Vacation Rental FAQs
Policies & Rules
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation Policy
- 60 days prior to arrival: Guest forfeits 25% of deposit, minus the cleaning fee.
- 30 days prior to arrival: Guest forfeits 50% of the total reservation amount, minus the cleaning fee.
- 14 days prior to arrival: Guest forfeits 100% of monies paid, minus the cleaning fee.
Travel Insurance
To protect your investment, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance (Trip Preserver). The cost is 7.95% of the total trip cost. Compensation is only available for covered reasons under the plan.
Flexible Rebooking Options
- Move Your Dates: You may reschedule your stay within the same home, subject to availability. Guests are responsible for any rate differences.
- Refund When Rebooked: If canceled, no refund of rents paid will be made until the period is re-rented and confirmed. If re-rented at the same rate, all monies are refunded less a $100 cancellation fee (if applicable). If re-rented at a lower rate or for a shorter stay, the refund is limited to the lower/lesser amount. Trip Insurance is non-refundable. Balances for leases two weeks or longer must be paid in full prior to check-in even if part of the period could not be re-rented.
We’re here to help. If you have questions about your booking, please contact our team.
What is your payment policy?
50% of the total rental amount is due at booking (5-day grace period for mailed checks). The remaining balance is due 45 days prior to check-in. Reservations made within 45 days of arrival require payment in full by Discover, MasterCard, or Visa.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Yes. Trip Preserver coverage provides trip insurance, emergency assistance, and travel services (including coverage for hurricane evacuations and certain family emergencies). This optional plan is 7.95% of the total reservation cost and is not taxed.
- Insurance is due at booking or when added.
- 10-day “free look” period: request removal in writing within 10 days for a refund of the insurance premium (or reduction of your balance).
- If initially declined, you may add coverage later if it is at least 45 days prior to arrival or before paying the final balance.
- All claims and coverage questions are handled directly by the insurer.
What is your age policy?
The minimum rental age is 25.
Will I have additional fees other than the advertised rates?
Advertised rates are all-inclusive of rent, linens, and cleaning. Tax (13% total) is required on all reservations. Booking directly with us avoids third-party service fees charged by some marketplaces.
Optional fees may include:
- Pet fee: varies by property, per pet
- Early check-in or late check-out: $200 each (restrictions apply)
- Extra linens: varies by request
- Travel Insurance: 7.95% of the total reservation (including optional fees)
Do properties have a minimum night requirement?
Yes. Most properties require at least two nights in the off-season (some three). Most properties require seven nights during peak season (June–August). See each property’s listing for specifics.
What happens if I exceed the maximum occupancy?
Each property has a posted maximum occupancy. Exceeding it is a breach of contract and will result in immediate eviction without refund. RVs and campers are not allowed at any property.
Check-In/Check-Out
What is the check-in and check-out policy?
Check-in: Between 4 pm and 6 pm (strictly enforced)
Check-out: 10 am (strictly enforced)
Do I have to arrive and check out on a certain day of the week?
Not always. Stay Your Way properties allow arrival and departure any day, year-round. During peak season many properties require Saturday or Sunday turnover. In the off-season (before June and after August), arrival/departure may be any day, subject to minimum night requirements.
Is early check-in or late check-out available?
Sometimes, but never guaranteed. Contact us no earlier than the day before arrival (for early check-in) or the day before departure (for late check-out). If available: early check-in from 11 am for $150 + tax; late check-out until 1 pm for $150 + tax.
Do you provide linens?
Yes. Linens are included for all reservations: sheets and pillowcases for all beds (including sleeper sofas and airbeds), plus one bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth per person.
Do you make beds?
Yes. Beds are made for all guests, year-round.
What is provided at the property besides linens?
A starter roll of paper towels, a starter roll of toilet paper in each bathroom, and one dishwasher soap packet are provided. Other disposables (extra paper towels, toilet tissue, trash bags, soaps, detergents, etc.) are not provided.
Do I have keyless check-in or do I check in at the office?
Most properties feature keyless entry; some still require a key. Check your Guest Portal and pre-arrival instructions for details.
Pets
Do you allow pets?
Many properties are pet-friendly and include a non-refundable pet fee. Please review each property for details. For information on service dogs and assistance animals, see our updated policy.
What is your policy if a property allows pets?
Dogs only, maximum of two. A non-refundable pet fee applies per pet (plus tax). Unauthorized pets are a breach of contract and may result in immediate eviction. Town rules and HOA regulations also apply.
What happens if a pet is brought to a non-pet-friendly property?
Unauthorized pets are a breach of contract and will result in immediate eviction with no refunds, exchanges, or credits. Additional fees will apply.
Are pets allowed on the beach?
- Carolina Beach: Dogs allowed on the beach only before 9 am and after 5 pm April 1–September 30. Leash and waste pickup required.
- Kure Beach: No dogs allowed on the beach April 1–September 30. When allowed, leash and waste pickup required.
- Freeman Park (North End): Dogs allowed year-round. Leash required April 1–September 30; off-leash permitted October 1–March 31 with voice control.
Rules are set by local municipalities and are subject to change. Check the latest town guidelines before your visit.
General Questions
Do you have wedding-friendly properties?
No. Events (weddings, receptions, reunions, and large gatherings) are not permitted at any property.
Do you have properties that allow smoking?
No. Smoking and vaping are prohibited at all properties.
What is parking like?
Parking is limited. Guests are responsible for adhering to the property’s maximum vehicle count and for ensuring their vehicle size is compatible with HOA and town rules.
How can I lock in a quoted rate?
Rates are subject to change without notice. Complete your reservation to lock in the quoted rate.
Do you refill propane tanks for grills?
No. Grills include a tank; guests are responsible for refills if they choose to use the grill.
Can I use a fireplace during colder months?
No. For safety reasons, fireplaces are inoperable year-round.
Are pools and hot tubs open year-round? Are pools heated?
Most private pools are open year-round; all hot tubs are open year-round. Not all private pools are heated—see the property page for details.
- Pools with heating capability are typically heated mid-March through mid-May and Labor Day through October. When applicable, pool heat is complimentary.
- Community pool schedules are set by HOAs and may vary (often Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Can I get a sample lease?
Yes. View our lease agreement and full privacy policy here.