Beach Vacation Checklist

This beach vacation checklist is designed to help renters uncover five potential deal breakers.

But every group is different and in the end, the things you don’t know to ask about derail your best efforts.

So before you get too excited about a particular beach vacation rental, whip out this beach vacation checklist -- a short list of questions designed to uncover five potential deal-breakers.

1. Are There Any Extra Fees?

A (refundable) security deposit and (non-refundable) cleaning fee are common.

But here are some other vacation rental fees that may be included in your rental agreement:

• Fee for linen and towel service: Some vacation rentals don't included linens or towels. You can either schlep your own or pay an extra $50 to $100 to include them in the rental price.

• A non-refundable damage waiver fee: From $25 to $100 per person.

• Fee to use of amenities in a gated community or condominium complex for use of the golf course or beach chairs.

• Non-refundable deposit or flat fee for bringing pets.

• A fee for cleaning the hot tub. (If you know you won't be using the hot tub, you may be able to negotiate this fee out of the contract).

• A fee for heating the pool or hot tub.


2. Are There Any Pending Zoning Regulations or Parking Issues?

Zoning changes have become a moving target in some areas. And a thorn in the side of responsible vacation rental owners, by the way.

Some local communities have begun to crack down on short-term (less than one to three months) rentals by imposing stricter residential zoning ordinances.

Not the owner's fault. But if you get caught in the middle, you could lose your deposit and your vacation accommodations.

Sometimes the homeowner's association limits the number of cars that can park on the street outside a rental home. It pays to clarify this ahead of time.


3. Does this "Pet-Friendly" Rental Accept Cats?

Many don't, because people who are allergic to cats outnumber those who are allergic to dogs.

Also, note that some dog-friendly rentals don't allow dogs over a certain weight.

Once again, use this beach vacation checklist to clarify potential misunderstandings.


4. Will My Cell Phone Work?

In some places, reception is sketchy. If so, consider taking a break from constant connection. This is your vacation after all!

If you absolutely must make calls, bring a pre-paid phone card with you. These day, more and more homes include unlimited long distance calling.

Then again, some owners or managers do levy a surcharge for local and/or long distance calling.

Best to ask if you plan to use the phone a lot.


5. Does Every Bedroom Have a Door?

It's common for occupancy limits to include a fold-out couch in the living room.

But in one home we rented, the "separate bedroom" where my husband and I slept had no door! Which meant my parents had to walk through our bedroom to go in or out of theirs!

Also, because it would have been awkward for us to use their en-suite bathroom during the night, we had to stumble downstairs in the dark instead.

Not ideal, to say the least.

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