Common Questions about Renting a Vacation Home
Thank you for renting with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty. We look forward to welcoming you to southern Rhode Island and the beach!What does the “maximum occupancy” for the property mean?
We (or friends) will be in the area looking for properties to rent for next season. Can we/they view potential rentals?
What is your pet policy?
What time can we check in to our rental?
What time is check out?
Do we need to bring sheets, blankets, and towels?
We would like to rent a property for less than a week. Is this possible?
We need to cancel our reservation. Can we get a refund?
Are discounts offered if we do not meet the maximum occupancy?
Does the listing page on your website include all the information about each property?
What amenities will be at our rental property? What do we need to bring?
Will our rental property have a washer/dryer, internet/cable, and a gas grill?
Will our rental property have condiments, spices, or other food products for us to use?
Will our rental property come with a beach pass?
How do we access the beach?
Can we bring food and drinks to the beach? What about pets?
Will there be recreational gear (i.e. bikes and kayaks) at my vacation rental?
We are interested in properties for sale. Does your firm handle real estate sales?
Do you offer travel insurance?
Something broke. What do we do?
Where can I find good shopping and restaurants nearby?
Can we drink the tap water?
What does the “maximum occupancy” for the property mean?
The maximum occupancy refers to the total number of guests, of any age, that will be allowed to stay overnight at your vacation rental for the duration of the lease. Renters are not allowed to exceed the maximum occupancy without advance written consent of the landlord. However, renters are allowed to exceed the maximum occupancy during the day, as long as the maximum number of overnight guests is not exceeded.
Please note that large gatherings are not allowed at any of our rental properties, including reunions, weddings, parties or other occasions without express written permission from the property owner.
We (or friends) will be in the area looking for properties to rent for next season. Can we/they view potential rentals?
If you would like to schedule a walk-through of a property in the off-season, our department will do our best to accommodate the request since showings are at the discretion of the owner. During the summer season, we are typically unable to show rental properties as they are rented to other vacationers.
What is your pet policy?
There are a limited number of properties that will consider pets. Just because a property says “pets considered” that does not guarantee the owner will accept one. Property owners make the final decision on accommodating pets during the term of your rental. To inquire about pet-friendly rentals, please send us the breed, size, age, and other pertinent information on your pet. Additionally, we will need confirmation of “extended liability coverage” from your insurance company to cover your pet during the rental period. Any terms related to bringing a pet will need to be included in the lease.
What time can we check in to our rental?
- If you rented via the Charlestown rental team: Your check-in is between 2:00pm and 5:00pm on your scheduled arrival day at the Charlestown office of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, located at 5280 Post Road, Charlestown, RI 02813. You will pick up keys and information at the office. For arrivals after 5:00pm, please contact the Charlestown Rental team at [email protected] in advance, so arrangements can be made for your key and welcome packet pick up.
- If you rented via the Watch Hill rental team: Your check-in is noted on your lease and is typically 2:00pm or after on your scheduled arrival day. The Watch Hill rental team will provide you specific instructions on how to access your rental property prior to your arrival. You will go directly to the property that you rented. Keys and welcome information will be waiting for you at the property. The Watch Hill rental team of DeeDee Buffum and Robin Knisley can be reached at [email protected]
- If you rented via the Charlestown Rental team: Check-out is no later than 10:00am. We only have a small window of time for cleaning and property maintenance before the next renters arrive.
- If you rented via the Watch Hill rental team: Check-out time is typically no later than noon on your day of departure, but please refer to your lease for the designated time.
- If you rented via the Charlestown rental team: Yes, plan to bring what you need. Bedding and towels are not provided at our Charlestown rentals, so please remember to bring them. Our Charlestown properties do provide pillows and light bed covers. If you prefer, linens can be rented from LinenDrops.com — enter code "MOTTANDCHACE" for free delivery. They can also be reached by phone at 844.954.6367.
- If you rented via the Watch Hill rental team: Bedding is provided for rentals in the Weekapaug/Watch Hill area. Typically our Westerly rentals in the greater Weekapaug/Watch Hill area include all bedding and towels, but it never hurts to bring a few extra beach towels, a favorite pillow, or something special for the kids.
Properties handled by the Charlestown rental team rent weekly in the summer from Saturday to Saturday. You are welcome to book the whole week and stay in the property for the days that work for you, however, the rental rate would still be the weekly price. Just let us know the dates you plan to arrive and depart so we can facilitate the key pickup and dropoff.
