Welcome Advice from Renters for Rentals

We started vacationing in Seagrove in 1990...since then we've been down to the area 22 times! We've rented 16 different units...so I've a little rental experience and have learned through the years that there are somethings we never leave home without!

We always bring down our own beach chairs, umbrella's, boogie boards, rafts, beach toys, beach towels, bocci....They get loaded on the top of our vehicle in a giant luggage bag...

Games, books, video tapes....I've been known to plow through 3 or 4 novels in weeks stay! The kids always had their "favorite" games and videos that had to come with us and it's become "tradition"! No trip to Florida would be complete without 25 games of Scattergories, an UNO marathon...a Trivial Pursuit game that turns into slap-stick comedy after 3 hours of "i knew that, i knew that, I KNEW THAT why didn't you give the answer I told you!" (We play as teams... )

A box of kitchen essentials...at least 2 cutco knives, garlic press, mini food chopper, small containers of spices, old bay, etc., ziploc bags, cheap storage containers...EXTRA TRASH BAGS...I've even been known to drag down a crock pot!

LOL, Beachma, you sound like me! When we have had 'girls week' at the beach some of my friends laugh as I trot out my rubbermaid containers with all that stuff, but they are happy when no one has to buy new spices!

Now we divide up who brings what: laundry detergent, fabric softener, dw pellets, dawn, trash bags [those extra stretchy ones that don't get easily pierced , press n seal, storage bags, paper towels, kleenex, tp, cayenne pepper, old bay, etc., etc. I bring towels, my own pillow, cd's, videos, books, magazines (we create a 'library' on one of the tables in the main room), Scrabble, cards, beach bag and mini cooler; next time I may add a crock pot after reading your list and some of the good recipes on this site. That's why a dolly for unloading would be helpful ! As we have gotten older we find we take fewer clothes and more 'stuff' .

I think if a unit has glass furniture it should be MANDATORY to provide Windex and a case of paper towels with the rental!
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I love the idea of having cleaning supplies available...it seems like the rental companies could offer a "cleaning care package" for a slight fee...

There is just one problem with both suggestions from an owner's point of view. If we automatically leave out cleaning supplies, your children might find them before you do. Having your 2-year-old drink the Windex thinking it is KoolAde would probably prompt a lawsuit against the owner.

We keep chemicals in a locked cabinet. If the renter needs something, they can call us and we'll tell them how to unlock it. (It's a combination lock.)

Just my 2 cents.

This is a really interesting and helpful discussion. We have found that the nicer the home is kept, the better renters will treat it. This has been emphasized by our housekeeper, who cleans many rental homes. We have left some family photos on inaccessible walls and other personal items to convey that this is our home, not a hotel. We do not leave clutter items, just functional items such as coasters for the tables and some travel guides of the area in the living area. We do leave instructions on how to operate the digital cable tv, which requires either Einstein or an 8-yr. old to decipher. Here are some ideas that we think are nice and which we might expect to see when WE RENT YOUR HOME ELSEWHERE!

(1) Clean, clean, clean...with as little clutter as possible.

(2) Something in each room that will make a person smile when they come into the room. These are simple things: a beachy picture or pillows, stuffed animals in children's rooms, framed photo collages of your beach, or amusing and inexpensive but tasteful art.

(3) Good cooking pots (Reverewear is perfect.); good knives in a wooden block, with a sharpener tool; a good wooden chopping block heavy enough that it stays in place (discourages cuts on formica counters); two coffeemakers with gold filters (not paper); a drawer filled with instructions for all the appliances (especially your stove and microwave); nice sturdy set of stonewear with enough pieces that people can have a nice dinner party (We go to Bed Bath & Behond and buy their white bistroware and leave additional sets in our owners' closet for the housekeeper to replace as we inevitably lose a piece here and there.); and a large set of nice wineglasses. (Yes, yes...they get broken. But a dozen costs $10 at the above store and how much are your renters paying? Be sure you buy the size that will fit into the dishwasher so the globes aren't broken off from the stems.) Other nice or unique things to provide: one of those heavy gravity hand juicers, two blenders, two toasters, a small version of a food processor, an oyster shucker or guillotine, a panini maker and/or Forman grill, a good tea kettle, lots of wooden spoons, BBQ utensils.

