Frequently Asked Questions


How Do I Make A Reservation?

Our helpful and knowledgeable Vacation Specialists are available from 8:00AM – 4:00PM daily to help you find the perfect vacation home for your group, and to assist you with the booking process. If you need additional help, feel free to call or email us from our website.

You can make your reservation online from our website by clicking the Book Now button found in the Cottage listings.  


What if I need to cancel?

Cancellation/ Transfer:  Tenant agrees that this lease or property may not be assigned or sublet, even to a member of the lease holders family.  Breach shall result in termination of this lease. 
Cancellation requests must be made in writing no less than thirty (30) days before the scheduled check-in date. 

No refund will be given for timely cancellation requests unless the Property is re-rented for the period in which Tenant had agreed to rent the Property pursuant to this Agreement.  If the Property is re-rented for the same rental amount, all money prepaid will be refunded except the twenty percent (20%) and a $150.00 cancellation fee charged by Agent.  If the Property is re-rented for a rental amount less than the rental amount the refund will be reduced by the difference between the rental amount set forth herein, plus the the twenty percent (20%) administration fee and the cancellation fee of $150.00, and the amount actually received. If a reservation is timely cancelled and the Property is not re-rented for the period in which Tenant had agreed to rent the Property, all advance payments, shall be kept by the Agent to cover its damages. If Tenant makes a cancellation request within thirty (30) days of the scheduled check-in date, Tenant shall not be entitled to any refund, shall remain liable for all sums due and owing pursuant to this Agreement, and Agent shall be under no obligation to attempt to re-rent the Property.  For customers that book on VRBO/Homeaway: Travelers who cancel at least 60 days before check-in will get back 100% of the amount they’ve paid. If they cancel after that point, they will not get a refund. For customers that book on Air BNB: Cancellation policy Strict: Full refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of booking, if the check-in date is at least 14 days away. 50% refund for cancellations made at least 7 days before check-in. No refunds for cancellations made within 7 days of check-in. 

 

Refunds: Refunds will not be given for any act of God, early departure for any reason including an emergency, disruption of utility services, or maintenance problems, including but not limited to air-conditioning, appliances, or television failure. No amenities are guaranteed.

 

We will do everything possible to re-rent your unit so that we may refund some money to you.

What Time is Check In?

Normal check in time is between 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm.

We will call you as soon as the house is ready. We do not hold our house’s until check in time, we release them to you as soon as we find out that the house is ready. Please do not enter the house until we call you. Every house has key less entry except for Four Winds #1 and Four Winds #2. Both house’s has a lock box located by the front door. We will email all customer’s at least one week before your arrival date with the address and codes. We will also email you again on the day of check in just to make sure that you have it. You can park at the house after 1pm. Please do not go inside until we call you. If your house has a pool you are more than welcome to enjoy it until the house is ready. 

What Time is Check Out?

Check out time is 10:00 a.m.  Please leave your keys in the lock box at the house (Four Winds #1 and Four Winds #2).

Where Do I Pick Up My Keys if I Arrive Later Than 4:00PM?

If you are staying at Four Winds #1 or Four Winds #2 your key will be in the lock box at the cottage. All other cottages are key less entry. 

Late check in will only be granted if we have received your signed Rental Agreement and your balance has been paid in full. 

What Should I Do if I Want to Check-Out Early?

Please call the office so that we know that you are leaving. 

What Is the Address and Phone Number of My Vacation Home?

Your property’s address will be provided to you in your Confirmation letter. You can also find the address for your Nags Head vacation home at the top of the property detail page on this website.

Do I Need to Clean Before Check-Out?

We ask that our guests leave the home in a similar condition as it was found. Please sweep floors, wash all dishes , remove all food and trash, and lock all doors and windows.  Don’t forget to pick up pet waste.

Please strip your beds and place your linens at the lowest entry-way of the cottage. We’ll pick them up from there!

While at your cottage, please pick up pet waste in and around the yard daily and put it in the outdoor trash container. Any pet waste left on the property will incur an extra fee.

What Should I Do if I Leave an Item Behind at The Vacation Home?

