Guest Frequently Asked Questions

We found a rental, what’s next?

We speak with each tenant before we confirm a reservation with the owner. This gives you the opportunity to ask us questions and clarify your requests before we proceed. If you have identified the home you would like to plan your vacation at and have yet to reach out, be sure to do so. The best way to contact our team is by phone or email at: 508.255.7100 or caperentals@gibsonsir.com. We look forward to speaking with you soon.

Arrival Information

Check In – 4:00 pm
Check Out – 10:00 am

Once booked, arrival information specific to your vacation rental will be provided within the Guest Portal.

I want to check-in early. Why don’t you allow that?

We realize you are eager to get your vacation started, but we maintain a strict policy of no check-ins before 4:00 pm. This allows our cleaning crews and other service personnel the time they need to ensure the property in which you are staying is clean and prepared for your stay.

Departure Procedures

Our departure time is 10 AM. Please be considerate of our cleaning and inspection teams, who need time to thoroughly clean and prepare the home for the next guests.

Accommodations

All of our properties are privately owned and reflect the individual tastes of each owner. The Property Information Sheet has been completed by the Owner and is intended to provide you with an accurate description of the property and furnishings, although the information is deemed reliable, it is not guaranteed. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty Vacation Rentals is not responsible for any misinformation, or typographical errors and shall be held harmless. In addition, if you do not personally inspect the premises prior to signing a Tenant Agreement, you agree to accept the rental property as is upon arrival and you will not be entitled to any refund of rental moneys and will have no claim or recourse against the Rental Agent. Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty Vacation Rentals highly recommends previewing any property prior to signing a Short Term Rental Agreement.

Will my rental have an internet connection:?

Most of our properties do have internet connectivity, but be sure to check the property description for your specific rental. Virtually all libraries on the Cape offer high speed internet, as do many cafes and restaurants. Some towns, such as Orleans, also offer an abundance of Wi-Fi hotspots.

Home Setup and Amenities

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained herein with regard to bed sizes and home amenities, it is not warranted and may be changed, or replaced with a similar item in the household. Please note that although individual needs and tastes vary, we will be unable to make other arrangements when you arrive should you decide not to stay at your confirmed rental home

Are linens and towels included with any rental?

All homes are equipped with bed coverings such as a coverlet or comforter, mattress pads and pillows.

Linens such as bed sheets, bath towels and beach towels can be rented at time of booking or at a later date through linen services that we work with if your vacation rental does not provide these items. If you are unsure your vacation rental includes linens please reach out to us or access the Guest Portal.

If you have booked a vacation rental with us and would like to place a linen rental order or read more information on the service please click on this link Linen Rental.Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty’s team will also be happy to help you process the order. Cape Cod Linen Rentals will then contact you to confirm the order and take a credit card as payment. You may bring your own sheets and towels as well. The individual owner of your vacation rental will supply pillows and blankets for all beds.

Cleaning

Providing a clean and well maintained Cape Cod Vacation Rental Home has always been our top priority for our guests and owners. Each home is professionally cleaned prior to arrival. You are responsible for basic cleaning (e.g. broom swept floors and vacuumed carpets, all counter tops wiped down, refrigerator emptied), leaving the property in the same similar condition as when you arrived. Additional charges will apply for any cleaning over and beyond the basic cleaning, this fee will be determined by rental agent.

Note: Each home has its own independent cleaner that is employed by the owner of this home. The Cleaners have been provided with the latest Cleaning Policies for Vacation Rental Homes based on the current VRMA/VRHP, EPA and CDC guidelines. Special attention will be given to the disinfection and sanitization of “high touch surfaces” such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, all knobs and handles, desks, toilets, faucets, TV remotes etc. Cleaners will be using products that have been approved under the EPA guidelines.

What if I Have A Cleaning Issue

Contact us within 24 hours upon arrival: with any cleaning issues, we will then contact the cleaners to schedule them to come back. If we do not hear from you, we can’t help you!

Is Departure Cleaning Included With My Reservation?

Departure cleaning is performed between each guest stay . Simply follow our basic check out instructions (take out the trash, clean and put away all dishwater, etc) and there will be no extra charges. If the home is left in poor condition and requires extra time to clean the extra cleaning fees will be billed to your credit card.

Can I bring a Pet?

