This is the time of year when thousands of families are searching cottage rental agency sites and private listings of vacation homes, to find the perfect cottage. Each family will have different criteria, will be looking at many different locations and their budgets will be widely varied. Some savvy renters have already made their choices, paid their deposits and are happily settled knowing exactly where they are going, and what to expect when they get there. Others will leave it to the last minute and take pot luck on what is remaining.

Sadly, there are some cottage owners who, either through a misguided perception of the attractiveness of their cottage, or from a deliberate attempt at misrepresentation, will take the money that is sent to them, and not care one jot that their renters are going to be badly disappointed.

Over the next week or so, I’ll be covering many areas of cottage rental to help you make the right choice this year. Whether you rent from an agency like ours at CottageLINK Rental Management, or from a private advertiser, you have the right to know that the property you select actually exists, is in good condition for occupation, and is as advertised. I’ll be showing you how to read between the lines of a private ad; what questions to ask the agency or owner; whether the rate you are paying is reasonable for the property you’ve chosen; and where the hot spots are for renting this year.

This will be the ultimate insider guide to renting a cottage in Ontario, so don’t miss out on any of the upcoming posts.