From grandkids to grandparents and all the aunts, uncles, and cousins in between, many families travel together and this often includes multiple generations.
Many memories made on trips like this, and group travel is often more economical. It does, however, require some extra planning, boundary setting, and communication.
If you’re looking to book a cottage rental for your next family getaway, the first thing you need to consider is the area that you want to visit. Once that’s decided, your next challenge is finding accommodation that can cover the varying needs and interests of your larger group.
Here are some suggestions to help you find the perfect rental for your next large, multi-generational family vacation.
Set a budget together
You need to get everyone on the same page when it comes to the budget. While some may be happy to have more rustic accommodations, others may prefer a more luxurious trip. Plus, not everyone wants to (or can) spend unlimited amounts of money for a vacation home. Before booking, try to determine a price range to look within when using a site to search properties. Be sure to set a maximum limit to avoid disappointment or surprises.
Remind everyone in your group that there may be fees for cleaning or supplies that are not included in the rental price (look carefully at your booking site). This is also a good time to consider opportunities to share the cost of food.
Location, location, location
When choosing a location, you not only need to consider your budget, but also that property’s distance from where your group lives. Can everyone get there easily, and how isolated or accessible is the property? Will it be easy to get diapers if someone runs out? If there are health concerns in your group, is there a nearby hospital?
Determine what activities are a priority
When you have grandparents and babies— plus every age in between—finding a place with activities or space that accommodates everyone may not be easy. You’ll want to figure out if there are activities that require you to leave the property to enjoy. For example, travelling to the nearest beach will mean packing everyone up for the day. Conversely, if there is plenty to do on-site, you just need to show up and unpack.
You may find locations with a communal sports area or a private playground for the kids. Additional things to look for your rental to include could be board games or gaming tables, such as air hockey or ping pong.
If you are renting a place with a pool, it is recommended that you have family rules not just for the kids to follow (such as no swimming if there aren’t adults around), but also for the adults. Rotate adults as lifeguards to be within arms reach and help ensure the kids are being watched. Review the property’s pool area for safety.
Maximize the space and sleeping arrangements
Many of us have stories about when we were kids, sleeping together on the floor or small cots with cousins or siblings when we were on vacation. However, you will need to not only abide by the maximum occupancy numbers in your rental agreement, but also figure out the comfort level for your group. Those with babies will need a quiet space for naps and bedtime, while teens may want to stay up later even when the younger (and older) relatives have gone to bed.
Larger outdoor and indoor areas offer adults (and older kids) more quiet spaces to read or take time away from the entire group.
Find a space that is comfortable for everyone. Sharing rooms for the kids may seem like no big deal, but adults will likely prefer to have their own rooms. The same may go for bathrooms. Is one bathroom enough for your family of 13? If not, maybe filter your search to include rental properties with two or more bathrooms.
Making memories with your extended family is precious, but it does take some extra planning to get it right so that everyone leaves with happy memories, not sour ones.
Not sure where to begin? Check out these properties:
Airbnb is making changes to its platform after the company received complaints from guests about hidden fees.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear—you feel like prices aren’t transparent and checkout tasks are a pain,” tweeted Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky in early November.
As of December, Airbnb said it will be making its prices more transparent by offering an option to view a property’s total price before taxes in the search results, map, filter, and listing pages.
Previously, the company displayed a rental’s average nightly rate, meaning add-ons, such as a cleaning fee and Airbnb’s service fee, weren’t included until you reached the payment page. Suddenly, a $400 weekend getaway might jump to $700 with add-ons. Once a guest toggles on the fees-included feature, though, it will enable the guest to see the total price before starting the booking process.
“I think it’s better to be more transparent. I think people like to know the costs that are associated with choosing an Airbnb over a hotel,” said Jennifer Schnier, an Airbnb host in Georgian Bay Township. “Because the experience in an Airbnb is very different.”
What are Airbnb’s hidden fees?
The extra fees that pop-up on a rental’s payment page have long been a point of contention for Airbnb guests, particularly the cleaning fee. This fee is meant to cover the cost of cleaning and sanitizing a rental between stays. But the host has control over how much is charged. The amount charged typically correlates with the length of stay and the size of property.
