FAQ

Renters

• I just booked my property. What happens next?

  Great! We are looking forward to hosting you at one of our beautiful properties. You should have already received your confirmation email. As outlined, we will automatically charge your card for any remaining payments (if applicable). Prior to your stay, you will receive a welcome email from Unsalted Vacations with your check-in code and detailed check-in information.

• Where do I go to check-in to my property?

  You may go directly to the property! Upon arrival, you will be able to use the secure key code provided in your arrival instructions. Remember, check-in is at 4 PM so please give our housekeeping staff the time they need to ensure the property is ready for your stay.

• What time can I check-in?

  While we allow guests to check-in any time after 4 PM, we encourage all guests to arrive between 4 PM and 7 PM. Should you have any issues with your rental upon check in, an arrival time between 4 PM and 7 PM allows us to address most issues right away. Although we do have phone staff available, any arrival time after 7 PM typically means non-emergency issues will not be handled until the following morning.

• What is your policy regarding cancellations?

  We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance. The following cancellation policy applies for all cancellation reasons including those related to weather, work schedules, health issues, travel problems, and any other reason that would prevent you from making the trip. The cancellation policy, which is in The Unsalted Vacations Rental Agreement you signed when you booked, is as follows:

  OFFICIAL CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • 100% refund (less a $300 cancellation fee and VRBO service fee) if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
  • 50% refund (less a $300 cancellation fee and VRBO service fee) if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
  • No refund if you cancel less than 30 days before the reservation date.

  Again, please consider trip insurance to protect your investment.

  Should you need to cancel your reservation with less than 30 days notice prior to the date of your arrival, you will forfeit all funds paid to date. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that will cover your entire trip in the event of unplanned circumstances.

• I am concerned that weather will negatively impact my trip. Do you offer refunds, vouchers, or credits in the event of inclement weather or snow? Where can I buy traveler’s insurance?

  Unsalted Vacations does not offer weather refunds, vouchers, or credits of any type. However, we do recommend that travelers purchase travel insurance, which does have weather protection. Please contact one of our reservationists at 833-734-0090 for help purchasing trip protection.

• What should I do if there is a maintenance or cleaning issue when I check-in at the property?

  When you arrive at the property (or within the first 24 hours), please make us aware of any maintenance or cleaning issues you feel will negatively impact the duration of your stay. Email us at help@unsaltedvacations.com or call us at (616) 224-0005. We will work promptly to address all of your concerns to your satisfaction, so you can have a great vacation!

• Is my property equipped with a full-size refrigerator? Will it cool all of my food properly?

  Each one of our vacation rentals is equipped with a full-size fridge and it will cool all of your food properly. However, it is important to note that an empty fridge filled with food will react very differently than your refrigerator at home (your fridge at home doesn’t start out empty and then get filled with warm food all at once). Here are some tips to ensure you don’t encounter any issues:

  1. Be aware that it may take between 12 to 24 hours for a refrigerator to adequately cool down, especially if a large volume of food and beverages are added all at once. Please allow time for the refrigerator to get cool prior to calling our office for an unnecessary service call.
  2. Turning the refrigerator up to high will not help. Instead, make sure the temperature setting is about one number above half way for the refrigerator and freezer to work properly.
  3. Do not stuff the fridge full of warm food and beverages for the first 12-18 hours. Only place necessary items that must (i.e. meat, dairy, frozen goods) be refrigerated immediately and allow them to cool. Gradually add soft drinks and other items that do not require immediate refrigeration (ignoring this recommendation is the number one reason for service calls).
  4. Keep the door shut. If you constantly open and close the door, it will not allow food, drinks, etc. to cool properly. If your refrigerator is still warm after 24 hours, please call us.

• Will my property be equipped with linens and towels upon arrival?

  Yes, every property is equipped with linens and bath towels. Each unit will have the same number of bath towels as the maximum occupancy. For example, if your property sleeps six, your unit will be equipped with a minimum of six towels. Since we do not provide daily housekeeping, these towels are not changed out mid-stay. Most units are equipped with a full-size washer and dryer unless they are not listed on the property’s amenity list.

