Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Always follow safety precautions, never interfere with the work and compliment the efforts and results Under Construction: Thank You for Your Patience The Realities, Do’s and Don’ts When Your Complex is Under Construction Winter is the off season for the vacation rental markets that snowbirds …
Where to begin decluttering? Start with a surface area, a drawer, a closet, a single room, the main thing is to simply start somewhere How Much is Too Much Stuff? Edit, Organize and Downsize Your Primary Home’s Contents I’m continually inspired to write about real …
Many times I'm inspired to write about questions I receive seeking insight of the snowbird life. This time our repeat vacation rental guests asked about making the transition from a summer to winter stay. We recently hosted Jen, Steve and their senior dog for two weeks in August. They love it here and said they are now considering returning to the same unit in the winter of 2025. I feel the same way, it's nice to be accustomed to the flow of the set-up, the furniture, location and why change if it's not necessary?
Jen already researched that our unit isn't available for Jan/Feb, but she and Steve wondered about March dates. That's a tricky one. The weather is steadily improving and that means the rates are substantially increasing. Shoulder season rates are early to mid-March and then there's Spring Break rates. Typically the Spring Breakers drive the snowbirds out for two reasons: they pay higher rates for the better weather and the area's population density noticeably increases.
My husband, our Golden Retriever and I were in Northwest Florida during Spring break this year and it's a completely different perspective than the winter months. The college-aged Spring Break students we encountered were very polite, blending in as fellow beach goers having some fun. I didn't see anyone stumbling around or overly loud, but I did see young ladies beautifully dressed up for sunset selfies; students enthusiastically indulging in beach volleyball, enjoying the pools, strolling the sidewalks, enjoying food and beverages in the local establishments and congregating after dark in the sand. We never find snowbirds out on the beach after dark except for the occasional night fisherman.
I don't know anything about Jen and Steve's budget, but March is a viable option if they put their funds into a shorter stay. This could be just the thing they want and need. Summer and winter in the exact same location have some very big differences as I've experienced. Maybe the Jan/Feb weather in Northwest Florida is too drastically different than the hot, humid temps of a Florida summer. Always research the mean temps no matter where you are considering, don't rely on your hunches and intuition, it may or may not be accurate.
Jen asked me about North Florida vs. South Florida. I told her essentially the same information as I wrote about in this post.
Location, Location, Location: Peak Vs Off Peak
Other considerations for summer to winter snowbirds and vice versa include your tolerance for busy vs. off season population density. Summer is much busier on the beach, in the restaurants, stores and establishments, other activities, driving in traffic and travelling to/from your destination. You'll likely have construction delays everywhere and you'll probably not stay as long because lodging rates are much more expensive. Beach service is a summer and shoulder season luxury.
Summer in Florida and popular Southern states such as Texas and Arizona is very hot and humid. If you like walking or running to exercise outdoors, it's almost unbearable during the hottest months of the year. Summer options involve swimming pools, lakes and the ocean.
When children are not in school, they are in full force in the locations where families go for vacations. Therefore you can expect to have a lot more activity and noise on the beach, in the pools and in the general community.
Winter is slower in terms of population and much less busy at the restaurants and retail shops, it's a longer season, generally less expensive and a time to get better acquainted and connect with others in your immediate and greater community. Winter snowbirds are much more likely to greet each other and be sociable. There's fewer distractions than the summer crowd.
In the winter, the sun rises and sets for a much shorter day, the temps tend to be cooler, cloudier and/or rainier. Many restaurants and attractions close for the month of January while the staff and owners go on their own well deserved vacations. When dining out, lunchtime is the best option for beachfront dining. You won't see a thing for dinner hour other than complete darkness.
Unless you have access to a heated pool or jetted spa, it's not likely you'll be swimming in the off season. However, with children in school, you'll likely not be encountering toddlers, kids, teens and young adults in the area during the winter. Weekends and holidays are a draw and do bring families during the winter for a refreshing change.
Before committing to changing from summer, shoulder season or winter, think it through, do your research and make an informed decision. It can be drastically different in the exact same location of your summer or winter community. If you're like me, you come to appreciate each season for the changes and make the most of each time you're able to be in your happy place.