(4) We replace our bathroom throw rugs every year so they look fresh and fluffy. Commercial washing over one summer makes them look tired and frayed. Again, shop the sale times at bath shops or dept. stores. Same with Tupperware (or other equivalent). Count on an entire set to disappear over a rental season. An entire new set is $20 or less, so just replace it.

(5) We keep a big collection of stuffed cuddly sea creatures in our bunk room, as little kids can get scared being in a room on a separate floor from their parents. Do we lose one occasionally? Of course, but this is seldom. Get larger animals so that parents take note if Billy is attempting to take Nemo home. But so what if he does...$12 to replace him and you've made a kid happy. You can find these on several Web sites at very good prices.

(6) Make sure your outdoor furniture is sturdy and comfortable, then have it power washed occasionally so it is clean. Cushions are nice, but they usually end up in the pool or on the beach, so we no longer bother.

(7) We ask guests to tell us in the guest book or through the management company about things that would make their stay more enjoyable or convenient. They have offered some great ideas, many of them very functional. Ask them to tell you how they slept, sometimes the only way you know that a bed is overdue for replacement. Bad beds are the kiss of death if you expect people to return.

(8) Accept that you are going to have a certain amount of wear and tear and even missing items over a rental season. Don't let it make you crazy. Is it really worth two hours of grouch time to bemoan a missing piece of silverware, stuffed animal or Tupperware? The expense of replacement is minimal and we are getting some pretty healthy rents for these properties. It gives me a good excuse to to take a tax-deductible shopping trip one afternoon when I'm down there and a reason to support the local businesses.

(9) Develop a rapport with your renters so they want to return year afer year. We want our visitors to think of our house as their own house at Grayton Beach, with rare exception. (And yes, you can count on about one exception each year.) Send them a holiday card with your favorite snapshot of the house or the beaches. We are delighted when our visitors respond with a nice note or even photos of their family reunions at the house. The end result is having your house fully booked from one summer to the next with these folks, a reliable fan club.

(10) Remember that it is a beach house. It's a good idea for both owners and visitors to have nothing in the house that could not be replaced or that you would mind losing. When Ivan was coming ashore, I asked a family member to remove four items from our house and only one of those items went back afterwards. Made the storm watch for Dennis much more bearable. At the end of the day, it's all just "stuff."

We learn something new every year about being owners and absentee landlords. The one thing that never changes is the devotion that people have to this area. It is really astonishing. Our visitors have a true sense of stewardship towards our beaches. We hope that never changes, because the beaches and the spirit of the place is the enduring quality, not the houses. +

There is just one problem with both suggestions from an owner's point of view. If we automatically leave out cleaning supplies, your children might find them before you do. Having your 2-year-old drink the Windex thinking it is KoolAde would probably prompt a lawsuit against the owner.

We keep chemicals in a locked cabinet. If the renter needs something, they can call us and we'll tell them how to unlock it. (It's a combination lock.)

Just my 2 cents.

What a great idea...keeping cleaning essentials in a locked cabinet w/combination for the adults to have access to...

What a great idea...keeping cleaning essentials in a locked cabinet w/combination for the adults to have access to...

I agree.. that would be wonderful. It drives me crazy paying for a whole box/bottle of detergents or cleaners that I'll probably use 1/10 of. I never take them home, because we have a 12 hour drive, and our trunk is usually PACKED. And I know that some of the rental agencies throw away leftovers.. it's a shame that it all goes to waste.

Just as an aside, I think the property owners at SoWal are the BEST IN THE WORLD, for the most part. We went to Oak Island a few years ago, and the rentals were truly disgusting. One had probably 100 dead bugs on the ugly bare tile floor. We spent our first day there cleaning the place. Also, apparently it's very common there to not provide LINENS for the rental.. our day also included a trip to Wal-Mart to buy towels and sheets. Yuck. We will NOT be going back there..


