Vacation Rental Information
Details and policies
Details and policies
Selection and Standards of Rental Homes
All vacation homes rented by Bluewater are furnished and decorated by the individual homeowner according to his/her personal taste. Since the majority of our homes are rented sight unseen, you should do all you can to communicate your expectations and needs prior to your arrival. All of our rental homes have complete interior, exterior, and view photos available online for your inspection. Simply go to a specific rental home’s page and click on “See Additional Photos” to view the entire home. If you need further information about any specific home or condo, we will do our best to assist you.
Don’t Forget to Bring...
All cottages provide the following for at least the maximum occupancy the home allows: Blankets, Pillows, Mattress Pads, Bedspreads, a Vacuum Cleaner, a Plunger, a Mop, a Broom and a Dust Pan.
You need to supply the following:
All kitchens are adequately stocked for everyday meal preparation. You can expect to find the following items for at least the maximum occupancy: a Coffee Maker and a Toaster, Dishes, Glasses, Coffee Mugs, Flatware, Dishes, Pots and Pans and Cooking Utensils. Some cottages provide extra kitchen equipment, but others do not. Extra kitchen items are provided according to the individual homeowner’s preference, not according to the size, location, or price of the cottage. If you are planning special meal preparations you should bring with you such items as: a Blender, a Food Processor, Extra Large or Specialty Pots or Pans, Chef’s Knives, Specialty Cooking Utensils, etc.
Office Hours
Bluewater rental office hours are 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. seven days a week in the off-season and 8:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. seven days a week in the in-season. Our reservation staff is familiar with each cottage and condo and would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
Reservations
Reservations for your Crystal Coast vacation can be made in person, by phone, or online. A completed Vacation Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) will be forwarded to you with specific terms & conditions by fax or e-mail. This Agreement will include all possible charges; however, you may elect to decline any “optional” charges by initialing where appropriate on the Agreement. If you agree to the terms of this Agreement, we require the initial payment be made at the time you make a reservation. The Initial Payment includes 1/2 of the rent, the Travel Insurance premium (if purchased.) We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. If your Check-In date is less than 30 days away, full payment is required. If your Check-In date is more than 30 days from the date you make the reservation, only an initial payment is due at that time. The remainder is then due 45 days prior to your arrival date. For customers who do not have access to fax or e-mail, the Agreement will be sent via US Mail to be signed and returned with 7 days; however, your payment is still required at the time you book the reservation. After receipt of your initial payment and signed Agreement, we will send you a confirmation receipt. No further reminder will be mailed. NOTE: For reservations made online, acceptance of Travel Insurance is required. To waive Travel Insurance, please call us to reserve your vacation home.
Linens and Rental Equipment
Bluewater homeowners do not provide bed linens and towels unless otherwise specified. The Bluewater rental department can provide linens and towels and can have all your beds made prior to your arrival! Prices for this service vary with the number of bedrooms in your cottage or condo. We also rent beach chairs, umbrellas, port-a-cribs, roll-away beds, etc. Please refer to our website at Rental Gear & Linens.
Properties with a Private Pool or Hot Tub
POOL &/OR HOT TUB LEASE ADDENDUM TERMS
POOL: Tenant is responsible for the proper care of swimming pool. Pool use is “At Your Own Risk”. It is a parent or guardian’s responsibility to watch children at all times during pool use. Children must not to be left unattended during pool use. No diving into the pool is ever allowed since serious injury, paralysis or even death could occur. Damage to the pool itself due to tenant misuse will result in additional charges.
HOT TUB: Tenant is responsible for proper care of Hot Tub. Suggested Hot Tub occupancy in Instruction Manual must not be exceeded. Hot Tub must be covered when not in use to retain heat. Do not sit on hot tub cover or use it for storage. Damage to cover or Hot Tub due to misuse will result in additional charges. Please do not set Hot Tub thermostat higher than 104 degrees. Due to high temperatures, Hot Tubs are not suitable for small children or pregnant women. Children under legal age should not be left unattended. It is not wise to sit in the Hot Tub longer than 15 minutes at a time.
It is imperative everyone (adults and children) shower before entering the Pool &/or Hot Tub to remove sand and suntan lotion from their feet, hands and body. The Pool &/or Hot Tub is maintained by Bluewater Real Estate. An instruction manual is provided for the Hot Tub. Any questions regarding the safe use and operation of the Pool &/or Hot Tub should be referred to Bluewater Real Estate (252) 354-2323.
Tenant does hereby covenant and agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless both the owners of subject property and their Agent, Bluewater Real Estate, from and against all liability, loss, damage, claims or actions (including costs and attorney fees) for bodily injury, paralysis or death and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law, arising out of or in connection with the misuse of Pool &/or Hot Tub.