-- Anthony J D'Angelo, American Author, Speaker, Business Owner
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Proximity to local attractions such as wineries, entertainment, sports facilities, shopping and restaurants will help bring guests to your property. [Country Heritage Winery, Laotto, Indiana] Thinking of Renting Out Your Primary Home? Checklist of 15 Considerations Prior to Placing Your Primary Property on the Rental …
Snowbird Housing Deal Breakers Hint: The Deal Breakers are Personal and Nuanced Price, location, view, pet friendly and availability are all deal makers. They’re also the deal breakers. However, there’s more to it than that. It’s the nuances of a particular rental that may or …
As a long term member, and more recently a business owner who participates in social media groups for the vacation rental market, I repeatedly witness all kinds of online "arguments" about rental terminology. "It's not an ocean, it's THE GULF!" which is understandably significant in both price and technicalities. Another budget-buster relates to posts along the line of, "In search of BEACHFRONT property only" for a specific amount of money or desirable dates. Beachfront, ocean/gulf front and ocean/gulf view are quite different, which is why it's very important to make sure you and the administrators of your prospective new place are in sync with the intended meaning vs. reality. It's because of these online terminology discussions that inspired me to write about what I consider to be the top 100+ terms for snowbird and vacation rentals.
Domestic and international snowbirds tend to rent vs. buy their southern abode as well as move around fairly often. Canadian and other international snowbirds may not be as familiar with the United States' rental definitions or customs and they can also vary from state to state. Florida is the most popular destination for all snowbirds and amongst other things, has it's own unique way of addressing the beaches. As an example, a quick way to start a heated discussion is to mention Florida's "private beaches."
Like it or not, private beaches are fairly common in many areas of Florida and other states and that means you may rent a property with a direct view of the water and have no way to access the water or beach without walking or driving to a public access point. Once on the beach, private beaches typically restrict visitors to the wet sand along the coastline. How will you know if you're on a private beach? There will be plenty of signs posted both in the sand as well as at the gates or access points. Trespassing can result in being asked to leave or worse, so it's best to fully understand the set-up and ask the right questions before renting a place.
Deeded access is another term that is key to beaches -- your rental may include deeded access to a lake, bay or beach, but you will want to clarify how far it is to reach the deeded access point as well as parking options.
Test your rental term knowledge and have fun with quizzing yourself, friends and family. As much as I thought I already knew about the most common terms, I learned nuances such as a park model is legally classified as an RV; beach front, ocean/gulf front and ocean/gulf view are totally different and every state and local region has their own restrictions. Knowing what the rental terms actually mean can alleviate confusion and disappointment prior to choosing a property. For your convenience I've created a list of 100 helpful definitions and terminology. As always, do your own thorough research and ask a lot of questions.
| Accessible Vacation Rental - Accessible to guests with physical disabilities or impairments |
| Alternative accommodation - Any non-hotel property |
| Amenities – Attractive and desirable additions to a place that exceed one’s basic needs |
| Amenity Fee - Additional fee for amenities such as wifi, a pool, club house, fitness center, golf course, etc. |
| Apartment - A space within a building that is available for rent, but is owned by another entity. |
| Availability Calendar – Potential guests can see the dates that accommodations are still available and what has already been reserved. |
| Availablility Nights - The total number of nights available in exchange for a specific contracted rate. |
| Back to back booking - Consecutively booked immediately after the other |
| Balcony - A structural platform located off the ground that extends from the exterior of a building and is enclosed by a railing or half wall |
| Beach - A sandy or pebbly coastal shore, especially by the ocean or gulf between high and low water marks. |
| Beach Front – Situated near or on the area where the land meets the sand with direct and/or panoramic views and no cliffs, roads or rocky areas in-between the unit and sandy beach. You may be able to walk directly from the unit a short distance to the sand or there may be a short pathway that leads to the beach. |
| Best Available Rate (BAR) – Guests are assured the rate is the lowest available for each night of a multi-night stay to avoid confusion or to eliminate the need to continue to try source a lower rate. |