• What will be stocked at the property upon my arrival?

  When you arrive at the property, you should find everything you need to get your vacation started. Here are a few of the items you will find:

  • Starter Roll of Toilet Paper in Each Bathroom
  • Starter Roll of Paper Towels in the Kitchen
  • Trash Bags
  • Dishwashing Soap, Dishwasher Detergent, and Laundry Detergent
  • Fresh Linens on Each Bed and for Alternate Bedding (i.e. Sofas/Futons)
  • Bath Towels (please bring your own beach towels!)

• How will the kitchen be stocked?

  The kitchen will be stocked with the following:

  • Pots and Pans
  • Plates and Cutlery
  • Refrigerator, Stove, Oven and Microwave
  • Blender, Toaster and Standard-Type (drip) Coffee Maker or Keurig

• Why are there Sugar Ants on the floor of the property? Was it cleaned? Is it treated for pests?

  Yes, every property is cleaned and inspected by a housekeeping supervisor. In addition, Unsalted Vacation rentals do take precautions with sprays and ant traps. But unfortunately, this can’t get rid of all the ants. Please make sure you keep your food in airtight containers or in the cabinets.

  While Unsalted Vacations has no control over sugar ants, we will do what we can to minimize their impact in your vacation home. Please keep in mind that a house can be spotlessly cleaned on the day of your arrival and the sugar ants will still find a way into the home.

• Is there anything I should pack?

  While the property is stocked with the starter amenities listed above, the property does not have daily housekeeping and the above items are not restocked or replenished during your stay. Most guests do pack the following:

  • Extra Toilet Paper, Trash Bags and Paper Towels
  • Beach Towels for Hot Tubs, Pools or the beach
  • Coffee or K-cups (for properties that list a Keurig)

  Additional items to consider:

  Kitchen:

  Specialty kitchen items including oil, sugar, spices, etc.
  Ziplock bags, Saran Wrap, Aluminum Foil
  Disposable Food Storage Containers
  Disposable Plates, Glasses and Utensils

  Technology:

  Phone Chargers
  TV Stick
  Portable Bluetooth Speaker (great for the Beach too!)

  For the Family:

  Plug-in Night Light
  Toys and Games
  Movies and a Portable DVD Player
  Pack & Play

  For Fun:

  Beach Bag
  Beach Towels
  Sand/Water Toys
  Beach Chairs and Umbrella
  Cooler
  Sunscreen
  Sunglasses
  Flip Flops
  Fishing Poles
  Bicycles
  Kayaks

• Will my property have daily housekeeping?

  Unlike a hotel, vacation rentals do not have daily housekeeping. This is due to the size of the homes (much larger than a typical 250-square-foot hotel room), how spread out properties are, and the time required to clean. While a hotel room takes 30 minutes to clean, a vacation rental can easily take a two-person crew 2-3 hours or longer. Since there is no daily housekeeping, amenities such as towels, soaps, paper towels, toilet paper, etc. are not restocked mid-stay.

• How do I find the Wi-Fi password for my unit?

  The Wi-Fi password is found in the pre-arrival email, and most routers will have the network name and password listed on the back of the box. If your pre-arrival email does not have network information, it means your unit is not equipped with the internet. WiFi network and password can also be found inside your unit in the Welcome Box Instructions.

• What if my Wi-Fi isn’t working?

  If you’ve lost the internet connection or have a slow connection, try restarting your router by following these steps:

  1. Unplug the power cord from the router
  2. Wait 30 seconds
  3. Reconnect the power cord to the router
  4. Wait two minutes to establish a connection

  If you are still having trouble, check the bottom of the router for the network name and password. Then, double check you are entering it correctly. While we understand that experiencing a technical difficulty with Wi-Fi can be frustrating, we are unable to diagnose an issue other than by walking through the steps outlined above. If the above steps do not correct the problem, we recommend calling the service provider so they can diagnose the problem.

• What if I have an issue while I am at the property?

