Listing FAQs

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What do all the different locations mean?

There are two (2) roads running north/south on the Outer Banks. The "Beach Road" (NC 12) is a 2-lane road with a speed limit of 35 MPH. The "Bypass" (US 158) is a 5-lane road with speed limits 45-50 MPH. 

 

Please note: The Bypass is incredibly busy during the summer season on the Outer Banks. Seaside Vacations advises our guests to please take safety precautions when traveling on the Bypass. If you must cross the Bypass on foot, please make sure to do so at designated pedestrian crosswalks - never using the center turn lane as a stopping point.

 

Oceanfront - An oceanfront home has no homes or buildable lots located between it and the ocean. The distance between the home and the ocean may vary. 

 

Semi-Oceanfront - Semi-oceanfront homes are located one lot back from the ocean and may or may not require crossing the road. Children always will need assistance to cross any road. The rental may or may not have a home between it and the beach. The distance to the water, beach accesses, and views vary.  

 

Oceanside - These homes are located east of Highway 158. These homes have two or more homes between them and the ocean. These homes may or may not require crossing a road, and may or may not have an ocean view. The distance to the ocean varies. 

 

Soundside - These homes are located west of Highway 158 from Southern Shores to Nags Head and west of Highway 12 from Southern Shores to Corolla. The distance to the sound and views vary. Some homes may not have direct access to the sound (soundside homes in the village of Duck do not have direct access to the sound).  

 

Soundfront - These properties front the sound with no homes or lots in between. The distance to the sound, access to the sound and the view vary. Sunsets can be gorgeous! 

Do you offer any travel insurance? 

We offer travel insurance through Red Sky Travel Insurance. We highly recommend a travel insurance plan, especially since the Outer Banks is so prone to hurricanes. The travel insurance plan is priced affordably and covers a variety of issues that could impact your vacation should unforeseen circumstances occur. As they say on TV, “Life comes at you fast.” Most notably would be a mandatory evacuation due to a hurricane. Here are a few other things covered by travel insurance: sickness, injury or death of you or a family member, business partner, or traveling companion, the insured’s principal residence being made uninhabitable by fire, flood, vandalism, or burglary, involuntary termination of employment, military duty, etc.

 

If you would like to have specific questions answered, please call RedSky Travel Insurance at (866) 889-7409 or visit www.suntrippreserver.com (policy coverage information).

 

Remember, in order to have coverage due to a named hurricane, a travel insurance plan cannot be added after a tropical storm becomes a “named hurricane.” We tell you this because it could be very costly to wait. You would have to contact Red Sky Travel Insurance for specific details.

Do I have to pay any taxes on my rental? 

Unfortunately, the tax man doesn’t take vacations. Obviously, we do not set the tax rates and we only collect the taxes for the county. If your rental home is in Currituck County (Corolla), the tax is 12.75%. If your home is in Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, Manteo, or any village on Hatteras Island, the tax is 12.75%.

I don’t see rates for next year. When will these be available?

We publish rates for the following year in spring/summer of the current year. You may reserve the home by paying the first half of the rent or by setting up payments with our Vacation Layaway Program. If you don't see rates or availability for a home online yet, give us a call and we can place a hold on the home for you. 

What/where is Club Seaside?

Club Seaside is an exclusive program consisting of complimentary events and discounts on popular Outer Banks activities that are exclusive to Seaside Vacations guests. Click on Club Seaside to obtain more information including schedules, contact information and to make reservations for each activity.

*Some events include a small fee.

Are linens and towels provided? 

Linens and towels are provided for ALL of the homes in our vacation rental home program. 

 

Towel sets are also provided. There are enough towel sets for the number the house sleeps.

 

One bath towel, one hand towel and one washcloth per person is provided. The towels and linens are placed on each bed in the home. One bath mat per bathroom is also provided. (Towels are not freshened daily.) Two potholders, one dish towel, and one dishcloth are provided and are placed on the kitchen counter prior to your arrival.

 

We do offer extra sets of both towels and linens at an additional charge. For prices and to place an order, contact a Vacation Specialist at (866) 884-0267.

 

Please Note: Beds are not made prior to your arrival. Linens are provided for them and are placed on their respective beds. 

Are beds made prior to my arrival?

Beds are not fully made prior to your arrival. Wrapped linens are provided for each bed and are placed on top of the comforter on the respective beds in each room. Unless the Bed Making Add-On is purchased, guests will be responsible for making beds with the linens provided.

What is your Bed Making add-on service?

Our optional Bed Making Service allows guests to have all standard beds in their rental made before arrival, so you can start your vacation hassle-free. The service is $8 per bedroom, regardless of how many beds are in the room. So, if you rent a 4-bedroom home, the cost of the service is $32; if you rent a 6-bedroom home, the cost of the service is $48, etc.

 

(Top bunks, futons, sleeper sofas, and other non-standard beds are not included.)

Does my property have internet access and how is the WiFi? 