Properties with a Golf Cart
Golf cart Addendum – Privilege Disclaimer : I, and my guests, acknowledge that the use of the Golf Cart is “At Our Own Risk.” By entering into a rental contract, we agree to relieve and hold harmless Bluewater Vacation Rental and Real Estate and the Homeowners of subject property for any and all debts which might occur from accidents involving the golf cart. Bluewater Vacation Rental and Real Estate and the Homeowners of subject property are not liable for any damages or bodily harm incurred with guests’ use of golf cart. We understand that there is no insurance of any type on this Golf Cart. We also agree to pay for any damages done to the Golf Cart, itself. Golf Cart must stay in the subdivision where the rental property is located and stay on paved areas only. Golf Cart Driver must abide by all Stop and Speed Limit signs. Golf carts may not be operated at a speed that is greater than reasonable and prudent under existing conditions and in no circumstances at a speed greater than 20mph. Reckless driving will result in the revocation of Golf Cart privileges for all rental guests for the entire rental period. Golf carts may not be operated in a careless or reckless manner. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to operate a golf cart. Anyone operating a golf cart must have a valid State Issued driver’s license in their possession while operating a golf cart and must comply with all conditions and restrictions on their license. Golf carts are required to be operated in accordance with all state motor vehicle laws, local traffic laws and local ordinances. Golf carts may not be used to tow another cart, trailer or vehicle of any kind including a person on roller skates, bicycles, skateboards or other device. Golf carts are required to yield the right of way to traditional motor vehicles.
Pets
Most homeowners do not allow pets anywhere on their property, including on the deck or in the yard. If the homeowner of the property you have rented does allow dogs, it will be stated within the property description and a specified fee will be charged. Please note that “pets” is limited to “dogs only” and, in most cases, no more than 2 dogs are permitted. Cats are never allowed in any property at any time. If you do not notify Agent of a dog on the premises and pay the specified fee, Agent reserves the right to charge your credit card the applicable fee and eviction without refund may apply. Additionally, any guest bringing a pet into a “No Pet” property will be evicted without refund.
Traveler Protection Insurance
Trip Preserver™ by Red Sky Insurance is offered to every guest and is automatically included when you make your reservation. If you decide to decline this coverage, please initial as appropriate on your Vacation Rental Agreement. If you decline the Travel Protection Insurance, Bluewater is under no obligation to refund monies in the event of cancellations (including hurricane evacuations) unless we are able to re-rent the property.
Should you decide to purchase this coverage, you must pay the premium with your initial payment. If you initially decline this insurance, it may still be purchased prior to making the final payment. This insurance coverage not only protects your vacation investment against hurricanes, but also covers other unforeseen circumstances that could cause cancellation of your trip and forfeiture of payments. It even covers some circumstances that might affect other members of your group who would be vacationing with you. If you have any questions regarding specific coverage, please call Red Sky Insurance at (866) 889-7409.
Want to give Trip Preserver a try? You will be honored a Fourteen Day Free Look Period once initially booking your vacation property.
You may cancel coverage under the policy by giving your property manager written notice within the first to occur of the following: (a) 14 days from the Effective Date of Your coverage; or (b) Your Scheduled Departure Date. If You do this, the Company will refund Your premium paid provided You have not filed a claim under the policy.
For more information, click here.
Final Payments for Reservations
Your “balance due” and “due date” will be included on your receipt confirmation. All reservations must be paid in full within 30 days prior to your arrival date (see Paragraph 3 of this Agreement for Cancellation Terms). Final Payment will include the remaining Rent Balance, any rental items (i.e. linens) and taxes. Bluewater Vacation Rentals will place your reservation payments in an interest bearing trust account at BB&T, Cedar Point, NC, with any such interest earned by the Agent. The Tenant agrees to the advance disbursement of rents to the Owner prior to occupancy (not to exceed 50% (fifty percent) of the total rent) and disbursement of fees to Agent to pay for goods, services, or benefits secured for the Tenant prior to occupancy.
Beach Equipment Policy
BEACH ITEMS MUST BE REMOVED NIGHTLY. The town of Emerald Isle has adopted a new ordinance that requires all unattended beach equipment (including shade tents, canopies, volleyball nets, chairs, umbrellas, etc) be removed from the beach each night. All unattended items left on the beach between 7pm and 8am are now illegal and will be confiscated and removed by town staff.
Partial Week or Additional Day Rentals
Most vacation homes are available to rent for less than a full week. Full week rentals have first priority and partial week (2- or 3-night minimums) or additional day rentals cannot be made more than seven days in advance during the summer season. The nightly rate for partial week rentals is calculated by dividing the weekly rate by 4. Therefore, if you stay for 4 or more days, the cost will be the normal weekly rate. Travel Insurance rates are the same for partial week rentals. Partial week rentals must be made by phone, as all Internet reservations are for full weeks only. Please call us to inquire about a nightly stay.