For her four-bedroom rental, Schnier said she charges a $50 cleaning fee for short stays and $150 for stays longer than a week. “There is behind-the-scenes cleaning. When you rent a hotel, you’re not cleaning a stove, an oven, a fridge. There are different amenities, so there is associated cleaning fees that go along with that,” she said.
But some hosts use the cleaning fee as an excuse to squeeze out additional revenue from guests, charging more for cleaning than their nightly rate. Guests have also taken issue with hosts charging a cleaning fee and then asking them to perform tasks, such as vacuuming, before checkout.
“You shouldn’t have to do unreasonable checkout tasks, such as stripping the beds, doing the laundry, or vacuuming. But we think it’s reasonable to turn off the lights, throw food in the trash, and lock the doors—just as you would when leaving your own home,” Chesky said in a tweet. “If Hosts have checkout requests, they should be reasonable and shown to you before you book.”
The other fee that pops up on the payment page is Airbnb’s service fee. The company charges a service fee to cover the cost of operating. For most stays, Airbnb said the service fee will be less than 15 per cent of the booking’s subtotal.
How does this affect cottage rental owners?
When it comes to renting out your cottage through Airbnb, it should be business as usual. To stay competitive, you may want to consider how much you’re charging for cleaning.
According to Airbnb, 55 per cent of listings charge a cleaning fee and, on average, the fee is less than 10 per cent of the total reservation cost. To avoid scaring away potential guests, Airbnb suggests keeping your cleaning fee reasonable or doing away with it altogether.
In early 2023, the company plans to introduce new pricing and discounting tools that will help hosts understand the total costs guests pay and how to set competitive prices.
What other changes is Airbnb making?
In addition to being more transparent about hidden fees, Airbnb said it’s tweaking its search ranking algorithm to prioritize rentals by their total price, rather than their nightly rate. This means that higher quality listings with better total prices will rank further up in the search results.
“The Airbnb experience is already different [than traditional accommodations], so if we are more transparent with the up-front fees then people might have a bit of an understanding of why there are some extra fees there,” Schnier said.
Located on the tip of the Northern Bruce Peninsula, Tobermory straddles the divide between Lake Huron and Georgian Bay. The area is famous for its aquamarine water, craggy coves, and breathtaking hikes.
Looking for things to do? Visit the Grotto in Bruce Peninsula National Park, a natural pool of clear-blue water sheltered in a wave-carved cove; hike along the Bruce Trail, which takes you through the craggy landscape of the Niagara Escarpment, or hop a ride on the MS Chi-Cheemaun, a historic ferry that transports guests to nearby Manitoulin Island.
If any of these activities sound appealing, get the adventure started by booking your accommodation at one of these cottage rentals.
This cottage rental is only a six-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of downtown Tobermory and steps away from public access to Lake Huron. Plus, the dock to board the Chi-Cheemaun ferry is just down the street.
“It’s surrounded by nature,” wrote Eduardo M. in his rental review. “I had high expectations but when we arrived it was way better.”
Location: Tobermory, Ont.
Price: Averages $319 per night
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
Notes:
Internet included
Laundry on site
Outdoor fire pit
Highchair and travel crib provided for infants
Pets welcome
Maximum number of guests capped at eight
Minimum seven-night stay required between May and September
The lower-level apartment in this newly built cottage is available for rent. Take one of the rental’s kayaks for a spin along 400 metres of private shoreline on Lake Huron. It should be noted that the owner lives in the upstairs apartment.
“North Paw is secluded and absolutely stunning with water views on three sides of the property. The sunsets are magical,” wrote Marlene G. in her rental review.
Location: Tobermory, Ont.
Price: Averages $270 per night
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
Notes:
Waterfront property
Internet included
Kayaks available for use
Outdoor fire pit
Water shoes, masks, and snorkels available for use
At 3,000 sq. ft., this open-concept cottage rental has more than enough room to accommodate family and friends. The flat shoreline and shallow water great for kids.
“This beautiful home is in a quiet private setting. Lots of room to spread out. [It has] beautiful views and is just a short drive to Tobermory and various hikes,” wrote Patricia K. in her rental review.
Find peace at this Tobermory cottage rental. Relax in Lake Huron with one of the property’s floaties. At night, take in the star-filled sky through the rental’s telescope.
“Quiet and clean with space to spare. Our host left a lovely greeting with thoughtful gifts, maps, and instructions,” Aaron V. wrote in his rental review.
