Common Questions About Vacation Home Rentals
I have never stayed at a vacation home rental and I have several questions
Don’t be afraid to call or e-mail us concerning questions or reservations (no pun intended,) about staying at one of our lovely beachfront homes! You are our guest and we are here to help you. But before you call, you might find that your question has been answered here or somewhere else on our website. If you don't find the answer here, or need something explained further, just call our office 904-444-4468 or send us an email: [email protected]
What is a Reservation Deposit?
Whenever a guest wishes to make a reservation that is more than 40 days in the future, we only require a "Reservation Deposit" of $500 to secure the reservation (instead of full payment). If you would like to make your full payment at the time of your reservation, that is also fine.
Is this "Reservation Deposit" refundable?
The Reservation Deposit becomes part of your payment, the full balance is due 60 Days before your arrival date. At that time the Reservation Deposit (usually $500) becomes part of your payment. Your remaining balance is due in full at 60 Days prior to your check-in
Okay, so when is my balance due?
The full balance is due 60 days before your check-in date. Please note: if the 60 day mark is on a weekend or a holiday, the full balance is due on the normal business day BEFORE the weekend or holiday.
Is the Reservation Deposit refundable?
The answer is, "yes”, the reservation deposit is refundable, but only BEFORE the FULL payment is due. All you have to do is to let us know in writing that you wish to cancel the reservation BEFORE 60 days prior to your check-in date and the reservation deposit is refundable minus a modus Change Fee of $50.
What if I want to cancel my reservation AFTER the 60 days before my arrival date?
We’re sorry, but there are no refunds when there are 60 days or less to your check-in date.
Holy COW! That seems rather harsh! You mean that if me or my child got sick, or even a death in my family, you would NOT refund my money?
We don't mean to sound so harsh. You see, most people make reservations for a vacation home several months, or sometimes even a year in advance. The closer to the arrival date the less chance the home will be rented and the owner would suffer a loss.
This is just one of the reasons why we offer and, highly recommend, that our guests secure "Vacation Renters Insurance". Here is link with both a short summary and the policy details regarding CSA's TravelProtection.
That's amazing! I had no idea that Vacation Rental Insurance covers so many different items. Do you have any detailed information about the insurance?
In our opinion CSA is the best travel insurance available to the vacation home rental industry. Click here for additional information regarding travel insurance.
So if I get sick or a member of my family gets sick or there is a death in my family the insurance company would give me a refund?
Yes, that is correct. As a matter of fact, the insurance covers all kinds of things. It even helps for things like the airline losing your luggage or if you have a medical problem while during your trip. It is amazing what all the insurance covers. For complete information click here and/or call their customer service. They even have a concierge service for their customers and it is free!
What about a hurricane, would you give us a refund if a hurricane is predicted to hit the vacation home I am about to rent?
Not to sound "harsh" again, but still no refund. But, here again, the "vacation rental insurance" covers that too. We recommend to all of our clients to get the insurance.
OK, so how much is this, "Vacation Rental Insurance"?
The insurance cost is 6.95% of your total charges.
What happens if I, or my children, accidently break something? Do you require a Damage Deposit?
Most Vacation Rental Companies are getting away from the traditional Damage Deposit, which is usually between $500 and $2000.
Instead of requiring a large deposit, we charge a onetime fee called an "Accidental Damage Fee" The charge ranges from $80 to $120 and it covers the unit for any accidental damages up to $1500. So if the children knock over the large screen TV, you can call our office and we either have it repaired or replace it with a new one. See our "Terms and Conditions" for more details.
Is it possible to check-in early or check-out late?
Check-in time is after 3:00 PM and Check Out is Before 10:00 AM. An early check-in and / or Check-Out may be arranged (IF AVAILABLE) for an additional fee. Prior arrangement must be made at least 3 Business Days BEFORE the event and written confirmation must be obtained.
What if I need additional towels or linens during my stay?
We offer a "Mid-Stay Cleaning Service" depending on the size of the home, usually between $80 and $130. BUT, every home has a washer and dryer for you to use. Most guests wash a load of towels if needed. We also provide laundry detergent pods.
I noticed that one of the charges is a "Cleaning Charge". I promise to do a good job. Is it okay if I just clean the house myself and save on that part on my bill?
I do appreciate that, and I am sure you would do a great job, but for consistency and for our Quality Control, our specially trained staff must do the cleaning. After all, you are on vacation and you are OUR guest!
What forms of payment do you accept?
We do accept your personal check when you are paying 40 days before the arrival date. Otherwise, we accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
I have a friend that rented a vacation home from a company in Ponte Vedra and he used a credit card and was charged an EXTRA 3%. Do you charge extra if I want to pay by credit card?
NO, We DO NOT charge you for using a credit card. We welcome your credit cards.
How about confirmation after I make the reservation?
Almost ALL of our customers use e-mail, so we send the written confirmation via email. However, if a customer prefers "snail mail" we are happy to mail the confirmation.
When I make a payment; do you provide a receipt?
Yes, we do. Here again, usually by email, but if preferred, regular mail.
How do I check in and get the keys?
NO KEYS! - We have "Schlage" (name brand) CLASS 1* keyless deadbolt door locks. After you’ve made your reservation, you will several automated e-mails, including one describing our lock system. It will ask you to reply with a 4-digit code of your choosing, and we will put it into our system. The Code will lock and unlock your door from the outside. Your code will activate at check-in time and deactivate at departure time, and since you picked your code, you (hopefully!) won’t forget it! With this system, there is no possible way for an old guest to make an extra key, which could make you and your family vulnerable to a break-in, or worse. Our guests LOVE IT!
My pet is a member of our family. Is it OK to bring my pet?
Here at Vacation Quest, we love our pets too! Several of our owners will allow pets. Most of our homes are pet friendly, but if you look at an individual home’s page on our site, it will say if pets are or aren’t allowed under the picture and above the description. Pets must be approved. The owner will base the decision based on breed, age, size, and training. There is an additional fee of $100 PER pet and NO MORE than 2 pets allowed per home (that allows it) Remember, you must have prior approve in writing! As time goes by we are having more owners that will agree to certain pets.
Is it OK to smoke in the vacation home?
ALL of our vacation homes are NO SMOKING. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. IF the cleaning crew notices cigarette, cigar or any other smoke odors, the guest will be LIABLE for an ADDITIONAL CLEANING FEE OF $500 for our expense to remediate the odors. This is NOT considered “Accidental Damage”
Do I have to bring linens and towels? Shampoo? What is and isn’t provided in the homes?
All of our vacation homes have linens, pillows and towels. For a full list of standard amenities provided in our homes click HERE to be brought to our What to Bring page.
How many people can sleep at the vacation home I rented?
By Florida State Law, occupancy may NOT exceed what is posted for each home. Note: Maximum occupancy includes infants and children.
What if I have an emergency while I am at my Vacation Home?
For ALL major EMERGENCIES DIAL 911
AFTER you speak with the 911 operator, THEN call us (property manager) (904) 444-4468
For all other issues you my call our main office (904)444-4468, please leave a message if the call goes into the voice mail system! Or you can e-mail us at [email protected]
We love to answer your questions. ALL of our current staff are natives to this area, and we are all very proud of our hometown. We love sharing our knowledge with our guests!
Please let us know if you have a question that you would like to see on our FAQ's. Thank YOU!