Cottage Rental Tips

Renting a seasonal property can be a little daunting when you do not know the day-to-day ins and outs of cottaging, lakefront properties can come with a list of renter rules, expectations and details other rentals wouldn’t necessarily need.

Here are a few points for consideration that will help you to confidently find the perfect rental, be a good guest, and ask all the right questions.

There are many cottage rental agencies that operate in our area, and also lots of private rentals as well; both of these can be good choices as long as you are prepared with the right information.

Choose The Right Cottage:

• Lake properties can come in a variety of location types, if it is water access – is there a boat for renters, or do you need to provide your own? If there is no boat supplied, is there a water taxi service on the lake to transport you?

Another great question is, what happens in an emergency in a water access cottage – ask about local amenities and how to contact help if needed.

• Rent a cottage with the right amount of bedrooms and beds for your guests and do not lie about the number of people attending, or guests who will come and go. Often cottages are on septic systems and these are set up with limitations for the number of people they can support. Sanitation is an important part of being a good renter, but also for environmental protection.

• Are you looking for a rustic getaway – think off-grid, or generator, or something with modern amenities like indoor plumbing, electricity and internet. These things might affect price and location.

• Be sure to ask things like:

Are Pets allowed?

Is this a kid friendly location?

Are water toys included with the rental, or are you expected to bring your own?

Are guests allowed to visit for the day or overnight?

• Keep in mind the physical needs of your group, small children or elderly people are not going to want a cottage on hilltop that has many stairs or rugged terrain despite the amazing views.

• Be sure to ask or research about boating limitations on the lake you are considering; some lakes are motor-less – meaning your tubing or skiing plans will not happen. But quiet paddles in a canoe are fair game.

• If swimming is the top of the list, ask about the waterfront. Is there a beach or place for small children to wade in, or is it straight off the dock swimming. Weeds? While some can handle the tickle of weeds while swimming, for many this is a dealbreaker.

• If fishing is a top priority ask about what fish species are in the lake (also consider what is in season in that zone).

• Ask where indoor water comes from, while lots of cottages have well water, many still pull directly from the lake. Ask about potable water for cooking, cleaning and bathing. Drinking water in cottages that draw from the lake is often brought in, and you should ask if that is supplied or if it is your responsibility to bring along.

• Many rentals offer basic entertainment needs like access to a TV, and some board games – but if streaming movies or gaming is on your list of entertainment needs you should sort that out ahead of time with your host.

When Do You Want To Rent?

• Is it for a weekend, or a week – multiple weeks? Knowing when you want to rent, and having a little flexibility in dates is going to be your best friend in finding the perfect cottage. Also keep in mind that rates can change based on the time of year you are renting • shoulder seasons in the spring and fall can sometimes be less expensive than a mid-summer stay.

What Are Your Responsibilities?

• You will need to know about garbage and recycling rules. Some cottages have roadside pickup – many do not. Are you responsible for taking garbage and recycling out with you when you leave? Or, is it to be left for the cleaner/owner.

• Ask about what is allowed in the garbage, some rentals ask that you compost food scraps etc., and many rural locations are clear bags only.

• Ask about what is supplied for you – here are some common items you might need to bring:

Drinking Water

Firewood

Toilet Paper  & Tissues

Bug Spray

Bedding/Pillows

Towels (both for bathing and swimming)

First Aid Kit

Fishing Gear

Life Jackets

Boat (motorboat, or canoe/paddleboat)

Follow The Rules!

• Many Cottage owners have their own set of rules for what they allow, some are legal, some are personal preference – either way, respect the rules.

• Follow Fire Bans for the area, fishing restrictions and acceptable boat use for the lake.

Many renters leave a list or materials about local services and amenities like grocery stores, pharmacy, marina or day trip destinations. There is no one better to direct you in the area than your host, ask them to send you a list of attractions in the area if day trips are on your list of must-do’s.

Only rent from hosts who have up-to-date photos of their spaces, make sure they match the advertisement – unfortunately this is a common scam.

Read the whole rental agreement, make sure you are comfortable and clear on all the items you are agreeing to – if you need clarification, ask for it.

Ask about cancellation policies, deposits and what the time limitations are for them to be refundable. Often cancellation clauses are written in the rental agreement.

Now is the time of year to start looking ahead to summer rentals, and things do book up quickly. If you plan on a cottage getaway in 2025 now is the time to start researching and booking for the best availability – so don’t delay, narrow down your dates, locations and wants and start the process, as your vacation draws closer you will thank yourself for being so prepared.