These important guidelines are part of our Vacation Rental Agreements.
Accuracy of Information
Although Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. makes every effort to maintain accurate information about the homes we manage, we are not responsible for changes in inventory, amenities, and décor implemented by individual homeowners or changes in services provided by outside vendors. Photos and floor plans are illustrative in nature; therefore, Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. cannot guarantee their complete accuracy.
Amenities Included With Rental
All beds are freshly made with linens. We supply two towel sets per each king/queen/double-sized bed and one per twin-sized bed. Each towel set contains a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. You may rent more towel sets as needed at $8 plus tax per set per week. Each bathroom provides a bathmat and a start-up supply of bath soap and toilet tissue. Kitchens are furnished with a start-up supply of paper towels, dishwasher detergent, dishwashing liquid, dish towels, dishcloths, potholders, and freshly roasted coffee. All kitchens are stocked with dishes, cookware, flatware, glasses, Keurig, coffee maker, and basic appliances. All houses provide at least one washer and dryer and a start-up supply of laundry detergent. All homes are equipped with Wi-fi. Internet connectivity and speeds on our remote barrier island may not be the same as those in a metro area. If your group plans to use many devices simultaneously, please note that the bandwidth and download speeds may be affected. Please be advised that it is illegal and unlawful to use this internet service to download unauthorized copies of copyrighted materials (e.g., movies, music, or software) as specified by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
Beach Access
The Outer Banks is a barrier island with shifting sands. Please note that it is not unusual for sand to cover walkways and stairs or accumulate on dune-top decks at private, public, and community beach accesses.
Business Services
Business services such as fax, copy machines, and Wi-Fi are available at our Duck office. Our fax number is (252) 261-2295. Please include a cell phone contact number for any faxes sent to us.
Cancellations
Because homes are individually owned, we are unable to transfer reservations from one home to another. If canceling a reservation with no payment, please contact our office. In the event of a cancellation with a lease payment, Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. must be notified in writing. Please email our office as soon as possible at cancel@carolinadesigns.com. If the property is re-rented for the original rental rate, tenant will receive a refund of the advance rental payment less a $125 cancellation fee, any insurance payment, and any third-party fees. If re-rented for less than the original rate, tenant will receive the balance of the advance rental payment less the cancellation fee and less the amount necessary to make full payment of the original lease amount to the owner. Homeowner reserves the right to reduce the original rental rate to attempt to secure a paid reservation prior to arrival date. All refunds will be made within 30 days of receipt of the re-rented advance rental payment. If the property is not re-rented, no refund will be paid. If your plans change, and you wish to reinstate the canceled lease, please contact our office in writing as soon as possible by emailing rentals@carolinadesigns.com. Please note: The remaining balance of the lease will be due at the time of reinstatement. You will not be able to reinstate a canceled lease if the week has been re-rented.
Check-In & Keyless Codes
Check-in is between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM. All homes are equipped with keyless entry. You will be notified 10 days in advance with instructions for check-in. If your home is cleaned and ready for occupancy before the regular check-in time, the leaseholder will be notified via text and email. Other members of the leaseholder’s party can sign up for this notification service here. Please note some homes have a firm 5:00 PM check-in time. Learn more about check-in/check-out procedures here.
Check-Out
You will receive a text or email prompt from our office 48 hours before your lease ends, and you may use this tool to notify us that you are departing. Simply respond to the text with your lease number (only your lease number, please) as you are leaving. Check-out time is 10 AM, and your keyless entry code will expire at that time. Please remember to:
-Load and start the dishwasher(s)
-Remove all trash from the home. Only trash in cans will be picked up, so all trash must be placed in cans. Place cans at the street curb (unless otherwise noted).
-Do not remove linens; leave beds unmade and towels in the bathroom.
-Leave the house and outside areas in a tidy condition, with all trash and personal belongings removed.
-Close and lock all windows and doors.
Condition of Property
Please care for the property as if it were your own and leave it clean and undamaged. Do not move furniture, relocate grills, or disconnect or modify any electronics. Do not over-occupy the property. Sleep only on beds provided. If the house is left in poor condition, the leaseholder will be responsible for damages and extra cleaning.
