Homeowner Reference Guide
We've put together some information that we hope you find helpful as you prepare for the season, which you can download through the links below.
If you have any questions about how to be fully prepared for the rental season, expectations for completing these tasks, or anything else, just let us know and we'd be happy to help / advise.
We are very excited for summer, and thank you for all your efforts in helping make the rental season run as smoothly as possible!
Important - Smoke and CO2 Detectors and Internet/Cable:
Please make sure that your property has working smoke and CO2 detectors on every level of the home, and at minimum outside every sleeping area. Double check batteries and wiring pre-season and replace frequently during the season to prevent detectors going off in the night. See guidelines on installation here.
Please check with Comcast to make sure your internet modem and cable boxes are all up-to-date.
Important - Lodging Tax Information:
If you have not yet registered for your MA occupancy certificate, you will absolutely need to do so ASAP! We need this information to remit lodging tax on your behalf.
Create or log into your MA Tax Account online
Mass Dept of Revenue FAQ page and instructions
Important - Insurance Regulations Info:
Mass Lodging Tax - Short Term Rental Bill
A Note on Mid-Season Owner Stays:
If you are planning to stay at your vacation home at any point during the season, please make sure the property is ready for guests upon your departure. The turnover team and cleaning staff has a very limited time to get each home ready for the next guests. A considerate exit will help improve guest experience all around!
A Note on AC, Fans and Window Screens:
If your property has AC in the bedrooms only, please consider adding an AC unit to the main living space. If your property has AC, we still ask that you install window screens in slider doors and at least some of the windows. We recommend providing fans throughout the home to comfortably cool the entire house.
A Note for Owners Providing Linens:
If you are including linens with your rental, please make sure that you have 2 sets of sheets and towels and have made the appropriate arrangements with your housekeeper or a linen service.
Homeowner Rental Readiness FAQs
How will renters access my home? Do I need a lockbox?
We offer guests streamlined self check-in, so the keys must be on the premises at all homes, whether in a lockbox, inside the house with the door open, or in the form of an electronic keypad. We can provide traditional realtor lockboxes as needed for all Full Service homes. See our Rental Readiness Checklist for additional details.
Will you be putting up a lawn sign?
We'd be happy to! Please email us [email protected] if you would like one. Please give us at least 30 days advance notice so that we can prepare our inventory accordingly.
Do I need to get cable?
No, as long as you have an alternative TV service available to guests such as a Roku, Apple TV, or smart TV with streaming apps. YouTube TV is a great alternative to traditional cable, and offers many of the most popular channels. That said, if your property already has a full cable package with lots of channels, we recommend keeping this as it is a selling feature for some guests. If you have a smart TV with streaming capabilities, please make sure that you are logged out of all streaming apps and do not have any pin/password protection settings that will prevent guests from logging into their own accounts.
Can I leave my car parked in my driveway or in the garage?
Yes, but please be considerate of renter access and park in a way that will not inhibit their parking abilities. We've received renter feedback that this was an inconvenience.
We will be storing our valuables in the basement and locking the door. Can you tell guests this space is off-limits?
Yes, but with some conditions. If you are locking the door and are a Full Service owner, we will need a copy of the key. Renters will need access to this space for emergencies (i.e., storm refuge - not super likely, but it happened!) Also, if your breaker box is in the basement we will need to make sure we have access to this in event of a blown fuse.
Should I provide kayaks, canoes or stand up paddleboards? What is the liability risk?
Several of our owners provide kayaks, SUP, and many of our owners have pools, steep stairs to beach, docks, etc. We have a fairly strong indemnification clause in our guest agreement but ultimately the decision is up to you!
Does Nauset Rental provide a guest welcome book for renters? What information do guests receive for their stay?
We send all guests an "Information for your stay" email with property address, access and parking instructions, trash & recycling procedures and any other pertinent house information (i.e., beach gear location, closest beach access). We do not create welcome books for each home, but you are welcome to create one. We've included a link to a welcome book example/template you can use that includes the essential information.
Who should I list as the main point of contact in my guest welcome book?
You can list Nauset Rental as the first point of contact. Phone: 774-316-6287 Email: [email protected]. If you are a Standard Service owner and will be managing onsite renter issues, please provide your contact as well.
Do I need to get trash pickup service?
Yes! We recommend bi-weekly pickup. There are many vendors in the area - Nauset Disposal, Seaside Disposal, Frazier, Nickerson are just a few.
