Vacation Policies
Once you've chosen your Hatteras Island vacation rental, there are a few more things you should know about rental rates, making a reservation, confirming your reservation, cancellations, emergencies, maintenance, and Midgett Realty's other policies. Please print out this information for your review, and call us with any questions.
All reservations will be assigned a reservation number. Referencing this number on all correspondence and payments will help insure that your questions are answered fully and that all monies are correctly posted to your account.
The North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (NCVRA) was passed by the N.C. General Assembly in Spring 1999. Please make sure you read the following information carefully and that you understand our policies before booking your reservation. Most, but not all, of this information will be contained in your lease. You will be responsible for complying with all of our policies upon confirmation of your reservation (when you receive the lease via mail or the internet, make a payment or take possession of a rental unit).
Houses are available Saturday-Saturday or Sunday-Sunday, whichever the owner chooses. Some properties are also available for rent during the winter, including holidays (although limited service is available in December). Seasonal rates are based on 7 nights stay. Rates for each property are determined by the owner and listed in the property description. Every effort has been made to assure our descriptions are accurate; however, we cannot be held responsible for changes made by owners in furnishings and equipment, or the present condition of the home.
Don't forget to check our Specials page for last-minute rate reductions, and our Featured Rentals page for new additions to our rental program, updates and renovations, name changes, or other updates.
For convenience you may wish to use the following drop down menu to help you find specific policy information.
Disclosures 
Midgett Realty offers our rental properties without respect to the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and handicap or familial status of any guest.
Midgett Realty is authorized, through our contract with the property owner, to rent only to family groups with the leaseholder being a minimum of 25 years old. A family group is defined as immediate and extended family (parents, children and grandparents). No fraternities, sororities, church, school, civic or other non-family groups are permitted.
In the event that we determine that you are not a family group you will be in material breach of your lease. You will be denied access to the property and/or subject to expedited eviction. All rents and fees paid to Midgett Realty will be forfeit.
2009 Reservations
You may book your 2009 reservation with any of our three offices in one of several ways:
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Our toll-free hotline, 1-800-527-2903, has reservation staff available seven days a week (excluding select holidays) between 9:00 and 5:00 Eastern Standard Time.
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Online bookings are available 24 hours a day. If you would like to pay by check please DO NOT check the "charge my first payment" box during the reservation process. Midgett Realty does not charge a credit card convenience fee.
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Fax your rental requests to one of our three offices:
Hatteras - 252.986.2745
Avon - 252.995.4817
Rodanthe - 252.987.1148
Fax requests are answered as quickly as possible. However, if you are trying to book a popular house or week, please remember that you may not receive an immediate response from a fax. -
E-mail requests may be sent to: vacations@midgettrealty.com. Again, every effort will be made to process your request quickly, but immediate responses are not guaranteed.
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While in town, please stop by in person or call our local number: 252.986.2841.
2009 Seasons
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January 1 - May 22 |
Spring Off |
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May 23 - June 12 |
Spring Mid |
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June 13 - June 26 |
Spring In |
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June 27 - August 7 |
Peak |
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August 8 - August 21 |
Fall In |
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August 22 - August 28 |
Fall Mid |
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August 30 - December 31 |
Fall Off |
Termination of Rental
Midgett Realty reserves the right to refuse or terminate occupancy if, in our judgment, it could prove detrimental to the property. If the owner of your vacation residence removes his property from availability, or if the property becomes unavailable for any reason, agent reserves the right to substitute comparable accommodations or refund payment.
Behavior
Midgett Realty reserves the right to terminate a lease as the result of tenant abuse of staff or others.
Payment Information
After making a 2009 reservation, the lease agreement must be signed and returned with the first payment within 10 days of making the reservation or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. The remaining balance, must be paid in full 30 days prior to arrival. All payments must be made by personal, travelers, or bank check, cash or approved credit card (Visa or MasterCard). No personal or company check shall be accepted within 30 days of check-in date. Failure to pay balance due within 30 days of check-in date will result in cancellation.
If the arrival date is within 30 days, payment must be made in full when making the reservation.
Mini-Vacations / Additional Nights
Mini-Vacations may be booked on-line or by phone within 14 days of arrival during Off season, and within 6 days of arrival during Peak/Mid/In seasons. Mini-Vacations are for a minimum of three nights. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking. Add-on nights may be booked 6 days prior to add-on date. Additional nights (at 1/5 of the regular weekly rate for the applicable dates) can only be booked in properties that participate in the additional night program. Payment is due at time of booking. No discounts apply. Fees are not prorated for Mini-Vacations.
