Guest FAQ

Whether you are getting ready to book or preparing to arrive, we encourage you to review our Vacation Rental Guest FAQ below to prepare for your visit “Up North”. Each of our vacation rental homes are privately owned offering unique features. If you have questions about a specific home, we welcome you contact Rental Management One.

Who is Rental Management One?
Rental Management One is your vacation rental host! We are based out of Traverse City and Southfield, Michigan. We are a small but mighty team devoted to making your experience the best it can possibly be while you are our guest. We are the direct contact for our guests, regardless of whether you booked directly or through one of the many OTAs (online travel agencies) out there.
Is your communication automated?

OTA messaging platforms are monitored by our guest services manager and are 100% interactive. If you ask us a question, we will respond promptly. Standard guest communication is automated and triggered at certain times to make sure all-important information is communicated at the appropriate time. We arm our guests with as much information as possible and utilize the communication services provided through our integrated vacation rental software. The form of communication for Airbnb guests is different than the way we communicate with VRBO and standard guests. The information is all the same, but Airbnb guests will receive automated messages in the app from us, and the latter should expect the information to come via email.

How to contact Rental Management One and VacationRMO.com?

If you would like to speak with someone directly, please call our vacation cell/on-call 24/7 emergency number which is provided at the time of your booking. We are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and reply to text messages. If you booked directly, email is our best form of communication. We do this so we can track our conversations but are also available to chat as well. If you booked through an OTA (online travel agency, a.k.a. Airbnb or VRBO), you should utilize their messenger if it’s not an emergency or urgent. If you are experiencing a medical or fire emergency, call 911. If you are having a rental or maintenance emergency or are unable to get into your property, you can call and text immediately. Please allow up to 1 hour for a response. Contact Us.

What information should I expect when I book?

Upon booking, you will automatically receive a confirmation email or OTA message that contains your property’s guest guidebook. You will need to read this thoroughly as it contains the Wi-Fi password, checkout instructions, and other important information required for your stay. Next, you will receive a link to electronically sign our vacation rental agreement. This agreement is the same agreement that is posted under house rules on Airbnb and VRBO. Once that is signed, you will automatically get the check-in instructions sent to you. 72 hours prior to arrival, you will get the property address. Please note: You need to sign the agreement to receive the check-in instructions and door code. You will also receive an email or text from Safely.com to complete the optional guest ID verifications process. Please be sure to check your junk and spam mail.

What is Safely.com and the forced damage insurance all about?

We love this insurance program because it provides all parties involved with peace of mind that when accidents happen, we’re covered! Safely also offers guest identification verification. Guest should expect to receive an email or text asking them complete the ID verification process.  We ask all guests to complete this, but do not require it. Please refer to the listing for information about the cost and how we collect this fee. Visit Safely.com for their terms and conditions.

Can I bring my pets?
Pets are allowed only at designated pet-friendly properties. All pets must be preapproved, indicated on the reservation, and paid for prior to check-in. We charge a $150 non-refundable per pet fee. For Airbnb reservations, this fee is NOT included at the time of booking due to how our listings are integrated on that platform, so you will be charged separately through Airbnb’s resolution center. All pet waste must be picked up and put in an exterior trash can. Guests will be charged $200 if pet waste is not cleaned up prior to checkout. Guests are required to report any damage or messes pets make immediately.
Can I have friends over to my vacation rental?
Perhaps! We understand that many travelers are coming to visit friends and family and would like to use the rental as a place to gather. We ask that guests take into consideration local ordinances, trash, noise, and parking. Some ordinances limit the number of daytime guests. All trash must be picked up. Noise must not disturb the neighbors. All daytime guests must be gone by quiet hours. Parking is limited and cannot be on the grass or the side of the road. Parties and events are not permitted. If your gathering will not comply with these requirements, we ask that you gather elsewhere.
What is provided at the property?

Each property offers slightly different amenities. Please refer to the listing for more specific details or send us a message if you have specific questions. The following household items are standard at each property: basic cleaning supplies, 2 rolls of toilet paper per bathroom, 1-2 rolls of paper towels, hand soap, dish soap, a new sponge, foil, saran wrap, salt/pepper, pan spray, and standard coffee filters. A small amount of dishwasher pods and laundry detergent pods will also be provided if the property offers such amenities. Bedding, sheets, bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, kitchen towels, hot pads, and hair dryers are also provided. Shampoo, conditioner, & body soap are typically not provided. Be sure to check your specific listing for more details.

What payment is required to make a reservation?
When booking directly or through VRBO, we require 50% of your total reservation at the time of booking. All reservations must have a credit card on file. The balance due will automatically be charged 30 days prior to check-in. Airbnb guests will make all payments through Airbnb at the time of booking or through their Resolution Center.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
Please refer to the specific listing for its cancelation terms, let us know ASAP, and initiate the cancellation request through your OTA or contact us if you booked directly.
What are your house rules?
  • Treat our neighbors like you would want to be treated.
  • No parties or events.
  • Reservation holders must be at least 25 years old.
  • No smoking of any kind in the home or on the deck/docks. All butts must be disposed of in a trash can.
  • Each home’s pet policy must be followed.
  • Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • Daytime guests are not welcome during quiet hours.
  • Fireworks use is prohibited.
  • Maximum guest occupancy rules must be followed.
  • Park only in the driveway, garage, or assigned space.
  • Do not move the furniture.
  • Report all damage.
What’s the check-out process?

Check your confirmation email or OTA message for specific details. General checkout instructions are as follows:

  • May-October: Turn off AC and heat.
  • November-April: Set the thermostat to heat, auto, and 55° degrees.
  • Gather all towels and used sheets (not mattress pads) in a pile.
  • Start a load in the washing machine if one is provided at the property before leaving.
  • No dirty dishes should be left for housekeeping.
  • Clean and cover the grill if you used it.
  • Clean out the fridge. No food or drinks are to be left.
  • Remove trash and drag the can to the curb.
  • Turn off all lights.
  • Lock the door.
  • Let us know you left.
Are the homes handicap accessible?

Each of our homes is privately owned and unique in its layout. If you have specific needs in a vacation rental home, we encourage you to contact us prior to booking.

Is there internet at the property?
The majority of our vacation rental homes offer internet and Wi-Fi access, but service is not guaranteed. Please refer to the listing or call if you have specific Wi-Fi needs.
Are the rates negotiable?

We strive to offer our best possible rates to guests who book directly with Rental Management One. If you are looking to reduce OTA booking fees or to secure an off-season or extended stay rental, we encourage you to contact us directly.

Do you supply firewood for guest use?
Firewood is not supplied at most of our rental homes. If you wish to use the fireplace or outdoor firepits, we recommend picking up wood on the way to the property.
Is propane or charcoal provided for the grills?

Many of our homes have grills. Charcoal is not provided but if there is any at the property, you are welcome to use it. We provide a propane tank for gas grills. We do not guarantee that the tank will be full. It is the responsibility of the guest to refill the tank if needed. We ask that the tank be left at the property. If you get there and it’s completely empty, please submit a receipt for reimbursement.

Start Your Search Today

Start your search today to discover the perfect property that meets your needs and makes your Michigan stay truly unforgettable.