Rental Services

While not all properties will accept pets, many rental companies can offer properties that are pet friendly. Each company will have clearly spelled out policies, and rest assured these policies are strictly enforced.

Among the concerns with pets should be the issue of fleas, as they present a major problem during the warms months. Fumigation and pest control will take a chunk out of your deposit, so please be conscious of your pet's condition. If you decide to  ignore pet policies, some agencies will demand your immediate dismissal.

If leaving your pet at home isn't a possibility and you can't find a property where pets are allowed, local kennels and doggie daycare services will look after your cherished companion. Check our Traveling With Pets page for a list of places that have pet-friendly accommodations.

Vacation rentals are available in downtown Wilmington, but most of the city's vacation accommodations consist of hotels and bed and breakfast inns. Most of the area's vacation rental homes are centered at the beaches (see our Wrigthsville Beach and Carolina Beach Vacation Rentals pages for nearby home rental options).

During your stay, you can expect to have the basic appliances supplied by the owner of the property. Most rentals offer cable, telephone, heat and air, and come fully furnished. Dishes and cooking utensils are almost universally provided, but checking with your rental agency is always a good idea before setting out on vacation. Certain spots also offer activity centers such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts and other forms of recreation. More often than not, guests are required to supply their own sheets, towels, cleaning supplies and beach gear. Your rental agency should have a detailed checklist of items you will need during your stay.

Almost anything too cumbersome to bring along (bicycles, kayaks, etc.) can be rented for a small fee. See our Sports, Fitness and Parks or Watersports sections or ask your rental agency for details on which businesses offer these services

Many local rental properties are second homes for their owners, and renting them out means trusting their agency to choose responsible renters. Each agency has its own specific policies, and vacationing parties should make themselves aware of these policies and their consequences.

Many area vacation homes require the minimum age of renters to be at least age 21, however some extend that limit to 25, often excepting married couples under that age. Be sure to check with your particular agency prior to setting your heart on a vacation home. Large groups of young renters can often encounter resistance due to damage concerns. Large house parties are discouraged and many rental agreements prohibit them altogether, especially at the smaller, quieter beaches. Breaching this area of your contract can easily result in the forfeiture of your deposit and the instant termination of your rental agreement. The bottom line is being respectful of other people's property, privacy and peace and quiet.

While cleaning services are offered upon checkout for a fee, the agencies expect you to leave no trace of your visit. Often times, a portion of your deposit goes to these services should you fail to leave things as you found them, and the agency is at liberty to determine these fees. As is expected, you should treat your “home away from home” as though it was your own.

While most people own cell phones, the majority of area properties have a telephone for your use. Responsible use is expected and often agencies will block outgoing long-distance calls to prevent abuse of phone service.

Vacation rental prices fall in a wide range from $700 to $10,000 (or more) a week, depending on your choice of accommodation, location, luxury factor and season. Most agencies require a deposit, and there are various stipulations in the agreement that you need to be familiar with. For example, a state/county tax of 7 percent and, depending on the location, a room tax ranging from one to 7 percent are added to the cost. A deposit of 50 percent is generally required to confirm reservations. Major credit cards are usually, but not always, accepted. Check with the individual rental agency for required methods of payment. Some accept personal checks provided they arrive 30 to 60 days in advance of your arrival. Rental rates are subject to change without notice. Winter rates may be significantly less.