Nestled on two acres overlooking Lake Huron, this log cabin offers a rustic rental experience with modern amenities. Eat, drink, and lounge on the property’s 1,600 sq. ft. deck, or unwind in the hot tub after a long day.
Airbnb has introduced new technology designed to prevent parties at vacation and cottage rentals in Canada and the U.S.
According to the San Francisco-based booking company, its “anti-party technology” is a more robust version of its under-25 system, launched in North America in 2020. The new technology analyzes guests’ profiles and booking information, determining whether the individual poses a high-risk reservation. Some of the factors the system uses to assess include reviews of the guest, length of time the guest has been on Airbnb, length of the trip, distance to the listing, and whether the booking is happening on a weekend or weekday.
“The primary objective is attempting to reduce the ability of bad actors to throw unauthorized parties which negatively impact our hosts, neighbours, and the communities we serve,” Airbnb said in a statement.
In August 2020, Airbnb temporarily banned all parties from its rentals. The ban came in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With bars and clubs closed, people were instead renting homes to throw parties. “This was concerning to us due to both the disruptive nature of unauthorized parties and the risk of such gatherings spreading the virus,” Airbnb said in a statement.
Since implementing the temporary ban, Airbnb said it’s seen a 44 per cent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports. In June 2022, the company made the party ban permanent. The ban caps properties at 16 people, except in the case of rentals that can comfortably house over 16, such as castles in Europe or vineyards in the U.S.
Yet even with the ban, Airbnb has still struggled to police parties. In 2021, 6,600 users were suspended from Airbnb for attempting to violate the company’s party ban. In April, at an Airbnb party organized at a Pittsburgh rental, a shooter killed two teens and injured several others. Last October, Les Collines-de-l’Outaouais, a municipality in Quebec, temporarily banned Airbnb rentals after a party attracted 500 people.
Airbnb, however, is optimistic about its new technology, which has been piloted in Australia since October 2021. “We have seen a 35 per cent drop in incidents of unauthorized parties in the areas of Australia where this pilot has been in effect. We are now ending the pilot phase in Australia and codifying this product nationwide. We are hoping for similar success as we begin testing this in the U.S. and Canada,” the company said.
Airbnb added that guests who are blocked from booking an entire home by the “anti-party technology” may still be able to book other types of rentals, such as a private room in someone’s home or a hotel.
“We anticipate that this new system will help prevent more bad actors on our platform while having less of a blunt impact on guests who are not trying to throw a party,” Airbnb said.
If there is an Airbnb rental hosting an inappropriate party near you, you can report it to the company’s Neighborhood Support Line.
Heading north with a pet can be complicated, especially if you’re renting a cottage. In an attempt to keep cleaning fees down, many rentals don’t allow pets. As a result, you can get stuck looking for a sitter or a kennel that can take your precious pooch for the weekend. We’ve found rentals that will allow your furry family member to come with you and share in the cottage memories.
This two-bedroom, wood cottage is only a block from the sandy shores of Grand Bend. Take fido for an evening stroll along the beach before relaxing in the hot tub.
“Super clean and a well-priced cottage. Lots of space and the hot tub was a fantastic touch,” wrote Annie W. in her review.
Perched on the shore of Lake Eugenia, relax with your pet on the expansive dock or take them for a ride in one of the kayaks. Plus, the cottage is only a 20-minute drive to the hills and breweries of Collingwood.
“Six of us enjoyed a peaceful week away from the city. We kayaked, barbecued, and spent each evening on the dock appreciating the beautiful skies,” wrote Roger O. in his review.
Only two hours east of Toronto, this cottage rental is a short drive to both Kingston and Prince Edward County. Explore Hay Bay in one of the cottage’s six kayaks or take your pet for a dip in the property’s shallow water.
“We just returned from five nights at Hay Bay and at one point I thought my dog wasn’t coming home with us. He absolutely loved the freedom,” wrote Suzan T. in her review.
Finding a family-friendly rental that meets all of your needs can be tough. You need a place that can keep the kids entertained, while also letting the adults get some much-needed R&R. These family-friendly cottage rentals offer an abundance of both.
From water toys to high chairs to swingsets, these cottage rentals tick all the boxes. The most taxing part of the trip will be deciding whether to book a mountain retreat, a place to lounge dockside, or somewhere offering outdoor adventures.