  If you have an issue, please call our 24/7 guest hotline at (616) 224-0005, then press #3 at the prompt. After hours calls will be transferred to our emergency message system. If you are having an emergency issue after hours, please leave us a detailed voice message or send an email to help@unsaltedvacations.com with your name, unit name, call back number and the nature of your issue. Our on-call service agent will get back to you shortly.

• Can I bring my dog or pet to the property?

  Pets of all sizes and types are strictly prohibited at all rental properties unless the property is expressly marketed and listed as a pet-friendly property. Any guests that bring pets into a non-pet friendly cabin will be subject to additional cleaning fees and any associated HOA fees.

• Can I host a party at the property?

  Our expectation is that whatever you choose to do during your stay you are respectful of both the property and the surrounding neighbors. Not everyone is vacationing in the homes and condos you are staying in, so we ask that you are courteous and mindful of those around you.

  Most properties have limited parking and guests of guests will need to find alternative parking so driveways or roads are not blocked. Parking on grass and in front of neighboring homes is prohibited.

  We strictly enforce quiet hours from 10PM until 8AM. During this time, we ask that you refrain from playing loud music and keep noise and play to a minimum.

  Please note that if neighbors complain about the amount of cars at a property, the noise level or any disorderly conduct, we will contact you and ask you to disband your gathering.

• Can I bring fireworks?

  According to Michigan law, you are only allowed to shoot off fireworks the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday.

  Should your stay fall during a holiday, please remember to be a good neighbor and respect the Unsalted Vacations quiet hours of 10PM to 8AM. Be sure to practice safe fireworks handling and remember to clean up after yourself.

• What is the difference between the Non-Refundable Damage Fee and a traditional damage deposit?

  All guests will be charged a non-refundable damage fee waiver. If you have made a reservation online and paid for a non-refundable damage fee, no further action is necessary.

  Non-Refundable Damage Fee:

  This covers up to $1200 of expenses associated with accidental damage that is self-reported prior to check-out. This fee is non-refundable but provides you peace-of-mind that accidental damages (up to $1200) will not be charged to your account.

• What should I do if I break something during my stay?

  In the event that damage occurs to either the property or the contents of the property, it is your responsibility to report such damages to Unsalted Vacations. But don’t stress! This is the exact reason you purchased a damage waiver.

  Please document all damage with photos and send a description of the damage and the circumstances to help@unsaltedvacations.com. It is also a good idea to follow up with a phone call to our office at (616) 224-0005.

  If the damage is an urgent matter but not an emergency, such as water leaking, please take all necessary steps to ensure further damage does not occur. Then, call Unsalted Vacations at (616) 224-0005.

  If the damage is an emergency, such as a fire, please dial 911 and immediately call our Unsalted Vacations Emergency line at (616) 224-0005

Property Owners

• How do I know if my property would perform well as a vacation rental?

  Unsalted Vacations is happy to come out for a no-cost, no-pressure walkthrough and consultation. We will evaluate your property based on a variety of factors, including the location, the desirability of the area, the size and capacity, its proximity to local attractions and amenities, along with local regulations and compliance. We will ask questions to better understand your situation, goals, and expectations. Then, following a tour of the property and considering all of the above factors, we will recommend whether or not the property is a good fit for our rental program.

• How much routine maintenance should I expect with my property?

  It’s critical for owners to have realistic expectations in regards to wear and tear of the property. Normal wear and tear is expected whenever there are occupants on the property. Our job is to help limit this as much as possible, but it is quite simply unavoidable. You should expect to clean carpets, touch up paint, and occasionally replace broken dishes from time to time.

• Why should I choose Unsalted Vacations, versus managing the property myself or hiring another management company?

  At Unsalted Vacations, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of the curve with technology that allows us to market your property in new and exciting ways—ways that rise above the competition. This includes high-quality photography, drone video and photography, 3D scans and walkthroughs, a dynamic web platform that allows you real-time access to rental calendars, and more! We work with you to install technology that will maximize efficiencies, provide added safety and security, and more. By using Wi-Fi or cellular lock systems and thermostat systems, we increase the protection for your property while also staying energy-efficient and reducing property expenses. Our entire team is always on the lookout for the latest, most innovative technologies and platforms on the market, so we can remain one step ahead in the industry.

