Rental Policies

Your Lease Agreement

Under the NC Vacation Rental Act, guests must sign a short term lease agreement. Guests can view and sign their lease agreement by logging on to GuestWeb. From there, guests can add or decline optional packages, sign the lease agreement, save a copy of the lease, and return to review the lease at any time prior to arrival. Please note that the leaseholder must occupy the home for the duration of the stay. A single tenant may only hold one lease for a given time period. The leaseholder must be at least 24 years of age and must occupy the home for the duration of the stay. As agents, our homeowners authorize us to rent to family groups and approved non-family groups only. A family group is defined as one or more families consisting of immediate and extended family members that vacation together in one home. This means no sororities, fraternities, or young groups, with or without chaperoning. Non-family groups are only permitted with special consideration and approval from the homeowner, and require a refundable cash security deposit which will be returned 45 days after departure. Stan White Realty & Construction, Inc. operates under the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act and will commence an expedited eviction under this law if a home is rented under false pretense.

Payments

Advanced Payments
Your advanced payment is due within three days of booking. Partial stays, negotiated or discounted rate reservations, and reservations made within thirty days of arrival must be paid in full the day of booking. Negotiations cannot be made after the first payment is made. Please call us with any special request or delays – reservations not paid within the required time period are subject to cancellation without notification. Travel Interruption Insurance is considered declined if not included with advanced payment, and accepted if included. Once accepted, Travelers Insurance cannot be cancelled.

Balance Payments
The balance of rent, including sales tax, occupancy tax, and any additional optional packages, is due thirty days PRIOR to your arrival date. Taxes are subject to change and payable by tenant.

Payment Methods
Guests can make their payment through the Happy Stays App with a valid credit or debit card. Guests may also mail personal checks up to thirty days before their arrival date. We cannot accept personal checks or e-checks within thirty days of check-in. There will be a $25 service charge for returned checks, upon which payment must be overnighted in certified funds or reservation will be subject to automatic cancellation. Please note that even if you plan on using another payment method, we require a valid credit card on file for security purposes in order to hold your reservation. All payments must be made in U.S. funds.

Charges for Damage
Cost for any intentional or malicious damage, damage caused by negligence, pet damage, trash removal, arranging furniture back to original position, or any unnecessary expenditures (including nuisance service calls) incurred during or resulting from the duration of this lease will be charged to the credit card provided upon reserving.

Cancellations and Transfers

Notice of cancellation must be provided in writing from the leaseholder prior to the arrival date. In order to re-market the home, the rental amount must be paid in full prior to cancellation. Transferring your reservation from one house to another, or dropping a week from a multiple week reservation, is considered cancellation and any previous payment would be split. Fees are applicable on both weeks. If the home is re-rented for any part of the duration of the cancelled reservation, a refund will be issued for the time period the property re-rents. That amount, less travelers insurance, the administrative fee, any difference in rent, and the $175 cancellation fee, will be returned to the leaseholder within forty five days after receipt of payment from the new guest is received and processed. If the home cannot be re-rented during the time period of the cancelled reservation, all funds received are FORFEITED. Changing the date of stay for the same home and for the same rental rate and year is considered a transfer and will result in a $75 plus tax transfer fee once the request is received in writing and approved. A transfer cannot be requested within thirty days of arrival and will be considered a cancellation. Reinstatement of your reservation is possible as long as there is no new lease confirmed in your timeframe. Once the reservation is reinstated, full payment will be required immediately.

Partial Stay Reservations

Partial stays (less than a full week) are available for many of our rentals. There is a three night minimum. Online booking for off-season (September thru May) partial stays is available for some properties. For all other properties, and for in-season (June thru August) partial stays, owner approval is required and the reservation must be booked over the phone. Partial reservations must be paid in full the day of booking. Most homes in the Carolina Club Linen Program do not provide linens during partial stays, however, linen packages can be purchased for an additional fee.

Pre-Reservations

Guests may make reservations for weeks of the following year once the same calendar week of the current year has passed. The current year’s guest will always have first priority and first right of refusal in reserving the same week for next year. If you wish to reserve your vacation home for next year, please contact us upon departure. Remember, if you do not reserve your vacation home by your check-out date, it becomes available to others the next day. Please keep in mind that rates are subject to change from year to year. The pre-reservation fee is nonrefundable.