By the way, Beachma.. looks like we'll be there the same week. See you on the beach!

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(10) Remember that it is a beach house. It's a good idea for both owners and visitors to have nothing in the house that could not be replaced or that you would mind losing. When Ivan was coming ashore, I asked a family member to remove four items from our house and only one of those items went back afterwards. Made the storm watch for Dennis much more bearable. At the end of the day, it's all just "stuff."

Donna, you are a gem! Great list (and I was surprised to see 'two' of many items on it , and your tenth comment was the best.

It reminds me of when a sibling was bringing some really young ones to my parents at Christmas time and I tried to help prep my parents by asking them to only put wooden/non breakable ornaments on the bottom of the tree so little hands would not break anything or get hurt by some things, and to put up all the lovely breakables in the living room that no one would even miss during the holiday rush. After Christmas my parents were glad I had reminded them to do these things as there were a lot less "NO, NO, don't touch" comments flying throughout the visit.

I'm so enjoying this thread! It is useful to us as property owners who like to rent our places to guests and "surprise and delight" our guests. It's always great to walk in the door of a rental and be truly pleased -- to feel like you got even more than you expected. I really liked the post about having something fun in each room.

As for detergent, we always get some detergent at the supermarket when we're there and we go for Purex -- very cheap and Consumer Reports rate them as a "best buy". I thought about leaving stuffed toys but was afraid they'd get dirty and people wouldn't want their kids using dirty stuffed toys, but then realized that we could get stuffed toys that are washable in the machine so families know they can just through anything in the washing machine if they're concerned. And the plastic toys can go in the dishwasher. I think as much as possible should be easily washable by guests -- from bed covers, throw blankets, toys, etc. That way, they don't have to worry much and the places can easily be kept really clean and fresh.

Again, please keep these ideas coming! Thanks.

I'd like to get this thread up and running again. The suggestions people gave so far were great (I just went out and got great knives for our rental, based on the advice in this thread -- we already do a lot of the other stuff). We'll also leave instructions on how to work the tv, dvd, etc. since that can be confusing and sometimes things need to be restarted after electricity goes off after a storm. Any other advice?

I've even thought of leaving a high chair and stroller for families with children (we really love families staying at our places since we have families of our own and know how tricky it can be to find places that are aware of special needs of families on vacation). Would having a high chair and stroller matter much or would that just clutter up the place for people who don't have young children?

What else makes rentals great for families with children?

I'd like to get this thread up and running again. The suggestions people gave so far were great (I just went out and got great knives for our rental, based on the advice in this thread -- we already do a lot of the other stuff). We'll also leave instructions on how to work the tv, dvd, etc. since that can be confusing and sometimes things need to be restarted after electricity goes off after a storm. Any other advice?

I've even thought of leaving a high chair and stroller for families with children (we really love families staying at our places since we have families of our own and know how tricky it can be to find places that are aware of special needs of families on vacation). Would having a high chair and stroller matter much or would that just clutter up the place for people who don't have young children?

What else makes rentals great for families with children?

YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!! We come down with our kids...3 sons, daughter-in-law, fiance...Grandson. Grandson is only 17 months old and has already been down 3 times...4th time coming a week from tomorrow. Since he's been coming with us we've packed an all-terrain stroller...high chair...porta crib...In addition to the usual beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, luggage...etc, etc....Having some of the basic child items available would be soooooo helpful! This time he's a little too big for the big stroller...we would love to bring his Red-Ryder wagon that's equipped with "seatbelts and juice box holders"...but we don't think we can fit it on top of the Blazer :roll: ! I know a Red-Ryder Wagon is pushing it ;-) ...but some of the basics would definitely be a help for anyone bringing young children along.

P.S. If anyone in the Seagrove/Grayton area has one of those wagon's they'd be willing to loan/rent for a week...give me a holler...they really are worth their weight in gold!!!