Either way, these rentals are sure to satisfy guests of all ages.
Nestled on Sproat Lake, this cottage rental offers a wade-in beach and a 1,200-sq.-ft. dock perfect for swimming. Take advantage of the pool table and foosball in the games room.
“Stunning home and property! In spite of a rainy, cool weekend we had an incredible family get-together! The house, entertainment area, and yard exceeded our expectations! So much to do for all ages!” wrote Warren and Donna P. in their review of the Stirling Arm Lakehouse.
With seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, this cottage rental feels like you’re staying in your own private lodge. Located on the shores of the Somass River on Vancouver Island, kids can fish and swim, or take a dip in the heated, in-ground pool.
“Lovely private getaway for a family retreat,” wrote Christina M. about the West Coast River Lodge.
Only one hour from Toronto, this cottage rental offers a slice of paradise on Lake Simcoe. Take advantage of the local restaurants, boat rentals, and 18-hole golf course, all within a 10-minute-walk.
“We had a great time at the lake house. We were there with our family of six, kids aged 3 to 10, and two dogs. It was relaxing and comfortable,” wrote Dina K. about Big Bay Point Cottage.
Surrounded by 2.6 acres of a secluded forest, this vacation rental is a great spot for kids to explore and adults to relax. Have a campfire under the stars, head to nearby Deerhurst Highlands Golf Course, or explore Arrowhead Provincial Park.
“It’s a very nice place to stay with family. It’s clean and has everything you need. There are lots of lovely trails around. The host is very considerate and lovely,” wrote Shena X. in her review of Forestview Cottage.
Retaining its historic charm with modern comforts, this cottage rental is perched on a two-acre lot that is big enough for yard games, bonfires, and even a round of baseball. Plus it’s a short trip to nearby Cavendish Beach.
“We had a wonderful stay. Four adults and three kids slept comfortably, and everything you could want to do is very easily accessible from the house,” wrote Janet B. about Tenmile House Cottage.
This luxurious Muskoka cottage is located on a private island in the middle of Gloucester Pool Lake and is accessible by bridge. It has cathedral ceilings, a games room for the kids, and 180 feet of pristine waterfront.
“Rick’s place was just amazing. It’s in a sublime location and the property was perfect for our group. There were plenty of opportunities to relax, have fun on the water, and enjoy the great outdoors,” wrote Christine J. about her stay at Gloucester Pool Cottage.
With a view of the iconic Whistler ski hills, this vacation rental is a secluded mountain retreat. Enjoy the vaulted ceilings, wraparound deck, and outdoor hot tub, or take the family into Whistler Village to check out the local shops and restaurants.
“The house was perfect for our group of nine. It was well equipped, roomy, and the views were even better than the description,” wrote Madeline W. about Nighthawk Lane Cottage.
Retreat to this mountain lodge for your next family gathering. The rental features 10 bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. There is a billiards room and hot tub for downtime with the family.
“It was a blast. Our family enjoyed our stay at this property. The staff were friendly and willing to help, and the place’s soundproofing made it a great place for the kids to sleep without having them wake up one another. Everything was well stocked and there were plenty of rooms to share,” wrote James C. in his review of Lorimer Ridge Lodge.
This open-concept cottage is perched on the shores of Lake Muskoka amongst 150-year-old pine trees. The cottage features a playscape for kids, a massive dock for swimming, and a horseshoe pit in case the family gets competitive.
“The cottage is beautiful with tons of space! Waking up early to see the sunrise was worth it. The lake was really nice. Barbecuing while the sun sets was also a joy. They have a little playground that my son enjoyed,” wrote Ray N. about Lake Muskoka Cottage.
Location: Gravenhurst, Ont.
Price: Averages $275 per night
Sleeps: 7
Bedrooms: 4
Notes:
Waterfront property
Internet included
Laundry on site
Playscape and swingset available for kids
Outdoor fire pit
Guest fee of $65 per night for each extra adult after the first two renters
This pet-friendly cottage rental comes with all the boats you need to explore Oxtongue Lake. Kids can play in the shallow shoreline or relax in the property’s hammock. And if you’re looking for a family adventure, Algonquin Provincial Park is only minutes away.
“My family and I enjoyed a great week at Freddie’s. Our grandchildren loved the beach and spent many hours playing in the water. The adults enjoyed using the paddle boards and kayaks to explore the lake. The cottage is stocked with everything you need and Will is a great host,” wrote Jim V. in his review of Oxtongue Lake Cottage.