We are not responsible for items left behind.  You may contact us at (252) 441-5005 to find out if our Housekeepers are able to locate your missing item. Found items can be shipped to your home address, providing you give us a valid credit card to use for paying shipping charges.

What Do I Do if I Have Internet or Cable Issues?

Due to the remote location of our area, issues with internet and/or cable may occur. To troubleshoot these issues, first check to make sure the correct cords are properly plugged in. For Wi-Fi issues, unplug the Ethernet cord from the router.  Wait 5 minutes to let it reset.  Then plug it back in.  Shut down your computer or internet device and restart so that it can re-establish IP address with Wi-Fi. If you continue to have problems call our office at 252-441-5005.

For easier access by our guests, we have set up most of our houses with “unsecured internet”.   You will not need a password at these houses.

If a password is needed, the password is printed on the back of your Router.  Please be considerate of future guests.  Do not add or change the password.

Are Linens Provided at My Vacation Home?

All of our cottages are equipped with pillows, comforters, and blankets.

We also provide:

  • Sheets for all the beds
  • 1 towel set per person
  • 2 rolls toilet paper & 2 soap for each bath
  • 2 roll paper towels per kitchen
  • 2 dishwasher pods and one travel size bottle of dish soap

Can I Bring My Pet?

Pets are Always Welcome!

More than ever, people are looking for vacation accommodations that allow them to comfortably bring their pets. We welcome your four-legged family members into our home for the week!

All cottages have non-porous floors, so there are no lingering odors to worry about.

Please declare all pets prior to your arrival.

Pet Fee: $100 per week per pet (plus tax), or $15 per day per pet (plus tax).

Pets must have current health certificate, flea/ tick medicine, identification tag, and leash.

There is no limit on size, weight, or number of pets. Some restrictions apply. Contact us for details; or give us a call (252) 441-5005.

Please be considerate to neighbors by limiting barking. Do not let your pet into the pool area or in the hot tub. This requires additional cleaning of the filtration system.  If this happens, you will be assessed an extra charge.

While at your cottage, please pick up pet waste in and around the yard daily and put it in the outdoor trash container. Any pet waste left on the property will incur an extra fee.

Dogs are allowed on Nags Head beaches at all times as long as they are leashed. Owners must clean up after their dogs. For the most current information and details, please visit The Town of Nags Head website here.

Does My Rental Home Come with Beach Chairs and Umbrellas?

Beach chairs and umbrellas are not a standard amenity, but can be rented.  Please contact us for details.

  • Beach Chair: $12 + tax                                           
  • Beach Umbrella: $15 + tax

What is the evacuation fee?

In the event of a named storm, you could lose your hard-earned vacation! We offer an evacuation fee, that will reimburse you should the island be evacuated due to a storm. It’s only 5% of your total. If elected, the evacuation fee must be added when you make your reservation. Please note that we are not allowed to add this if there is a named storm in the ocean.

Are Swimming Pools Heated?  When Are Pools and Hot Tubs Open?

Swimming pools are Not heated.    Hot tub is open year-round. Pool openings and closings are subject to change. All pools are opening March 25 to October 31 every year.

Are There Any Guidelines for Using a Grill at My Vacation Home?

All of our vacation homes offer grills as an amenity. Guests are responsible for supplying charcoal and grilling utensils and for cleaning the grill after usage. Please keep grills in their designated areas and keep them off of and away from wooden decks to prevent a fire hazard. Grills should only be used on concrete or sand surfaces. 

Is There a Grocery Store Near Me?

Yes, there are major grocery store chains nearby.  The closest are Food Lion and Fresh Market in The Outer Banks Mall, milepost 14.  Cahoon’s Market, and 7-11 convenience store are located near Jeanette’s Pier.

Is There an Age Limit for Renting ?

Anyone under 28 years of age may not book online.  You must call us to reserve a house. Age 20-27 will be considered with a security deposit of $1,500. We do not rent to anyone younger than 20.  In order to protect expensive upgrades, we reserve the right to lock off rooms during under age rentals.

Are Campers Or RVs Allowed To Be Parked At My Vacation Rental Home?