Linens

All of our homes include pillows, comforters, and mattress pads on beds. Sheets, pillowcases, and bath towels are ONLY included with Carolina Club homes and Special Event reservations. Beds will be made upon arrival in Carolina Club homes and for Special Event reservations (excluding bunks, trundles, futons and sleeper sofas). Most Carolina Club homes do not provide linens for partial stay reservations – only full week reservations. When booking a partial stay at a Carolina Club rental, please inquire as to whether or not the home will provide linens. For homes that do not include linens, an optional package can be purchased for an additional charge that will include sheets, pillowcases, and bath towels. This option will be automatically included on your lease agreement – you must decline this option on your lease in order to remove this charge. Once paid for, the optional linen package cannot be cancelled. Optional linen packages will be delivered no later than 10pm on check-in day. Bed-making is not included with the optional package, but can be added for a fee – be sure to make this request at the time of purchasing the package if you would like the beds made prior to arrival. Please note that neither the Carolina Club homes nor the optional linen packages include beach towels, kitchen towels or bedding for additional sleeping options (including but not limited to sleeper sofas, futons, trundles and rollaway beds). If you will be requiring more bed and bath linens than what is included in your optional linen package or Carolina Club linen package, you may order them online.

Travel Interruption Insurance

Travel Interruption Insurance is offered for those who want financial coverage for their vacation in the case of an unexpected event, such as a death in the family, medical emergency, or a mandatory evacuation. Stan White Realty & Construction, Inc. offers Travel Interruption Insurance by automatically including the cost of the policy in the reservation total. Initial in the space provided on the lease agreement to purchase the policy. To decline the Travel Interruption Insurance, leave this space blank and the charge will be deducted from your total. Travel Interruption Insurance is considered declined if not included with your advanced payment, and accepted if included. Once accepted, Travel Interruption Insurance cannot be cancelled or refunded.

Please keep in mind that per the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act, Agent is unable to offer refunds or relocations due to mandatory evacuations and/or damage caused by storms that would otherwise be covered by the Travel Interruption Insurance. For this reason, we strongly recommend that our guests purchase the Traveler Interruption Insurance, especially those booking during Hurricane Season, so that they can be reimbursed in case of these very potential circumstances.

Please review the full Policy Information.

Checking In and Out

Your vacation home is available for you to check-in at 4pm on your arrival date. Please be aware that no codes will access the property before 4 pm (unless early check-in has been arranged). The lease takes effect at 4pm on the check-in date specified on the lease agreement and occupancy will not be granted until then. Failure to comply will result in a charge of an additional day’s rent. If you plan on arriving before this time, please request Early Check-In, or make plans to visit the many local attractions on the Outer Banks. We do not recommend grocery shopping until after you’ve checked in to your house. Do not go on the premises or park your cars at the home you are renting before 4pm. This delays the cleaning, inspection and maintenance, and ultimately, your check-in. After hours check-in is not available for reservations with a balance owed. Guests who have not paid in full must check in during office hours to pay their balance before can access the property.

Guests can arrange for Early Check-In at 1pm for $150.00 plus tax. This fee is due with your balance payment and once paid, will not be refunded if you are unable to arrive by 1pm. Early Check-in is available on a limited basis. Even with Early Check-In, pools and hot tubs MAY NOT be ready for use until 4pm. Please call the office and check on the status. Please keep in mind that Early Check-In cannot be guaranteed due to situations that may arise (owner stays, maintenance, extra cleaning, etc.) that are beyond our control. While we will make every effort to honor your request, it may not always be possible.

Check-out is at 10am. Guests can arrange for Late Check-Out at noon for $150.00 plus tax. This is offered on a limited basis. Late Check-Out must be arranged prior to your arrival and the fee is due with your upon request. After 10am (noon for late check-out), the leaseholder and their guests may not re-enter the property or occupy the premises. The property should be left clean and in good order for the next guests.

Amenities

Pools:
MOST Private pools are open from mid-May until mid-October, unless otherwise noted. Pools and hot tubs are serviced on turnover day and will not be ready until 4pm. For Early Check in paid guests, call office for status. A chemical check is done mid-week. Most community pools are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Unexpected closures and changes of opening and closing dates for community pools are at the discretion of the homeowners association or complex management, and not the responsibility of Stan White Realty or the homeowner. Homes with pools that can be heated will include a notation in the amenities section. There is an associated cost with heating the pool, which varies by home. We have heard that occasionally a mild ground current has been experienced in some pools in both Dare and Currituck Counties. This appears to be the result of the Earth’s own natural electrical current rather than a pool defect or household current. Locations of certain properties may be affected more than others and the currents tend to be intermittent. We want to advise you that certain devices such as pacemakers and other similar devices may be affected and we have no control over this and will not be held liable. Please follow all safety instructions.

