Weekly & Long-term Cottage Rentals | Insiders' Guide® North Carolina's Outer Banks, 26th Edition

		Location, Location, Location! An "oceanfront" cottage is one that sits directly on the beach with no cottages or lots to the east facing the ocean. Some, but not all, have private walkways to the ocean, an especially convenient and important feature if the cottage sits behind a dune. (Dunes are fragile and need protection. It's against the law to climb them.) If your cottage doesn't have a private walkway, you'll have to use the community or public access; check on this when you make your reservation. Also, although most oceanfront cottages offer spectacular vistas, some have tall dunes obstructing the view from one or more levels. Oceanfront cottages without views are more the exception than the rule, but you won't encounter any disappointing surprises if you double-check at the time of rental. There's no underestimating the convenience of an oceanfront cottage. You don't have to schlep the beach equipment very far, and when the little ones get cranky, you can sun yourself on your deck or patio and listen to the pounding surf while they nap inside. The next best thing to oceanfront is "semi-oceanfront," which usually means one lot back from oceanfront. The distance to the ocean varies, but many semi- oceanfronts still offer good views of the water and reasonable beach-going convenience. In some areas, especially Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head, you'll have to cross the Beach Road (North Carolina Highway 12) to get to the surf. When a cottage is described as "between the highways," it is located between the Beach Road and U.S. Highway 158. Actual distances from the beach vary, but you can expect a 5- to 15-minute walk. Cottages identified as "westside" are located west of US 158 in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head. Those west of NC 12 in Corolla, Duck, and Southern Shores are referred to as "soundside." Of course, "soundfront" cottages are those with no houses or lots between them and the sound. Westside or soundside cottages tend to be among the last to book and can offer a very affordable and pleasant alternative to costlier oceanside cottages. Many communities offer pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, and other amenities on the soundside to enhance rentals. Some vacationers have come to prefer the soundside areas for their tranquillity and the convenience of certain water sports, such as windsurfing and canoeing. Finally, many soundfront cottages offer views as spectacular as those on the ocean. It's the place to be if you prefer the sunset to the sunrise. (See our Real Estate chapter for more information on individual communities.) Most rental companies identify, either in terms of number of lots from the beach or distance measured in feet, how close (or far) cottages are to the ocean, so you should get an idea when you make your reservation how long a trek you can expect. "Cottage" is the traditional beach name for a vacation rental house on the Outer Banks. A "cottage" may be a tiny saltbox, of which there are only a few, or a mansion with numerous bedrooms, bathrooms, and Jacuzzis or hot tubs. Take your pick! Either way, it's a "cottage" to Insiders.
		When and How to Reserve Your Cottage As you might imagine, properties closest to the ocean are snatched up quickly. Many rental companies offer returning guests the opportunity to make advance reservations for the next year as they check out, so cottages in prime locations will often have several weeks reserved even before the New Year. Expect to make your reservation in January or February if you have your heart set on a particular cottage on the ocean. Otherwise, you'll still have a good variety from which to choose if you reserve by the end of March. Don't despair, however, if you can't make a decision until later. You might have to call around, but you can usually find something to rent, possibly even at the last minute. (One caveat: The pickings will be slim for spur-of-the-moment trips in summer months.) Nearly all rental companies publish a color brochure or catalog describing their properties; the new editions typically are available after Thanksgiving. You'll find photos and property descriptions not only in a company's brochure but on its Web site as well. Online availability and reservation booking capabilities are increasingly used. The rental company's catalog or Web site will almost certainly cover the essential elements of the lease. Make sure you read these thoroughly before making your reservation, and form a list of questions you want to ask the reservationist. You'd be surprised at how familiar many reservationists are with the properties they rent. This is also the right time to discuss any special needs anyone in your party may have. You'll typically be asked to secure your cottage with a deposit-usually 50 percent, with the balance due 30 days in advance of your visit.
