This page is dedicated to resources and information for property owners of short-term rentals. The objective of this page is for maintaining a good relationship between the Gap’s full-time residents, its occasional visitors, and the short-term rental guests.
REMEMBER YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACTIONS OF YOUR GUESTS!
It is important that Property Owners of Short-Term Rentals ensure they are communicating the Gap rules to their respective property managers and guests on your advertising websites, through bookings, email or other means. Below are some recommendations and suggested ways in which you can accomplish that as well as some templates you can download and use. Remember, as Gap Owners, you are responsible for the actions of your guests. Your guests must respect the property of full-time residents, and adhere to quiet hours and the 15mph speed limit on all Gap Roads.
Please ensure you are adhering to and communicating the following policies to your guests:
Page County Requirements for Short-Term Rentals
In accordance with Page County Zoning regulations Section § 125-30.21 - Short-term tourist rentals, stipulates that prior to establishing a short term rental owner(s) of any dwelling shall apply for a Page County business license prior to using the dwelling as a short-term tourist rental. Additionally, prior to using the dwelling as a short-term tourist rental, a property management plan demonstrating how the short-term tourist rental will be managed and how the impact on neighboring properties will be minimized shall be submitted for review and approval by the Zoning Administrator. The plan shall include local points of contact available to respond immediately to complaints, clean up garbage, manage unruly tenants and utility issues, etc. It shall also be posted in a visible location in the short-term tourist rental. The contact numbers shall be provided to County staff, public safety officials and, if applicable, the HOA/POA of the subdivision. Information will be clearly posted in the house, and clear boundaries of the property will be shown. The plan must be provided as part of the rental contract. Finally, maximum number of occupants shall be determined by the Page County Health Department and occupancy shall be limited to the number of people set forth by the permit issued. For additional information, individuals can contact the Zoning Administrator at:
Page County Planning & Community Development
103 S Court Street, Suite B
Luray, VA 22835
Phone: (540) 743-1324
Fax: (540) 743-1419
Website: www.pagecounty.virginia.gov
Welcome Book
A welcome book is one of the most valuable amenities you can provide to your guests to make them feel comfortable in your space. In addition to a welcome letter, creating a welcome book can boost your guest experience and present you as a caring and thoughtful host. A welcome book can be helpful in many ways:
to outline your property and HOA rules
provide emergency contacts
enlist how-to instructions
provide your guests with a guidebook on local attractions, dining spots, tours, etc.
Download a Welcome Book Template - Microsoft Word
Rental Policy Document/Agreement
A short term rental agreement helps to ensure that a tenant will leave your property in the same condition they found it. It also puts all the important details in writing so that there's no confusion on what's provided on your end, and what's expected from the tenant. Other advantages are:
Short-term rental agreements can serve as a filter for bad guests, as they are less likely to choose a vacation rental that asks them to sign a legally binding agreement holding them responsible for bad behavior.
These agreements are also helpful to guests as they are made aware of the rules and conditions governing their vacation rental, as well as the penalties they will incur for breaking them.
Because guests are clear on what they can expect from the very beginning, it lessens your chance of receiving a bad review due to misplaced expectations on the part of the guests.
You can easily take legal action to receive compensation for any damage to property caused by your guests.
You can make sure you are not held legally accountable for illegal behavior on the part of your guests while staying in your property
Vacation rental agreements can help you during tax season, serving as proof that can lead to exemptions on other taxes or deductions on expenses.
In the rare case you are encumbered with a guest who simply refuses to leave your property, having a short-term rental agreement they have signed will make it much easier for you to have them evicted.
Short-term rental agreements are also helpful when submitting a claim with your insurance provider to claim damages caused to your property by guests.
Download a Sample Short-Term Rental Policy/Agreement
Miscellaneous Documents / Templates