Check In and Check Out Procedures

Our Prime Rental Season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to Columbus Day.  The balance of the year is considered off-season. Check-in time varies anywhere from 2:00 - 4:00 pm (check-in time is set by the owner) and check-out is 10:00 am.  You will be notified before arrival of your check in details and times. Homestead does not control the owners check-in time or preference.  Linen delivery and pick-up are included in the price of your linen order.*  

Check-in: Follow these tips to keep you moving quickly on the way to your rental:

• Pull into the parking lot in front of our office, which is located at 502 Bank Street in Cape May. 
• Come into the office and give us the last name on your reservation. That is all the information we need to access your welcome packet and check-in details.  
  
• If your ordered linens during the prime rental season they will be waiting for you at your rental property. 

If there are any problems, please notify us immediately BEFORE moving in, or as soon as the problem becomes apparent using the text messaging communication system whose number is 609-566-9579. We are unable to give you our best service if you notify us of a problem when you check-out.

Check-out: On your departure date your rental property must be vacated, and keys returned no later than 10:00 am**. If you picked up your keys from the office they must be returned to the office.  If you received the keys from an electronic lockbox they must be returned to the lockbox. Here are a few reminders about your departure from your rental property and our check-out process.
Please coordinate your departure to ensure that the following minimum check-out requirements for your rental property are met:

• Remove all the trash from the interior of the home and place in the proper receptacles.
• Remove all of your personal items and your food from the fridge and freezer. Dishes should be clean and put away. The items most often left behind are pillow cases. Please keep this in mind when packing linens.
• Vacuum.
• Wipe down tabletops, sinks, counter tops, fridge, freezer, shower/bathtubs and toilets.
• Return furniture to original position, put bedspreads/comforters and pillows back on the beds if applicable.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Individual owners may have additional guidelines posted for you that are specific to their home. These items may be AC settings etc., but please call us with any questions.

Homestead Real Estate is not responsible for any personal belongings left in your rental property. In the case that Homestead is able to recover such items, the fee to return them is $35 plus the cost of postage.

 If you are checking out between 9:00 and 10:00 am*: (during the season)

If you used our linen service put the linen bags, with the used linens, in the same location the bags were placed at check-in*.

If you received your keys from an electronic lockbox please return the keys to the lockbox**. If you came to our office to pick up your keys please drive to our office and park in the front parking lot of our building. Come into our office to return your rental keys**.

If you wish to reserve your same property for next year complete and turn in your green rebooking form with your rental keys or by using our Digital Guestbook.

If you are checking out before 9:00 am*: (during the season)

If you used our linen service put the linen bags, with the used linens, in the same location the bags were placed at check-in*.

If you received your keys from an electronic lockbox please return the keys to the lockbox**. If you came to our office to pick up your keys please drive to our office and drop your keys in one of the key drop boxes located on either side of our front office door**. 

If you wish to reserve your same property for next year complete and turn in your green rebooking form with your rental keys or by using our Digital Guestbook.

Off Season check out*: If you received your keys from an electronic lockbox please return the keys to the lockbox**. If you came to our office to pick up your keys please drop your keys** in one of the key drop boxes located on either side of our front office door.  If you opted for our linen service put the linen bags, with the used linens, in the same location the bags were placed at check-in*.

* There will be a $250 fee charged if the proper linen procedures are not followed. The most common missing linen items are blankets, a top or bottom sheet and kitchen towels. Guests will be charged for ANY missing items. Please go through each room carefully prior to departure and check for any linens. Remember, your credit card will automatically be charged for any missing linen package items.

** There will be a $250 fee charged for any keys not returned.

Accidental Forgiveness Fee

Homestead is excited to offer a convenient Accidental Forgiveness Fee option in place of the traditional security deposit. For a one time (non-refundable) fee, you will be protected against accidental damages to your rental property equal to the amount of the property security deposit. You pay the one time fee with your final payment and DO NOT have to pay a refundable security deposit. This allows more funds to be freed up for your vacation fun!

Note: The amount of your Accidental Forgiveness Fee is listed in the payment schedule of your lease. For reference, 1-2 bedroom properties are $100.00, 3-4 bedroom are $150.00,  5-7 bedroom are $250.00 and 8 or more bedroom are $300.00.

The Accidental Forgiveness Fee is coverage not to exceed the amount of the security deposit that is attached to the property. For example, if a 3 bedroom property carries a $500 security deposit, the $150.00 one time accidental forgiveness fee will cover accidental damages up to the amount of $500. Tenant may be held liable for damages exceeding the amount of the property security deposit. While heavy cleaning/sanitizing is not required upon departure, you are expected to leave the property in the condition in which you found it. Vacating a property and leaving it excessively dirty is not acceptable and may result in charges for additional cleaning. The Accidental Forgiveness Fee DOES NOT cover any additional cleaning charges.

Please Respect Your Rental Property

You will find our homes` decor and furnishings reflect the owners` personal taste. Enjoy your vacation rental but remember you are a guest. Please don`t leave any unpleasant memories or mess from your stay for others to handle. Each vacation home is privately owned and managed and has been furnished and equipped to meet basic vacation needs, but no two homes are alike. Occupancy is limited to number shown in the lease, which is strictly enforced. 

Please respect any locked areas within your rental home, which are reserved for the owner`s storage of their private property. These areas are not included in the rental.