While many of our properties adhere to a strict “No Pets” policy, a select number of our homes welcome dogs and are advertised as “Pet Friendly. This will be specifically noted on each property’s information page and you may be asked to sign an additional pet addendum to your rental agreement. Any guest found with a pet in a property that is not pet friendly will be required to vacate the premises without refund. This is strictly enforced. Pet Damage is the sole responsibility of the guest. Most of our pet friendly homes do have a non refundable pet fee please note that “Pet Friendly” refers to Dogs only.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any of our properties or surrounding areas. Any evidence of smoking will result in immediate termination of tenancy without refund and guests will be liable for any damages and charged to the credit card on file.

Lost Items

Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty is not responsible for lost, stolen, or forgotten items. Shipping costs will be at guests’ expense.

Beach Chairs

Beach chairs are often available at our homes. We cannot guarantee the quantity or the shape they will be in – people do leave them behind from time to time so there may be some for your use–again we cannot guarantee this. If you’re driving to the Cape always best to put a couple in your car- If not, There are many stores in the area such as the Stop & Shop, Christmas Tree Shops, Ocean State Job Lot, CVS etc. that sell them very inexpensively. Bringing a Beach Blanket is recommended as well.

Are Beach Passes included with my rental?

Beach Passes are not included with your rental. Linked here you will find the information on how to obtain beach passes for each of the Cape towns.

Hot Tub and Pool Policies

Use of pools and hot tubs at own risk. Pools are generally open from Memorial Day weekend until just after Labor Day weekend. In renting a property with a pool or hot tub the guest will hold harmless owner/Gibson SIR for any injuries or loss. Guest is responsible for any damages to equipment, spa cover spa surfaces.

Cape Cod Summer Temperatures, Bugs and Humidity

During peak summer, it can get very hot and humid on the Cape. Most of our rental homes offer either Central Air, Mini Ductless splits A/C’s or window A/C’s to help keep you comfortable during your stay.

Mold does exist on Cape Cod so if you have a condition that may be affected by this we strongly recommend that you book a home that is equipped with A/C. NOTE- Even homes with A/C cannot prevent mold.

Weather Conditions, Traffic and Other Inconveniences

We are not responsible for weather conditions or any other “Acts of God” which may result in the loss of water, electricity, heat or A/C ETC.

Cape Cod is a growing community and there is a chance that your property may be near some construction. Noise or altered views due to construction or road works are beyond our control. Refunds, discounts, substitutions, or cancellations cannot be made due to nearby construction projects, traffic, neighboring properties, insects or any other circumstances beyond our control.

What to Bring

Gibson SIR vacation rentals are equipped with furniture and furnishings such as: pillows, bedspreads, blankets, pots, pans, dishes, and flatware unless otherwise stated. In addition, owners will provide a “starter amount” of toilet paper and paper towels.

We recommend that you bring the following items with you, or buy them when you arrive.

  • Linens & Towels unless property is listed as providing them
  • Groceries
  • Coffee and Coffee Filters
  • Condiments
  • Paper Towels
  • Napkins
  • Garbage Bags
  • Soaps (hand soap, dish detergent and dish soap)
  • All purpose cleaner
  • Specialty cooking items (such as waffle iron, Crock pot, etc.)
  • Foils, wraps and baggies
  • Laundry detergent
  • Toilet Paper
  • Personal toiletries such as shampoo
  • Personal appliances such as hair dryers
  • Extra blankets and pillows if desired
  • Pool or beach towels
  • Beach chairs (if desired)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Items for your dog (if applicable)
We’ve reserved a condo at Ocean Edge. Why are you asking for the names of all the people in our party?

Ocean Edge Resort requires that we register all people in your party in order to issue individual passes for use of the Resort facilities. If the owner of the unit you’ve rented has the appropriate membership, you will be issued pool passes. We will be sending you our application for pool passes with your lease.

What if I have to cancel my reservation?

If the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bans short-term rentals, you would receive a full refund. Otherwise, our standard cancellation policy is in effect:

In the event of cancellation for any reason, please contact us immediately followed by in writing. Written notice of cancellation must be accompanied by payment of a $295 cancellation fee to Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, which may be charged to a credit card.  Upon Notice of Cancellation, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty will endeavor to find a substitute tenant.  In the event a substitute tenant is found, monies paid in advance will be refunded, less a 20% service fee of the total rental amount due.  You herein acknowledge that you will only be entitled to a rebate only if you give written notice, pay the cancellation fee and the property is re-rented for the same terms and conditions of the original Agreement. For your protection, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty recommends the purchase of Optional Travel Insurance provided by CSA. In  the event the property does not rent for the same terms, all Guest payments for the entire agreement amount are due and forfeited to the owner.

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