Cancellations
Once your reservation is confirmed, any cancellations, or switching of homes will invoke the cancellation policy. Cancellations must be in writing and it is the tenant's responsibility to confirm cancellation is performed. Once cancelled, Tenant shall receive a refund less any difference in rate paid by the new reservation, less administrative fees, travel insurance premium and all applicable taxes. However, if the unit is not re-rented, you will be responsible for the entire rental amount plus tax.
Transfers
In the event you have to change your week after your reservation has been confirmed, a transfer fee in the amount of $100 (plus tax) will be charged. Transfers can only be made within the same home of your initial reservation, subject to owner approval. All transfers requests must be submitted in writing. For information on transferring your reservation please contact our office.
Accidental Damage Waiver
An Accidental Damage Waiver (ADW) fee is included in the rate for each property.
ADW is a non-refundable fee whereby Midgett Realty assumes the liability associated with minor accidental damages to the leased premises or its contents during the Tenant’s occupancy. ADW is not insurance, nor should it be interpreted as such. This allows Midgett Realty to waive your responsibility for reported accidental damage up to a maximum aggregate amount of $2,500.00. The damage waiver becomes effective upon check-in and terminates at departure or 10:00 A.M. on the last day of the lease term (“check-out time”), whichever occurs first.
Unreported damages, non-accidental damages, excluded damages or damages exceeding $2,500.00 dollars will be the sole responsibility of the Tenant. The non-refundable waiver does not in any way negate your responsibility as Tenant. The cost to repair damage attributable to the Tenant or Tenant’s invitees due to Acts of God, intentional acts, willful conduct, gross negligence, abuse of the property, violation of lease terms, or pets will not be paid under the ADW and remain the responsibility of the Tenant.
Damage must be reported to Midgett Realty prior to “check-out time." The ADW applies only to loss or damage to the leased premises or its contents. The applicability of ADW to damaged property, any determination of the extent of damage and any determination of the cost of repairs to damaged property shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of Midgett Realty.
Checking In and Out
Check-in time is between 4:00 and 6:00 pm as houses become available from May 23-September 4, 2009; check-in is from 3:00-5:00 pm for the remainder of the year. Please try to time your arrival accordingly. Many houses are ready by the start of check-in, but even houses ready by the end of check-in are not considered to be late.
For your protection we cannot allow you access to a home that has not been approved for occupancy. Please be aware that if you choose to shop on your way here we cannot provide refrigeration facilities for groceries. If you are going to arrive after our offices are closed we will leave your check-in packet, a map, and keys in the late check-in box. No occupancy of the property, including driveways or outside showers will be allowed prior to check-in.
Check-out is before 10:00 a.m. Please complete all of the items on the list printed on the check-in package before returning your keys to our office. If you plan to get an early start you may leave your keys in the appropriate box located at each office. No occupancy of the property, including driveways or outside showers will be allowed after check-out. Refunds will not be given for early departures. Tenant may be charged up to one additional day rental if Property is not vacated by 10:00 a.m.
Advance Year Reservations
Reservations for 2010 are accepted up to one year in advance, for a non-refundable $26.85 per week plus tax administrative fee. Reservations for a future period, for which rates have not been set, are considered provisional.
2009 guests have priority to rent the same house for the same week in 2010. These priority reservations must be made by the close of business on Wednesday of the first week of your stay. Otherwise, properties are released for reservation on a first request basis. On-line reservations will also be taken, up to 51 weeks in advance.
Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance
If Dare County authorities order a mandatory evacuation, you will be required to comply. In the event of an evacuation you will be notified of our evacuation procedures and must turn in your keys prior to leaving the Island.
Midgett Realty, along with CSA Travel Protection, Inc., offers vacation insurance to our guests. Exclusions and limitations may apply if the policy is not purchased at the time of booking. As per the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (NCVRA), if the insurance is waived, neither the property owner nor Midgett Realty is liable for refunds. If you have insurance questions prior to booking, visit vacationrentalinsurance.com (Plan Code 330CSA) or call (866) 999-4018.
Parking
Parking should be limited to one car per bedroom, with a maximum of five cars. Many houses have fewer parking spaces available than bedrooms due to the size of the lot. RVs are not permitted on the grounds of any unit at any time. Boats, boat trailers, equipment trailers, are counted as a vehicle, and must be parked in allocated spaces. No parking in undesignated areas, including lawns.
