Choosing a Property
Summer House Cottage Rentals makes every effort to ensure that the information provided to you about a property is accurate and up to date. Prices and availability of our vacation rentals, as well as updates or changes to the properties, are subject to change. We work diligently with our property owners to keep the reservation calendar as up to date as possible. However, please be aware that at some points during the year we may be in the process of updating a listing and will inform you about any changes to rates or amenities during the inquiry process. We recommend viewing a property before leasing it, although we will work to provide you with as much information as possible if this is not an option. The maximum occupancy is set by our property owners and may not be exceeded.
All of our rental properties are fully equipped with bedding and bath towels, cooking pots and utensils, dishware and starter paper products. During the course of your stay you may need to replenish paper products and soaps. For cottages with grills please check your welcome information sheet sent prior to your arrival to see if additional propane gas or charcoal is supplied.
Pets are permitted in some properties with permission from the owners and conditions such as a pet fee or security deposit that will be outlined in your lease. All pets must be treated for fleas and ticks. Please clean up in the yard after your pet.
Most rentals run from Saturday to Saturday; arrival time is 4pm and departure time is 10am. If you have special needs, please contact our rental agent. Specific requirements for your rental are outlined in your Welcome Information.
Please Note: Summer House Cottage Rentals homes are available for a minimum stay of one week, and weekly pricing applies to any stay of 7 days or less.
There is no smoking inside any of our properties.
Rental Procedure and Payments
Once you have selected a property, we will send a lease agreement to you. Please sign, date and return to us by fax, scan, or mail, and send in your first payment. The payment schedule will be itemized in the lease agreement and no other invoice will be sent to you.
Depending on the amount of the lease and when it is written, there will be between one and three payments (which will include the security deposit, and lodging tax.) The final payment is due five weeks prior to your arrival date. After your last payment arrives, directions, key information and our guidelines will be sent to you in your Cottage Welcome Email. You will find additional information including local maps and local chamber of commerce booklets at the cottage. Payment mailing address will be outlined on the Tenant Policy Form sent to you with your rental lease. Please note that late payments may constitute a default of your lease agreement, so make sure to contact our office if necessary to keep all parties informed of the status of your payment.
Lodging Tax and Security Deposit
Each of our properties requires a security deposit with a minimum of $300 and a maximum of $2,500, and will incur an 9% Lodging Tax fee. The State of Maine currently charges an 9% lodging tax.
Security deposits are held by our company and any expenses incurred during your stay that are over and above what is included in your lease, will be deducted from the deposit. After inspection of the property, collection of any additional bills from the owner, remaining monies will be refunded to you no longer than 30 days after your departure date. Please allow sufficient time for mailing.
Cleaning
Our cottages are cleaned in preparation for your visit, and we ask that you leave the residence clean and in good order per the lease agreement and departure guidelines. A small portion of our cottages have a separate cleaning fee, any additional fees will be outlined in the listing and on the rental lease. Tenants are required to remove all trash from the home and place in receptacles, clear the refrigerator, strip the beds and leave linens for the cleaners, and launder a load of towels prior to the cleaners arrival to turn over the property. Please read your Cottage Check-in email for additional instructions about your cottage. Any violation of the policies provided to you and outlined in your lease may result in the forfeiture of your security deposit.
Cancellation Policy
Because of the short rental season here in Maine, owners are not able to provide for cancellation unless the home can be re-rented for the time period. In the event of a cancellation, all lease funds are still due to the property owner and will be held until a new lease (sublet) can be made. If Summer House Cottage Rentals is able to rent the property before the lease date we will return the funds to you, less a 15% processing fee. We suggest exploring Travel Insurance to protect against unforeseen events.
Travel Insurance
We highly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance in the event you have a personal emergency or change of plans that prevents you from taking your vacation. We do not recommend a specific agency, but here are a few options for this kind of low cost insurance to see what fits your needs. Click the link below to be taken to their website.
Travel Guard Insurance
Allianz Travel Insurance
CSA Travel Protection
Quiet Use and Enjoyment
Our aim is to help you enjoy the best vacation you can have during your stay in Maine. We are not liable or responsible for acts of nature or guarantee peaceful and quiet enjoyment. Noises generated by construction, people or pets outside the property are not an occurrence that warrants a refund of any kind.
Please let us know if you have any questions about the homes in our rental inventory. We are continuously adding new properties and will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to working with you and hope you will enjoy visiting Mount Desert Island for many years to come.