Fireplaces:
Available November thru March, unless otherwise noted. Propane is supplied for gas fireplaces. Wood for wood burning fireplaces is not supplied.

Elevators:
Please follow all safety instructions posted. Children are not allowed to ride or operate the elevator unattended due to the risk of serious injury or death. Elevator doors should remain closed at all times, except when entering or exiting.

Internet Access:
Many homes provide internet access for guests. Unless otherwise stated, the internet connection is wireless and there is no computer provided at the property. Tech support is only available from local provider on their help line. No refunds will be made if service is unavailable or interrupted.

Grilling:
No grilling is allowed on or below wooden decks. This is prohibited and is grounds for eviction. It is tenant’s responsibility to clean grill after use.

Please be aware that amenity availability is subject to change due to damage, malfunction, or other unexpected issues that may arise. We will do everything we can to rectify the situation, however, this may not be possible under certain circumstances. No refunds or relocations will be offered due to unavailability or malfunction of amenities.

Furnishings and Home Inventory

Starter Kits, compliments of the homeowner. Other than the items provided in the Starter Kit, no other paper products or detergents are provided. Please review our list of What to Bring. Sheets, pillowcases, and bath towels are not included (with the exception of Carolina Club homes) but can be rented for a fee that varies depending on the size of the home. This optional linen package will be automatically included on your lease agreement but can be declined. Furnishings and decor reflect the personality of owners. Specialty items vary. Please do not rearrange furniture! If your group is renting more than one home, do not mix the furnishings. Most homes have an Owner’s Locked Closet. Tampering with locked closets will result in charges to credit card.

All homes are equipped with the following items (unless otherwise noted in the listing):

Cleaning

Your vacation rental home is cleaned for you before and after your arrival. This service is included in the weekly rental rate. Upon request, we can also clean mid-week or between multiple weeks for a nominal charge. The cost varies per house and must be arranged with our office at least ten days prior to check-in. The North Carolina Vacation Rental Act requires tenants to maintain dwelling unit such as “Keep that part of the property which he or she occupies and uses, as clean and safe as the condition of the property permits and cause no unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the common area and remainder of the property that he or she uses. Keep all plumbing fixtures in the property or used by the tenant as clean as their condition permits”. Failure to leave the property in a habitable condition may result in a charge to your credit card. It is the tenant’s responsibility to clean grill and dispose of tenant’s trash, as well as any cigarette butts or dog waste, in a proper manner prior to check-out.

Damages

Cost for any intentional or malicious damage, damage caused by negligence, pet damage, trash removal, arranging furniture back to original position, or any unnecessary expenditures (including nuisance service calls) incurred during or resulting from the duration of this lease will be charged to the credit card provided upon reserving.

Pets

Properties that allow pets are designated as Pet-Friendly. Unless the property is designated as Pet-Friendly, no animals are permitted on the property. For Pet-Friendly rentals, pets are limited to adult dogs only, with a $200 plus tax fee for up to two which is nonrefundable once paid. Permission to bring more than two dogs must be obtained from homeowner prior to arrival and will require an additional fee of $150 plus tax per dog. Tenant is required to clean up after pets, including surrounding property if necessary. Dogs are not permitted in pools and/or hot tubs. Pets in non-pet properties will result in immediate eviction, loss of rent, and a minimum charge of $500 for violation of this policy, as well as costs associated with any additional issues resulting from this violation. All pets staying in pet-friendly homes must be paid for and claimed on the lease agreement. Puppies, cats, and other animals are prohibited. Leash laws vary from town to town, view our Pet Friendly Outer Banks Vacation page for more information. Please keep in mind that even if a property isn’t designated as pet-friendly, there is no guarantee that a pet has never entered the home.

Non-Smoking Homes

Every effort is made to see that these homes are smoke free. Smoking in a non-smoking home is considered damage and is grounds for immediate eviction, as well as loss of rent. This is the responsibility of the leaseholder and will result in a minimum charge of $250 for violation of this policy, as well as costs associated with any additional issues resulting from this violation.

Occupancy

Local law is very strict on occupancy limits. Occupancy limits are based on septic permits for each property. In most cases, this is determined as two per bedroom. Bedding is advertised as a point of reference only. Children are counted in total occupancy unless they are age two or under. Tents and other free-standing structures, including campers and motor homes, cannot be kept on the property for the purpose of extra sleeping. Some communities do not allow parking of any vehicles on the street. Over-occupancy is a violation of your rental agreement and will cause an expedited eviction as allowed by the Vacation Rental Act of North Carolina.

