FAQ for Vacation Rental Guests - Salt & Sand Realty

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FAQS

General Questions

  • What is the minimum stay?

    During our peak summer season, there is a 7 night minimum which typically adheres to a strict Saturday to Saturday rental pattern. There is more flexibility in the slower seasons. A full breakdown of minimum length of stay requirements for reservations is below:

    • Winter & Early Spring: 8/13/22 to 4/6/23 → 3 night minimum
    • Spring Break & Easter: 4/7/23 to 4/23/23 → 7 night minimum
    • Late Spring: 4/24/23 to 6/2/23 → 3 night minimum
    • Summer: 6/3/23 to 8/11/23 → 7 night minimum, Saturday to Saturday only
    • Late Summer: 8/12/23 to 9/4/23 → 3 night minimum
    • Fall & Winter: 9/5/23 to 12/31/23 → 3 night minimum, except for a 4 night minimum around peak holidays (like Thanksgiving and Christmas)

  • How do the payment plans work?

    Please call our office to set up a reservation using a payment plan. A $500 non-refundable deposit must be made at the time of booking. Your monthly payment amount will depend upon your total balance, and your full balance will be due 30 days prior to your arrival date.

  • Can I book a property for a month or longer?

    Yes! We offer discounted rates on longer stays and snowbird rentals are extremely popular in the cooler months. If you are looking for a long term rental, please feel free to reach out to us directly and we’ll provide you with more information.

  • How do you clean your properties?

    We are closely monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) for any changes that may impact our cleaning procedures and are updating our processes as new recommendations are made.

    Our housekeeping teams are adhering to guidelines provided by the CDC and have confirmed that every cleaning product used in our homes is listed on their acceptable cleaners to use. They are experienced and trained to both vigorously clean and sanitize all surfaces at every vacation home — including, but not limited to, high touch surfaces like countertops, sinks, faucets, appliances, door knobs, and floors. Cloths or floor mops are never reused and are laundered in the hottest water setting available, in line with what the CDC recommends.

    Additional measures taken include washing their hands upon arrival to the vacation home and using disposable gloves, masks and shoe coverings.

  • What’s currently open on Oak Island?

    Oak Island has reopened! This means all businesses are open — including restaurants, shopping centers, and more. If you have questions about hours of operation, specific requirements, or additional details, we recommend contacting the local business directly by phone or visiting their website.

  • Can I access the beach?

    Yes! The beaches in the area are open for leisure activities. You can view more information about the beaches and access points by clicking here.

Making Reservations

  • How do I make a reservation?

    You can browse properties on our website and book the vacation home of your choice by following the prompts. Our team is also more than happy to assist you over the phone to find and reserve a rental. You can reach us on #.

  • Do the rates listed on the website include taxes?

    Upon booking a vacation home, you will find an itemized list of taxes and fees. This will include state, county and city taxes. If you have any questions, please email or call us.

  • When will my final payment be due?

    50% of the payment is due upon booking to secure the property and the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to arrival. If you are booking within 30 days of your arrival date, the full balance will be due.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Should you need to cancel your reservation, please notify us in writing immediately. If your reservation must be cancelled for any reason, all money paid will be forfeited unless the home or condo is re-rented for the entire cancelled person and for the original rental amount. We highly recommend considering Rental Guardian Travel Insurance to avoid some of the risks involved with the necessity of cancellation. Please note, travel insurance is non-refundable. You can view more information about this and our other rental policies by following this link.

Understanding Fees

  • What is the difference between a security deposit and a damage waiver?

    In order to offer the most flexibility for our guests, you can choose between a Security Deposit or purchasing Damage Waiver when booking a property. The Security Deposit will be refunded if there is no damage at the property. The Damage Waiver gives you the option to make a simple, one-time payment that provides protection up to a certain dollar amount. You can view more about the Damage Waiver when reserving a home.

  • I chose the security deposit option, when will it be refunded?

    In most cases your security deposit will be fully refunded within 45 days of departure. However, if damage is found, we will deduct any costs associated with it from the balance of the deposit.

  • What is travel insurance?

    When you book a reservation through us you will have the option to purchase travel insurance to protect your vacation investment. It covers you in the event you need to cancel or your trip becomes interrupted due to a covered event.

    Please check out the Travel Insurance page or contact us for more information.

Planning Your Stay

  • Are bed linens and towels included?

    Linen packages are available at time of booking or upon request. If you have any questions, please let us know.

  • What is included at the property?

    We provide you with a starter package that’s meant to last you for the first 24 hours so you will not need to go directly to the store when you arrive. This includes paper towels, soaps, and bath tissue.

  • Is there internet access?

    Yes, high-speed wireless internet is available for your convenience to stay connected during your stay. At a minimum, basic cable is also provided at each home. Should a vacation home not have these options, it will be listed within the property’s description.

  • How much parking is available?

    Parking varies on the vacation home. You will find the number of allowed vehicles located within the description of the property on our website.

  • Can I request more linens and/or additional housekeeping services?

    Of course, just reach out to us by email or phone! We can make arrangements to have your vacation home cleaned during your stay or have fresh linens dropped off. Please note, we request at least 24 hours notice to schedule additional housekeeping services.

  • How do I request an early check-in or late check-out?

    In some instances we are able to accommodate an early check-in or late-out check. Please contact us directly for availability. Please note, if available, it must be scheduled at least a week before your arrival to accommodate for scheduling.

  • Are there supplies for the gas grills?

    Yes, you will find supplies and tools at the vacation home. Gas grills will have propane available. Should you need additional propane, you can reach us during business hours for an exchange. If the tank runs out after hours, you may exchange it yourself and we will reimburse you for the expense. Please save your receipt.

Checking In

  • When is check-in and check-out?

    Check-in time is 4pm and check-out time is 10am for all properties.

  • How and when do I get the keys to the property I’ve rented?

    You will receive instructions on how to access the property before your arrival.

  • What should I do if there are issues at the property?

    If you encounter any issues or problems, please contact us by phone immediately.

  • What if I have a question about how to work something?

    Each vacation home has a welcome book that has detailed information about how to use specific amenities at the property. If you have any questions, our team is available to help you!

Rules and Regulations

  • What regulations are there?
  • Are pets allowed in your properties?

    Yes, we have pet-friendly properties! Please check the listing description of each property on our website for more information about restrictions.

  • Is there a quiet time / can we play music outside?

    The town of Oak Island does have a noise ordinance that is enforced from 11pm to 7am every day.

  • Is smoking permitted?

    No, smoking is NOT permitted in any of our properties.

  • Can I have a fire on the beach?
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