| Best Available Rate Guarantee - Guests are guaranteed the rate is the lowest available for each night of a multi-night stay to avoid confusion or to eliminate the need to continue to try source a lower rate. |
| Blocked View/s – No view due to an obstruction such as a wall, building or other type of structure |
| Book Direct: The most direct method to reserve a property instead of paying a fee to a third party booking site or distribution channel |
| Booking Confirmation - Written notification issued by the agent, owner or property manager to confirm the price, dates and other key details of the reservation. |
| Booking Fee – An extra charge for booking a reservation |
| Breed Restrictions - Rental policies that disqualify a specific breed of dog that are high risk and/or not covered by insurance. |
| Cancellation Fee - The amount of money due for cancelling a reservation after the cancellation deadline |
| Cancellation Policy – The policies and terms relating to cancelling reservations |
| Changeover Days - Specific days of the week when bookings start and end |
| Check In - The earliest time allowed to check into the property |
| Check Out - The latest time allowed to check out of the property |
| Closed to Arrival (CTA) - A tool that makes certain dates not available for check –in |
| Coastal Dune - A landform of sand created by wind- or water-driven sand, many coastal dunes are restricted from humans walking on them or disturbing them. |
| Condo/Condominum – A residential complex of housing with separate individually owned units. The interior from the walls/ceiling/floor inward are controlled and maintained by the property owner and the exterior, including the land and amenities are owned and maintained by the Homeowner’s Association (HOA), of which all condo owners in the building or community are members. |
| Condo-Hotel / Condotel / Hotel Condo / Contel - A condominium building with shared amenities that is operated like a hotel, offering short term rentals and maintains a front desk. Legally, it is a condominium, yet owners can leverage marketing and management by a hotel chain. |
| Custom fees: Any fee that is unique to a property such as pool access fees |
| Damage Waiver Fee: Non-refundable, typical nominal fee that covers accidental property damage caused by the guest |
| Damage/Breakage/Security Deposit Fee - Refundable fee added to the overall bill, typically $200 to $300 or 10% of the rental amount that covers accidental property damage caused by the guest |
| Deck - A flat structure that is usually connected to a building and constructed of wood or plastic composite materials, often elevated from the ground. |
| Deeded Access - An easement that allows property owners access to a beach, bay, lake or other desirable feature. It may be neighborhoods or sub divisions adjacent to or near a beach or other feature who have an agreement with the local government granting deeded access. Deeded access might not necessarily be closest to the property, but it typically is not too far away. |
| Down Payment – A portion of a charge paid initially with the balance to be paid later |
| Duplex - A low density multi-unit residential structure or dwelling that share at least one common wall. The floor plans may or may not be the same in each unit. |
| End Unit - A unit on either end of the building, it is more desirable because it shares just one wall instead of two or more and may have windows on three sides vs. two sides. |
| Front Row – A residential dwelling situated closest to the shoreline, or first row compared to second and third, etc. |
| Gated Community – A residential community with restricted geographical boundaries and gates to control access to the area. Access points may be staffed or utilize an entry code. |
| Ground Floor – The ground level floor of a building, which may or may not have a view |
| Guest Fee - An additional fee not included in the rate such as pet fee, cleaning fee, hot tub fee, club house fee, parking, etc |
| Gulf - Part of an ocean or sea that extends into the land, a gulf can be expansive, such as the Gulf of Mexico, or much smaller |
| Gulf Front /Ocean Front- A direct and/or panoramic coastline view of the ocean or gulf, but not immediately connected to the sand, such as a road or cliff between the unit and the beach |
| Gulf of Mexico – Both an ocean basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, there are seven southern US states that access the Gulf of Mexico: Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The area is also known as the “Third Coast” with the Atlantic and Pacific being the first two. |
| Homeowners Association (HOA) – An HOA is a legal organization of homeowners who collectively pay fees to govern and maintain all properties, amenities and common areas within the association. |
| House Rules - Rules and policies clearly stated by the host for guests and their pets and visitors |
| Installments - Fees broken into smaller partial payments |
| Key Drop Box - A publicly accessible, yet secure location to pick up or drop off keys |
| Keyless Entry - Electronic lock that does not require an access card or traditional key for access to the property |
