Frequently Asked Questions
For a complete list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and answers kindly review the items from the options below.
Should you still not find what you are looking for please feel free to
contact us. Well will be happy to hear from you and to answer any questions, comments or suggestions you may have.
B&B and Hotel Guest questions
Establishment owner/advertiser
Home owners frequently asked questions
1. What do I do with my personal belongings?
Most owners keep a few personal items in their homes that they would prefer to keep private. Experience has shown that if one or two of the kitchen cupboards are lockable, this is ideal for the spices and other items of a personal nature. Similarly a bedroom cupboard or two and perhaps a lockable area in the garage usually sorts this problem out. We advise owners to leave cleaning materials available to tenants.
2. Should I be concerned about theft and breakage?
Whilst very few problems have been experienced in the past, there is always risk, experience however has shown this to be extremely negligible and restricted to the odd glass etc.. All tenants are security checked, references are supplied and full contact details obtained. Stayeastcape will also do an inventory on all items with a value in excess of R1000, before and after and every rental and tenants are required to leave our representative a breakage deposit of the greater of R1000 or one days rental. Each tenant receives at least one visit during a rental and the house is inspected.
3. What about non-payment?
Tenants pay a deposit of 50% of the rental at the time of booking with the balance plus the breakage deposit payable on the day of arrival. Any non-payment will immediately cancel the rental.
4. What income can I generate?
Rentals during holiday periods can be as high as R6000 per day for top rated homes in the best location. Our minimum rental for any home is R350 per day and unless specific agreement is reached for perhaps a long term rental, we don't advise clients to rent for less than this.
5. What does it cost me, the home owner?
To list and advertise on our site is free. We will market our site extensively and obtain tenants and contractual obligation. We will charge a comission which must be allowed for when setting your daily rental fees. The comission is 20% + vat on the gross rental received and we charge a pre-liminary fee on each booking iof R200. This covers the pre-arrival process as detailed elswhere and the supply of a gift for the tenant of approximately R100 in value. The fee includes various services, these are listed under information/properties/for the home owner routed via the home page.
Tenant frequently asked questions
1. How do I know I will get fair value? Grading?
Modern technology is wonderful, guests of commercial establishments will view a comprehensive photo guide on our site and we also encourage you to ask any questions regarding the specific bed and breakfast, Hotel or guest lodge. Ask anything and tell us everything from allergies to cats; ability of your children in the water...the more you tell us the better we are able to match your requirements to a suitable home.
Most establishments are graded by the Tourism Grading council of South Africa from 1 through to 5 stars and they are regularly inspected by officials to ensure compliance.
2. What if I cancel or change dates?
Cancellation after receiving a deposit is possible provided this is NOT within 60 days of planned occupancy. A 20% cancellation fee will apply if a booking is cancelled between 60 and 90 days, a 35% fee will apply and if cancellation is between 30 and 60 days and if under 30 days, the full deposit will be forfeited. Changing dates will be accommodated wherever possible at no cost.
3. How soon should I book?
Experience has shown that most family holidays are planned well in advance. If your booking is during school holidays (particularly December) we suggest you book as early as possible in the year, some bookings are made a full year in advance. Propeties near water or the local attraction always fill up quicker than the others, if this is what you're after please don't delay, every holiday we find ourselves disappointing the "late commers" - why wait?
4. Will written agreement exist?
Written documents will be signed by all three parties, stayeastcape; Owner and Tenant. This will constitute agreement between the parties.