DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS: We collect 50% of the rent when the rental lease is executed, and collect the balance of the rent just prior to check-in. One half of the commission is deducted from the initial deposit and the final one-half commission is deducted from the final payment. Coldwell Banker Sand Dollar Real Estate believes that our rental commission is earned only when each facet of the transaction is completed. As a means of protecting our owners' interests, Coldwell Banker Sand Dollar does not take verbal rental reservations on a property. Over the years, we have found that reservations without a lease and money too often do not come to fruition -- and in the meantime, the property is unavailable for rent during the reserved period. We urge you to closely monitor your bookings, leases and deposits.

NOTIFICATION TO OWNER OF RENTALS MADE: Owners receive a copy of the lease with a check covering the gross amount of the deposit less commission within 10 days of receipt of tenant's check (time must be allowed for tenant checks to clear the bank). During the actual season, checks are mailed on the Thursday following Check-In.

OWNER RENTALS: If you decide to rent the property yourself, please communicate verbally and in writing with us PRIOR to making any owner rentals. You may not be aware of a rental we may have that is currently being processed. The Owner agrees our rental will take precedence over theirs.

CANCELLATIONS: If a tenant cancels after leaving a deposit and signing a lease, we make every effort to re-rent the property. If we are successful, we refund their deposit, less our commission for having to rent the property over again. If we are unable to re-rent the property, we advise the tenant the balance of the contract is still due and payable as originally expected.

CLEANING OF THE UNIT: Although our leases provide that the tenant agrees to leave the premises in a clean and neat condition, a cleaning/inspection service or owner inspection will assure that the property is in good condition for the next tenant, as well as noting any damages or necessary repairs. In the event a unit has not been cleaned or is in need of repair, we will make every attempt to call the owner and advise. It is the owner's responsibility to ensure a clean unit for the next tenant, so if we don't reach the owner, we will contact a service to do the necessary maintenance. Charges will be deducted from that week's rental payment to the owner. (Remember, this may be a premium service and may cost more than usual.)

SECURITY DEPOSITS: All security deposits will be issued to Coldwell Banker Sand Dollar Real Estate and held in escrow until the lease has ended. Security checks are issued to the tenant the Monday following Saturday Check-Out. If we do not hear of any problems from the owner by Monday morning, the check is automatically released.

PROBLEM SECURITIES: Securities are not automatically turned over to the owner if, after we have notified the tenant, the tenant takes issue with the complaint. In that case, we must remain as escrow agent and retain the funds until the issue is resolved between the two parties and we receive notification of the agreement in writing. (Luckily, there have been very few of these.)

DAMAGE TO UNIT: Should you or your cleaning/inspection service discover damage to your property at changeover, please notify Coldwell Banker Sand Dollar Real Estate immediately. An agent will visit the property to evaluate the situation before speaking to the tenant. The owner must submit a list of any damages and actual receipts for correcting the damage. We need a written letter within 30 days of the problem, or by law, we must refund the security deposit to the tenant.

TELEPHONE: All properties must offer phone service for two reasons: One is the safety factor of having 911 service available in case of an emergency at the property and second, cell phones do not always work when out of their service area. A Long Distance Blocking service will need to be placed on the phone if the free long distance package is not offered. You may contact us or visit our web site at LBIrealestateNews.com (go to ‘HomeOwner’s Info’ page) for additional information on these services.

TRASH AND RECYCLING: Owners need to provide an adequate number of garbage and recycling cans. (One trash can for each two bedrooms). All containers must have tight fitting lids. Garbage and recycling information should be posted at your property.

POSTING INFORMATION: We urge you to post information on appliances, electronics or anything unique about your property. This can prevent accidents, confusion or damage to your equipment/unit. An excellent way to communicate with your tenant is to create a Welcome Book. This book would contain the above information in user friendly format. It would be nice to also include information on places to visit, eat or play with flyers, menu’s, etc. that you enjoy.

KEYS: Please provide two sets of keys to your rental property. We are happy to supply a key to maintenance people but will only do so if the owner calls us first or the maintenance people supply an invoice.

BEACH BADGES: Our lease informs the tenant to purchase their own beach badges. It is nice if an owner leaves beach badges, but many badges are accidentally lost during the season and Coldwell Banker Sand Dollar Real Estate does not guarantee beach badges to the tenant.

MINOR REPAIRS: Each year we find that we are being called upon more and more to make minor repairs or purchases for the property. Although we are happy to help coordinate with an owner and their local repair people, sales and rental personnel are not trained in property maintenance, and in trying to help may only worsen the problem. Therefore, please be sure to inspect all plumbing and electrical systems, appliances, and kitchen items, etc. at your property in the Spring and periodically during the season to be sure they are in good working order.

EQUIPPING & MAINTAINING THE PROPERTY: The difference between a successful rental season and one full of hassles revolves around how your property is equipped and maintained. REMEMBER: We offer a FREE "Rental Review" to help you in this area. It is full of helpful hints to make your rental season as lucrative and hassle-free as possible. Ask for yours today!

OWNER INSURANCE: Owner will carry Public Liability Insurance to protect the interests of the parties hereto.

SMOKE DETECTORS, CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS - Please make sure your property has the appropriate amount of each and they are in working order. Change all batteries prior to the rental season.

TOOL KIT - It is recommended to leave your tenant a small tool kit, most are handy enough to tighten a loose screw or replace a light bulb if available to them. This may save you a much more expensive service call.

KITCHEN - Most tenants are seeking well equipped kitchens as they would rather spend this part of their vacation dollars on high end food products (steaks and fish) and bring them home to cook and enjoy in a quieter family atmosphere. For a list of the items we recommend for the kitchen you can contact us or visit our web site at LBIrealestateNews.com (go to ‘HomeOwner’s Info’ page).

HELPFUL HINT: Put yourself in the role of the tenant. (You and your family have saved all year for this vacation and expectations are high.) Maintain and equip the property the way you would not only like it to be but also expect it to be.