| Lodging Tax - A hotel or lodging tax is charged to travelers when they rent accommodations for 30 days or less in a hotel, inn, vacation home, motel, or other type of lodging. |
| Long Term Rental – Typically a residential lease for six months or longer |
| Low/Off-Peak Season - The least popular time of year to travel to an area, also known as off-peak |
| Maximum Occupancy - The maximum number of persons legally allowed to stay at a property |
| Minimum Stay - The lowest number of nights an owner or host will accept a reservation |
| Mobile/Manufactured Home - Built to HUD construction standards, manufactured or mobile homes are constructed in a factory and are designed to be moved to their destination on a trailer chassis. Mobile homes are sometimes placed in a mobile home park or on leased land where the owner rents a space or leases the land. |
| Monthly Rental – A unit that is rented by the month, usually from the first to last day of each calendar month |
| Mountain - A large natural elevation rising abruptly from the surrounding level; such as a large steep hill or mountain range |
| Multi-Unit - Two or more housing units that may or may not be identical |
| No Show - A guest who does not show up and provides no explanation |
| Non-Refundable Rates - A lower rate in lieu of certain conditions, such as non-refundable or non-cancellable |
| Occupancy - Residing in or on something |
| Ocean - A very large expanse of sea that is divided geographically, such as the Atlantic Ocean or Pacific Ocean |
| Ocean/Gulf Front - A direct and/or panoramic coastline view of the ocean or gulf, but not immediately connected to the sand, such as a road or cliff between the unit and the beach |
| Ocean/Gulf View – A non-direct view of the ocean or gulf from a particular angle that may or may not be a fair distance from the water |
| Open Container/s - Any alcoholic beverage that has been opened and has a broken seal or a portion of the contents removed. |
| Outdoor Amenities - The desirable, useful exterior amenities of a property such as BBQ grill, outdoor shower/s, playground, dog park area, pool, tennis court, beach area, etc. |
| Owner’s Closet - A locked closet or interior room that contains housekeeping or personal effects of the owner or host |
| Park Model – A smaller mobile home designed for seasonal occupancy and less mobile than an RV, yet is classified as an RV. |
| Parking Fee - A fee to park a non-oversized vehicle or other boat or vehicle on the property |
| Parking Permit – A temporary or permanent sign or tag displayed in the vehicle to show it is permitted to park on the property |
| Parking Restrictions - This is a limitation or restriction of the visitor’s access to parking on the property due to multiple vehicles, oversized or commercial vehicles, RV’s, golf carts, etc. Restrictions may also apply to where a vehicle may be parked. |
| Partial View – A view of at least a sliver of the feature such as an ocean, coastline, water or mountain |
| Patio – A paved area located adjacent to a residential dwelling, typically made of concrete or stone or tile pavers |
| Peak/High Season - The most popular time of year to travel to an area |
| Pet Fee – An additional non-refundable fee for cleaning or other potential pet-related damage to the property |
| Pet friendly - Properties that allows pets, typically dogs, to stay, although there may be limitations such as age, weight or number of dogs, breed restrictions and/or additional fees |
| Price-Per-Guest - Pricing based on the number of guests |
| Pricing Structures - Different rental prices based on the rental season or time of year |
| Private Beach – Private beaches are owned by a property owner or entity with restricted access to the public. The dry part of a private sandy beach is private and the wet area is public and open to anyone. |
| Private Home/Residence – A private home/residence that is not part of a commercial establishment |
| Property Description – A written description of real estate that describes the details and features of a home for sale or lease. |
| Public Beach – Public beaches are owned by the government and generally do not restrict access to the public, although there are typically specific rules about open containers, dogs, open fires, fireworks, weddings and more. |
| Rack Rate - The listed or advertised price for a room or property per night, it is the maximum rate. |
| Recreational Vehicle (RV) – A recreational vehicle that is designed to be mobile, with hookups that can easily be disconnected. |
| Rental Agreement/Contract – A contract between and owner or property manager and a tenant who wishes to use and occupy the property for a specific period of time as well as other terms and details related to the transaction such as cost, policies and procedures. |
| Remodel – To change the shape or form of something, such as a building, by demolition and construction. |
| Renovation – The process of cosmetic work renewing, repairing, updating or restoring to good condition. |
| Repeat Guests – Guests who return to the same property are considered valuable and are typically welcomed back. |
