Thank you for choosing Beach Realty! We look forward to welcoming you to the Outer Banks! Our local staff is available daily from 9am - 5pm (with extended weekend hours until 6:30pm from June - August) to answer any questions you may have. Call or text 252-441-7166. Here are some items of interest for your upcoming Outer Banks vacation. Review our full Rental Policies and Regulations here.
PRIOR TO ARRIVAL
Things to Bring / What To Pack
While many vacation rentals provide a long list of amenities and modern conveniences, there are still some essentials that you will want to bring. We've compiled an easy checklist of recommended things to bring on your Outer Banks vacation.
Recommended list of Things to Bring
What essentials are provided in our Outer Banks vacation rentals?
Beach Realty provides a starter set of kitchen and bathroom essentials upon arrival. Kitchen sets include dish soap, sponge, dishwasher pacs (2), laundry pods (2), paper towel roll, and kitchen trash bags (2). Bathroom essentials include one roll of toilet paper and hand soap per bathroom. These essentials are intended to provide a helpful start to your vacation and not serve as a full-week supply. Guests may wish to bring or purchase additional items based on the length of their stay and personal preferences.
Are bed linens and bath towels provided?
Linen service is offered to every guest. Unless you have specifically declined the Guest Linen Option on your vacation rental agreement, linen service will be provided. If you did not have the option to decline linen service, then linen service is provided. Linen service includes fresh bed linens with beds made upon arrival, two kitchen towels, and bath towel sets per the occupancy of the property (two per bedroom unless specified otherwise). Bath towel sets include a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth. Bath mats are also provided for each full bathroom.
Communication During your Stay
Beach Realty staff is available by phone, text and email during business hours. We have a dedicated after-hours/emergency service line available when our offices are closed.
Prior to your arrival you will receive important communication from Beach Realty via email. Three days prior to arrival you will receive Check-In Instructions for your specific property which will provide wifi information, trash pick up schedules and more property and reservation specific information.
For your arrival and throughout your stay, we primarily use text messaging to communicate with you. Please confirm that the primary number we have on file is your mobile number and allows text messaging. The primary number will be texted as soon as your property is ready for your arrival.
Happy Stays App
Make sure to download and log into the Happy Stays App which includes helpful information about your property and your stay. Your happy stays access code is emailed to you after signing your vacation rental agreement. Desktop version of the app is available below.
Safety Planning
Beach Access
Each town & community on the Outer Banks offers convenient beach accesses, parking and restrooms. Lifeguards are on the beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, for Outer Banks towns except for Duck, where lifeguards are on the beach from May 1 through October 31 (9:30AM -5:30PM). Most beach areas also have roving lifeguards and supervisors. Hours and locations are subject to change without notice.
Rip Currents
Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. The ocean is a fun place to swim and play, but you need to use caution to stay safe.
If Caught in a Rip Current:
- Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
- Never fight against the current.
- Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
- If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
- If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
Emergencies
Dare County 911 would like to remind visitors to pay attention to their surroundings and know your location. In the event of an emergency, it is vital to know your location so first responders can arrive quickly and begin assisting those in need. You can find the address of your cottage on your check-in packet, as well as in the guest mobile app. Please make sure every member of your group knows the home's address.
Incliment Weather/Storms
Beach Realty makes every effort to overcommunicate to guests who may be impacted by a severe weather event. We will send emails/texts and post on our Alerts page found here
We strongly encourage you to sign up for text alerts from either Dare County (for homes in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head) or Currituck County (for homes in Corolla, 4x4 Carova and Powells Point). Weather information, including beach and swimming hazards, will be delivered directly to your phone.
ARRIVAL
Check In Procedure
Check-in begins at 4:00pm and is not guaranteed until 6:00pm on day of arrival, unless Early check-in is confirmed and purchased. All properties provide keyless entry and guests will be texted their entry codes as soon as their property is ready for their arrival. If you arrive too early, please do not park or use the outdoor facilities of your vacation rental before check-in time, as this will delay the cleaning, inspection, and ultimately your check-in at the home. Please know that we make every effort to have homes ready by check-in time; however, we cannot guarantee it.
Unless specifically asked to check in at our office, guests may proceed directly to the property when they receive the entry code via text. Beach Realty's local offices are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended Summer weekend hours until 6:30pm.