Cancellation
CANCELLATION TERMS: Should Tenant have to cancel for any reason, please notify Agent immediately in writing (fax 252-354-8965, e-mail Accounting@BluewaterNC.com, or US Mail). Cancelled reservations are placed back on the rental market to be re-rented. If your cancelled reservation is booked for multiple weeks or a monthly stay, that time frame will be made available to rent as a shorter stay option to other guests.
a. If the property is re-rented for the specified period, monies will be refunded less a $250.00 cancellation fee, reservation
fee, any discounts/expenses required to re-rent and the Travel Insurance Premium. Under the cancel/re-rent program all
money paid will be forfeited unless the property is re-rented for the entire cancelled period and for the original rental
amount.
b. If re-rented for the original rental amount, all monies paid will be refunded less the cancellation fee of $250.00, reservation fee
and travel insurance premium.
c. If re-rented at a lower rental amount, your refund will be decreased by the difference between the original rental amount and the
lower rental amount, as well as the $250 cancellation fee, reservation fee and any travel insurance premium.
d. Should Tenant require or request to be moved to a different property or a different date at the same property, the Tenant will be charged a $250.00 non-refundable fee.
Check-In / Check-Out Procedures
Please note that Agent will not let you into a home that is not ready. Tenant shall not be at the rental property prior to Check-in.
Emerald Isle Office: Check-in time is from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. off-season and from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in-season at the Bluewater rental office located at 200 Mangrove Drive. You may contact this office at (252) 354-2323 or (800) 367-3381.
Atlantic Beach Office: Check-in time is from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. off-season and from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. in-season at the BluewateR rental office located at 407 Atlantic Beach Causeway Road 6D. You may contact this office at (252) 726-3105 or (866) 467-3105.
Check-out is no later than 10:00 A.M. Key packages are to be returned to the same location where they were picked up. At check-out, return the keys and key packet to the office location you checked in to. In the case of condos, make sure to return all gate cards, keys, pool tags, and parking passes with your packet. Please note that you will be charged for any of the above items not returned to us upon your departure. We also have a drop slot in the front window for early check-outs. Occupancy of the property – including driveways, pools, or outside showers – is not permitted prior to check-in or after Check-out.
Text housekeeping with questions at (252) 429-4564
Next Year’s Reservations
Bluewater Vacation Rentals strives to have you return year after year. Tentative Advance Reservations will be accepted for the following year, but cannot be guaranteed. This year’s guests have priority for the same cottage/condo for the same week(s) next year, assuming that the homeowner makes the property available; however, you must book your reservation for next year by your respective check-out date. Please contact our office for further details.
Departure Duties
*Lost & Found is a courtesy service provided by Bluewater. Bluewater is not responsible for personal items left behind nor can we guarantee they will be located; however, we will make every effort to locate the lost item(s). Lost items that are not turned in on the departure day will be sought after on the following turn day in between vacationing guests. Bluewater will only disturb an occupied vacation home and ask for permission to enter during a guests stay to find a lost item ONLY if it is of life threatening importance such as prescription medication.
Lost and Found
Cleaning
Upon arrival to your rental home, please notify us immediately if you are not satisfied with the cleanliness. We will send a Bluewater housekeeping person to address the cleaning deficit. If Bluewater has not heard to the contrary within one hour of check-in, we assume that you have found your rental home in acceptable condition. No discounts will be given at a later point for lack of cleanliness.
Maintenance
Each Bluewater rental property has a “Guest Guide” that addresses general maintenance concerns. Specific issues are posted on the refrigerator to address things peculiar to your vacation home.
All efforts will be made to expedite repair, but no refunds will be made for mechanical failures of appliances and/or electronics or interruption and/or loss of utilities (including Cable TV). Please also report any inoperative and/or missing equipment to our maintenance department.
For routine maintenance problems during business hours, please call 252-354-6128 between 8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. in the off-season and 8:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. in the in-season. For emergencies only after hours, call 252-354-2323 and follow the prompts. Remember, Bluewater-authorized repairmen have the legal right to enter your rental home as required to accomplish needed repairs.
Mail, Delivery and Telephone Services
If you are receiving mail, Fed Ex, or UPS during your vacation, you should have it sent to Bluewater Vacation Rentals, 200 Mangrove Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594. Please make sure to tell the sender to put the name of your rental home on the address label. Do not have anything sent to your rental home or condo, as there are no mailboxes available.
Not all vacation homes have local phone service, if they do, remember to provide the phone number of your vacation home, as well as the phone number for Bluewater Vacation Rentals, to family or friends. Where available, you will find the phone number of your rental home on your Vacation Rental Agreement.
There is a long distance phone block on all rental home phones; therefore, it is necessary to use a credit card or phone card when calling long distance. Local calls are free.
For Sale
Occasionally, a rental property may go on the market for sale. In such case, we reserve the right to show the property to qualified buyers. We will make every effort to schedule the showing at a convenient time and to avoid interrupting your vacation. Your cooperation is appreciated. If your rental property is sold within 180 days of your rental departure date, your lease will be enforced. If the property is sold more than 180 days from your departure date and is no longer offered for rent, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs or refund your money.
We can’t wait to welcome you back! Tentative Advance Reservations will be accepted for the following year, but are not be guaranteed. This year’s guests have priority for the same home for the same week(s) next year, assuming that the homeowner makes the property available. In order to claim booking priority, you must book your reservation for next year before check-out.