Frequently Asked Questions
At what age may I rent a vacation property and sign the rental agreement?
Anyone age 25 and above may rent any vacation rental property. Some properties allow renters aged 21+. Please read the description of the property carefully or check with our reservations team to verify age requirements. Absolutely no property that requires guests to be 25 or older will be rented to vacationing students under 25 who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian of age. The person checking in must be the person who is renting the property. Any reservations obtained under false pretenses may be subject to loss of pre-payment, rental payments, taxes and fees.
Do you collect a deposit or prepayment?
Daily/Weekly Rentals
A non-refundable prepayment of $295 for condos, and $495 for penthouses and houses, is due at the time of booking and is required to secure your reservation. This prepayment is included in the total charges and will be applied to your final payment. If you are reserving within 30 days of arrival for condos and 60 days of arrival for houses, the total charges are due at the time of booking. Your prepayment will be applied to your reservation total.
1-Month Reservations
A non-refundable prepayment of $295 is due at the time of booking and is required to secure your reservation. This prepayment is included in the total charges and will be applied to your final payment. The balance due payment date is 120 days prior to arrival. If you are making a 1-month reservation within 120 days of arrival, full payment is due at the time of booking. You may cancel your reservation 120 days or more prior to your arrival and all payments are refundable, except the non-refundable $295 prepayment and the trip insurance premium, if purchased. If you cancel within 120 days of arrival, you will forfeit all monies paid. There are no refunds for early departures.
2+ Month Reservations
A non-refundable prepayment of $295 is due at the time of booking and is required to secure your reservation. This prepayment is included in the total charges and will be applied to your final payment. Fifty-five percent of the total amount is due 120 days prior to arrival with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to arrival. Any changes to your stay dates made after 120 days of arrival will incur a $100 fee per bedroom. If you are making a reservation within 120 days of arrival, full payment is due at the time of booking. You may cancel your reservation 120 days or more prior to your arrival and all payments made are refundable except the non-refundable $295 prepayment and trip insurance premium, if purchased. There are no refunds for early departures.
If purchasing optional travel insurance, payment for the insurance is also required at the time of booking.
You may also choose to purchase a Vacation Rental Damage Protection plan for a nominal fee of $45. This plan is designed to cover unintentional damages to the rental unit interior that occur during your stay, up to $1,500. The Damage Protection Plan can be purchased all the way up to day of check-in.
Please visit our Insurance page to learn more about Travel Insurance and Damage Protection.
When do I send in my prepayment?
Prepayment and optional travel insurance payments are due on the day of booking or the reservation is subject to cancellation.
Once you have signed and returned your electronic rental agreement, you may access your Guest Portal to make payments online. Refer to your email communications for login information.
Checks are accepted for final payment only. You may send your check for the final balance to:
Young’s Suncoast Vacation RentalsPO Box 346
Gulf Shores, AL 36547
Will you confirm my deposit?
You will receive an electronic rental agreement by e-mail after your prepayment is received. This contract contains your dates of stay, amount paid, and amount due, plus our terms and conditions.
Please verify the arrival/departure dates, reserved accommodations, and rent amount due. Contact us immediately if you find a discrepancy; otherwise we will assume all information is correct. Read it carefully and follow the steps to digitally sign and submit it as soon as possible.
When and how do I pay my balance?
Daily/Weekly Rentals
To expedite your check-in, the balance due payment date is 30 days prior to arrival for condos and 60 days prior to arrival for houses. If you are making a reservation within 30 days of your arrival date for condos or 60 days prior to arrival for houses, full payment is due at the time of booking. We will automatically charge the final payment to the card on file on your balance due date.
Monthly Rentals
1-Month Reservations: The balance due date is 120 days prior to your arrival. If you are making a reservation within 120 days of your arrival date, full payment is due at the time of booking.
2+ Month Reservations: Fifty-five percent of the total amount is due 120 days prior to arrival with the remaining balance due 30 days prior to your arrival date. If you are making a reservation within 120 days of arrival, full payment is due at the time of booking.
Once your reservation is confirmed and you have submitted your electronic rental agreement, you will be given access to your Guest Portal where you can make additional payments toward your reservation.
If paying by check or money order, please make payable to Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rentals, and mail to P.O. Box 346, Gulf Shores, AL 36547. Personal checks, travelers checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted for payments.
What methods of payment do you accept?
VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards are accepted. Your credit card on file will be automatically charged 30 days prior to your arrival. We prefer one payment of a single payment type from one individual. We also accept travelers checks and personal checks 30 days in advance of arrival for condos and 60 days in advance for houses. Please contact us before your payment due date to inform us if you will be mailing a check.
Am I guaranteed the unit I reserve with my prepayment?
We reserve the right to substitute comparable accommodations without notice or liability should the reserved unit be out of order or not available for any reason. When comparable accommodations are not available, you may select from available properties at the published rate or receive a complete refund of any pre-payments. Under some circumstances, rates may also be subject to change, depending on the date your reservation was made.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation requests must be submitted by contacting our office during regular business hours.
We strongly encourage purchasing Trip Insurance for added peace of mind. Learn more on our Trip Insurance page.
Daily/Weekly Rentals
Cancellation notice must be given at least 30 days prior to arrival for daily and weekly condo rentals, and 60 days prior to arrival for daily and weekly house rentals. If it is necessary to cancel your reservation with more than the required advance notice, all payments are refundable, less your non-refundable prepayment and trip insurance premium, if purchased. Cancellations with less than the specified number of days notice will result in forfeiture of prepayment(s), including all pre-paid rent, fees, and taxes. There will be no refunds for early departures. Any changes in the dates of a reservation with less than the required notice will incur a $30 administrative change fee.