Construction
Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. cannot predict when and where construction may occur in any area and cannot be held responsible for any construction that may take place near one of our managed vacation rental homes. Compensation or transfer to another property will not be considered.
Elevators & Special Needs
Homes providing elevators are listed in the Home Directory and on our website. Elevators are primarily used to assist those guests who may not be able to climb stairs. Children using elevators MUST BE accompanied by an adult. Do not press buttons on multiple floors at the same time. Please note: NONE OF OUR HOMES ARE ADA COMPLIANT, and not all elevators can accommodate a wheelchair. Please call our office for elevator measurements and to discuss any special needs relative to specific features of individual homes.
Fireplaces & Fire Pits
Fireplaces are available seasonally between October 1st and March 31st unless otherwise stated and may not be used while the air conditioner is running.
Fire pits are not permitted at any Carolina Designs Realty property unless provided at the home.
Locked Closets
Locked closets contain owners’ personal property and are not included as part of your rental. Please do not tamper with or attempt to open these closets.
Lost & Found
Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. cannot be held responsible for items left in rental properties. Please double-check your rental home for personal items prior to departure. If we are asked to return items to you, a shipping fee will apply. Please report your lost items to us at (800) 368-3825, Ext. 6401. Lost items are held for 30 days.
Mailing Packages
Guests are required to send all packages to a local shipping center. Please use either Barrier Island Shipping & Services or the OBX Shipping Center for all package deliveries. Packages sent to our office or directly to rental properties will be returned to the sender. Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. cannot be held responsible for packages sent directly to rental properties or our office locations.
Maintenance & Housekeeping
All equipment in vacation rental homes should be in working order. Please designate one point of contact from your party to report any housekeeping concerns within 24 hours of arrival so that we may address them. During your stay, if you require maintenance or housekeeping services, please have the designated point of contact call us at (800) 368-3825 or email service@carolinadesigns.com. Every reasonable effort will be made to rectify the situation. No refunds will be made for inoperative air conditioners, appliances or for mechanical failure of any equipment. You do not need to be present for service calls at the property.
Non-Smoking Policy
SMOKING/VAPING OF ANY KIND IS PROHIBITED INSIDE THE HOUSE AND ON DECKS AT ALL PROPERTIES. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly and safely. You will be responsible for the smoke remediation expenses if smoking or vaping of any kind occurs in the home during your stay.
Occupancy
Property cannot be used or occupied by more than the maximum allowable number of occupants, including you, your family, all children, and your guests. No extra bedding, such as air mattresses or cots, is allowed. Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. strictly prohibits overcrowding of the house. No RVs, campers, or mobile homes may be parked on the premises. Some neighborhoods prohibit RV, boat, and trailer parking, so please call ahead regarding specific neighborhood restrictions. By occupying the property, you agree to abide by any neighborhood and/or association covenants and restrictions.
Occupants
Tenants (Leaseholders) represent themselves to be an adult 25 years of age or older. All occupants (“Permitted Occupants”) of the house must be either (1) the Tenant named on the lease (2) 25 years of age or older (3) direct descendants, ancestors, or siblings of the occupants, and/or (4) a maximum of one (1) additional person for each occupant, direct descendant, direct ancestor or sibling of the occupants. If occupants do not comply with this paragraph, Tenant and occupants will be refused entry onto the premises, and Tenant or occupants will not be entitled to a refund of any rent payments made. No exceptions.
Parking
Please only park vehicles in the driveway of your rental home; do not park on the grass. Overnight public parking and street parking are prohibited everywhere on the Outer Banks. Please observe all posted parking rules. Violations may result in a parking ticket. Parking at recreational facilities is only allowed while you are using the facilities. Many restrictions exist for RVs, boats, trailers, and golf carts, so please check with our office for specifics prior to arrival.