Special Events

Approval must be obtained prior to making your reservation. A non-refundable special event fee will be assessed, which varies by property, and a $1,000 security deposit is required, due with the balance payment and returned to you 45 days after departure. A Special Event Addendum must be signed by the leaseholder. Maximum occupancy for events varies by home and is strictly enforced. Please contact our reservations department for details or view all Special Event Outer Banks Vacation Rentals

Parking

To assist in preserving the quality of life, valuable time with family and friends, and our “get-away from it all” atmosphere, we encourage our guests to consider limiting the number of vehicles they bring to the Outer Banks. With your assistance we can try to reduce traffic and preserve the beautiful environment. There is no municipal or on-street parking in most areas, and this is strictly enforced. No parking is allowed on grass and/or septic fields at the rental property or surrounding properties.

Maintenance

Every effort is made to keep all equipment in good working order. Contact our office within twenty four hours of your arrival to report any observed damage or problems to prevent tenant liability. Agent is not responsible for the working condition or malfunction of electronic equipment. Agent has no control over service schedules of power, cable or phone companies. Repairs are made as soon as possible. No refunds or relocations are guaranteed for malfunction of this equipment. Independent companies service pools and hot tubs weekly. Maintenance services required as a result of intentional misuse by guests will be charged to the leaseholder on file. If it is found that a guest reports a problem and nothing is found by the vendor, the guest will be responsible for the trip charge. Please report maintenance issues during office hours. Only emergencies (fire, water, gas leaks etc..) will be dealt with after hours. All other issues will be addressed the following morning.

Lockouts

If a lockout occurs during normal business hours, you may contact the office at (252) 207-3803 via phone or text message system for immediate assistance. For all lockouts that occur after office hours, guests must call the emergency number given in your Happy Stays App for assistance.

Mail/Calls

Mail cannot be delivered to the rental home. All long distance calls are to be charged to your home phone or credit card. Emergency mail, messages, and package deliveries may be received at our office. Please call for assistance.

Lost and Found

Please check your rental home carefully before you leave. Agent is not responsible for items left behind. As we understand items could be missed, we will try to locate your lost items for you. We will hold all found items for 7 days (unclaimed items after this time period will be donated to charity). Items can be shipped to you. Tenant to pay shipping and $25 plus tax to Agent for handling, as well as arrange for pick-up. Contact the office for details.

Construction

As our area continues to grow, we cannot predict or control new construction, demolition or condemnation of surrounding structures. As Stan White Realty has no control over such situations, there will be no relocations or refunds regarding this matter.

Publishing Errors

We have made every effort to assure all descriptions and information in print and online are accurate; however, we are not liable for errors or changes made by owners in regards to furnishings, amenities, bedding arrangements, or rates. All distances to the beach are approximate and intended for reference only.

Fishing, Boating and Personal Watercraft

Anyone over the age of 16 is required to obtain a Coastal Recreational Fishing License (CRFL) in order to fish in coastal and joint waters in North Carolina. This requirement applies to fishing from a boat, shore or pier (unless the owner of the pier has purchased a blanket license). Ten-day licenses can be purchased at any DMF office for $10 by non-residents of North Carolina and $5 for residents. Annual and lifetime licenses can be purchased at the Walmart in Kitty Hawk, the Kmart in Kill Devil Hills, online at www.ncwildlife.org,or at any DMF office. The harvesting of oysters or clams does not require a license, only finfish. Click here for size and bag limits. State law now requires all children under the age of 13 to wear an approved personal floatation device (PFD) when in a vessel that is underway. Everyone else must also have an approved PFD available when aboard. Those operating personal watercraft (PWC) are required to wear an approved PFD at all times, regardless of age. No person under the age of 14 may operate PWC, and those between the ages of 14 and 16 may only operate PWC when accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, or when possessing ID proof of age and boating safety education certification. PWC cannot be operated on the water between sunset and sunrise. For more information regarding North Carolina boating and PWC requirements, click here to visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s regulations page.

Corolla: Personal watercraft is not permitted in the ocean, but can be operated in the sound. A public soundside boat launch is located at the Whalehead Club in Heritage Park.

Duck: Personal watercraft is prohibited on the town’s beaches. You must go straight in and straight out within 900 feet of the shoreline at a speed no faster than necessary to maintain control, but not causing a wake or exceeding five miles per hour, whichever is less. Personal watercraft can only be operated during the hours of 9AM and 6PM. Operator must be at least 16 years of age.

