Frequently Asked Questions – Renting a Vacation Home with Beach Therapy 365
1) Can I clean it myself to save the cleaning fee?
To ensure cleaning standards and thorough sanitizing before every guest, we need our cleaning staff to provide these services, even when guests are meticulous themselves. You will appreciate this when you first arrive, and again when you get to enjoy every last minute before closing the door behind you.
2) Do you accept service animals?
Yes…but we need to understand what work or task the animal has been trained to perform and what disability it aids. This helps us understand if the property is appropriate for the guest/animal or not, and work with you to find something else if it is not. We have a pet fee (similar to an extra guest fee) to help us ensure the unit is allergen-free for the next guests.
3) We have one (or more) people staying than is listed on the contract – do you have air mattresses?
We have extra linens and air mattresses on a first-come, first-serve basis … but our rates are set for maximum bed count to accommodate for linens and utility usage. If you need to add more people AND the property can accommodate extra guest(s), there will be a small “extra guest” fee to cover the associated extra costs.
4) Can we arrive early/stay late?
We try to accommodate every request we can for an early check in or late check out, but if everyone asked, we could not help anyone! Feel free to ask…and if possible, we’ll work it out for you! Please note that in cases where it’s just not possible, we encourage you to leave your things locked in the garage during cleaning and enjoy a relaxing lunch or walk on the beach…we’ll text you as soon as your holiday home is ready.
5) Can we have a fire on the beach?
Fires must be in “approved fire rings,” and there can be no residue left behind. There are few of the familiar cement rings on San Diego’s city beaches, and that makes this extremely difficult. We recommend contacting a company like “Beach Fire Guy,” who has the appropriate permits and equipment to help you create those great beach fire memories during your visit.
6) What happens if we lose something or leave something behind?
We have a Lost & Found for every property – call us and we will make arrangements to unite you with your belongings quickly! Once a year we donate all leftovers to the local Good Will agency.
7) Do you provide life jackets/bike helmets?
Depending on the property, life jackets are available for children. We have various bike helmets available on request, but for health reasons, encourage you to bring/rent your own.
8) Will you split payments from several guests for one property?
Yes, this is very easy with today’s digital payment options.
9) Can I prepay or make payments over time?
Yes, you will always receive a payment receipt and new balance due along the way.
10) Do you accept rentals for fewer than four nights? Can we just rent for one night for a
special event?
Our homes are not set up for nightly or weekend rentals. We specialize in homes, not hotels, and the costs involved in single family homes makes fewer than four night rentals cost-prohibitive.
11) What is the TOT?
TOT stands for Transient Occupancy Tax, a tax paid by to the city by traveling consumers at hotels, motels and vacation rentals of fewer than 30 nights. Every city sets their own TOT. San Diego is currently 10.5% of the rental rate, and the amount is added to your rental contract.
12) What is the damage insurance fee?
In lieu of a security damage deposit, typically $500 to $1500, that takes 14 days to clear and refund, we request a small non-refundable damage insurance fee ($59-$149 depending on the property) that gives you coverage up to $3000 for everything from broken dishes to stained towels to, well, up to $3000 -- No more large deposits, no delays in refunds, just one small fee so we both can relax more.