Properties handled by the Watch Hill rental team rent for periods of two weeks or greater. Most Weekapaug/Watch Hill owners are seeking full-season, one month, or rentals of two weeks or greater. On occasion, an owner will consider a shorter term rental, but it is very rare.
We need to cancel our reservation. Can we get a refund?
No, unfortunately there are no refunds available. We do highly recommend that you consider travel insurance to insure your trip. There are many different companies and options available. Contact your local insurance agent for recommendations.
Are discounts offered if we do not meet the maximum occupancy?
Unfortunately, no. The rental rate is listed on each property page and applies to groups of all sizes (up to the maximum occupancy listed).
Does the listing page on your website include all the information about each property?
We do our best, but all of our properties are unique and all are privately owned. Our listing pages include descriptions, photos, and amenities, but smaller details are not included and are subject to change. If you have specific questions or needs during your rental, please let us know and we are happy to answer questions or make every effort to assist with your needs.
What amenities will be at our rental property? What do we need to bring?
Each property has different amenities. The property page will outline what the home has for appliances, dishes, etc. All of our properties have dishes, glasses, pots, pans, and utensils for the number of guests they allow. If you have something you really like to use that is not a common item, it is suggested that you bring it with you. Some homes have more than the basics, while others have just the basics. Most of our rentals have gas grills with a propane tank. Some homes offer beach chairs as well, which can be found under the amenities on the property page, if the property has them. If you have questions about a specific property, please give us a call or send us an email.
Will our rental property have a washer/dryer, internet/cable, and a gas grill?
The majority of our properties have all these amenities, however, a handful do not have a washer or dryer. Most have internet and gas grills, but if those amenities are especially important, be sure to check the specific amenities on each property page, or feel free to contact us.
Will our rental property have condiments, spices, or other food products for us to use?
Our cleaners are instructed to remove any remaining food or related products that are left from the previous renter. Please bring any essentials you will need during your stay.
Will our rental property come with a beach pass?
Most of our properties come with a beach pass to one of the local beaches. Beaches and passes vary from property to property and from town to town, so please inquire for specifics related to your vacation rental.
How do we access the beach?
From many of our rental properties, the beach is within walking or biking distance. Other homes are located just a short drive away, and most come with 1 beach pass for parking.
Can we bring food and drinks to the beach? What about pets?
There are no pets allowed on any Rhode Island beaches during the peak summer season. Food and drink policies vary from beach to beach. Central Beach in Charlestown does not allow any food or drinks. Feel free to contact your rental department for more information about specific beaches.
Will there be recreational gear (i.e. bikes and kayaks) at my vacation rental?
Most homes do not come with bikes or kayaks, but they are available to rent at many local places. Some even deliver! Here are a few recommendations:
Kayak Centre | 401.364.8000 | 562 Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown
Quonny Bait & Tackle | 401.315.2330 | 5223 Old Post Road, Charlestown
Napatree Bikes | 401.348.6317 | 9 Branch Street, Westerly
We are interested in properties for sale. Does your firm handle real estate sales?
YES! If you are interested in looking at sales listings while you are on vacation, we are happy to help! Our Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty agents are licensed in RI, CT, and MA, and available to make and accept referrals from anywhere in the U.S. and internationally, too.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Because our reservations are non-refundable, we highly recommend you buy travel insurance. We do not offer it directly through our firm, but many reputable companies can be found online or via your local insurance agent.
Something broke. What do we do?
If something is not working correctly, please give us a call ASAP. We aim to get a repairperson there within 24 hours. We are at the behest of local service professionals in the area, and do our best to get issues addressed as quickly as possible. Our owners ensure everything is in working order pre-season, but sometimes issues do arise. We understand the inconvenience, but cannot offer refunds. Thank you for understanding.
Where can I find good shopping and restaurants nearby?
Rhode Island is filled with wonderful restaurants and great local shopping. Upon arrival, your welcome packet will include information about the area. You can also click here for local information.
Can we drink the tap water?
Although most of our homes have safe drinking water, we recommend that you consider bringing bottled water to drink. Many of our home are located close to the salt water, and some Charlestown properties have a slight tinge of color due to the minerals in the groundwater. The local water supplies are routinely tested for safety and are typically good for all uses.
Some of our Charlestown properties have a cistern, where water is filled from a watershed area. These are typically safe; however, we still do suggest that you consider bottled water for drinking purposes.