Occupancy
State and County health regulations require homes on septic systems be limited to two occupants per bedroom. Number and sizes of beds are listed only to accommodate flexibility in sleeping arrangements and not to represent allowable occupancy.
Grilling
Grilling is permitted only on concrete, gravel or similar surfaces. Do not move a grill to decks, porches or near vegetation. Please be courteous and leave the grill clean for the next guest.
Other Services
Mail and messages must be addressed to the leaseholder and reference the house name. Mail and messages will be held for you and may be picked up at the appropriate rental office during business hours. We attempt to notify guests receiving mail or phone calls.
Faxes of less than 5 pages may be sent or received with no charge at your check-in office. Call the office listed on your lease for details.
Midgett Realty does not accept disks into our computers. Wi-Fi hot spots are available at each of our offices.
The phone system in each property may allow for one modem or fax connection.
Cottage phones have a long-distance block. Calls have to be arranged via calling card.
Lost and Found
We make every effort to locate and return lost items but will not be responsible for personal items left behind. If you notice something missing, call your check-in office. If found, we will send the item; you will pay a fee of $25 plus shipping, handling and tax. Any items not claimed within 30 days after checkout will be donated to a local charity. We are not responsible for items broken or lost during shipping.
Fireplaces
A number of our properties offer the use of fireplaces. Midgett Realty does not provide wood for wood burning fireplaces. Fireplaces are only available for use October 1 to May 1.
Private Pools and Hot Tubs
Private pools and hot tubs are serviced between guests on turnover day and midweek. Guests are prohibited from tampering with chemicals or equipment. If it is found that Tenant has tampered with equipment or chemicals, the Tenant will be responsible for any expenses incurred. Certified technicians care for all hot tubs and pools.
Unheated private pools are available from May 16 to September 26 unless otherwise noted in the cottage description.
Private heated pools and pool heat (if provided) are available from April 25 to October 24, for an additional fee. Certain private pools offer free heat; check cottage description for dates heat will be available. During times of extremely low temperature or high wind, pools may not heat to what tenant believes to be an acceptable temperature. No refund will be given due to adverse weather conditions. Pool heat requested on check-in day or later will result in an additional convenience fee.
If the owner has chosen not to adhere to Midgett Realty's standard pool dates, it will be noted in the cottage description. Midgett Realty cannot be held responsible for the opening and closing of subdivision and community pools.
Hot tubs are available year-round unless otherwise noted in the property description.
Pregnant women, people on medication, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or other conditions should consult their physician before using a hot tub. Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from entering hot tubs. Misuse or overuse of hot tubs will result in a higher possibility of infection, as sanitizers are not able to combat abnormally elevated bacteria levels. Removal of or tampering with chemical dispensers may result in health related problems such as Folliculitis. Pets are not allowed in pools or hot tubs at any time.
Linens
Properties designated as “Gold Linens” provide sheets for each advertised bed and towel sets to accommodate the allowed occupancy of the home. A towel set consists of a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. In addition, a bathmat for each full bath and two kitchen towels will be provided. Beds will be made for guests. Top bunks, sofa beds, trundles, roll-aways and futons will not be made.
Properties designated as “Silver Linens” provide sheets for each bed, beds are made but no towels are provided. Top bunks, sofa beds, trundles, roll-aways and futons will not be made.
Linens are not provided for stays of less than seven (7) nights. Properties without a linen designation do not provide any sheets or towels. Contact our office should you require bed or bath linen rentals.
Equipment and Appliances
Furnishings and equipment in all properties are provided by the owner. Every reasonable effort is made to keep each property and its equipment in good working order. Please notify Midgett Realty promptly of any difficulty you encounter during your stay. Agent, upon notification, will make every reasonable effort to complete repairs. Under no circumstance will the Tenant be relocated or receive a reduction in rent for any equipment failure.
Construction
Our staff may not be aware of construction projects. Should you find yourself near construction, please realize that no refunds or moves will be made. Dare County does have a noise ordinance between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Under Construction
New homes that are under construction can sometimes be delayed through no fault of the owner or agent. Agent/Owner obligations are limited to notification of guest, a full refund of monies received and a good faith effort by Agent to locate a replacement. Tenant waives all claims against Agent/Owner for non-completion of any property. Under no circumstances will Midgett Realty or the landlord provide any additional monies to facilitate a transfer required due to a construction delay.
