Renting on LBI can range from a total headache to an unforgettable experience that will have you coming back year after year. Whether you’re a seasoned renter, or you’re new to the process, you may benefit from a few tips and tricks. As a rental agent on the island, I have a few things for you to consider when choosing your vacation rental property.
What is the best way to book?
There are a few different ways to book your stay at an LBI vacation home, and different things to consider for each. The three most common rental listing services are VRLBI, VRBO, and Airbnb. There are pros and cons to each, so let’s get into the details.
Airbnb has become a very popular rental booking platform, mostly due its ease of use and secure payment options. While this is not LBI’s most popular way to rent, it has gained some traction in the last few years.
Pros:
- User friendliness
- Booking secured within minutes
- No lease required
- Flexible cancellation policies
Cons:
- Additional 12%-20% or rent added in taxes and fees
- You will often need to pay in full up front
- Cleaning fees often not included in nightly rate
- Inconsistent property quality
VRBO is another popular booking option where you can book and pay directly through one site. It is similar to Airbnb in that it is also known for its ease of use, but not the most common way to rent on the island.
Pros:
- Direct communication to the owner
- User friendliness
- Ease of booking & payment
Cons:
- 8%-15% of rent total will be added in taxes and fees
- Heftier cleaning fees
- Variable property quality
Our Recommended Option
VRLBI is the most popular way to rent on LBI. While it doesn’t have the modern touch of online booking and payment, it is the market standard in booking your LBI vacation rental.
Pros:
- Direct communication to homeowner or licensed Realtor
- Little to no added taxes or fees
- Cleaning fee often included in rent
- Not required to pay full amount upfront
Cons:
- Stricter cancellation policies
- Lengthier booking process
- Security deposit often required
Check in/Check out Dates
While most vacation home rentals follow a Saturday to Saturday schedule in the peak weeks of summer, most renters find this to be a wasteful way to spend their first day of vacation. Sitting in bumper to bumper traffic coming over the causeway while dreaming of the beach can be a special kind of torture. If you’re someone whose road rage peaks in traffic, you might want to look for a Friday to Friday or Sunday to Sunday rental. If you go the Sunday to Sunday route, be wary of Sunday night traffic heading home. If the weather is bad on Sunday, the mass exodus will hit in the morning and could effect your travel plans.
If you do decide to go this route, you’ll want to get an early start in your search. Since Saturday to Saturday is many owners’ default, the homes that offer check-in on a different day may be a bit harder to lock down. Aiming to book your stay before the holiday season is your safest bet!
Amenities
Possibly one of the biggest things to consider when choosing your rental property is the amenities offered. You can find what is included on any rental listing, and it’s important to pay attention to these details. Whether or not things like linens, beach equipment, or kitchenware are included can make or break your trip. No one wants to sit through hours of traffic, just to arrive at their vacation rental and realize that there’s no sheets on the beds! Making sure you’re fully prepared is crucial to making sure you have a smooth arrival.
Location
Whether you’re a regular on the island, or a curious newcomer, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local attractions to figure out which LBI neighborhood best suits your group’s needs.
The LBI general rule of thumb is (with exceptions of course!): Head north for more quiet, head south for more action!
Maybe you’re part of a group who likes to be able to walk to nearby restaurants and shops, where towns like Surf City, Harvey Cedars and Barnegat Light would accommodate you. If you’re group has kids who want to be near attractions like Fantasy Island and Thundering Surf Waterpark Beach Haven may be your only option. Or if you are looking to get away from the noise, towns like North Beach and Loveladies may make the most sense. Most rental listings showcase the property’s general location, so always remember to look for the map feature to make sure you’ll be close to your favorite attractions!
You may also want to consider how far you want to be from the bridge. While the island is only 18 miles long, it can take quite a bit of time to get from one end of the island to the other in the prime summer weeks. For reference, it takes 25-30 minutes to get to Barnegat Light from the causeway, and 40-50 minutes to get to Holgate depending on traffic.
Pet Policies
While it’s safe to say that most people adore a furry friend, some homeowners may not be so keen on the idea. If you are looking to bring your cutest and cuddliest family member on your next LBI vacation, it is important to make sure that you’re aware of the homeowner’s pet policies to avoid any denial of entry upon check-in. Furthermore, if you’re someone who is allergic to certain pets, you might want to ask if the owners have made any recent exceptions to their pet policy, or if they have animals themselves that could have left behind some stuff that will make you sneeze!
If you don’t want to leave your pet at home, but can’t find a house that will allow him/her, Lucky’s Bed & Biscuit is a great option! It is a full service, 24/7 pet hotel where your fur babies will receive tons of love and playtime! A vacation for your pets!
Among the many things that you may be taking into consideration when planning your next LBI vacation, these are just some of the big ones that can make or break your experience. A great vacation starts with a great vacation home, so choose wisely!
About The Author
Andie Keefe is a Realtor with the Guarino Team at RE/MAX at Barnegat Bay. She specializes in vacation rentals on Long Beach Island, and she recently opened a vacation planning & concierge business called LUX. She is passionate about all things LBI and loves to help people experience the vacation of their dreams!