All Seaside Vacations rental homes offer complimentary high-speed internet access unless otherwise noted in the property description. All of our homes are equipped with Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected during your stay.

Please keep in mind:

  • The Outer Banks is a remote barrier island, so internet speeds may vary depending on service provider availability and weather conditions. This can include occasional unexpected outages. In those events, we will do everything in our power to get service restored as quickly as possible.

  • If you’re working remotely or require strong connectivity, we recommend checking the property listing for any additional details or contacting our team directly to confirm internet capabilities. Please bring a hotspot as a backup if WiFi is a necessity for your family.

Below are the average broadband speeds for Dare County's internet providers:

Spectrum: 50 Mbps - 1,000 Mbps
Silicon Travel: Up to 500 Mbps

What are your policies on bringing a pet? 

Most dog friendly homes allow two (2) mature, house-trained dogs (75-pound limit). Dogs are not allowed in any rental home unless otherwise indicated. Cats and other animals are not permitted. A $175 fee (plus tax) per dog per week is added to the rental amount. Dogs (and any other animal) are not allowed in pools, hot tubs or spas. Tenants are responsible for any damage incurred by their dog, as this type of damage is not covered under our Security Deposit Waiver Fee. Owners of dogs at non-dog homes will be subject to a $200 unauthorized pet fee and may be evicted without a refund. 

Please be aware that all of our beaches have leash laws.

Our vacation home has a pool. Can we have the pool heated? 

Pool heat is available with some of our homes typically between April-June and September-October. There is an additional charge for pool heat and this charge varies by home.

 

Please remember that most pool heaters will only heat the water 5 to 8 degrees above the outside air temperatures. For example, if the air temperature is only 60 degrees, the pool water will likely be no warmer than 68 degrees. Pool heat does not give a “hot tub” effect, it merely prolongs the pool swimming season.

What time is check-in? 

Please know that we want to get all of our guests into their vacation home as soon as we can. Our check-in time begins at 5:00 p.m., as the houses become available and are released by Housekeeping and Maintenance. We will be happy to check you in as soon as the cleaners/inspectors give us the "OK." Again, please know that our goal is to get you on your way, enjoying your vacation, as soon as we can.

I have keyless entry. Do I still have to come to the office?

Our keyless entry service allows you to go straight to the home on check-in day, any time after 5:00 p.m.! In addition, when checking out, you may head straight home (skipping our office).

Do you offer early check-in? 

Yes! For an additional $125 fee (plus tax), guests may check in at 2:00 p.m. as homes become available. This fee applies whether or not you arrive prior to regular check-in time. Early check-in is subject to availability and only available for homes with up to five (5) bedrooms. Contact a Vacation Specialist at 866.884.0267 to request an early check-in.*  

 

We also offer a SUPER Early Check-In! For an additional $225 fee (plus tax), SUPER Early Check-In allows a guest access to at least the ground floor of the home by 12 noon on their day of arrival. Housekeepers may still be working in other areas of the home, and maintenance and other vendors may need to access the home after 12 noon to complete outstanding tasks. SUPER Early check-in is subject to availability and only available for homes with up to five (5) bedrooms. Contact a Vacation Specialist at 866.884.0267 to request SUPER early check-in.*  

What are your check-out cleaning requirements?

Check-out is at 9:00 a.m. on the day of departure. Cleaning crews arrive at the home at 9:00 a.m.; your prompt departure is appreciated. 

All keys are to be returned to our office upon departure. (Keyless entry guests do not have to stop by the office to check out).

Please leave the home tidy by completing the following items:

  • Remove only the fitted/flat sheets from all beds and leave them piled at the foot of the bed
  • Clean out the refrigerator and leave the refrigerator/freezer settings on medium
  • Place all trash in the cans provided or in a nearby dumpster. Move trash cans/recycle bins to the edge of the street the night before you leave. Make sure all trash is placed INSIDE of the cans, or the trash will not be picked up (Pick-up is done prior to dawn.)
  • Please wash and put away all dishes or place them in the dishwasher and begin the cleaning cycle
  • Turn the thermostats to 75 degrees (summer) and 55 degrees (winter)
  • Please turn off all inside and outside lights
  • Leave grills, furniture, and accessories as you found them
  • Remove toys/trash from the pool area
  • Make sure the hot tub cover is secure
  • Make sure the propane tank has been shut off for all gas grills
  • If you have rented a pet-friendly home, please be sure you have cleaned up any pet waste from the premises
  • Please clean any and all grills using the grill brush provided
  • If any member of your party has smoked outside, please be sure all cigarette butts have been picked up from the grounds
  • Check closets, drawers and under beds for personal items
  • If you logged into a smart device or streaming program with your personal login information, be sure to log out
  • Please make sure you close and secure all windows and doors and also have someone check the security of all doors and windows from outside the home.

Can you drive on the beach in the Outer Banks? 