| Reservation Deposit – Nonrefundable money that is pre-paid to make a reservation and applied to the total bill. |
| Resort - A tourist destination that is usually in a scenic location for vacations, holidays, relaxation or recreation, or which is frequented for a particular purpose such as a spa, golf or wellness retreat. |
| Resort Fee – An additional fee that is charged to pay for a range of amenities, such as pool use, gym access, towel services, Wi-Fi, newspapers, shuttle service, daily parking, etc. |
| Row House - Similar houses in architectural style that are joined by side walls, also known as townhouses |
| Sales Tax - A consumption tax on the sale of goods and services, it is paid by the guest at the time of the sale, collected by the agent and paid to the government. |
| Service Fee – An extra charge assessed for a specific service |
| Short Term Rental – Typically a residential lease for 90 days or less |
| Shoulder Season – the period of time between peak and off peak season |
| Side View – A non-direct view from the side to see the feature such as an ocean, coastline, water or mountain |
| Single Family Home - A very low density, detached residential structure or dwelling site-built on its own land for the private use of the owner. Also known as R1, which means it’s zoned residential with one unit per lot. |
| Smart Lock - Bluetooth or wi-fi keyless locks |
| SNAD - Acronym for “significantly not as described” |
| Time Share - A timeshare is a legal arrangement for many people to share ownership of a property, such as a vacation property or condo within a resort area. Each buyer usually purchases a certain period of time to stay at the property, which may or may not be in the same unit each time. |
| Townhome/Townhouse - A narrow, non-freestanding row house connected on the sides, typically three or more floors tall. The owner possesses the land on which it is situated including the yard, patio or deck and the interior and exterior of the unit. |
| Trip/Travel Insurance – A separate insurance policy paid for by the traveler to protect the traveler from potential financial losses due to specific conditions. Coverage varies by policy for risks ranging from minor inconveniences such as missed airline connections or more serious issues including injuries or major illness. |
| Vacation Rental – Accommodations, typically located in a desirable area, that can be rented on a short term basis. |
| Value-Added Items - Amenities such as cribs, roll-away beds, high chairs, fire pits, BBQ grills, hot tubs, etc. that provide an extra value to guests |
| Walkability – A measure of characteristics that make an area easy to navigate by walking |
| Weekly Rental – A unit that is rented by the week, usually from Saturday to Saturday |
-- Lin Pernille, American Photographer, Videographer
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Severe weather events are less problematic with a whole home standby generator PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES WHETHER HOME OR AWAY Why a Whole Home Standby Generator System Makes Sense for Snowbirds Snowbirds know a problem with your home while away is very stressful. Not only …
Snowbirds who rent their winter residences are plentiful and there is typically not a shortage of guests who want to stay in a great property, which means it is important to be the best possible guest to be welcome back. Now, with the added competition of work from wherever (WFW) types who are no longer attached to a traditional office environment, there's even higher demand for rental properties in a warm climate.
As is true of any guest, whether it is a stay in a someone's private home or a paid vacation rental, to be invited back is completely related to how well the relationship goes for the duration of the stay. Don't think for a minute that paying to stay somewhere is that much different than a friend hosting you in their own home, the concept is the same. Be the best version of yourself and the chances improve for a return visit.
Word of mouth referrals and internet searches stack the odds in favor of the rental properties to acquire and retain the best long term guests. There is a level of trust required of each because let's be honest, the owners are entrusting someone with their property on a long-term basis and the tenants are paying competitive market rates for the privilege and typically like to return to the same unit once they find one they love. When an owner and renter form a good relationship, the reward is loyalty to each other.
Based on my own personal experience as both a renter and a vacation rental owner, here's my insight to be welcome back.
Most snowbirds who rent want a discounted rate and most owners want a fair market rate. It's OK to ask for the best possible rate for your winter home, that's fair. If you are staying multiple weeks or months, a discount may be granted. However, if the owner or property manager says the published rates are final, either accept it and pay the price or move on to something more in line with your budget. The days of deal making for the most sought after properties are not likely due to increased demand.