Rental Homes for Sale
Some of the houses we manage are available for sale. If you would like to see any "for sale" properties, please contact the sales department at one of our offices. If you are staying in a property that is for sale, every effort will be made to schedule any showings on a turnover day so as not to intrude on your vacation. If it is necessary to show the house during your stay, a property management representative will attempt to contact you to schedule a showing. If Midgett Realty cannot contact the tenant, the property will be shown by the sales agent.
Bringing Your Pet to Hatteras Island
Midgett Realty is pleased to offer many homes that are "pet friendly" To ensure that every member of your family enjoys the best of Hatteras Island, please be mindful of the following:
- On Hatteras Island, dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, if they are restrained with a leash 6 feet or less.
- To ensure the continued enjoyment of our beaches, neighborhoods and homes, pet waste must be picked up and disposed of properly.
- At no time should a pet be left alone in the vacation rental home. If it is an emergency and you must leave them, pets must be placed in a crate-like container made for a pet.
Helpful hints for taking care of your pet at the beach:
- The sand can get very hot in the summer months, and your canine companion can burn his/her footpads; it's better to walk early in the morning or just before sunset when the sand is cool.
- Take twice as much water as they may drink normally
- Check for ticks at least once a day
- We suggest you remove them from the sun from noon to four o'clock on a sunny day.
- Rinse with a hose at the end of each day in which pet has been immersed in ocean or sound waters.
Ordinances and Regulations
Our posted speed limits are strictly enforced, so please slow down and enjoy your vacation.
Bonfires are permitted on the beach with the distance no further back from the water than the median high tide.
Jet skis may not be launched from any NPS land or waters. Jet skis can be launched only from private soundfront homes or public launches.
NC law does not permit passing on the right shoulder of any road.
The law requires that you turn on your headlights anytime it is necessary to use your windshield wipers.
Buckle up - it's the law. Please visit http://www.buckleupnc.org/laws_cps.cfm for information on North Carolina seatbelt laws.
The law requires that all motorcycles burn their headlights at all times and that the driver and passenger wear a helmet. No more than two persons are allowed to ride a motorcycle at the same time.
When riding a bicycle, ride with the traffic in designated bicycle lanes. Pedestrians should walk or jog against the traffic. For information about North Carolina bike helmet laws please visit buckleupnc.org.
Due to the soft, sandy soil conditions along roadsides, please do not pull your car off the road onto the shoulder unless you are in a 4-wheel drive vehicle. You may get stuck and need to be towed.
All fireworks are illegal on Hatteras Island and are subject to stiff fines as well as confiscation of goods. Possessing fireworks of any kind, including sparklers, on any of Midgett Realty's managed properties are grounds for eviction.
If you are vacationing during the time the sea oats are in bloom, please enjoy their beauty. However, do not pick them. They are protected by federal law and they protect our dunes from erosion. On-the-spot tickets for up to $500 will be written by the National Park Service for violators.
Recycling
In 2007 we began our recycling program with 140 homes in the Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo area. That summer, approximately 30 tons of recyclables were diverted from area landfills. The success of Hatteras Island and Dare County’s first curbside recycling project spurred us to add a number of homes in the Avon area for the 2008 rental season. Success! Approximately 57 tons of recyclables were collected. It is with great pride that we announce that for 2009 we will provide curbside recycling for our entire rental inventory.
As stewards of the island we call home, we realize it is our responsibility to divert as much of the estimated 5,500 tons of waste produced on Hatteras Island between May and September of each year. As guests’ of Midgett Realty and its homeowners, we encourage you to make the effort along with us by taking a few minutes of your precious vacation time to utilize this program to eliminate unnecessary landfill waste.
If you have more recycling than will fit in the provided bin, please take a few minutes out of your vacation to drop your recyclable materials off at one of the following locations:
Rodanthe - Waves - Salvo: Rodanthe Harbor (Just north of the Rodanthe Community Center). Open 24 Hours.
Buxton: Behind RBC Centura Bank and Dare County Health Department on Buxton Back Road. 8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday; 8:30 am to Noon on Saturday.
