If you have a bona fide emergency, dial 911. This does not include minor inconveniences such as power
outages due to winter storms and cable TV blackouts. The best plan is to do a thorough inventory of appliances
after you arrive and report any problems immediately. If the rental company can’t resolve the problem in a
reasonable time, they may offer to move you to a comparable house, if one is available.
TIP: If you’re dealing with an individual owner, request a contact telephone number and try it out before you
arrive. Agree on a Plan B, in writing, in case you don’t receive a response to your message within a reasonable
period of time.