Monthly Rentals
1-Month Reservations: You may cancel your reservation 120 days or more prior to your arrival and all payments are refundable, less your non-refundable prepayment and trip insurance premium, if purchased. Cancellations with less than 120 days notice will result in forfeiture of prepayment(s), including all pre-paid rent, fees, and taxes. There are no refunds for early departures.
2+ Month Reservations: You may cancel your reservation 120 days prior to arrival and all payments made are refundable, less your non-refundable prepayment(s) and trip insurance premium, if purchased. Any changes to your stay dates made between 120 days and your arrival date will incur a $100 fee per bedroom. There are no refunds for early departures.
When do I check-in and check-out?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. While every effort is made to have the vacation rental ready on time, check-in may be delayed past 4:00 PM due to unforeseen circumstances.
Sometimes, early check-in may be available for an additional fee. You will be notified the day before your arrival if the property you rented is available for an early check-in. During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), early check-in may not always be available. No exceptions.
Check-out is 10:00 AM. Guests who remain on the property past 10:00 AM without prior written approval will be charged for an additional day. Prompt departure is appreciated so the property can be prepared for incoming guests.
Prior to departure, all garbage must be removed and disposed of in available trash chutes, dumpsters, or outdoor trash cans. All used dishes (including utensils, pots, and pans) must be cleaned and returned to their original location. Please do not leave dirty towels and linens in a pile. All windows and doors must be closed and locked.
What if I will be arriving after business hours?
Please call us if you are planning to check in after 5:00 PM. All rent and applicable fees must be paid in advance in order to arrange for an after-hours check-in.
What furnishings do vacation rental properties include?
Most condos and houses are equipped with standard household furniture and appliances such as a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and TV. Because the properties are privately owned, decor, style, color scheme, and furnishings will vary.
Is there Internet available at my vacation rental property?
Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan have a limited number of internet providers. It is common for the area to experience unreliable internet access at times. We cannot guarantee the quality or availability of the networks provided. If internet access is important during your stay, we recommend bringing a mobile hot spot.
What is covered by the cleaning fee?
The cleaning fee is charged to each guest to completely clean the property and change linens upon departure. Housekeeping prepares the property for the next guest.
What is a convenience fee?
The convenience fee helps offset the cost of accepting electronic payments and supports in-property amenities like starter packs that include dishwashing detergent, sponges, wipes, garbage bags, laundry detergent, coffee, hand and face soap, shampoo and conditioner, bath gel, and more.
What is a processing fee?
The processing fee covers handling your reservation, such as booking and scheduling your stay, securing it until your arrival date, preparing for your arrival and departure, and securely storing guest information for future trips.
What do I need to bring and what will Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rentals provide?
What we provide
- Bed linens, blankets, and pillows
- Dishes, glassware, pots, pans, and utensils
- Initial supply of bath towels in condos based upon occupancy
- Outdoor furniture
We supply trial sizes of select products like shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, dishwasher detergent, laundry soap, and more. You may want to purchase additional sizes if needed.
What to bring
- Beach towels and beach chairs
- Personal items
- Laundry and dishwashing detergent
- Bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins, and garbage bags
- Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and zip-top bags
- Bath soap and condiments
- Clothes hangers and coffee filters
- Sunscreen
Is there a maximum number of vehicles allowed at a condominium?
Most condominium associations allow one vehicle per unit. Many provide for a maximum of two vehicles for two or more bedroom units. Please check with a reservationist to confirm a property’s specific policy. Condominiums and most houses prohibit boats, trailers, jet skis, and motor homes. Consult your reservation agent if you wish to bring any of these types of vehicles.
Is there a maximum number of people allowed in the rental property?
Yes. The maximum number of people is based on the number each property comfortably sleeps. Refer to the property description or speak with a rental representative for specific information.
What items are available for rental through your office?
We can recommend local rental services that provide everything from beach chairs and umbrellas to baby beds. Although we do not rent these items ourselves, we are happy to provide information on local sources.
Are pets allowed?
Dogs, emotional support, and therapy animals are allowed only in specifically identified pet-friendly properties and with applicable non-refundable pet fees. Pets are not allowed in any property not specifically identified as pet-friendly, with the exception of working service dogs specifically trained to perform a task. Only one dog is allowed per pet-friendly property unless otherwise stated in the property description. Some breed restrictions apply. Please contact our office for breed restriction details.
A pet or evidence of a pet found on premises at any non-pet-friendly property will be cause for immediate eviction and forfeiture of all rent payments, prepayments, taxes, and fees. Local kennels are available for boarding pets if needed.
What about fireworks?
Fireworks are prohibited at all rental properties and are illegal within the city limits of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Can I make long distance phone calls from the rental property?
Telephones are furnished in most vacation properties for local calls. Long distance and directory assistance calls must be made collect, charged to your personal phone number, or paid by credit card. Note: Gulf Shores Plantation telephones are operated on a central switchboard system. Please contact the Gulf Shores Plantation management office for long distance call procedures and payment information.
Can we grill out on our balcony?
Fire marshal and condominium association rules prohibit the use of grills on balconies and decks and under raised beach houses and duplexes. Most condo buildings, duplexes, and houses have designated BBQ areas.
What happens if there is a storm or inclement weather or if I decide to depart early?
Refunds are available only through trip insurance, if the optional trip insurance was purchased.
How do I check-out?
Please complete a light cleanup before you leave:
- Bag and dispose of all trash.
- Wash dishes (use dishwasher detergent only) and return all utensils, cookware, and dishes to their original locations.
- Sweep the floors.
- Set the air conditioner to 75 degrees.
- Close and lock all windows and doors.
- Return all keys to the Young’s Suncoast Vacation Rental management office in Gulf Shores.