No amount of haggling is going to result in a change of policy if you are renting from a property manager, especially if they manage multiple units. They are busy and policy is policy. They can't spend their time negotiating with 30 to 90+ potential renters because it's a drain of time and energy that could be invested elsewhere -- meaning the guests who are willing to pay the published rate. Never assume there isn't a wait list for the unit you are renting.
To be honest, I felt relieved when talking with our snowbird neighbors who also rented from the same management company. For years they had asked and the result is no one gets a discount. Period. It put to rest the urge to try to get a better deal because "someone else got that deal." Everyone pays the published rate and that is the end of it.
If the owner requires a minimum of two full calendar months, go with it or go elsewhere. Short term you may win a battle to stay less than the minimum, long term you will be replaced by a new guest who contracts for the terms as published. If your goal is to only stay one season, then ask for the terms you want without fear of becoming attached to the unit or being replaced.
Long term rentals are high risk to owners and property managers. If a guest backs out at the last minute, they're stuck with weeks of unfulfilled dates and dollars. Therefore long term rentals typically require a higher down payment and full payment well in advance of the check-in date. I've never heard of anyone accepting weekly or pay-as-you-go for a long term snowbird rental, but it's possible there are some units with those terms. Typically, it's too high of a risk to the owners. Therefore, if your payment due date is 60 days in advance, communicate well in advance to reaffirm your intentions and don't wait until the last second to mail your check. Send it at least a week or two ahead of the due date so your property manager isn't left worrying about what your intentions are and possibly lining up back-up offers.
If you plan to bring a pet or two and think that the owner won't find out because they live hundreds of miles away, think again. Owners have eyes and ears on site, whether in the form of an HOA, neighbors of the property, housekeeping staff, trusted local friends and property managers.
If a unit is not pet friendly, don't bring your pet. Find a unit where your type/size/breed and quantity of pets will be welcome. If you bring your dog/s to a pet friendly unit, follow all rules to the letter, especially promptly picking up after them, keeping the noise and shedding hair to a minimum, and not allowing them to go in restricted areas such as the pool deck. If you or your pet damages the unit and you can't easily repair it, let the property manager know right away, apologize and offer to pay for the damage.
If the unit is no smoking or vaping, make sure you clarify if it's ok to smoke on the deck, patio or balcony.
The Scouting adage of "leave it better than you found it" holds true for rentals. Many of my snowbird friends have casually mentioned that they've worked on their rental during the stay. By that, it may be cleaning corners of the bathrooms, wiping down baseboards or the track of the slider doors, dusting overhead light fixtures, replacing light bulbs, reattaching a chain in the toilet tank, tightening loose cabinet knobs and so forth. Not only does this make the guest happier about the condition of their rental during their stay, it helps the owners and property managers keep up with maintenance without having to disturb the guest.
If you have valid concerns that need attention, make a list of everything so it can be handled at the same time. Be cautious with the list to include only the most important issues. Avoid being demanding or critical and be flexible when help is sent.
One year we stayed in a unit that had recently been renovated with a new backsplash, under-cabinet lighting and lovely kitchen quartz countertops. We were so happy to be the first ones to enjoy the improved kitchen, however, we noticed the construction debris was still in the back of the cabinets underneath the countertops. We didn't say anything because we thought it would be cleaned up once we moved out.
A year later, the chunks of debris were still there and we felt compelled to let the property manager know in part so future guests would not have a valid complaint about it. We emailed the PM and also added several other issues that needed attention such as a broken overhead light fixture in the shower area, a wall clock with an expired battery, a badly stained dust ruffle in the primary bedroom and some additional deep cleaning that needed handled. I regret sending that email mid-stay because the result was that a very sweet housekeeper came over right away and we spent the day trying to stay out of her way. We ended up taking our dog and ourselves off site for the afternoon and wished we had simply said it could be handled once we checked out.
As mentioned, don't bring unnecessary attention to yourself or your needs. Everyone is busy and no one wants to get a call that you have yet another complaint or problem unless it's absolutely necessary such as a plumbing issue or safety concern. If a unit is getting new furniture or anything else while you are there, be cooperative and accommodate the delivery crew. Same is true for fire extinguisher inspections and other needs of the HOA to access your unit.
