Things You'll Need:
- Computer with Internet access
- Funds for rental
- Copy of the rental agreement
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Step 1
Start looking early. The best shore rentals get scooped up early. You should start looking for a rental house at the very beginning of January. This is when most listings will be posted online. Go to realtor websites in the towns that you are interested in staying at (for example, Stone Harbor, NJ or Ocean City, MD). Request information online or call the realtor directly to confirm availability. The Internet makes it easy to compare prices, check available rental weeks and view pictures of houses offered for rent.
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Step 2
Check out all the details. The photos of the house you like may look great, but it also may be 10 blocks from the beach. If being closer to the beach is your priority, then you may want to find another house. Good websites will have maps showing where the house is in relation to the beach. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, ensure that the house isn’t built right next to a noisy nightclub. Generally, rental prices are more expensive if they are on a beach block. You should weigh the pros and cons of price versus location.
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Step 3
Be prepared to pay at least half of the rent and security deposit up front. Once you find a place that you want to rent, the realtor or owner will likely send you a contract to sign. You will also be required to send in a deposit, usually the equivalent of half the rent and a security deposit. If you do not send the deposit payment in quickly (usually within 5 days), the realtor reserves the right to put the property listing back up and your contract will not be honored.
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Step 4
Follow the rules. Before you check into the house, make sure you read the rental agreement carefully. Owners often stipulate that trash and recycling must be taken outside, and that basic cleaning must be done before you vacate the house. If the lease clearly says “No pets” then be sure and leave Fido at home. Any broken rules can result in you forfeiting your security deposit.
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Step 5
Secure the place for the next year up front. If, after renting a place, you like it enough to rent it the following year, ask the realtor or owner for first dibs on it. Renters are often happy to give you an ongoing rental each year (usually for the same week). They know it’s hard to find good tenants, so if you turn out to be a good renter then they will be more than happy to notify you the following year when the rental becomes available again. You may even be able to ask them to roll your current year’s security deposit over into next year.