		Amenities Rental companies list the amenities offered at each cottage in their catalogs; some include this information on their Web sites. In addition, most companies require their owners to supply certain amenities as standard. Typical standard items include air-conditioning, a telephone, television, VCR, washer and dryer, barbecue, microwave-most appliances and items you'd expect to find in the typical home. Still, don't take anything for granted. Read the descriptions and your lease thoroughly to avoid misunderstanding. Unless the lease stipulates that your rental is equipped with linens and towels, bring your own. The cottage listing will tell you the sizes and number of beds in the home. You'll also need to supply your own toiletries, paper products, and cleaning supplies such as laundry and dishwashing detergents, sponges, and paper towels. It's a good idea to arrive with enough of the basics to get you through a half-day so you won't need to visit the grocery store immediately. If you don't feel like hauling a lot of extra stuff to the beach, you can rent just about anything you need, including linens, towels, beach equipment, bicycles, outdoor furniture, and recreational equipment. At the end of this chapter is a list of companies you can call in advance; many will deliver the items you request right to your cottage.
		Minimum Stays During the mid- and off-seasons, you'll of course have more options than in peak season, when occupancy runs at close to 100 percent. During the summer it's very difficult to find a cottage to rent for less than a week. Most rent from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. Some families enjoy renting for two or even more consecutive weeks, but don't expect a price break. You'll have better luck finding a shorter-term rental during slower seasons. Most companies offer what they call "partial" rentals from September through May or June. Some charge a flat fee for a three- or four-day period; others charge a nightly fee. Make sure you understand how the fee is determined. In the off-seasons, many rental companies get creative to increase bookings. That's the time to look for special getaway packages. As you might expect, the mid- and off-seasons offer some excellent bargains and are especially popular with vacationers who don't have school-age children in tow. If you have the option of enjoying the Outer Banks during the slower seasons, you'll be delighted with the meandering pace and quiet. Most restaurants and shops now stay open at least through Thanksgiving, and more and more are extending their operating times well beyond that. Visiting the Outer Banks during off-season holidays is becoming increasingly popular.
		Advance Rents Expect to pay an advance rent, typically 50 percent of the full lease amount, soon after you make your reservation. It's usually due within 10 days. Personal checks are commonly accepted if the reservation is made in plenty of time for the check to clear. Some companies allow credit-card transactions, but be aware that some will charge an additional fee to cover the extra costs charged by the bank that handles the card. In most cases, the balance of the lease amount is due 30 days prior to arrival. If payment is accepted at check-in, it's usually required in the form of a certified check or cash. Most rental companies will not accept a personal check upon arrival.
		Security Deposits Besides advance rents, most rental companies also require their guests to pay a security deposit. This, of course, is for the owner's protection. The amounts required vary depending upon the company's policies. Cottages are typically inspected between check-ins to make sure everything is in order. If you notice any damage in a cottage just after arriving, inform your rental company immediately. A little extra caution on your part will help prevent any misunderstanding about who caused the damage. Remember that rental companies are anxious to please you, but they also answer to their owners. If anything is damaged during your stay or is determined missing after you leave, expect to have an amount deducted from your security deposit. Cottages that allow pets usually require an extra deposit for possible pet damage and a standard fee for flea extermination after you and your pet depart.
		Hurricane Evacuation Refunds Most rental companies now offer insurance with each reservation made. In accordance with North Carolina's Vacation Rental Act, if a guest buys vacation insurance, or if a guest is offered insurance but declines the offer, the real estate company is not required to reimburse that guest for any rental days that he or she loses as a result of hurricane evacuation. Each rental company sets its own policy governing refunds in the event of a hurricane. The few remaining companies that do not offer insurance generally will issue a partial or full refund in the event of a mandatory evacuation. Each area's local government officials are ultimately responsible for issuing evacuation orders. The County of Currituck has jurisdiction over Corolla and the four-wheel-drive beach areas, Hyde County has jurisdiction over Ocracoke, and Dare County governs every place in between. The island of Ocracoke is usually evacuated before all other areas because access and egress is only by ferry or boat, and the rough waters stirred up by a hurricane even hundreds of miles away will make passage difficult or impossible as the storm approaches. Hatteras Island also tends to evacuate early because sections of NC 12 quickly flood when waters rise. If a mandatory evacuation of your area is ordered, comply. Most rental companies will not issue refunds for days you don't occupy the property once reentry is permitted. Most Ocracoke property managers make exceptions for refunds in case the ferries aren't operating. These policies do vary from business to business, so make inquiries along with your reservation.
