Guest Policies & Procedures

Thank you for allowing Finger Lakes Getaways to assist you with your vacation rental. We offer a wide variety of quality, lakeside, lake view and off lake retreat homes that for rent in the Finger Lakes.   Each vacation home is privately owned and reflects the taste of its owners.  Every effort has been made to ensure that the descriptions, amenities and rates on our web site are accurate.  However, we cannot be held responsible for changes made by owners to furnishings and amenities.  Our vacation rentals are well maintained and clean. Please understand that these are unique cottages and homes, which— like your own, occasionally experience unexpected problems.

You are here to enjoy yourself, so please report any problems promptly and we will make every effort to correct any problems you may experience in a timely manner. 

Below is a compilation of our policies and guest information. If you have any questions you may contact us or phone our office during our normal business hours.

ADMINISTRATION:

Availability Schedule:
Rental homes are available weekly and some monthly in the off season, or nightly throughout the year with a two night minimum stay. Properties with a three night minimum stay are noted. During our Peak Season, weekly rentals begin on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, depending on the property.

Cancellations and Change Reservation Policies:
We do offer a travel insurance through CSA Travel Protection, which will cover cancellations as well as numerous other benefits that cover your entire rental party.  Details will be sent with your rental contract.  If you would like more information prior to reserving, please contact them directly at(866) 999-4018.  This is an optional insurance policy.  If you choose not to purchase the insurance and must cancel your reservation for any reason, you will only receive a refund, less 15% of the gross rental paid to date, and non-refundable fees, if we can re-rent the same property for the same period and we have received cancellation notice in writing at least 60 days prior to your rental. If we cannot re-rent the same property for the same time period, the full amount pre-paid must be forfeited. Please note that if a reservation is changed, the change will be treated as a cancellation and the same terms will apply.

Off-Season Reservations:
The Finger Lakes can have a great amount of snowfall from November through March. Please be prepared with front wheel drive or 4 wheel drive, snow tires, and/or chains. Most properties have their driveways plowed if snow falls more than an inch. Firewood for fireplaces is not provided but can be purchased locally. Outdoor furniture, grills and docks are not available for use for any reservations from October through March due to winter conditions.

Office Hours:
Our office is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 7 days a week during peak season.  If you have an after-hours emergency, please leave a voicemail on our answering machine and someone will promptly return your call as voicemail is checked throughout the evenings and weekends.

Our Seasons:

• Pre-Season (Spring) The weekend of or immediately following May 1st through the weekend of or immediately following July 1st.
• Peak Season (Summer) The weekend of or immediately following July 1st through Labor Day week.
• Post Season (Fall) Weekend after Labor Day to weekend of or immediately following October 31st.
• Off Season (Winter) Weekend of or immediately following October 31st to the weekend of or immediately following May 1st.

*Please Note: Rental rates may change throughout the year based on demand and availability.

Rental Payments:
One half of your total is due within 10 days of reserving.  The balance is due within 60 days and these payments may be paid by personal check.  When reserving for a date within 60 days, full payment is due within 10 days of reserving or prior to check in.  There is no sales tax on your gross rental amount. Properties in Yates County are subject to a Lodging Tax (4% of the rental rate).  Payments made for rentals commencing in less than 30 days, must be paid by cashier’s check, money order or cash.  We cannot accept credit card payments for anything other than the Non-Refundable reservation fee, which is due at time of booking.

 Damage Insurance: A $50 damage insurance policy that covers up to $5,000 in accidental damage will be charged along with your rental fees.  This policy is through CSA Travel Protection (866-999-4018).  Any excessive cleaning charges incurred, will be charged to your credit card.

Reservation Fees:
Non- refundable Reservation Fee (9% of the rental rate, with a minimum reservation fee of $50).  Reservation fees may be paid by VISA, Master Card or Discover. (*NOT APPLIED TO RENT*)

OCCUPANCY:

Check-In/Out:
Check-In time is 3:00 P.M. and check out time is 10 A.M.  These times are FIRM. If you arrive earlier, our staff will be happy to suggest local parks and attractions that will help you pass the time until 3:00 P.M. arrives. There will be a $30/hr fee to check in early or out late. SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND CONFIRMATION PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.

Check-in and pick up the keys to your vacation home at our Finger Lakes Getaways office:

219 Lake St.
Penn Yan, NY 14527 (Click here for directions...)

If for any reason keys are not returned to our office, the above hourly fee will be charged as well as a $30 pick up fee.

Cleaning:
Your vacation home is cleaned and inspected prior to your arrival and after you leave.  There is no additional fee for this service.  Guests, however, are responsible for reasonable cleanliness.  There is to be no food left behind and trash must be properly disposed of.  You will be billed directly for any excessive  cleaning needed or trash exceeding the receptacles.

Housekeeping and Maintenance Services:
If you experience any maintenance or housekeeping concerns, please let us know immediately. Upon first arrival at your vacation home, if you notice something is damaged or does not seem in place, please let us know within the first hour after arrival. This allows us to ensure that you are not held accountable for anything that you did not do. If you have a concern and we do not hear about it, it is difficult for us to make amends. So, please call if you have any questions or concerns so we can take care of them immediately.