Southern Shores: A permit and proof of insurance is required to operate personal watercraft in the town of Southern Shores. Permit requires a boat safety course. Operator must be at least 16 years of age. Personal watercraft is prohibited on all waters extending 200 yards into the ocean and 400 yards into the sound.
Kitty Hawk: Launching engine-powered watercraft from Kitty Hawk beaches is prohibited. Personal watercraft cannot be operated within 600 feet of the Atlantic Ocean beach within town limits.

Kill Devil Hills: Personal watercraft is allowed within the town of Kill Devil Hills; however, they cannot be operated within 300 feet of the ocean or sound shoreline or fishing pier.

Nags Head: Personal watercraft are allowed within the town of Nags Head; however, they cannot be operated within 300 feet of the ocean or sound shoreline or fishing pier. You must go straight in and straight out at a speed not causing a wake or exceeding five miles per hour, whichever is less. Personal watercraft may be launched only at permitted sites within the town. No motorized watercrafts may be launched at the Danube Street sound access or Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

Driving on the Beach

Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit when driving on the beach is 25 MPH. Enter and exit onlyat designated ramps, never between or over the dunes. Keep in mind that the beach is a state recognized “road,” or Public Vehicular Area, and all traffic laws apply, including license, registration and insurance requirements.

Corolla: Vehicles must enter the beach at designated access points and adhere to the Mandatory Air Down Ordinance, which states that no person shall drive a motor vehicle on the beach with tires containing air pressure exceeding 20 psi. Driving on the beach in the 4×4 area (north of where the paved road ends) is permitted year round and is actually required in order to reach this area. A permit is required to park in the 4×4 beach area between the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Only local residents and property owners are permitted to drive ATV’s on the beach and must have proper permits to do so.

Duck: There are NO public beach accesses through which vehicles can enter the beach, ONLY through private subdivisions. Driving on the beach is permitted ONLY from October 1st thru April 30 daily, and ONLY during the half hour prior to sunrise and the half hour following sunset. Pedestrians and swimmers always have the right-of-way over vehicles. Operators must have a current and valid operator’s license issued by the state of his or her residence.

Southern Shores: There is NO driving permitted on the beach at any time.

Kitty Hawk: There is NO driving permitted on the beach at any time.

Kill Devil Hills: Driving on the beach is permitted from October 1st thru April 30th. Vehicles must enter the beach at designated access points and must be registered, having passed safety inspections. No driving on or over the dunes.

Nags Head: Driving on the beach is allowed from October 1st thru April 30th from sunrise to sunset. A permit is required and can be purchased for $25. Vehicles must enter the beach at designated access points and must be registered, having passed safety inspections. Speed limit is 25mph. No driving on or over the dunes.

Leash Laws

Visit our Pet Friendly Information page for leash laws by town, health and safety tips, and boarding options.

Fireworks and Bonfires

North Carolina prohibits the possession of any pyrotechnics which launch or propel into the air and explode or make a sound or “report.” Sparklers, fountains, and ground displays are allowed in some towns when accompanied by adult supervision, extreme caution and fire prevention preparedness. Fireworks are illegal in all towns and villages and on all beaches in Dare County and Corolla. Corolla also prohibits the launching of sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns, made of paper and similar to a miniature hot air balloon). Fires on the beach are permitted in Nags Head only and require a permit that can be obtained from the Town of Nags Head Fire Department Headquarters on the day the fire is requested. Fires will not be permitted if wind speeds are at or above 10 knots. Fires cannot be built within 50 feet of any combustible material. A hollowed-out pit must be no larger than three feet in diameter and no less than 1 foot deep. The fire must be supervised by an adult at all times and must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the beach.

Leaving Unattended Items on the Beach

Corolla: Unattended items should not be left on the beach overnight and should not obstruct vehicles or pedestrian movement during the day. Unattended items left on the beach will be tagged as a reminder to remove them each day after sunset. Any tagged items left on the beach after sunset will then be removed to ensure the safety of beach visitors, and will not be returned. Any holes or pits dug in the sand must be refilled at the end of each day to ensure the safety of vehicular and pedestrian movement.

Southern Shores: Leaving unattended personal articles on the beach between the hours of 5pm and 7am is prohibited and subject to removal and disposal. This includes volleyball nets, tents, chairs, umbrellas, sunshades, and other personal items. Any digging that presents a dangerous condition or is left unattended is prohibited.

Nags Head: Beachgoers are prohibited from leaving unattended personal equipment on the beach from 8pm until 7am daily. In addition, equipment must not obstruct the passage of vehicles on the beach or the line of sight of lifeguards to the ocean.

Important Information for Corolla Guests

Per Currituck County ordinance, stay at least 50 feet away from the wild horses, and DO NOT feed them.
Surfers in Corolla are required to use a leash at all times.

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