		Handling and Inspection Fees and Taxes Some rental companies charge a handling fee for processing information and an inspection fee for cottage inspection following your checkout. This is a nonrefundable fee assessed in addition to other charges. In Dare County, a combined 12 percent tax is tacked on to all rents and fees. The taxes in Currituck County total 11 percent.
		Pet Rules and Costs SSome cottage owners allow guests to bring pets, within certain limits, but you'll be assessed extra fees for the privilege. You can usually count on an extra cleaning and extermination fee and a higher security deposit. Rental companies will often restrict the size of the pets accepted (for example, dogs up to 75 pounds), but if your pet does not conform to the restrictions, ask the rental manager if it's possible to make an exception. Many companies will contact the cottage owner in an attempt to accommodate a reasonable request. Be aware, too, that some cottages will allow dogs but not cats and vice versa. Whatever you do, don't bring a pet "illegally"-this is almost always grounds for eviction without a refund.
		Check-In and Check-Out Times Of course you're anxious to begin your vacation, but you'll save yourself (and others) aggravation if you respect check-in and checkout times. Rental companies need this time to clean and inspect cottages and perform minor maintenance. Checkout is usually by 10:00 A.M.; check-in is usually at 4:00 P.M., give or take an hour. (These standard times account for the heavy traffic on Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons.) Most companies allow you to occupy your cottage earlier if it has been serviced properly, but don't arrive expecting this. If you want to travel during off-peak hours in the summer and plan to arrive several hours before check-in, head for one of the beach access areas that has showers and changing facilities, and just plan to spend the time relaxing. If you plan to check in after the rental company's office closes, most will make arrangements to leave your keys and cottage information in an outside box for pickup. Be prompt when you check out. This is a courtesy to the rental company and the next guest. You might be assessed an extra fee if you overstay your welcome!
		Occupancy The number of people your cottage can accommodate is listed in the description of the property in the rental brochure. This is determined by the number and type of beds and the septic and water capacity. Do not exceed the maximum occupancy or you could risk eviction. Most rental companies rent to family groups only and will not rent to minors. Any violation of this policy could result in a ruined vacation-and no refund.
		Mail, Telephone, and Fax Services When you make a reservation, you can request the cottage's phone number to leave with those back home who may need to reach you. Often the cottage's physical address and telephone number are printed on your lease, which you'll receive after making your initial payment. Almost all cottages have telephones these days, although a few of the older ones do not (and with the proliferation of cell phones, this may not be a problem for you). At any rate, the caveat once again is to know exactly what you're renting. Of course, you'll be required to pay for long- distance calls, and many homeowners have a block on their lines to prevent direct-dialed long-distance calls. Either bring along a calling card or buy a prepaid phone card, but don't make calls from your cottage that will be charged to the homeowner. If you expect to receive mail while on vacation, ask the reservationist for the proper mailing address and make sure you tell your correspondents to mark the envelope clearly with your name and cottage identification. The same common sense applies if you expect to receive faxes while you're on vacation. Most rental companies either have a fax machine set aside for guest use or will let you use theirs, but a fee is almost always charged. If you're expecting something important, it's a good idea to instruct the sender to call you when the fax has been sent to be sure it arrives. Rental companies are exceptionally busy during summer and peak holiday times, so your fax might be one of a few dozen that come in over the course of a day.
		Trash Pickup and Recycling Rental companies usually supply information on designated trash pick-up days in the check-in packet. When you check out, bag your refuse securely and make sure the receptacle sits beside the road, ready for pickup. Recycling is with few exceptions the renter's responsibility. Some communities provide recycling service and the proper bins, but in most areas you'll need to carry your recyclables to one of the collection points. Ask your rental company for the location nearest your cottage and for sorting instructions. Many beach access areas now have recycling bins in addition to trash cans to keep the beach litter-free.
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