Linen Rentals:
Our vacation homes do not offer linens. You may bring your own linens or rent them from Connect-A-Service, please contact them directly at (315) 536-4733.

Occupancy Limits:
The MAXIMUM number of allowable occupants is noted on the description of each vacation home and is carefully enforced.  Please do not bring any campers, tents or motor homes.  If you exceed the stated occupancy limit at any time during your stay, unfortunately, we will have to ask you to leave, with no refund of any rent.  Large parties or gatherings are not permitted unless arrangements have been made with FLG and the property owner well in advance.

Pets:
We are happy to say that many of our vacation homes are pet friendly, and allow you to bring your dog or cat with you to the lake! Look for the pet symbol in our property listings to find these pet-friendly vacation homes. In most cases, pets are limited. Each property that allows pets must be pre-approved ahead of time. Guests will also be asked to review, approve and return a copy of our Pet Agreement. Please let us know when making your reservation if your furry friend is coming along. Pets in non-pet vacation homes are strictly forbidden. Violators of our pet policy may be asked to leave the property without refund and incur a service charge of $300.00.   

Smoking:
Smoking is prohibited inside any vacation home.  You may smoke outside as long as you use proper caution and dispose of butts in a safe manner, removing all signs of smoking prior to your check out.

What to Bring:
If you are not planning to use the linen service, please remember to bring sheets and towels. You will also need to bring kitchen linens. All vacation homes are equipped with pillows, blankets/comforters and mattress pads. You might want to bring extra towels and water toys for swimming.

All vacation homes are equipped with cutlery, place settings, cups and glasses for the total number of occupants listed in the property description. Many homes have coffee makers, mixing bowls, pots and pans. Based on your cooking needs, you might want to bring a blender, large roasting pan, cake pans or other specialty items.

Please bring extra paper products, detergent, propane or charcoal and trash bags. You could also buy them when you arrive if you choose. Propane is not guaranteed to be supplied, this is the renter’s responsibility.  Be prepared to fill the tank if you will be using a gas grill. 

Guests who are renting vacation homes with wood burning fireplaces or fire pits may want fire starters, kindling and wood. Firewood is not supplied. All can be purchased locally. Our staff will be more than happy to provide directions to local stores and shops.

MISCELLANENEOUS:

Construction:
The Finger Lakes is a growing resort region and new construction is evident throughout the area. We cannot be responsible for construction next to or near the vacation home you plan to rent. New construction may also alter views from vacation homes. Please realize that this situation is a matter beyond our control, and no refunds or relocations will be made.

Courtesy to Neighbors:
We truly want you to enjoy your stay, but please be respectful of your neighbors. Be careful not to enter their property without prior permission. This includes docks and beach frontage. Quiet hours should be observed between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M. Any guests who are disruptive will be asked to vacate the premises without refund.

Courtesy to Vacation Home:
We ask that you comply with all laws and keep the premises as clean and safe as possible. If you are renting more than one home, do not mix the contents or rearrange furniture. Many homes have a locked owner’s closet. Tampering with locked closets will result in a charge to your credit card. Dispose of all garbage and use the vacation home trash receptacles as provided and required. Keep the plumbing free of toys and other foreign items. Treat your vacation home as your own, and use it respectfully to minimize the potential for damages. Report all damages and problems to the Finger Lakes Getaways office immediately.

Family Atmosphere:
We maintain a family atmosphere for the enjoyment of our guests, neighbors and lake residents. Absolutely no house parties allowed! No sororities, fraternities or non-chaperoned groups are allowed. Should a group misrepresent themselves, they will be required to vacate the premises immediately without refund.

Homes for Sale:
In the event that the vacation home you are renting is on the market for sale, we may find the need to show the property during your stay. We will make every effort to schedule the showing at a convenient time and not interrupt your stay.   You will receive a For Sale Addendum with your contract, letting you know that the property is for sale and your rights.

Septic Systems: Please be respectful of the delicate septic systems of lake cottages and homes.  Do not put anything other than human waste and a reasonable amount of toilet paper in toilets.

Telephones:
Many vacation homes do not have a land line telephone. If a telephone is provided, it will be noted on the property description page.  Please PLAN ON BRINGING A CELL PHONE FOR YOUR OWN USE.

Vehicles:
No campers, tents or motor homes are allowed on the premises. Vehicle parking is limited at most vacation homes, and is restricted based on maximum occupancy for the home. Please respect the numbers allowed and parking area as stated in your contract.

Water Sources:
All of our properties have different water sources. Some draw water from the lake, wells, or are on municipal water. However, the taste and smell of the water at each vacation home differs. We highly recommend guests bring bottled drinking water.

Zebra Mussels:
Zebra Mussels are small shellfish that inhabit the Finger Lakes. They cluster together on rocks and immovable objects, and can be quite sharp. Therefore, we suggest you bring water shoes for every member of your family.