Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be to rent a vacation home?
All Rental Agreement leaseholders must be at least 25 years of age and photo identification may be requested at any time. Prime Vacation Rentals reserves the right to remove any guest without compensation for non-compliance of minimum age requirement.
When is payment due to book a vacation home?
(A) If you are arriving WITHIN 30 days from the date you book: full payment is due at the time of booking, along with a signed Rental Agreement is also required at time of booking*
(B) If you are arriving 30 days OR MORE from the date you book: 50% of the total reservation balance is due upon booking with the remaining balance being due at least 30 days prior to arrival date* A signed Rental Agreement is also required.
*NOTES: All payments are accepted by credit card only. If the signed Rental Agreement and full payment are not received by the due date, the property may be re-opened for bookings.
What time is “check-in”?
Check-in time begins at 4 pm. If you arrive and our housekeeping team or maintenance are in the home, please allow them to finish their duties before you enter. Bear in mind that from time to time there may be need for housekeeping or maintenance to be in the home past 4 pm due to unforeseen circumstances. Upon arrival, please take a moment to make yourself familiar with the different exits of your rental.
Be sure to review the parking location and number of parking spaces allowed for your vacation rental home as designated by County Ordinance. Boats, Trailers, Recreation Vehicles, Mobile Units, Campers and Tents are not allowed on the property. Parking more than the posted number of vehicles is considered a violation of County Ordinance and vehicles are subject to towing at Rental Agreement leaseholder’s expense. Do not block streets and keep vehicles parked in the driveway. During snow conditions, do not block snowplows.
Where do I “check-in” ?
You can go directly to your vacation rental home; there is no need to “check-in” at an office.
An email will be sent to the reservation leaseholder ONE DAY prior to scheduled arrival date with important information needed for your upcoming stay, including DOOR LOCK INFORMATION, PARKING INFORMATION, and other important information related to your stay. It is recommended to take note or print that email as there are “dead spots” in our area where cell service may become tricky to access emails.
Upon checking in, locate the BLACK BINDER next to the coffee pot for important information about accessing the hot tub (if there is one), Wifi Info, and other useful information about the home.
What do I need to bring?
Please plan to bring: all paper products (such as toilet paper and paper towels), coffee filters, trash bags, laundry and dish detergents, soaps, toiletries, and other supplies because these are not provided. Additionally, plan to bring specialty kitchen or household items, any beach/lake towels, additional bedding or bath towels necessary. (Bed Sheets and bath towels are provided for the maximum allowed occupancy of the rental home.)
We try our best to keep property amenities up to date on the home’s property listing; however, changes may happen before an update can occur. Therefore, no warranties are made as to accuracy of property amenities availability. The Guest shall not be entitled to any refund for an inoperative appliance or amenity. Please notify our office if any appliance, heating or cooling unit, or hot tub stops working during your stay and we will attempt to have it repaired. NOTE: Home does NOT have air conditioning and/or internet unless specifically stated.
Upon checking in, locate the BLACK BINDER next to the coffee pot for important information about accessing the hot tub (if there is one), Wifi Info, and other useful information about the home.
Can I have other guests at the vacation home?
A maximum occupancy has been designated by County Ordinance for each vacation rental property. Exceeding the occupancy limit is illegal, and as such, will be subject to immediate eviction without refund. Minor children should not be left in the home without an adult at any time.
Per County Ordinance, the occupancy of vacation rental home is limited to guests and their family groups only. Fraternities/Sororities and non-chaperoned groups are strictly prohibited. Rental Agreement leaseholder must be at least 25 years of age. Should any group misrepresent themselves, they will be evicted immediately without refund.
Can I bring my pets?
All animals are prohibited from the property grounds unless otherwise stated as a “Dog Friendly” Unit or “Pet Friendly” Unit on our website. If evidence of pets is found on premises without written permission, and/or the associated fees were not paid for- fees will be charged to leaseholder will be found non-compliant and subject to eviction without refund if still in home. Any damages caused by pets are not covered by an waivers or protection programs unless specifically noted. No guarantees are made that any home is completely free of allergens.
