Choosing the Perfect Cape Cod Beach Vacation Rental

Wake up to the sounds of crashing surf and the cries of seagulls. Smell the salt air. Walk outside, coffee in hand, to feel the sun on your face and sand between your toes. Then a scream comes from inside the house - there's no hot water...

A beach house vacation combines periods of bliss with moments of aggravation. Choosing the right rental and arriving prepared will help you have more fun in the sun.

Summer rentals can be very economical, especially for larger parties planning to stay more than a week. The per guest cost of a residential property is fractional compared to most nightly vacation accommodations. What’s given up in daily housekeeping is more than gained in overall value, convenience and flexibility.

Cape rental terms usually run Saturday to Saturday with one week's minimum stay required. Rates can range from $500 to $5000 per week, depending on property location and size. Rates also depend on the time of year you plan to visit. High summer, mid-July thru mid-August, is peak season and demands the steepest prices of all.

But bargain hunters take heart: there are always inland year-round rentals available for lower rates compared to nearby smaller oceanside cottages. Since this is often when regular tenants return annually, it also dictates less availability and more occupancy restrictions. Both early June and late August are still considered summer rental periods, but offer better choices at cheaper rates.

There are infinite vacation rental choices available on Cape Cod. While a simple beach vacation may be your intention, you might not want to spend it in a rustic cottage lacking modern amenities. Equally important is deciding on a region to narrow your property search within. What activities are you planning, and where is the best location to access them from? Another consideration is your group size. Many landlords have occupancy limits for their properties.

MoreBeach.com can help you choose a location for your next beach vacation. We have compiled photographs and descriptions of every major beach on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket along with detailed listings of restaurants, shopping and tourist activities. Once you've selected a location, you can begin searching for rentals in that particular area.

Even better than an Internet search is an exploratory visit to visually inspect prospective properties. If such a trip isn't feasible, then be sure to ask detailed questions about any rental's accommodations, amenities and location.

The secret to landing a good rental is starting the search early (at least 6-8 months before your projected vacation). When working with an agent, be sure to give all your specific needs in terms of amenities. Advanced planning and early booking will guarantee the widest range of property options.

Don’t expect your own furnishing tastes to coincide with the landlord's in many private residential rentals. Most properties will come stocked with all household necessities such as bedding (pillows/blankets) and kitchenware. Linens (towels/bedsheets/pillowcases) and disposable items like toiletries are usually not provided.

Prior to making a deposit, request a copy of the rental contract to review carefully. It should clearly state occupancy dates, rates, payment and any special terms/conditions. Even if you locate a seemingly perfect property online, be sure to thoroughly query the owner or agent about property details and policies before booking. Also, always get everything in writing before submitting any payments.

Expect to usually pay 50 percent as a rental deposit and perhaps even more for a shorter stay. Balances are most often due ahead of time, but some realtors will accept payment upon arrival. While many agencies are prepaid by property owners for rentals, tenants are sometimes charged a minimal processing fee. Most payment terms are via cash or personal check. Credit cards are rarely accepted for vacation rentals.

Cancellation policies are also important to note. Some landlords and agencies will only offer a refund (minus a service fee) if your cancelled dates can be re-offered to another party. You should also get complete travel and check-in information beforehand to avoid unforeseen complications upon arrival.

With careful planning and thorough research, it is entirely possible to score the optimal summer rental to complement your family or group vacation plans. Factor in a comfortable list of amenities and cost effective price, and you have the recipe for an excellent Cape Cod beach vacation. Top