Conservation
Please help us protect our delicate environment by being conscious of your water and energy consumption while visiting the Outer Banks. You can assist us by:
Closing all windows and doors in the cottage if the heat or air conditioning is on
Turning off lights and appliances when they aren't in use (including outdoor lighting)
Washing only full loads in the dishwasher/washing machine
Not allowing water to run freely while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing up
Reporting any water leaks, dripping faucets or running toilets to your check-in office
Things to Bring
In addition to linens, some other items you should bring are:
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Paper products
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Cleaning supplies (laundry/dishwasher detergent)
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Food items (especially favorite condiments)
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Beach towels and toys
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DVDs and games
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Flashlight
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Charcoal & lighter fluid for grills
Cash & traveler's checks (personal checks are rarely accepted on the island, although there are a few ATMs to choose from)
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Calling card
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Toiletries, medicines, sunscreen
Errors and Omissions
We have made every effort to provide accurate information. However, we are not responsible for errors, omissions, equipment failure, or changes in rates or amenities.
Our area is prone to nor'easters and other storms, which may change the beach (and sound) topography. Boardwalks & docks, if damaged, may not be permitted by Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) regulations, to be repaired or rebuilt. Occasionally, the sand dune may be closer to the oceanfront homes in order to protect them. This may cover previously built boardwalks and walkways, and require you to cross a larger dune. If you or anyone in your family has specific needs with regard to beach access, please notify the reservation agent when booking your vacation. Due to conditions beyond the control of Midgett Realty, photos may not accurately represent the design of boardwalks, steps, decks, docks, gazebos and ramps adjacent to the ocean or sound.
Cell Phone Service
Cell phones: Foreign (outside of the US) cell phone service typically does not work in the Outer Banks. The service for Nextel, Sprint and T-Mobile users has proven to be somewhat spotty in the past several years. Hatteras Island does have a few dead zones where no cell phone service is available. If you are dependent on staying in phone contact with your family or business back home, one suggestion is to buy an inexpensive long-distance phone card on the way here, just in case you need it.
Emergencies
Hatteras Island offers 911 service, two medical clinics, a physician on call 24 hours and "Medevac" helicopter and ambulance services to hospitals in Nags Head, Chesapeake, Va. and Elizabeth City, N.C. For more information on the Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, visit theouterbankshospital.com. Water safety handouts are available at all of our offices. Surf advisories are broadcast on local radio stations and the cable weather channel.
Emergency phone numbers:
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Emergency Medical / Fire / Police |
911 |
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Sheriff's Department, Non-emergency |
252-473-3444 |
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Health East Family Care - Hatteras |
252-986-2756 |
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Health East Family Care - Avon |
252-995-3073 |
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Hatteras Island Family Medicine |
252-995-3900 |
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Outer Banks Hospital - Nags Head |
252-449-4500 |
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Regional Medical Center - Kitty Hawk |
252-261-9000 |
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Beach Pharmacy - Hatteras |
252-986-2400 |
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Beach Pharmacy - Avon |
252-995-3811 |
Walgreen's Pharmacy - Nags Head |
252-441-4849 |
CVS Pharmacy - Nags Head |
252-441-3633 |
Power Outage - Cape Hatteras Electric Co-op |
866-511-9862 |
Water Outage - Dare County Water Dept. |
252-475-5812 |
US Coast Guard - Hatteras Inlet |
252-986-2175 |
National Park Service - Buxton |
252-995-4474 |
Ship Shape Club
Many of our homes are members of our "Ship Shape Club". This is a program designed to recognize homes, no matter what size, price range, or how recently built, whose owners have strived to maximize the rental potential through care, decor, furnishings and ample amenities to provide for peak rental enjoyment. Owners have volunteered to provide the necessary equipment and services. After an annual inspection, if all of the criteria are met, the homes are rewarded with the Ship Shape designation.
Please note that owners have been asked to provide certain "required items", which includes high-speed Internet access, but cannot predict the desires of every guest. If something seems to be missing from the home, please let your check-in office know. If it is not on the required inventory list, it may not be provided, but we will deliver any suggestions to the owner.
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Simply stated, once you have entered into a contract to rent a property, you are binding yourself to that property for that time. There should be no expectation of compensation or relocation because you don't like the property or something in the property isn't working to your satisfaction. Unlike a hotel, we cannot relocate you without specific authorization from the cottage owner. As previously stated, we will make every effort to correct any malfunctions or problems encountered, but no refunds should be expected. The owner or Midgett Realty reserves the right to cancel a confirmed reservation (with good reason) at any time prior to taking occupancy of the property. In the event this should occur, agent will refund all monies on account. |
Any questions? Call your check-in office. Have a safe trip - we can't wait to welcome you here!
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