Guests of properties in 4x4 Carova Beach must pick up their welcome bag from our Corolla Office - 807-H Ocean Trail Corolla, NC 27927 (Monteray Plaza/Food Lion Shopping Center)
Arriving to the Property
We take pride in providing a clean and welcoming home for your stay. If you encounter any cleaning or maintenance concerns upon arrival, please notify us as soon as possible, within 24 hours of check-in, as timely notification allows us the opportunity to address and resolve any issues, while you begin your vacation. We also ask you to please report any pre-existing damage - even if you don't want it addressed during your stay.
Beach Realty provides a starter set of kitchen and bathroom essentials upon arrival. Kitchen sets include dish soap, sponge, dishwasher pacs (2), laundry pods (2), paper towel roll, and kitchen trash bags (2). Bathroom essentials include one roll of toilet paper and hand soap per bathroom. These essentials are intended to provide a helpful start to your vacation and not serve as a full-week supply. Guests may wish to bring or purchase additional items based on the length of their stay and personal preferences.
Linen service is offered to every guest, unless you have specifically declined the Guest Linen Option on your vacation rental agreement. If you did not have the option to decline linen service, then linen service is always provided for the property. Linen service includes fresh bed linens with beds made upon arrival, two kitchen towels, and bath towel sets per the occupancy of the property (two per bedroom unless specified otherwise). Bath towel sets include a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth. Bath mats are also provided for each full bathroom.
Property Services & Maintenance
We've compiled helpful video tutorials of the most common guest reported issues. Please review these guest troubleshooting tips.
If something in your vacation home needs attention, you can report it by calling or texting our team, or by submitting a request through the Happy Stays app. Please allow up to 24 hours for our team to respond. We prioritize service based on urgency—issues such as no water or unsafe conditions will be addressed before non-essential items like internet or minor inconveniences. We appreciate your understanding as we work to assist every guest as quickly as possible.
You do not need to be present while our technicians service the home; however, please let us know if any dogs are on the property so we can provide additional instructions for safety reasons.
Damage During Your Stay
Accidents happen. All guests are covered for a limited amount of accidental damage. All we ask is that you notify us of any damages or accidents that occur to the premises during your stay. A claim form is included below. Damage must be reported as soon as possible, and prior to check-out. Negligent, malicious, intentional, and/or pet damage is always the responsibility of the leaseholder.
Private Pools/Hot Tubs
Please note that most private pools are typically closed from October to April, unless otherwise specified. Not all pools will appear closed (i.e. covered and/or drained), however they will NOT be serviced with chemicals or cleaned after the posted closing date. Therefore, for the safety of you and your guests, private pools are not to be used outside of the advertised pool dates. Hot tubs are open and serviced year-round. Some homes with extended pool seasons will continue to be serviced through the advertised pool dates. Pool dates are listed in each property description on our website, beachrealtync.com. Pool/spa service includes a full clean and vacuum prior to arrival, and a mid-week chemical check for week long stays.
Cable TV
Many of our properties offer cable TV via the Spectrum TV app. If your property has a TV without a cable box, please navigate to the ROKU home screen and select the Spectrum TV app for live & local broadcast channels.
WIFI
All of our vacation rental properties provide wireless internet. Wifi passwords are included in your Check In Instructions email (3 days prior to arrival) as well as made available in the Happy Stays app. In the case the wifi password is incorrect or missing, please check the refrigerator or on the internet router. Bonus points for the courtesous guests who let us know so we can correct it for future guests!
Trash/Recycling
Trash and recycling pick up varies by each town and community. Please find your property's designated collection days in your Check-In Instruction email (3 days prior to arrival). We will also remind you of the collection schedule upon arrival. Please know curbside service is normally conducted very early in the morning, therefore we recommend rolling containers to the curb the night before.
Elevators
Elevators are not guaranteed to be ADA compliant. Children under the age of 14 are NOT permitted in the elevator without an accompanying adult. The elevator should be used by individuals who are unable to use the stairs and supervising adults only. Children should never play in or around the elevator or stand in the space between the elevator doors. Do not tamper with elevator equipment. Failure to comply with this policy can lead to serious injury or death.
