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What would a summer be without a cottage holiday,
jumping of the floating dock and lazing under the sun…Using the following
tips could land you your dream rental cottage. After all who said you
had to own a cottage to enjoy a cottage vacation. Let’s take the
guesswork out of cottage rental by getting answers to the following questions:
Location
- Is the
property located in the area you wish to travel to?
- Is the
cottage located near water, does it have a beach and what type?
- What is
the size of the cottage and its property?
- How far
is the nearest town or city center?
- How far
is the grocery store, supply store, outfitter?
- How does
one access the cottage: by road, boat, other?
- What is
the "neighbourhood" like: secluded, populated, safe for young
children?
- Is parking
available: how many vehicles?
- Does cellular
phone coverage extend to the area?
Costs
- What is
the rental cost per week?
- How is
the rate determined (number of guests or flat weekly rate)?
- What type
of payment is required: credit cards, checks, money order?
- Is a security
deposit required?
- How and
when is the deposit reimbursed?
- Are there
extra costs for the use of the phone?
- What are
the cancellation terms and what cost are involved?
Boating
- Is there
boat access directly on the property?
- Is there
access to a dock for larger boats?
- What types
of boats are available to use: canoe, paddle boat, kayak, rowboat, motorboat?
- Does a
nearby outfitter rent boats?
- Are there
any water restrictions? (no jetskis, motorboats,etc).
Swimming
- Is there
a beach on the property, is it safe for swimming, diving?
- What type
of beach is available: sand, peddle, grass, rock?
- Is the
water shallow or deep?
- Is the
beach safe for novice swimmers and children?
- Is swimming
equipment supplied: life jackets, floating mattresses, pool noodles,
inner tubes?
Enjoying
nature
- What can
you do in the area, sightseeing, campgrounds, hiking trails, national
and provincial parks?
- Is there
a tourist information centre nearby?
- How likely
are you to see wildlife in the area; are there any precautions you should
take?
- What is
the view like: can you see the sunrise or sunset from the dock?
- Are outdoor
furniture supplied for the dock or patio?
How
equipped is the cottage?
- Is the
kitchen equipped with appliances, pots and pans, plates and cutlery?
- What about
cooking supplies: salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard?
- Should
you bring bottled water?
- How many
bedrooms and beds are available: double, twin, bunk beds, pull out?
- Are linens
and towels supplied?
- Is there
a bathroom or outhouse?
- Are running
water, heating, electricity, telephone, TV, VCR available?
- Is there
a BBQ: propane or charcoal?
- Is firewood
supplied for bonfires or wood stoves?
- Is there
a washer and dryer or clothesline at the cottage or is there a laundromat
nearby?
- Are board
games provided for rainy days?
Weather
conditions
- Is the
water warm enough to swim?
- When are
the waters rough?
- When are
mosquitoes and blackflies most abundant?
- Is it
cheaper to rent at other times of the year?
- What clothing
should you pack?
- Do weather
conditions drastically change from morning to night?
Access
- Is the
cottage safe for families with small children? Can parents sit on the
porch and keep an eye on their children on the dock?
- Are there
steps on the property that make it hard for elderly people to get around?
- Are pets
allowed on the property?
- Is smoking
permitted on site?
- What are
the check-in and checkout times?
- Where
and when can you pick up the keys to the cottage?
Safety
- Are life
jackets available: how many and what size?
- Is there
a fire extinguisher?
- Is there
a bonfire pit to make safe campfires?
- Are campfires
allowed in the area?
- How far
is the nearest hospital or clinic?
- Do the
owners supply a contact list in case of repairs or damages (or are they
themselves accessible?)
- In case
of fire, security or medical emergency, who should you call?
Reference
information
- How often
do "renters" use the property?
- Does the
cottage belong to any kind of association (lake, cottager's, travel,
etc.)?
- Do the
owners inspect the property between rent periods for cleanliness, safety
etc.?
- Will you
be required to provide rental references?
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