With more than 900 lakes and four major river systems, the Ottawa Valley is a nature-lover’s dream. These cottage rentals give you the perfect home base to enjoy it all.
Known as the whitewater capital of Canada, the Ottawa Valley offers some of the fastest, cleanest, and safest rivers in the country, including the Ottawa River. If you and the family are into adventure, it’s the perfect spot to hop in a chartered raft and experience some rapids.
If you’re not looking for quite that much adrenaline, go for a hike in Gatineau Park, with its rugged terrain and stunning views of nearby Ottawa and Gatineau. Or consider touring the area’s local towns. Hawkesbury, Merrickville, and Montebello—among others—offer small-town charm with quaint shopping boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
Regardless of how you spend your day, end it on the deck of one of these rentals, drink in hand, as you watch the sun set over the Ottawa River.
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Photo by VRBO/Paul Marc
Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse
Only a 50-minute drive from Ottawa, Kanien’kehá:ka Roundhouse is located on seven acres of private forest. The rental offers eclectic decor with rockstar memorabilia. Take advantage of the property’s above-ground pool and gazebo, or head into nearby Merrickville to check out the village’s gift shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
This rental features a private dock on the Baie de Carillon, just off of the Ottawa River. Bring your own boat and putter around, play some pool in the game room, or relax in the property’s outdoor hot tub.
Unwind along the Ottawa River in this log cabin. The rental is a short trip from Omega Park, a 12-kilometre driving safari where you can see some of North America’s most unique wildlife, as well as the iconic Château Montebello, from which the cottage gets its name. If you need extra space, the rental also offers a beach house at an extra cost.
Enjoy sunsets over the Ottawa River on this rental’s expansive deck. Take the property’s kayak out for a spin, test your mettle on the foosball and ping pong tables, or sip a drink in the outdoor hot tub. The cottage is only 12 minutes from the Lachute Golf Club and eight minutes from the Presqu’ile-Robillard Ecological Reserve.
A historic property located on the shore of the Ottawa River, Duldraeggan was founded in 1805, making it one of the oldest remaining accommodations in Ontario. Walled in by gardens and trees, the cottage offers peace and privacy. Plus, it’s a short drive from Hawkesbury.
Nestled on Corbu Bay off of the Ottawa River, this rental’s waterfront feels like a lake. Relax beneath the living room’s cathedral ceiling or on the cottage’s terrace overlooking the water. The property, which is surrounded by trees, offers complete privacy, but if you need something, Ottawa is a quick 35-minute drive away.
During a city council meeting on February 22, Port Colborne councillors voted to introduce a voluntary registration program for short-term rental owners in the area. The city has been grappling with how to handle short-term rentals, including cottage rentals, since March 2020, when the issue first arose at city hall.
According to a staff report, there are an estimated 200 short-term rental properties in the Port Colborne area. Between June 1 and Labour Day 2021, the municipality received 53 complaints directly related to cottage rentals. Surrounding areas, such as Niagara, have begun introducing licensing measures, putting pressure on Port Colborne to take similar steps.
During a previous meeting, councillors tasked city staff with developing a proposal for a licensing program, one that could see rental owners lose their right to list their property if they had too many bylaw infractions.
In the staff report presented to the council, city clerk Amber LaPointe pointed out that this type of program would cost the city approximately $175,000 per year.
“What I was asking for was two staff members, one in licensing and then one in bylaws,” LaPointe said over the phone. “The bylaws staff would need a vehicle as well to be able to do that enforcement, so we estimated that would be the cost of the licensing regime.”
During the council meeting, it was also pointed out that bylaw only operates within certain hours. The police handle any complaints outside of those hours. But fire chief Scott Lawson said that bylaw can still fine rental owners off of a police report. The fine for a noise infraction currently sits at $201.
On top of stricter bylaw enforcement, a licensing program would also require city staff to continuously comb through booking sites, such as Airbnb and VRBO, to check for unlicensed cottage rentals.
“The biggest concern with licensing is that we will just be bogged down with paperwork in licensing all the ‘good guys,’ should we say, and won’t actually be able to capture the people who need to be licensed and won’t be able to enforce licensing with them,” LaPointe said during the February 22 meeting.