YES!!! YES!!!! YES!!!!! We come down with our kids...3 sons, daughter-in-law, fiance...Grandson. Grandson is only 17 months old and has already been down 3 times...4th time coming a week from tomorrow. Since he's been coming with us we've packed an all-terrain stroller...high chair...porta crib...In addition to the usual beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, luggage...etc, etc....Having some of the basic child items available would be soooooo helpful! This time he's a little too big for the big stroller...we would love to bring his Red-Ryder wagon that's equipped with "seatbelts and juice box holders"...but we don't think we can fit it on top of the Blazer :roll: ! I know a Red-Ryder Wagon is pushing it ;-) ...but some of the basics would definitely be a help for anyone bringing young children along.

P.S. If anyone in the Seagrove/Grayton area has one of those wagon's they'd be willing to loan/rent for a week...give me a holler...they really are worth their weight in gold!!!

Is all that stuff considered "the basics"?

After reading this thread, the hostess in me was excited about providing our guests with extras to make their visits more enjoyable, at no extra cost to them. Then when we arrived at our home this week after just two sets of guests since our last visit, we found damage, missing items, and just a general disrespect for our property. I am so nauseated about it that my hospitality juices have stopped flowing. I am so disillusioned.

After reading this thread, the hostess in me was excited about providing our guests with extras to make their visits more enjoyable, at no extra cost to them. Then when we arrived at our home this week after just two sets of guests since our last visit, we found damage, missing items, and just a general disrespect for our property. I am so nauseated about it that my hospitality juices have stopped flowing. I am so disillusioned.

I feel your pain. We tried leaving "extras" and while it might have been great for the first few guests, by the time we got down there a few weeks later, much of the "extras" were gone or destroyed. The one thing that we're still scratching our heads over (and the one thing I enjoyed to read most when we came back down to stay at our place) was the fact that we can't seem to keep a guest book for any length of time. At first it was just scribbling on the pages, etc. Then it was torn-out pages. Finally, the last time we went down right after we had a two-month rental move out, the entire guest book was gone. I used to look forward to reading guest comments and suggestions...they were so helpful. I've given up trying to keep a guest book out. Go figure!

I feel your pain. We tried leaving "extras" and while it might have been great for the first few guests, by the time we got down there a few weeks later, much of the "extras" were gone or destroyed. The one thing that we're still scratching our heads over (and the one thing I enjoyed to read most when we came back down to stay at our place) was the fact that we can't seem to keep a guest book for any length of time. At first it was just scribbling on the pages, etc. Then it was torn-out pages. Finally, the last time we went down right after we had a two-month rental move out, the entire guest book was gone. I used to look forward to reading guest comments and suggestions...they were so helpful. I've given up trying to keep a guest book out. Go figure!

That is strange. You could understand someone messing up an entry and wanting to take out a page maybe.

I'll bet kids tear them up, or use them for coloring books, or somehow they get ruined, or tossed accidentally.

That is strange. You could understand someone messing up an entry and wanting to take out a page maybe.

I'll bet kids tear them up, or use them for coloring books, or somehow they get ruined, or tossed accidentally.

That's been pretty much my guess too. Maybe the parents decided to just toss it out rather than leave a book full of scribblings.

Maybe it would help if I left a few coloring books and/or pads of paper for the kids. I might give it a try. I really enjoyed having a guest book out.

That's been pretty much my guess too. Maybe the parents decided to just toss it out rather than leave a book full of scribblings.

Maybe it would help if I left a few coloring books and/or pads of paper for the kids. I might give it a try. I really enjoyed having a guest book out.

Our rental company says that to avoid losing the damage deposit, guests just throw damaged items away. Housekeeping crews are too busy to do an inventory, and they can't see a damaged item IF IT'S NOT THERE!

I really am disillusioned.

As for your question about bringing a lot of "basic" stuff for children, Kurt, parents like having this stuff (e.g., porta-crib, high-chair, stroller, etc.) so that the parents can relax as well. We travelled with our children since the first one was 3 months old. At a minimum, we always had a stroller. We'd order cribs from hotels (we didn't stay in vacation rental homes when the kids were young -- frankly, didn't know about them and wish we had!). And the kids would eat on our laps if there weren't high chairs. So, perhaps that's why I'm sensitive to kids and parents -- I can think back to what we wish we had. And I know how great it feels when you find that someone has thought of these things for you, and it's good to pass that feeling along.