If you don't like aspects of your unit, you don't need to ask permission to make temporary changes. We have moved game tables to create "desks;" rearranged couches; relocated wall art and a zebra-striped chair into a spare room or closet and stuffed lime green throw pillows into spare drawers because the unit functioned and looked much better without those things. If you rearrange the furniture and relocate ugly items you dislike, simply put it all back where it was before you depart. Leave no footprint.
If you are picky about certain things: kitchen linens, bathroom linens, bedroom linens, special knives or utensils, bring it! There's nothing wrong with that and it will help your hosts by less wear and tear on their linens and kitchenware.
Neighbors who permanently reside in the same complex as your rental are typically dialed in with your property manager and/or owner. If they observe you not following the rules, you and your property manager are going to be hearing about it. Likewise if they compliment you for always being polite and unobtrusive, it may eventually get back to the owner as the years go by.
Checking out on time is much easier said than done. Anyone who has ever packed for an extended stay knows it's a lot to handle. Our first few years we had no idea how to properly budget our time to pack our stuff, clean out the fridge/freezer/pantry, remove the trash, replace all of the items that were moved around and load the car. Plus keep the dog calm while all of this is going on. Dogs are very perceptive and they know when you are stressed, they are also stressed. Our dog becomes panicky and clingy, which makes everyone's stress off the charts.
Practice helps, but there's one tip I suggest. If you fail miserably to properly budget your time, focus on getting everything moved to the exterior of your unit and then load it into your vehicle from there. Always assume housekeeping will arrive the minute of your departure time and consider it a blessing if you get any extra time to move out.
The best snowbird rentals are often taken before they become available on the market. Snowbirds are known to refer their friends and even friends-of-friends if they don't intend to come back to the same place. I've personally witnessed snowbird friends trading the same unit back and forth over the years and a good reputation is essential. Most snowbirds let the owners/managers know their intentions a year or more in advance and happily pay the deposit to hold the unit. Owners know they have a reliable guest and snowbirds know they like a unit and want to keep the continuity.
If you have a valid complaint, handle it privately with the proper persons. If the problem is partly your fault, apologize. If it is not your fault, accept the manager's apology, then move on and don't bring it up again. Mistakes and accidents happen, there is no perfect rental anywhere.
Do-not-rent lists are real and they are standard industry practice. Before you decide to publicly blast a unit with a bad online review, be prepared for the worst. You may win the battle and lose the war. Not only is it likely you will be banned from returning to the same unit, you can also be banned from returning to every unit in the complex and/or every unit that your property manager handles as well as their business associates. Yes, it does happen.
Think about how you would feel if you were the owner. It is an insult to select a place based on accurate online photos and description, then post publicly that the place isn't "upscale enough" for your preferences. Or that there is "possibly mold in the bathrooms" when that is an outright lie. Treat the owners and property managers the same way as an old friend: with courtesy and respect or be prepared for the consequences.
Some of the reasons for being added to the do-not-rent lists are unfair, petty online reviews, not following the rules and otherwise creating reasons for an owner and/or property manager to decide you are too much risk for the reward.
Most guests who end up on do-not-rent lists are not typically snowbirds, this is far more common with weekly rentals. Overall, if you put your best version of yourself into the stay, you will likely be welcome back and that is a win-win for all involved.
A handwritten thank you note for your host is always a lovely gesture. If it's not practical, send an email or make a phone call to say thank you. Hopefully, they will also let you know how much you are welcome and appreciated.
If you are happy, your host will be happy and vice versa if you are not happy. It takes a lot of trust and respect to allow someone into their home for weeks and months at a time. Behind every property manager, there are owner/s who invested both emotionally and financially to share their home with you. Snowbirds who rent their warm weather homes need to appreciate that trust and convey how much they enjoy the home that means so much to both parties. Until I became a vacation rental property owner, I didn't fully understand this relationship, now I do.
-- Zig Ziglar, American Author, Salesman, Motivational Speaker
Map of The Emerald Coast, Southern Alabama and Northwest Florida LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Peak vs. Off Peak Affects the Cost of Housing As snowbirds return home to begin the off-season, much reflection goes into what can be done differently for the next season. Life changes …