As a result, the licensing program was dismissed. Councillor Harry Wells proposed the voluntary registration program as an alternative. The program will include an education campaign that targets rental owners, neighbours, and the renters themselves.
“The purpose that staff feels this registration will have is building a strong relationship with those target groups, and just having that open communication with those renters, so we can provide them information and get information from them,” LaPointe said.
There will be no consequences for rental owners who choose not to register, but a rental property that appears on bylaw’s radar may be added to the list.
The voluntary registration program is set to start in mid-April. Owners who want to register will be able to do so on the Port Colborne website.
LaPointe said that city staff will monitor the program over the summer and report back to council with any findings in September.
When you rent out your cottage, the majority of guests you host will be a breeze. They’re responsible, and they play by the rules. They’re just looking to experience the beauty of cottage country too. But there is a small per cent that can slip through and cause trouble that you may want to protect yourself against.
“There’s the less likely, but big damage scenarios, and, of course, stolen credit cards, fake IDs, and parties,” says Roy Firestein, the CEO of Autohost, a guest screening company for rentals.
“Guests may not respect the person limit on your septic system, which can affect the lake. They may leave garbage out or feed wild animals, drawing them into populated areas. All of that affects your cottage neighbourhood.”
Renting out your cottage isn’t just a matter of handing over the keys. You should have precautions in place to protect against any unforeseen circumstances. Otherwise, you may end up with angry neighbours, bylaw fines, and stricter municipal restrictions around rentals. Here are a few suggestions on how you can be a responsible host:
Buy insurance
Most cottage owners will have some type of homeowner’s insurance to protect their property against acts of God, such as floods, fires, or trees falling on the building. But according to Firestein, if you’re renting your cottage out, that means you’re operating it as a business. A business that requires vacation rental insurance.
It’s a fairly new concept, but Firestein says there are providers out there who are offering specific policies for vacation rentals. These are written as business policies, meaning they cover your cottage’s contents, in case anything is stolen or damaged; they provide commercial business liability, so you’re covered in case one of your guests injures themselves while staying at your cottage; and they offer business income insurance, meaning that if your cottage is hit by some kind of disaster and you can’t rent it out, that loss of income is covered.
If you live at your cottage and are only renting it out on specific dates, it’s also a good idea to look for a vacation rental policy that includes personal liability insurance. That means you’re still covered against any incidents when you’re the one occupying the cottage.
Vet your guests
When we say vet your guests, we don’t mean pick and choose who you want to host based on their age, ethnicity, or whether they look friendly. Firestein says the key to vetting a guest is looking through their booking information for red flags that could indicate trouble.
“Things you should look out for is relatively simple stuff—verify that the reservation information matches the billing information, and that matches the actual person who walks through the door,” he says.
What Firestein means is look for inconsistencies. If things don’t add up, there’s a chance someone else may be booking for them, meaning you don’t know who you’re hosting.
It’s okay to reach out to the guest and ask for more information. You may want to ask for the names and contact information of everyone who will be staying at your property. This protects you, keeps guest behaviour more accountable, and also will let you know that the guests are sticking to the maximum number of people you allow.
If you really want to drill down and look for signs of a risky reservation, Firestein advises looking at the guest’s booking details. Guests who book within 24 hours of their check-in time could be using a stolen credit card and are trying to use it before it gets cancelled. A one-night booking at your cottage, especially on a weekend, could be a sign of a party. Finally, guests booking a cottage that’s way too big for them—say, a couple booking a five-bedroom property—probably aren’t telling you everything.
These aren’t reasons to immediately cancel the reservation, but Firestein says you should reach out to the guest to gather more information about their plans.
Be transparent
These precautions are designed to protect you and your property, but you want to make sure they’re not scaring off guests. For instance, some property owners use noise sensors or doorbell cameras to monitor their cottages in real time. While this is a legal security measure, most guests don’t take kindly to being surveilled, especially if they’re unaware.
“Rule number one is always make sure that it’s very clear to guests that there are these types of devices on the property before they make the booking. That’s one way to set expectations,” Firestein says. “Because as soon as someone complains to a rental site that there’s a hidden camera, you’ll get blocked.”
To ensure a happy stay, you need to be transparent with your guests. Put any rules or security measures you have upfront in your property’s listing. This serves a dual purpose, Firestein says. Guests will be aware of expectations before they make the booking, plus is should scare off any guest who are looking to cause trouble.