As for people ruining vacation rentals, we rent mostly to families and smaller groups. We have not had problems (other than what we would consider normal wear and tear), except that once I left a small suitcase labeled "Owner's clothes -- please leave on shelf" and it was gone the next time I came back a few months later. Could have been a guest or a substitute cleaning person, but once in over 3 years is OK with me -- and, of course, I didn't leave my best clothes in the bag. (and I don't leave bags of clothes around anymore).

I'm biased toward renting to families with children because they are so happy to find a nice place that is close to the beach and has the stuff they need to give their kids a good time so they can relax. I believe that in return for that appreciation, they treat our places very well, in part because they want to come back again. Also, I think families with children, especially young children, try to set a good example for their children. Note that it's also good to leave nice stuff for the parents --good movies, books, candles, etc., so they feel treated well, too. And Calvin and Hobbes for teenagers and older children...

Once summer, we had an origami book and paper at one of the cottages and people left their origami flowers in a vase -- very nice. We like to leave things in the cottages that draw parents and children together so that both parents and kids remember their vacation as having been relaxing time spent together (e.g., books in which parents and kids can search for things together -- "I Spy"; puzzles; games). A fantastic family game is "Outburst" for kids -- kids as young as four can enjoy the game along with older kids and adults (e.g. "name foods that you can eat with your fingers"; "name pets that kids enjoy most").

Clearly, I'm a believer that the environment significantly shapes a person's behavior, experience, and emotions (at home, at work, on vacation), so that's why I'm so interested in this thread. How do we create carefree vacation places that bring out the best in people and provide lifelong memories? Clearly, our beautiful beaches (even after hurricanes) and ocean help!

Paula you are well on your way to a very helpful book. :clap_1:

I have the photos for it.

Kurt: I've thought of a few book ideas, with some specifically targeted to be helpful to guests/visitors/renters in SoWal. Photos would be great. Happy to talk sometime (it would be great to meet you). I have a book in the process of being written, called "What Predicts Success: (Hint) It's Not Your IQ" or I may call it "What Predicts Success: What Researchers Know that You Don't Know".

As for your question about bringing a lot of "basic" stuff for children, Kurt, parents like having this stuff (e.g., porta-crib, high-chair, stroller, etc.) so that the parents can relax as well. We travelled with our children since the first one was 3 months old. At a minimum, we always had a stroller. We'd order cribs from hotels (we didn't stay in vacation rental homes when the kids were young -- frankly, didn't know about them and wish we had!). And the kids would eat on our laps if there weren't high chairs. So, perhaps that's why I'm sensitive to kids and parents -- I can think back to what we wish we had. And I know how great it feels when you find that someone has thought of these things for you, and it's good to pass that feeling along.

As for people ruining vacation rentals, we rent mostly to families and smaller groups. We have not had problems (other than what we would consider normal wear and tear), except that once I left a small suitcase labeled "Owner's clothes -- please leave on shelf" and it was gone the next time I came back a few months later. Could have been a guest or a substitute cleaning person, but once in over 3 years is OK with me -- and, of course, I didn't leave my best clothes in the bag. (and I don't leave bags of clothes around anymore).

I'm biased toward renting to families with children because they are so happy to find a nice place that is close to the beach and has the stuff they need to give their kids a good time so they can relax. I believe that in return for that appreciation, they treat our places very well, in part because they want to come back again. Also, I think families with children, especially young children, try to set a good example for their children. Note that it's also good to leave nice stuff for the parents --good movies, books, candles, etc., so they feel treated well, too. And Calvin and Hobbes for teenagers and older children...