Outer Banks communities do not allow campers, RVs and mobile units to be parked at vacation rental homes. 

Can I Use Fireworks or Firearms at My Vacation Property?

No, the use of all firearms and fire works in Nags Head is prohibited.

Can I Have a Bonfire On The Beach?

Beach pit fires are allowed on the beach in the Town of Nags Head with a permit.  Permits are only issued between 5 pm and 9 pm daily based on current wind speed and fire danger conditions. Permits are valid the day of issue only, through midnight, and are valid only within the Town of Nags Head.

Permits are issued online at the Nags Head Fire & Rescue Pit Fire Permit website, as well as one of the two Nags Head Fire Stations. One of the Fire Stations is located at milepost 18, just 1 mile south of our vacation rental homes.

The Nags Head Fire Stations are located at:

         North Station:                                                                                           South Station:

         Nags Head Fire & Rescue Station 16                                                    Nags Head Fire & Rescue Station 21

        5314 S Croatan Highway                                                                         8806 S Old Oregon Inlet Road

        Mile Post 14.5 252-441-5909                                                                  Mile Post 18 252-441-2910

 All fires must be attended by an adult and be properly extinguished.

For the most current information, please visit The Town of Nags Head website here.

Can I Leave My Beach Items On The Beach Overnight?

Beachgoers are prohibited from leaving unattended personal equipment on the beach from 8 pm until 7 am daily. In addition, equipment must not obstruct the passage of vehicles on the beach or the line of sight of lifeguards to the ocean.

Rentals On The Ocean is not responsible for any personal or rental items left on the beach overnight. 

Is Parking At The Beach and Sound Access Free?

Yes, in addition to enjoying Rentals On The Ocean’s very own private beach access for our guests, there are also free public beach accesses in Nags Head. View the full list of Nags Head’s ocean and sound beach accesses.

Do I Need a Fishing License to Fish on a Pier or a Charter Boat?

For pier and charter boat fishing, you do not need a license; the pier or charter has already purchased a blanket license. Check with the pier or charter boat about any fees they may have.

You will need a North Carolina fishing license for surf fishing or fishing on a private boat. For specific requirements, fees and purchasing licenses, visit the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission website. 

Are There Fishing Piers Near My Rental House?

Jeannette’s Pier is oceanfront at milepost 16.5, just one-half mile north of our cottages. Fishers can rent equipment & supplies at this eco-friendly pier offering fishing lessons, and loads of family fun. It has a full-service pier shop offering tackle, beach supplies, unique gifts, cold drinks, hot coffee and snacks.

In addition to Jeannette’s Pier, there are other piers to discover on the Outer Banks including Nags Head Pier and the Outer Banks Pier featuring Fish Heads Bar & Grill.

What Medical Facilities are Nearby?

Outer Banks Hospital, Nags Head: 252-449-4500

Outer Banks Urgent Care, Nags Head:  252-261-8040

Medical Home Calls: 252-475-2007

Are There After Hours Veterinarians for Emergencies?

Roanoke Island Animal Hospital, located in Manteo. Ph: 252-473-3117

Martins Point Veterinary Hospital, in Kitty Hawk MP 0 Ph: 252-261-2250

Coastal Animal Hospital, Kitty Hawk MP 5 Ph: 252-261-3900

Dr. Don Dowty, Mobile Vet, Kill Devil Hills Ph: 252-449-4872 

Do I need a Four-wheel drive vehicle?

No, there are paved streets and highways here.

If you plan to drive on the beach, use of a Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle to drive on the beach is highly recommended.  You will also need an ORV permit.  For specific requirements, fees and purchasing permits, visit the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

What Activities Can My Group Do on a Rainy Day?

There are plenty of indoor-fun activities for rainy days…or any time you’d like a break from the sun.

Here are a few handy places you can go: visit the North Carolina Aquarium; catch a movie at the R/C Kill Devil Hills Movies 10 or the historic Pioneer Theater in Manteo take the gang bowling at the Nags Head OBX Bowling Center

Play games at OUTER BANKS LASER TAG