“If the customer is aware that this is part of the process from the beginning, it just seems less suspicious and less awkward when it comes up,” he says.
If you have a cottage in a prime location, renting can be a great source of ancillary revenue. Unfortunately, renting out your property isn’t as easy as handing over the keys. Even if people are only staying for a weekend, you need measures in place to protect you, your guest, and your property. To do this, create a cottage rental agreement.
“A rental agreement itemizes the terms, the price, and any security deposits that would have to go down,” says Bradley Samuel, a real estate lawyer with Tierney Stauffer LLP.
If you’re creating your own rental agreement, here are the details you should include:
Guest information
Don’t hand your property over to a complete stranger. In the agreement, collect the guest’s name, phone number, email address, and home address. Some hosts will even ask for a copy of the guest’s ID to ensure they are who they say they are.
Beyond the guest who made the booking, you should also require the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all people who will be occupying your property, including guests just visiting for the day and not staying overnight.
Having this information gives you a better idea of who you’re hosting and should keep your guests’ behaviour more accountable during the stay.
Property details
Give the guest a detailed overview of what’s available at your property. Include an itemized list of amenities, such as laundry machines and internet access. Some hosts also provide watercraft. If you’re providing a motorized watercraft, Samuel stresses that you must outline the rules around its use. “If they’re getting use of a boat or watercraft, [make sure] that they’re appropriately licensed, drinking is prohibited, and so forth,” he says.
This section is also where you can specify what’s off limits to guests, such as utility closets or work sheds.
Terms of the stay
To avoid issues with poorly behaved guests, include rules around the stay. Start with the check-in and checkout dates and times. Make sure they’re exact so that guests don’t have wiggle room to show up and leave whenever they want. Specify the maximum number of allowed guests at the property, including those just visiting for the day—otherwise you leave yourself open to parties.
Follow this up with any firm rules, such as no smoking, no pets, or no loud music. Samuel also suggests including a note on any fire bans in effect, especially if you have an outdoor fire pit.
Finally, let the guest know that upon departure, you expect the cottage to be in the same condition they found it. Some hosts will even provide dump passes, requiring the guest to take their garbage with them.
“You would want to include a clause that says breach of any of those rules is a deemed termination, and you can be ejected immediately,” Samuel says. “So, you sort of swing the hammer if you need to.”
Liabilities
According to Samuel, this is a must-have section in the agreement. In case anything happens during the stay, you need to make sure you’re protected against lawsuits or major financial loss.
The first step is to check what your insurance covers. “Most people’s homeowner’s insurance covers them for blanket liability,” Samuel says. “So, things like boating accidents or negligence that causes injury…typically [the host’s] house insurance will cover that.”
As an added precaution, Samuel advises including a separate indemnity waiver to ensure that “the actual person or persons putting their name and credit card down are the ones who are going to take liability for their guests.” This means that if someone other than the person who made the booking drives your boat while intoxicated or performs a dangerous act, you’re not liable for their well-being. We suggest having a lawyer look over the waiver before sending it to guests.
Payment information
This is where you can confirm the nightly price, how you expect to be paid (through a booking site, e-transfer, etc.), and when the fee should be paid by. If the guest is booking more than 30 days in advance, you may want to ask for part of the payment up front so that the guest is less inclined to cancel last minute.
Add a section about cancellations—how the guest should go about it, how far in advance you need to be notified, and any ramifications, such as a lost deposit, so the guest knows what to expect if they change their mind about the stay.
This is also a good place to include any information on security or cleaning deposits. Communicate why you collect the deposit, how much you collect, and under what circumstances the guest would lose the deposit. Claiming a deposit can be a point of contention between guests and hosts, so make sure you’re clear on what your expectations are.
Additional clauses
As much as the agreement is about the guest committing to your rules, you need to provide them with some promises. This includes a section about maintenance—that the property will be clean, safe to use, and all amenities will be working.
You should also address your right to access the property during the stay. “If it’s a weekend or a week booking, we’re talking shorter term, I would say in the agreement that you can access the property at all reasonable times,” Samuel says.
Finally, provide information on keys, alarms, and lock codes—anything the guest needs to access the property.
Once the guest has read and completed the agreement, all you need is their signature and you’re ready to rent.