• When is the best time of year to add my property into the Unsalted Vacations’ rental portfolio?

  We add listings year round, but the most optimal time to add any property is in the fall. This allows us to have a full booking season posted and marketed for the entire calendar year. It also allows our team to fully focus on the on-boarding process during slower rental seasons to bring shorter turnaround times. The odds of having a successful first rental summer are dramatically better with at least 3-6 months marketing time before the peak season in June, making the best time to add in a property between October and March of any given fall or winter.

• What services are included in “rental management”?

  Unsalted Vacations manages all aspects of the property as it pertains to the vacation rentals themselves. This means we handle all of the following: marketing and advertising of the property; all paperwork matters and financial ins and outs (including use tax collection and payments); visitors bureau assessment collection and payments; cleaning fee collection and payments; owner payouts through direct deposit (preferred method) or monthly checks; oversight of renters during their stay (including face-to-face interactions and check-ins); responding promptly to concerns or issues during a renters stay; a thorough inventory of any damages that may occur during a stay; and all other renter interactions. We also provide high-quality cleaning services between renters and inspect the property for any damages, excessive wear and tear, or any items that might be missing. Unsalted Vacations offers protection from liability and expense and encourages renters to purchase a damage waiver policy that safeguards a property from accidental damages. Renters are obligated to sign a contract where they acknowledge responsibility for any damages that do occur during their stay.

• What is considered the property owner’s responsibility?

  Unsalted Vacations will only handle maintenance items for the property if they become necessary immediately prior to or during a renter’s stay. For instance, if no renters are booked throughout the winter, we would not be responsible for any oversight or maintenance of the property during that downtime. The property owner is responsible for all regular or preventative maintenance and will be involved in the event that any major maintenance is necessary (i.e. repairs or replacement of HVAC systems, appliance repair or replacement, plumbing or electrical needs or emergencies, etc.) It is also the owner’s responsibility to pay all utilities and coordinate lawn care services or snow removal. We do help coordinate with vendors and subcontractors, and we do offer simple maintenance services, but these would all be handled on a case-by-case basis. Any of these additional associated costs fall under the owner’s responsibility.

• What is the best strategy for off-season rentals?

  There are a number of variables that will determine the best strategy for you and your property during the non-peak months of September through May. Unsalted Vacations will gladly discuss your options with you during our free property consultation. Typically, we find that a combination of short-term rentals in the summer and a longer term placement in the off-season months will generate the highest income for the property owner. However, this doesn’t take into account all of the variables that exist, such as desire for personal use, the viability and expense of leaving cottage-type properties open through the winter months, etc. Whatever our recommended approach may be, it will be tailored around your needs and goals!

• What if we want to use the property for ourselves?

  Most of our clients do enjoy personal use of the properties—and we absolutely understand and encourage it! However, there must be enough availability for Unsalted Vacations to market, sell, and maintain a profitable and sustainable partnership for both sides.

• How do you screen renters to protect our property?

  In short, there isn’t much we can do in terms of screening. Any type of selective decision-making may be misconstrued as discrimination. However, we can establish a maximum occupancy and a minimum age requirement for the primary renter. Yet still, in the history of our company and out of the thousands of rentals we’ve counted as our properties, we assure you that we’ve had tremendous success attracting responsible guests. Even more, we’re always encouraged by how much our guests care for the properties they are staying in. Many renters will try a property once, love the experience, and return year after year!

• How does Unsalted Vacations get compensated for services?

  We offer our services in exchange for a commission based on the gross rental rate. This commission covers all of the services outlined above and is simply deducted from owner rental income deposits or checks, along with a full statement showing the activity that corresponds to the pay out. Quite simply, if we don’t place renters and impress them enough to come back and stay with us, we don’t get paid. If you are successful, we are successful, so we thrive on this model as we truly take pride in earning our keep!

• What are the next steps in getting signed up with Unsalted Vacations?

  Reach out! Let’s talk about your property and get to know each other. We care about you and your story—and we know you care about your property. So let’s chat and see if Unsalted Vacations may be a fit for you. Send us a message with your contact information, and one of our representatives will promptly get back to you.