BOOKING PROCEDURES AND
COTTAGE RENTAL INFORMATION

After viewing our listings, if you have decided on a particular cottage, please contact us. We look forward to assisting you with your cottage holiday arrangements.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES:

The rental amounts vary from cottage to cottage, depending on amenities, location and size of cottage. For all of the cottages we list, there is a $45.00 administrative fee and, unless otherwise stated, all cottages require a $500.00 security deposit.

A down payment of 40% on the total amount is required if you are booking your vacation more than 4 weeks prior to the rental period date. Please provide a post-dated cheque for the balance due, dated 4 weeks prior to your rental date. If your application is made within 4 weeks of the start of your rental period, the total amount is due immediately. All payments that are made within 2 weeks of the rental period start date MUST be paid by certified cheque, money order or e-mail money transfer. Remember: do not send cash by mail. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards.

Please make cheques payable to: ‘Northern Comfort’. Send payments to Northern Comfort, R.R.# 2, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada, K0L 2H0. As a guide, a currency converter is available on our links page. Please note the currency rate is subject to market change and bank fees.

RENTAL INFORMATION

Congratulations! You have decided to rent a cottage and experience a truly unique and wonderful Ontario tradition! As it is someone’s private home on the water, there are certain responsibilities above other vacation accommodations. Outlined below are some rental tips and information we hope will answer some of your questions and help make your cottage experience an enjoyable one!

Please remember when renting a privately-owned cottage, even a higher end one, you must be prepared to “rough it” a little. It is not a hotel or resort. Individual cottage owners may have different tastes and standards than you. It is a cottage in cottage country and insects and mice can occur at any time - expect them as they are a part of cottage living. Consideration must also be given to water and septic usage – you should acquaint yourself, your family and your guests on their proper usage in cottage country (see note below).

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Although a boat may not be provided in your rental, many local marinas and outfitters’ stores do rent fishing boats and canoes. If a watercraft is provided, it is your responsibility to ensure that all rules, laws, regulations and safe boating practices are followed. We advise that you obtain a hydrographic map if you are boating on unfamiliar waters. For more information on boating regulations and safety call the Canadian Coast Guard at 1-800-267-6687 or visit their web site through our links page.

• There is a $15.00 administrative charge per call if any calls are billed to the cottage phone on top of the cost of the call. These charges will be deducted from your security deposit if necessary. Bring a cell phone or calling card

• At each cottage, you will find a copy of an individualized COTTAGE INFORMATION FOLDER, containing the “Household Rules” (emergency numbers, cleaning checklist, garbage disposal and septic information, etc.) Please read through the “Household Rules” as soon as you arrive as you are responsible for following them! The location of marinas, local stores and attractions, fishing and other tourist information, will also be provided to make your stay more enjoyable. Please read and follow the information and instructions for the cottage. If you are unable to find this folder, please contact us by 5:00 p.m. the day of your arrival.

• The cottage must be left thoroughly clean and tidy before you depart. This means that a thorough cleaning must be done by you and/or your party prior to your departure! A cottage cleaning checklist can be found in the Cottage Information package at the cottage. As well, DO NOT leave any garbage behind. All garbage is to be taken with you and NOT left at the cottage. Deductions from your security deposit will result if the above is not adhered to. Any consumables should be replaced (i.e., BBQ propane).

• The cottage owner is responsible for checking the cottage between rentals. If there is a problem or emergency while you are at the cottage, please contact the owner or the alternate contact. This information will be provided at the cottage. NCCR is not authorized to conduct any repairs or maintenance to the cottage or the property.

CHECK IN / CHECK OUT

During the summer, all of the cottages managed by Northern Comfort rent weekly. Generally, arrival time is 3:00 p.m. Saturday and departure time is 11:00 a.m. Saturday (unless otherwise stated in the listing).

DIRECTIONS

Directions and keys will be sent out a few weeks prior to your vacation.

SECURITY DEPOSITS

Generally, security deposits are mailed out 14 days after the departure date, but may be held until the telephone bill has cleared.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Please adhere to any special conditions for the cottage you have chosen (maximum number of occupants/guests, pets, smoking allowed). Please do not ask us to make exceptions.

