Frequently Asked Questions About Vacation Rentals

Can I book online?
Online booking is available for all our properties. After choosing the property you wish to reserve, follow the “Book Now” instructions. Once you enter the credit card number, our office will automatically receive your request. A Rental Agent will email, mail or fax the Residential Lodging Agreement and Credit Card authorization to you for your completion. You will have 48 hours from the date you receive your Lodging Agreement to mail back the contract back with your deposit. As soon as we receive the signed forms back from you, your reservation will be processed. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty reserves the right to cancel any overdue reservations.

A fully executed copy of your Residential Lodging Agreement will be mailed to you. Please bring this with you on check-in day.

Aside from the rental amount, what other costs are applied?
You will be charged a non-refundable $100.00 reservation fee, and you will have the option to pay $70 for Accidental Damage Insurance, or pay a $2,000 security deposit (see info below on our damage policies).  In addition, there may be a rental tax added if the property is located within city limits (each town has a different tax amount).

Certain properties and all stays of less than 1-week require the Guest to pay a Cleaning Fee.  Some properties require an Amenities Fee.  Other fees that are optional include Vacation Travel Insurance and Linen Rentals.

When is my payment due?
Your initial deposit is due 48 hours from the date of the booking of your Residential Lodging Agreement. If you are paying by check, please note your reservation number and rental home address on your check.  Your final deposit will be due 30 days prior to your arrival date.

How can I pay for my vacation?
We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover Credit Cards (subject to a 2.75% Convenience Fee).  We also accept E-Checks with no fees, as well as personal checks.  Final payments are due 30 days prior to your check-in date.  Any payments within 30-days of arrival require to be in certified funds or by credit card (subject to a 2.75% Convenience Fee).

What do I need to bring?
Linens -  sheets/pillow cases, bath towels, beach towels, bath mats (these items can be rented through our Linen Rental Program), toiletries, paper products, cleaning supplies, copy of confirmed contract for check-in. For complete suggested list, please see the “Vacation Renter’s Checklist.”

Can I bring my pet?
If you would like to bring your pet, just tell your Agent that you need a “PET FRIENDLY” property. Your pet will be welcome in these units. A minimum $300 non-refundable pet fee will be charged in addition to your rent.  Please visit our "Bringing A Pet" page

Checking In and Checking Out
Check-In is at 3:00 pm on your check-in day. You make pick up the keys and your check-in packet at our rental office any time after those listed above. Please don’t go to your rental unit prior to check in at our office. If your car is parked in the driveway of the unit, it will delay the cleaning and subsequently delay your check-in time. If you arrive prior to check-in time, please plan to visit the many attractions of the Delaware Shore. If you arrive after office hours, we will leave your check-in packet in our office drop box.

Check-Out is at 10:00 am on your check-out day.   Return all sets of keys, plus pool, tennis and parking passes to the office at this time

Do I have to clean the rental home prior to checking out?
The home should be left “broom clean”. Please make sure to make beds, return all clean kitchenware to cabinets, return all interior and deck furnishings to proper places and sweep or remove debris from floors. Please don’t forget to empty all trash cans and place trash in bins outside for removal. 

What happens if I damage the property?
You will have the option to purchase Vacation Damage Insurance.  The Accidental Damage Waiver covers for you for up to $3,000 of ACCIDENTAL damage that occurs.  In lieu of purchasing the Damage Insurance, you can choose to pay a traditional security deposit of $2,000.

You MUST report any damage to avoid charges.  Intentional damage to the property or its contents and/or missing items are the liability and responsibility of you, the registered guest. All units are carefully inspected prior to your arrival and again upon departure.  Payment for any damages will be charged to your credit card, or deducted from your security deposit if applicabble. Please inspect the property upon your arrival and report any damages to your agent immediately. If damage should occur during your stay, please call us so the situation can be resolved promptly.

If you property required a security deposit, you will receive your security deposit back within 30 days of checking out of your rental property.

Can I buy Vacation Travel Insurance?
Optional trip cancellation insurance is offered for all reservations. This insurance will cover a portion of the cost of your vacation if you cancel for a “covered” claim. We will include a brochure with your residential license agreement, which you can research to find out if the insurance purchase is right for you. Please note that your vacation must be paid-in-full prior to making a claim if cancellation is required.

What happens if I need to cancel?
Call Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty to notify your Agent immediately and follow-up with your cancellation request in writing.    If you have Cancellation Insurance, call the Insurance Company directly to determine if you have a “covered” cancellation. If you don’t have insurance, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty will try and re-rent the property on your behalf. If we are able to do so, you will receive your deposit, less 15% cancellation fee based on your gross rental. If we are unable to re-rent your property, the full balance is due from you.

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