Thank you for renting one of our furnished homes for your long-term stay.
Here is some truly vital information you’ll need to know while staying on SSI:
1) REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE: All homes sometimes require repairs and/or maintenance. As you get settled, if you feel we have overlooked a needed repair, please make us a punch list (email is best!). We have a great handyman we can send to the rescue! However, it might take him a few days to make the rounds, so if there is an urgent need please reach out immediately.
Throughout your stay we may need to send other providers to keep the systems running. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we coordinate those maintenance visits.
If there is an issue with an appliance, the HVAC system, or something else -- please let me know immediately. If we need to make an after hours or weekend call to service providers, we certainly will do so. But if you notice an issue, the sooner you can let us know the better so we can get in line with our providers.
2) HVAC: The owners ask that you try to leave the AC at a reasonable temperature. During the hot months, most AC systems can only keep a house about 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature. If you push the AC below 68 degrees, it might stop working all together, FYI! Additionally, HVAC filters should be replaced often; we will send you a box of filters as well as reminders.
3) TELEVISION: Feel free to download any apps to the Smart TVs / Roku, and please use your own login IDs (just remember to sign out upon your departure). If you need live television, a subscription to YouTubeTV or Hulu Live offers local channels.
4) INTERNET: Should the internet stop working, please understand that I am only a messenger working between you, the Internet provider, and the Owner. I wish I had power over the internet gods, but I am a mere mortal. Please be patient and understanding... if I could snap my fingers to return service to you immediately, I would certainly do so. But I am at the mercy of the Internet provider and can only make phone calls and send harassing messages...and then we just have to wait it out. Thus, please notify us immediately should the Internet stop working, and please be patient as we troubleshoot the issue.
5) HOMEGOODS: We have also never actually lived at any of the homes we rent -- if you feel like there are some purchases that should be made to benefit both you and future renters, let us know (examples: Kitchen items, extra linens or towels, etc.). Our owners are usually accommodating depending on the request. If approved, I may ask you to send me an Amazon or Target link; I can purchase the item and have it sent directly to the home. We want the home to be properly appointed and stocked, and for you to enjoy your stay!
6) TRASH & RECYCLING: Please pay careful attention into which bin you're placing the trash. Cans for trash are either dark green or blue with a black lid. Be sure to thoroughly bag your trash before placing it in the proper receptacle (we get a lot of critters and bugs down here!). Trash pickup on the island is Monday morning -- even on holidays -- so please be sure to roll the trash bin to the curb on Sunday nights.
Recycling bins are blue. Do NOT bag your recycling. Recycling should be commingled in the bin. You may recycle plastic, cardboard, and paper. GLASS does not recycle, sadly. If you have a lot of glass, you may take it to the trash/recycling center on the island (located just behind the farmer's market stand) to be recycled. Recycling pickup is only every other Monday. We also pay to recycle. Should you get mail or a notice from Republic Services, please let me know so I can pay that bill on time.
7) LANDSCAPING: During the spring/summer growing months, the landscaper usually shows up every other week or so to mow the lawn, blow the leaves, etc. In the winter he will not come as often. Sometimes he gives us a heads up when he's planning to do the lawn, but not always. Thus, please be sure to keep up with any pets and keep the yard clean of excrement.
8) PETS: We are happy to host pets and their responsible owners. A refundable pet deposit is required ($250/per pet) prior to your arrival. This money can be returned to you at the end of your stay assuming there has been no damage to the property or its contents. If carpets require steam cleaning or replacement, the pet deposit will be applied to this as well. Please pickup after your dog in the yard regularly; the landscaper cannot do his job properly when excrement is left behind.
9) PEST CONTROL: There are bugs on St. Simons. Lots of bugs. It is not uncommon to see large palmetto bugs and other critters roaming inside the house. The house has a pest service with quarterly treatments; despite this, bugs will still get in the home. If you feel like there is an inordinate amount, let us know and we can have the home sprayed more often. I will text you about upcoming appointments with Arrow Pest control to gain access to the house for quarterly treatments.
10) MAIL: The USPS will deliver to any address – many transients here, so they don't pay any attention to the name on the letter or package. If you are getting a lot of mail for someone else, please let me know. Usually, I will ask you to write "RTS" on the mail and stick it back in the box to be returned (or recycle the junk mail). Occasionally, something important arrives to the house for the owner, in which case I can swing by and pick it up.