COTTAGE ROADS

Many cottage roads are gravel and may be uneven, bumpy and narrow. Respect speed limits, watch for cottagers out for a stroll.

PARKING

Park only in designated areas and drives. Failure to do so could result in major damage to septic beds. Do not exceed limits for cars and do not block neighbours' entrances.

CAMP FIRES

If there is a camp fire pit and fires are allowed at a cottage, camp fires are to be contained and supervised. Burn only in the camp fire pit. Be aware that the Ministry of Natural Resources sometimes places a ban on open fires and that you are responsible for adhering to any bans. Use only the wood and kindling designated for the camp fire, not any firewood for indoor use. Always douse fire thoroughly before leaving it.

SEPTIC TANKS

Never put anything down the toilet other than natural waste and toilet paper! Other items, such as paper towels, tampons, food and grease will back up the septic system, and result in costly repairs. Pass information is on to guests and children.

NEIGHBOURS

Respect property lines (do not trespass on other people's property, this includes waterfront and beaches, woodland and private roads). Keep noise level to a minimum. Remember that sound travels across water easily.

PETS

If you bring a pet (provided the cottage you've booked allows pets) keep your pet in control, off the road and the neighbours' property, and clean up after it. Keep your pet off the furniture and beds. Do not leave your pet alone in the cottage.

SAFETY

Practice safety. Children must be supervised at water at all times. They should not be allowed to wander into woodlands alone.

GARBAGE

Most cottagers have access to a local dump, a small few do have pick-up. This information can be found in the HOUSEHOLD RULES package located in the cottage. If you use the dump, make sure you return the dump card to its original place in the cottage before you leave. You must remove all garbage and recycling items from the property when you leave.

POWER OUTAGES

In the event of a power outage, please do not run water (sinks, flush toilets, etc.). In cottage country, water systems run off of electric pumps. Running water could result in emptying water lines and the pump needing to be primed.

WHAT TO BRING

All cottages are equipped with pots, pans, dishes, glasses, cups and cutlery already. Features such coffee maker, microwave, etc. are available at cottage if found on the features list for the cottage. The following is a list of suggestions of what to bring on your cottage holiday:

Drinking water - all cottages run off either well or lake water. It is good idea to bring drinking water. Large jugs of water can be purchased at the grocery stores throughout cottage country. If there is a filtered, treated source of water at the cottage, it may only be at the kitchen sink. If there is treated water, it is listed on the features list for the cottage. Be mindful that wells can run dry from overuse, Practice conservation (i.e., limit showers, wait a couple of hours between laundry loads, etc.)

Linens - sheets, pillowcases, sleeping bags, dish cloths. (Blankets and pillows should be at the cottage, unless otherwise stated in the cottage listing.)

Calling card or cell phone - not all cottages have a telephone.
If there is a cottage telephone, it is listed on the features list for the cottage. Be aware some owners have a long distance block on their phones. If you are relying on a cell phone, make sure yours has range in cottage country.

Life jackets - at some cottages there may be life jackets provided, but in order for a life jacket to work - it must fit properly; therefore, you should bring your own. It is your responsibility. One approved life jacket or PFD is required for each person on board any boating vessel.

Swimming - zebra mussels are now a reality throughout cottage country. Water shoes are highly recommended. Please keep in mind that swimming conditions such as water levels, water clarity, weed growth, etc. vary every year in every lake depending on a number of changing factors such as: the amount of snow melt, lake levels, rainfall/runoff and nutrient leeching, weather conditions, if a neighbour or someone further down the lake has fertilized their grass, etc. etc. While we make our best efforts to describe swimming/water conditions based on our visit to the cottage and information from the owners, we can not make guarantees for things that are out of our control.

QUICK CHECKLIST

linens - sheets, pillow cases, sleeping bag and towels	fishing equipment
sun block	games & books for rainy days
sunglasses	water shoes
life jackets	groceries
insect spray	drinking water
camera	cell phone or calling card
DVDs/videos (if there is a TV, VCR, DVD player)	directions, rental contract, this sheet