| Renting a summer cottage is a fantastic way to | | | | another family, dividing both your time in the |
| enjoy the great outdoors without having to | | | | space and your rent. |
| endure the cost and labor of maintaining your own | | | | The benefit of renting a summer cottage for just |
| summer vacation property. Renting also allows | | | | a week or two is all about cost. If you only have |
| you the freedom of changing your vacation | | | | a week's vacation or the cottage is an |
| location each year. For the pros and cons of | | | | excessively long drive away, there's no point in |
| various summer cottage rentals, keep reading. | | | | investing in two to three months of rent for a |
| Direct From Owner vs. Management Firm | | | | space you won't use. |
| The benefit of renting a summer cottage directly | | | | Location, Location |
| from the owner is typically cost and the chance | | | | If you intend to secure a multiple-week rental or |
| to build both a business and personal relationship | | | | want a place near friends, location is key. |
| with your temporary landlord. Sites that | | | | Subsequently, having a specific location in mind, |
| coordinate vacation rental locations let you search | | | | like Southern Maine, means you should book early. |
| global listings for cottages, chalets and even villas | | | | While there are always last-minute properties |
| that are rented directly from the owner. | | | | available, you're more likely to find what you're |
| On the other hand, renting a summer cottage | | | | looking for by planning ahead and booking in |
| through a property management firm typically | | | | advance. |
| means you're more likely to obtain a clear, written | | | | Children and Pets |
| contract alongside professional, ongoing business | | | | While children are typically welcome at most |
| service. Of course, with those contractual | | | | summer cottage rentals, this isn't always the case |
| assurances come extra cost. | | | | with pets. Before you show up with Fido in tow, |
| For the Season vs. For the Week | | | | double check with the owner that pets are |
| Renting a summer cottage for a full season has | | | | actually permitted. |
| several advantages - you have a weekend | | | | Also, while most properties are open to children, |
| getaway for the entire summer, you can get | | | | you may want to consider safety and amenities |
| comfortable in one place and, ultimately, price. | | | | before you book. For example, a property with a |
| Renting a property for an entire season can save | | | | pool or deep water dock may not be the best |
| you a substantial amount of money. In addition, | | | | choice for a family with young toddlers. |
| you could even split the seasonal rental with | | | | |