FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE PERMITTED?

• We only allow up to 6 people, including children, per unit.   We will not make exceptions.  There are motels and other rental houses in our area for extra guests.  

DO YOU ALLOW PETS?

• Sorry but animals (even the really cute, old, quiet, and un-smelly ones) are not permitted in our house...not even as visitors.  Please do not try to sneak one in, as we have amazing neighbors and LOTS of family on street who will let us know.    

DO YOU RENT TO HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE STUDENTS?

• No.  Just families please.  

DO WE PAY THE NJ SHORE TAX IF WE BOOK DIRECTLY THROUGH YOU?

• GOOD NEWS!  If you book my house directly through me (not via VRBO), you will NOT have to pay the 11.25% NJ Shore tax.  If you rent my house (or any house) through VRBO or airbnb.com, you will have to pay that tax plus their other fees.  As well, I understand that if you book direct from an owner that rents 3 or more properties, this tax will need to be paid.  So since I only have 2 rental units, my tenants are not required to pay this tax.   

DO WE HAVE TO CROSS MAJOR ROADS TO GET TO THE BEACH?

• Fortunately, our house in on the oceanside of LBI's main road, Long Beach Boulevard.   We are the 5th property from the boulevard.   We are 12 houses from the beach and you have to cross 2 smaller streets (Beach Ave & Ocean Ave) to get there.  

ARE THERE THINGS TO DO NEARBY?

• Yes, Beach Haven Gardens is a great place for families to vacation and we're lucky to have so many places to eat and visit near our house.    If you walk up our street toward the boulevard, you'll see Howard's Seafood Restaurant right on the bay.  Also nearby is Lomito Taquiera, Wawa, Delaware Ave Oyster House, Terrace Tavern, California Grill & Pizza, Mensa, Ship Bottom Ice Cream, Marvel's Bakery & Deli, Spray Beach Bagels, Fritz's Liquor, etc.  There are also Pickleball Courts 2 blocks away and the Mariner Inn was just remodeled and is now called The Boulevard.   One mile north is Acme Supermarket, the island's only full size supermarket.  One mile south is Beach Haven with lots to do, including Fantasy Island Amusement park, arcade, water slides, mini-golf, Bay Village Shopping, etc.  And we are just 12 houses from the beautiful, Atlantic Ocean--one of the best beaches in the country!

DO YOU PROVIDE BED LINENS/BEACH GEAR/BABY ITEMS?

• Each bed will have a mattress pad, comforter, and pillow.  Like most rentals along the Jersey Shore, bed sheets and towels are not provided.  
• We can recommend 3 local companies that can have everything ready for your vacation for either drop off at our house, or pick up at their nearby store.   Recommend booking 3 weeks in advance. 

1. BedBathLinenRentals.com
2. AcmeBeachAndBike.com
3. FariasSurf.com   

DO YOU HAVE A CLEANING COMPANY?

• Yes, we provide a change-over cleaning service at no extra charge to you.  Our cleaners arrive right at 9:30am on your departure Saturday. You must be out of the house by that time, with all of your belongings so they can get started.    Tenants must leave house in good condition -- make beds, empty dishwasher, clear out all food/belongings, and bring garbage out to the cans.   If the house is left in particularly bad shape, my cleaners will inform me and I will deduct a portion of your security deposit.     Keep in mind, this is a "change-over" cleaning service so we do need tenants to make sure they leave our home in good shape.  A check list is provided. 

WHAT IF SOMETHING AT THE HOUSE DOESN'T WORK DURING OUR STAY?

• We work hard at preventative maintenance prior to each summer so that our tenants will not have any disruptions.  Unfortunately, like any house, things sometimes need repair.  Your first action is to call us and let us know the problem  We can then contact our local electrician/plumber/appliance company to schedule repair.   We cannot guarantee immediate assistance but we will do our very best.  

WHAT IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR?

• We collect a $500 security deposit per rental.  This amount could be used to cover the cost of damages caused by your family during your stay.  But in our 20+ years of renting, we've only had a few incidents that led us to deduct a portion of the deposit (due to lost beach badges, mishandling of trash). We really don't want to keep anyone's deposit.   We typically return security deposits within 7 days after departure.  

DOES YOUR HOUSE HAVE WIFI?

• Yes.  The log-in code is posted in our Welcome Packet.  

DO YOU GIVE PREVIOUS TENANTS A CHANCE TO RENEW WEEK(S) FOR NEXT SUMMER?

• We're fortunate to have so many terrific tenants -- and we always try to show our appreciation by giving them a chance to book a week or more before opening our calendar to new families.  This does not guarantee the exact same week(s) each summer but we will try our very best!    I send out an email to tenants each fall and I need to hear back within the week.  I then open the calendar to new families.  Deposit checks (50% of rent) are due to lock in your vacation with the balance due one month prior to your arrival date.   I'm typically 90% booked by mid-January.   

WERE THERE INSTANCES WHERE TENANTS WERE NOT INVITED BACK?

• There were only a few instances in our 20+ years.  99% of our tenants are wonderful, respectful families that treat our house like their own home.  We do hear from our cleaners when tenants leave the house in exceptionally clean condition.  We also hear from our neighbors when a family is exceptionally kind.  (We have the most amazing neighbors as well as lots of family who live on our street!) 

WHEN OUR VACATION IS OVER, WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO?

• On the last morning of your vacation, you need to leave the house in good condition. I provide a brief checklist of things you'll need to do:  empty house of all food items and personal belongings, clear out garbage/recycling and put in outside cans, empty dishwasher, leave beach badges on counter (*important*), and make beds.  Our cleaners arrive promptly at your departure time to get the house looking nice for the next tenants. 

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

• If you need to cancel your vacation, contact me right away -- by email and text to ensure I am informed as quickly as possible.  I will re-list the week(s) on our rental websites and try to get someone to fill.  If I can re-rent it for the full price, you will get a full refund less 12%.  We will make every effort to re-rent the property for the specified time frame, however, should the period not re-rent, no refund will be issued.  

HOW DOES THE KEYLESS ENTRY LOCK WORK?

• We have keyless entry locks on our doors.  Instead of using a key, you'll enter a 4-digit code to unlock the front door.  Door will automatically lock when closed.  This makes it easier for families to come and go without worrying about keys or leaving house unlocked for other family members.  A few days prior to your arrival, I will email you a specific 4-digit code for your family. 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK AN LBI VACATION?

• December - January.  After scheduling my current families in early December, I open our schedule to new families.    My prime weeks are usually booked within 10 days and by early January, I have received 100's of emails.   The most popular vacation weeks are mid-July thru mid-August.  

I'M READY TO RESERVE.  WHAT DO I DO?

• Please contact me first to ensure availability of the week you want. I check email frequently.  Then provide info about your family, including number of guests, address, and cell phone numbers. I will email you our Rental Agreement.  Upon review and approval, mail back to me signed with your check for 50% of total rent.  This locks in your week.   Other renters will be considered until we receive and clear your 1st payment.  The balance is not due until one month prior to your move in date.  Once final payment is received, I will email you our "Move In" letter which has everything you will need to know for your stay (packing list, directions, door code, garbage/recycling info, check out list, etc.)    *Zelle is my preferred payment type, but will also accept checks and Venmo.