Partial Week Rentals
Partial week rentals (a minimum of 3 nights) are generally only available during the off-season or when a full week is not booked 7 days prior to an available week. Partial rentals and pricing are subject to owner approval. Partial week pricing is calculated as a percentage of the originally advertised price.
Pet Policy
Unless otherwise noted, all pets are strictly forbidden. Our website provides a current list of homes that allow dogs. If you rent a pet-friendly home and bring a dog, a pet fee is mandatory. Only two well-behaved and housebroken adult dogs are allowed unless otherwise specified. Pets should not be left unattended or confined to areas where they may cause damage. The leaseholder will be responsible for damages and extra cleaning. Pets are not allowed in pools, hot tubs, or on furniture. Please clean up all pet waste.
Pools & Hot Tubs
Pools and hot tubs are serviced on check-in day by a professional pool company, and a chemical check is performed mid-week. As neither the homeowner nor Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. employees are on the premises during the use of these amenities, the rental party agrees to be solely responsible for the use and operation thereof. If your rental home advertises a heated pool, please be aware that a fee is collected for the use of the pool heater and that the pool’s maximum heat temperature is 85 degrees. The pool heat fee varies with each home and is noted on the specific property page online. Unauthorized usage of pool heat is strictly prohibited. Unless otherwise noted, private heated pools will open the weekend of March 29th and close the weekend of October 18th in 2024. The unheated pools will open the weekend of April 26th and close the weekend of October 4th, 2024. (In 2025, private heated pools will open the weekend of April 4th and close the weekend of October 17th. The unheated pools will open the weekend of May 2nd and close the weekend of October 3rd, 2025.)
Reservations
Reservations can be made over a year in advance online, by phone, or in person. Pricing is based on a 7-day rental, plus state and local tax (12.75%) and an admin/cleaning fee. The initial deposit must be received within 3 days of booking to secure the lease agreement. Terms vary depending upon the time of year you book. Please read our emails and notices carefully for payment details. Your lease agreement, cost, due dates, and our policies are available on our website. To view your lease online, go to LOGIN on our home page and create an account using the lease number and leaseholder’s home zip code. The final balance of your payment must be received 60 days prior to your check-in date. We accept personal checks up until the balance due date. Please include your lease number on checks. Late payments received after the final balance due date must be by certified or cashier’s check, money order or credit card. Please contact our office at 800-368-3825 for questions or to request a copy of your lease.
Service & Support Animal Policy
Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. welcomes guests accompanied by a trained service animal, emotional support, or psychiatric service animal. We ask that you review our policy for these important working animals, found here.
Travel Insurance
Trip Interruption Insurance is available as an option on each reservation. The fee for the insurance is 7.75% of the total amount. For further questions on coverage, please go to CarolinaDesigns.com/insurance. Carolina Designs Realty, Inc., and the owners we represent, do not refund in the event of evacuation for severe weather. Tenants must have Travel Insurance for reimbursement due to mandatory evacuations.
Weddings & Special Events
Weddings and/or special events are strictly prohibited without a separate agreement and are only allowed in homes that participate in the Special Event Home Program. Examples of special events include but are not limited to weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, company retreats, etc. The lease addendum must be returned along with the signed lease agreement. Specifically, note that:
- Each Carolina Designs Realty Event Home specifies an event fee, a security deposit, and a maximum number of guests during the event on the associated property page. The security deposit will be returned 30 days after departure if there are no damages.
- You must make parking arrangements for your guests in advance (on-street parking is not permitted).
- If you are interested in viewing an event property, please contact us at least one week in advance for scheduling purposes. Every attempt will be made to accommodate your request to view, but the more advance notice, the better. One home may be viewed per appointment, with a limit of two people, in addition to the Carolina Designs Realty, Inc. representative. Prior to your appointment, please email or fax us a completed House Viewing Form and a copy of your driver’s license or bring them to our Duck office. Anyone at the appointment is welcome to request that the group wear face coverings, so please bring them with you. A maximum of 20 minutes can be spent in the home. Please note that we do not offer home viewings between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
For more specific information on wedding and special event homes, please speak to a Reservationist.