Refrigerators
In preparing your home for your arrival, all refrigerators are cleaned and drawers and shelves removed etc. creating extra strain on the refrigerator to re-cool. Refrigerators need time to ‘catch up’ once you load your supply of groceries. Please DO NOT turn the settings for the refrigerator or freezer past the medium level. Turning the controls higher will NOT increase the speed of the cool down. Higher level settings may result in costly maintenance repairs and time spent with no refrigerator. Do not block the flow cooling fans with food. Please be patient.
Fireplaces
Fireplaces are provided for off season use only. If your property has a wood burning fireplace, you will need to supply your own wood and clean fireplace before checking out. Firewood can be obtained from our local stores. If your property has a gas fireplace that will not light or operate correctly please call our maintenance department at (252) 441-6082 for assistance.
Grilling
Grilling on decks is prohibited by law in all areas of the Outer Banks. Please be considerate of future vacationers and take a moment to clean the grill after each use. Propane is provided and exchanged out as needed. We will be glad to do this for you, within 24 hours of reporting, or you may opt to refill the propane yourself and receive reimbursement*. *A receipt is required for reimbursement.
Air Conditioning
Due to the nature of the cooling systems used in most properties, please allow extra time for the house to cool down after check-in. Please do not adjust settings below 70 degrees; other settings should remain on Auto and Cool. Please be patient and contact us if no change has occurred within 24 hours. Please know that some HVAC systems will automatically cut off if windows and doors are open.
Water Quality
Many vacation homes on the Outer Banks are served by private well water. While the water is safe, water here may be unlike your water at home. In some areas particularly in Corolla (Currituck County) water may be discolored, have an odor and be distasteful. We suggest that you purchase bottled drinking water, available at the local grocery stores. This condition is beyond the control of Beach Realty and the homeowners.
Septic Systems
Many Outer Banks homes operate on a septic system. These systems work great when used properly, but they’re very different from city sewer. A few simple habits help keep the home running smoothly during your stay:
- Only flush toilet paper. No wipes (even “flushable”), paper towels, hygiene products, or foreign items should enter the toilet.
- Avoid heavy detergent use. Excess soap can overwhelm the system. Use normal amounts when doing laundry or dishes.
- Space out laundry loads. Running multiple loads back-to-back can overload the septic system.
- Keep grease out of sinks. Do not pour oils, fats, or food scraps down the drain.
- Use garbage disposals sparingly (if the home has one). Most septic systems are not designed to handle heavy food waste.
- Report slow drains. If you notice gurgling, backups, or slow drainage, please contact us right away through call, text, or the Happy Stays app.
- Park and drive only in appropriate areas. The all important septic drain field is usually grassy and can be crushed by vehicles driving or parking on it.
With a little care, septic systems run efficiently—helping ensure a smooth, comfortable stay for everyone.
Insect Encounters
The beach is no stranger to bugs, in fact, bugs like the beach more because of the humidity, sand, and heat. Midges or blind mosquitoes are popular in this area. They don't bite or carry disease, but they do come in swarms and could end up on porches or in pools. They are attracted to light and spiders, so turn your porch lights off at night. Another popular bug in the area is a palmetto bug. Palmetto bugs are a type of cockroach. They are bigger than your typical cockroach. They are attracted to moist, humid areas. They can be transferred through brown paper bags, so make sure you throw those out after you get groceries. Also, avoid leaving food and crumbs on counters. Sweep and vacuum throughout your stay if needed.
Check Out
Departure is at 10am on the last day of your reservation. Your keyless entry code is preprogramed to work from check-in until 10am on day of departure. Upon departure, we ask that you perform our check-out instructions - link provided below. Please let us know via text or the check out feature in the Happy Stays App once you have departed.
Lost & Found
Beach Realty will not be responsible for personal items left at the property. If you left a personal item at one of our vacation homes, please fill out the form below. If the item is found, you will be contacted via email to pay for shipping costs. Any items found in homes that are not claimed within 14 days will be donated to charity. Clothing items will be donated to charity as they will not be brought back to our offices.
Guest Reviews
Beach Realty's system will automatically send a review invitation via email within 48 hours of departure. Reviews are reviewed internally, approved and posted publicly on a weekly basis. If you booked through another booking platform, you may receive a separate review request from that platform.
Rebooking
Beach Realty offers current guests the first right of refusal on the same property and dates, but only until your departure. Please let us know before departing if you'd like to reserve again for next year. Don't worry, we'll send you a text reminder just in case!