Once summer, we had an origami book and paper at one of the cottages and people left their origami flowers in a vase -- very nice. We like to leave things in the cottages that draw parents and children together so that both parents and kids remember their vacation as having been relaxing time spent together (e.g., books in which parents and kids can search for things together -- "I Spy"; puzzles; games). A fantastic family game is "Outburst" for kids -- kids as young as four can enjoy the game along with older kids and adults (e.g. "name foods that you can eat with your fingers"; "name pets that kids enjoy most").

Clearly, I'm a believer that the environment significantly shapes a person's behavior, experience, and emotions (at home, at work, on vacation), so that's why I'm so interested in this thread. How do we create carefree vacation places that bring out the best in people and provide lifelong memories? Clearly, our beautiful beaches (even after hurricanes) and ocean help!

I've thought about leaving candles...I love them myself..but I've hesitated for fear of fire. I know guests can certainly bring their own (I often do when I travel), but since we don't always know who is renting our place (we use a management company) I've been afraid of creating a fire hazard. Am I being overly cautious? I think it's a neat idea.

I think you all are very nice and have some great ideas for your guests. However, if you have a lot of repeat visitors it is probably because they love something besides the extra touches. IMHO, as nice as it is, I'd stop spending my money! FYI...We rent through WC and are not able to leave extras out. I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?

For those of you that are self-renters....Do you send your guests a list of guidelines for being a good/safe guest on the beaches before they come? I think everyone should...including the big developments as it gives people a chance to read up before they arrive. If they receive it only on arrival, they may be too excited to read it since they want to get down to those gorgeous beaches! Just a thought.

I've thought about leaving candles...I love them myself..but I've hesitated for fear of fire. I know guests can certainly bring their own (I often do when I travel), but since we don't always know who is renting our place (we use a management company) I've been afraid of creating a fire hazard. Am I being overly cautious? I think it's a neat idea.

I did until I found candle wax all over my sofa and rug. Thank God they didn't burn something. Now I leave the candles in the owners closet for when we are there.

There are so many things I would love to do but..........after get bit a few times - - I use to leave a crockpot also - but after losing two in less than two seasons - I gave up - I guess they throw them out rather than clean it up.

I did until I found candle wax all over my sofa and rug. Thank God they didn't burn something. Now I leave the candles in the owners closet for when we are there.

There are so many things I would love to do but..........after get bit a few times - - I use to leave a crockpot also - but after losing two in less than two seasons - I gave up - I guess they throw them out rather than clean it up.

Woa! That settles it for me. I was so worried about the fire hazard that I never even thought about spilled candle wax! Thanks for sharing.

I think you all are very nice and have some great ideas for your guests. However, if you have a lot of repeat visitors it is probably because they love something besides the extra touches. IMHO, as nice as it is, I'd stop spending my money! FYI...We rent through WC and are not able to leave extras out. I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?

For those of you that are self-renters....Do you send your guests a list of guidelines for being a good/safe guest on the beaches before they come? I think everyone should...including the big developments as it gives people a chance to read up before they arrive. If they receive it only on arrival, they may be too excited to read it since they want to get down to those gorgeous beaches! Just a thought.

Send a link to this site so they can get up to speed before and after the trip. Also - I will posting the guide once complete from the good tourist thread.

... I too have had my guest book taken and thought it might have been a mistake, by why wouldn't someone be decent enough to send it back?
...

Perhaps it was signed by the Manning Brothers, or some other famous celeb. Some people are a too focused on themselves to care about your property. Shame on them.

Send a link to this site so they can get up to speed before and after the trip. Also - I will posting the guide once complete from the good tourist thread.

Kurt, as an owner who is presently embroiled in several issues between our renters (more than one set!) and our management company, this site has been extremely instructive. I'm getting a good feel for how to handle things (honesty, reason and communication are key) and more importantly, the various perspectives of everyone involved. What's fair, what isn't. What do people expect, what things are just nice to have and know.

Thanks for bringing so many people together for such fine conversation and ideas. I have told all my renters since Dennis to come here for information and those who have checked it out have LOVED it. They feel part of the community before they even hit 30-A.

By the way, on my "list of things to do" in the offseason -- after we make a few improvements -- is getting one of your VTs!