lake/house rental. what questions to ask?

[dminnie]

We're thinking about renting a house or condo near a lake for a week this summer. We've never done that before. What kinds of questions should we ask? What websites are good to use?

Thanks!

 

[barkley]

if it's a condo (or a lake house in an hoa) find out any rules/restrictions you may be subject to.

we rented a condo that limited how much/when garbage could be put into the dumpsters (NO private garbage cans)-so we had to pile up the bags and set them aside until the owner's assigned 'disposal day' (also ask what the owner means by 'garbage bags and toilet paper provided'-some people may be able to get their family of 4 by on 2 rolls for 10 days/2 tall kitchen bags for the same period of time-not us).

if there's a pool or hot tub (private) ask if it's heated (or if that's an additional charge), if it's part of the complex ask if renters are permitted to use it.

for outdoor activities-find out any special rules/laws (some places kids of a certain age are not permitted on certain watercrafts, fishing requires a license...). even if the place advertises a fire pit-find out if it can be legally used (this is a BIG fine where we live).

make sure there's a person/company local to the property in case there's a problem (especialy if it's a home that's not on city/county water and/or sewage-if those alarms start sounding you want someone who can take care of it).

 

[dminnie]

Thanks.

Anyone know how to tell if it's legit? I certainly don't want to pay for something that turns out to be a scam.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Do you have a boat? And if so, do you need a place to launch? Dock/Slip?

Check to see if you need to bring towels and sheets.

 

[dminnie]

Do you have a boat? And if so, do you need a place to launch? Dock/Slip?

Check to see if you need to bring towels and sheets.

Yes. We'll need a place to park the boat/trailer. There's a public boat launch near there we know we can use.

 

[kirstenb1]

If there's a realty rental agency for that area, I'd start there. For instance, Virginia Beach has 2 main ones for summer rentals, and I'd use either one.

A friend got totally scammed on a Craigslist rental for Va Beach, and I've never forgotten it. If you choose to research on the internet, Trip Advisor and VRBO.com both seem decent. Really though if it's a close destination, I'd just ask my friends for recommendations. Here in Virginia, a lot of folks go to NC or SC beaches, so I've been asking around for recommendations for a trip to North Myrtle Beach we're thinking about. I've gotten some good advice about what realty company, and which condos are decent.

Find out if you need to bring your own towels/sheets/boogie boards, sand toys etc. Find out what the kitchen is equipped with. A lot of places also either have grill rentals, or there are restrictions on grill use. How close is the grocery store/movies/shopping?

 

[MSSANDRA]

Find out the exact location in relation to the lake. The term "near" a lake can be very vague and can mean steps or miles away. Also question the term "view". It could mean you get a glimpse of the water from one top floor bedroom window.

Ask about cooking facilities. We have purchased more than one blender on vacation. Ask about cookie sheet or whatever you are sure you may need.

Ask about cleaning services. Do you have to clean before you leave. This is much less common than it use to be.

Bed clothing and towels??? Provided or you bring.

Are you renting through an agency or a private person? Often word of mouth is the best way to find a good place.