Beach driving is allowed on several places in the Outer Banks but permissions vary by town. Driving is allowed year-round in Corolla/4x4 Carova Beach Area north of the paved road but only allowed south of that point between October 1 and April 30 and parking permits are required in-season. Driving is allowed on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore at designated access ramps and with a permit only. Driving in Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head is permitted with a permit between October 1 and April 30 at designated access points. All 4x4 access areas are subject to change due to nesting wildlife or impending weather conditions at each town's discretion.

Which Outer Banks beaches allow bonfires?

Gathering around a beach bonfire is the perfect way to spend your evening. On the Outer Banks, bonfires are allowed on the beach in Nags Head, on Hatteras island and on Ocracoke Island under certain conditions and with a permit. Bonfires are prohibited on the beaches of Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Learn more about having bonfires on the OBX.

What are the Outer Banks wild horses?

The Outer Banks Wild Horses (also known as the Corolla Wild Mustangs or Banker Mustangs) are a herd of wild horses who live in Northern Corolla and are descendants of horses brought to the "New World" by Spanish explorers. Banker Mustangs can be spotted roaming the beach, playing in the waves, and grazing on native vegetation. These mustangs, although docile in nature and beautiful to watch from afar, are still wild and should never be approached, touched or fed. The herd is managed and protected by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund. Learn more about the OBX Wild Horses.

What is the trash collection schedule?

Please click here to find the days of the week that trash collections will take place for each town.

 

Bag all trash and place it in the home's outdoor trash receptacles with the lids tightly closed.

 

Sanitation Cart Placement: To ensure that your trash and recycling cans are emptied, they must be placed out at the edge of the roadway the day before the scheduled collection service. Trash must be inside cans and the lid must be closed. The following cannot be placed into trash cans and will not be picked up: Oil, propane, paint, charcoal, yard waste, construction debris, or hazardous waste. Trash or recycling placed outside of or on top of the cans cannot be collected. Cans must be removed from the edge of the roadway and placed next to a building as soon as possible on the same day of collection. (Please put trash in the black and brown trash cans.)

What is Beach Nourishment?

Beach nourishment is the process of pumping sand onto an eroding shoreline to widen the existing beach. Sources of sand may include a nearby sandbar, a dredged source (such as an inlet or waterway), or an offshore borrow site along the ocean floor. The widened shoreline provides increased defense from coastal storms and beach erosion, protecting property, communities, and infrastructure that are located along the coast.

 

While the Outer Banks coastline is beautiful, it is also very fragile. Storms, high winds and tidal changes all contribute to beach erosion. To restore and preserve our fragile coastline, Dare County and the towns of Duck, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head have implemented important beach nourishment projects important that are critical to the future of our communities.

 

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this causes and are confident you understand the importance and necessity of this project so you can continue to return and enjoy the Outer Banks beaches for many years to come. We hope you will choose to make the best of your vacation should you find your stay impacted by the beach nourishment project.

 

Seaside Vacations cannot predict when or where these jobs will begin or how long they will last. Since we have no control over these situations, no compensation or moves to other properties are possible. 

 

Click here for 2026 Outer Banks Beach Nourishment Plans.

Does Seaside Vacations Provide Soap, Toilet Paper, Dish Soap, Laundry Detergent, Etc.?

For your convenience, linens and towels are provided at your rental home. We provide an amenity starter kit so that you have the basics upon your arrival. Please keep in mind that you may need to replenish during your stay and will need to bring personal items, additional soaps, and paper products.

 

The starter kit includes:

  • Two rolls of toilet paper
  • A roll of paper towel 
  • A kitchen trash can liner 
  • A sponge 
  • A dishwasher detergent packet 

For a list of recommended items to bring with you on your vacation, please view our vacation planning guide here.

How Do I Use My Home's Keyless Entry Lock?

A hassle-free vacation starts with our keyless entry locks!

 

How to Use your home's Keyless Entry Lock

 

Unlock

Enter your keyless entry code followed by the asterisk key (*) or the check mark (√) — whichever icon you see on the bottom left of your keypad.

When the code is accepted the locking mechanism will activate and the lock will open.

 

Lock
To lock, simply press any button on the keypad and the locking mechanism will activate and the lock will then close. Easy peasy!

 

Having trouble with your lock?
Retry the procedure above.

Make sure the code you entered is the code you were provided.

 

Still having problems? Give us a call! 866-884-0267.

Are There Cameras or Security Devices at my Property?

Some homeowners may have security devices, like cameras outside the home or noise monitoring devices inside, to help protect the property from things like crime, over-occupancy, or damage. By signing the rental agreement, you’re acknowledging that these security measures might be in place to keep the property safe from theft, unauthorized access, or damage.

 

We ask that guests don’t tamper with, unplug, or cover any of these devices. If any security device is taken offline, a $250 fine may be applied.

 

We value your privacy and want to ensure that your stay is both safe and comfortable. If you have any questions regarding security features at your rental home, feel free to reach out to our team.

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