PET-FRIENDLY HOMES: Guests who choose a Pet-Friendly home understand and agree to the following:
1. There is a strict 2 dog limit per home; any other animal is prohibited
2. A non-refundable Pet Fee is required for each dog; this fee is not applied toward damages caused by pets.
3. Dogs are to be kept off of furniture and beds and out of bath tubs, hot tubs and/or pools
4. Clean up after your dogs and dispose of waster properly
5. Per Garrett County Leash Law, dogs must be on a leash and under verbal control when outside
6. Excessive barking is a violation of noise ordinance
7. Agreement leaseholder is responsible for any and all damage in or on the property
8. Dogs should be on a veterinarian-approved flea prevention program and current on all vaccines
9. Office should be notified in advance if dogs are aggressive in order to avoid injury others who may need to access the home. Leaseholder is liable for any attack, bite, disturbance, etc. of any dog
Is there anything special to know about Winter Reservations?
All booking arrivals between November through April should be prepared for winter weather conditions. Many homes are located on gravel and/or private mountainous roads; please come prepared to drive on these roads. Snow tires and/or chains or a 4WD vehicle may be necessary and are strongly recommended for all rentals during this season. Private driveways will not be snow-plowed unless and until there is 5 inches of snow. Prime Vacation Rentals and Property Owner are not responsible for snow-plowing in private communities or any roadways outside of the property rental driveway. It is also important to note that Outdoor Amenities; including BBQ Grills are not guaranteed to be available for use for any Winter Reservations during this time period.
Is smoking allowed at the vacation home?
Per County Ordinance, Smoking is not permitted in any rental unit. Smoking of all products, tobacco or otherwise, are strictly banned from use inside of all rental units. Evidence found of smoking within the unit, or improperly disposing of smoking and/or drug related paraphernalia, will result in a $1,500.00 fine per incident. Multiple fines and/or fees may apply.
Where can I launch my boat?
Not all homes have boat docks and/or access to boat docks and docks are not guaranteed. Docks are removed from the lake during specific months; be sure to check dock availability prior to arrival. The Department of Natural Resources prohibits launching boats or any powered watercraft from any private property; you must use public ramps, such as those at Deep Creek Lake State Park (phone 301-387-4111). Remember, Boats and/or Boat Trailers are not allowed at most properties.
What time is check-out and what are the check-out procedures?
Check-out time is by 10 am. Housekeeping and other members of our staff will begin entering properties at that time. The home will be inspected for damages, cleaning and maintenance will begin. Rental Agreement Leaseholder will be charged appropriately for missing or damaged items; including linens. We kindly ask that you complete the following prior to your check-out:
1. Turn heat to 55 in winter and a/c off in summer
2. Place all dirty towels in a pile in the bathroom
3. Empty refrigerator
4. Load the dishwasher (or sink if there is no dishwasher) with all dirty dishes
5. Bag & tie all trash and place inside bear-proof trash bins or community dumpster. IF BEAR-PROOF BINS ARE FULL, LEAVE TRASH INSIDE FRONT DOOR
6. Make sure any wood fireplaces are out/ gas or electric fireplaces are off.
7. Turn off all interior lights, televisions, radios
8. Lock all doors and windows
9. Do one final walk-through to ensure that you have packed all of your items; any lost items that are found will be returned at guest’s expense.
10. For homes with Hot Tubs- Guest is responsible for making sure cover is on and locked before check-out.
Check the black binder next to the coffee pot for any additional check-out policies that may be applicable to your home specifically.
What is the cancellation policy?
In the event you need to cancel your reservation, regardless of reason (including weather, finances, illness, death or other reason), our policy is as follows:
1. Cancellations made 30 or more days prior to scheduled arrival date: FULL REFUND
2. Cancellations made less than 30 days of arrival date: NO REFUND