A How To Guide for Renting A Cottage

April 30th, 2014  |  Travel Insurance

With the May long weekend in the not too distant future, many people are starting to make plans for their summer vacation and long weekends. For a lot of Canadians this means renting a cottage for a week and getting some much needed rest and relaxation. If you have rented a cottage before you will know that there are certain things that you need to be on the lookout for, especially since most people rent cottages online and never actually see the cottage until they show up for their first day of vacation.

Before you agree to anything, make sure that you consider the follow:

1. Cost: Cost is commonly one of the most important considerations when renting a cottage. Setting a budget is important, but you also need to realistic about how much it costs to rent a cottage and what you can expect to get for the amount of money you are willing to pay. Check out some cottage listings to get an idea of how much it will cost, keeping in mind that bigger cottages and cottages in prime locations will come at a premium. TIP: Consider splitting the cost between multiple people.
2. People: How many people will be coming to the cottage with you? Is it a family trip? Will multiple families be coming to the cottage? Are you splitting the cottage with some friends? How many total people are coming to the cottage? These are all questions that need to be answered and will help you determine the price and size of the cottage that you will need to rent. TIP: Confirm the number of people before putting down the deposit for the cottage.
3. Location: As they say, location, location, location. Where you want to stay will have a big impact on the type of cottage and the atmosphere you can expect. If you want something quiet and remote, expect to drive further. If you want water front, expect to pay more for the rental. Also factor in the weather conditions in the area as part of your decision. TIP: Narrow your search by location once you have established a budget for the rental.
4. Amenities: There are certain things that people want in a cottage – Do you want it close to the lake or a beach? What about a fire pit? Are you looking for a more modern cottage or something more traditional? How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? What are your deal breaker amenities that must be included? TIP: make a list of must haves and use them to refine your online search.
5.  Access: How close is the cottage to the nearest town or grocery store? What is near the cottage? Is the cottage easily accessible? What are the check in and check out times? Can you bring your pets with you? Is the cottage ideal for children? These access questions need to be addressed before you book the cottage. TIP: Talk directly to the owner of the cottage to clear up any questions you have about access to the cottage.

Taking the time to consider your options and do your homework will ensure that you can find your dream cottage rental and avoid renting a lemon. Once you find the perfect cottage, make sure that you get everything in writing and are completely clear about your responsibilities as outlined in the cottage.

Are you planning to rent a cottage this summer? Where is your favorite place to rent a cottage? Why?