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Welcome to our FAQ Page!
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Here is where you can find answers to the most common questions asked by our customers! If you cannot find question you are looking for, click the search button!
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General
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Q: Is there a lot of paperwork involved?
A: Some, not much. All contracts are between Homes4Events and Homeowner, and between Homes4Events and Guest. We advise all our homeowners to prepare a detailed inventory of the contents of their homes, which can and will be used for both security and insurance purposes. These contracts control the relationship and supersede whatever may be in conflict with statements on this web site. |
Q: OK, if we should decide to rent our home, when will we get paid?
A: 100% payment of the total rental amount due to the Homeowner will be paid within 30 days of final day of the Event timeframe.
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Q: What do you mean tax-free?
A: According to the IRS, if you rent out your primary residence for fourteen days or less in a calendar year, you don't have to report the income. Homes4Events is not a tax authority and we encourage you to check with your accountant on all tax matters. |
Q: Where do people go while their houses are being rented?
A: Homes4Events has allied with licensed travel agencies to offer special travel packages specifically for our homeowners. Look for updates on this exciting development in our newsletter. Other ideas: visit the in-laws, go on vacation (think of it as a paid vacation!), road trip! |
Q: Are we as Homeowners under any kind of legal obilgations?
A: Of course, your home must comply with all local government regulations, and the Homeowner is obligated to comply with any restrictions from the Homeowners' Association and CC&R's.
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Q: Are there any fees involved?
A: Yes, there is a one-time $99 sign-up fee to help defray the costs of marketing and administration. |
Q: Who pays the utilities during the timeframe that the house is rented?
A: The utilities (lights, heat, air conditioning, et al) are the Homeowner's responsibility, just as are the mortgage and insurance on the home. Long distance telephone charges, however, can be alleviated by having the phone company disable outgoing long distance calls of any kind during the rental period. The Guest will have to use her own cell phone or phone card. |
Q: If anything should happen to my home, will my homeowners insurance cover it?
A: Homes4Events is not an insurance authority, and does not require bonding. We recommend that you discuss your options with your insurance agent. We require a high security deposit from the Guest for this reason, plus, since we cater to the Fortune 500 companies, the resources available to them are considerable. Homeowners are responsible for obtaining and maintaining adequate insurance, including Personal Liability and Property Damage.
Additionally, if, as an illustration, a pipe bursts and causes water damage, the Guest needs to contact Homes4Events immediately. Our intention is to have a plumber there in a reasonable amount of time on an emergency basis. It will need to be determined if the damage was caused by an internal breakdown (which would be the Homeowners responsibility) or by an act of vandalism or neglect (which would be the Guests responsibility). |
Q: What should I do about my valuable possessions? What if something irreplaceable gets hurt or destroyed?
A: Homes4Events encourages our homeowners to take normal precautions for this eventuality. We hold a security deposit, in escrow, from the Guests until such time as you return and authorize its release. Consider that special arrangements be made for that special Ming vase, or your vintage car. We also encourage that you double check with your insurance agent that your homeowners insurance would cover the incident if there were bodily injury. Homes4Events is not responsible for damage, theft, or bodily injury. |
Q: Can we designate certain parts of the residence as "off limits"?
A: Of course! Homes4Events will make special mention in the contracts between all parties that specified areas are locked and cannot be entered. Additionally, Homes4Events will place a polite reminder on the locked door that it is off limits. |
Q: As a homeowner, I'm concerned about someone possibly getting hurt. Have you considered that?
A: Yes. We strongly suggest that you check with your insurance provider for a short-term rider to your policy. Homes4Events, Inc. is not an insurance provider nor an insurance authority. |
Q: What do we need to do to prepare our homes?
A: Premises should be clean, tidy and well maintained. There needs to be adequate lighting in all the areas available to the Guest. Smoke detectors must be clean and in good working order - may we suggest putting in a new battery? Window coverings in bedrooms and bathrooms are a must. Local telephone service needs to be available. The Guest should have a washer and dryer available for use. These must also be clean and in good working condition. Please provide adequate closet space with hangers and chest of drawers for Guest use. Bedroom doors with secure locks. Of course, everyone likes the bathroom to be clean and in good working order with a lockable door.
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Q: What is the reservation process?
A: Begin by completing and submitting the form entitled Looking to Rent a Home? Homes4Events requires a non-refundable Security Deposit in the amount of 50% of the total rental. This is only refundable if the Event in question is cancelled.
At this time, Homes4Events is accepting only corporate checks and cashier's checks.
We will contact you within 3 business days of receiving your reservation form, and confirmation will be emailed to you within 5 business days of receiving your Security Deposit. Full payment of the rental unit must be received no later than one month before the Event timeframe.
In cases where reservations are made with less than one month's time before the Event, the form entitled For Our Guests, 100% of the rental plus the 50% Security Deposit will be due in order to reserve the residence.
After processing the final payment and Security Deposit, Homes4Events will notify you via U.S. Mail and email regarding the final confirmation of your reservation information, and check-in procedures.
Security Deposits, less any deductions for damage and other qualified expenses, will be returned to the Guest within 30 days of the end of the Event timeframe.
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Q: Will the Guests be hosting parties in my home?
A: Homes4Events offers concierge-like services including maid service, catered dinners, wine-tastings in the residence. If the Guests choose any of these options, rest assured that your home will be treated with respect and admiration. It will be professionally cleaned before you return. Homes4Events only associates with reliable and reputable firms who have shown Certificates of Insurance, with Homes4Events as an additional insured party. |
Q: What if we change our mind, and decide not to rent our home?
A: As long as Homes4Events has not already signed an Agreement with the Guest to rent the home during the event's timeframe, we will respect your decision, of course. Be aware that the Agreement will stipulate that Homes4Events needs to be advised, in writing, of your decision to withdraw your home from availability.
If a reservation has been made, and confirmed for your property, requests for cancellation of the listing Agreement cannot be accepted! |
Q: What about long distance charges on my phone made by the Guests?
A: Homes4Events suggests that you arrange with the phone company to block the ability to place other than outgoing collect calls, credit card calls, or any other types of calls that can be billed to your phone during the time frame of the event. Its an easy thing to do and it takes only minutes. Homes4Events is not responsible for any such charges. |
Q: I'd like just one single-point-of-contact, is that possible?
A: Yes, of course. Here's what happens: each Homeowner signs a contract with Homes4Events, and each Guest signs a contract with Homes4Events. At anytime, either party can call Homes4Events for assistance, questions or comments. We are here for your convenience - one stop shopping! What a concept! |
Q: Should I get linens for the Guests?
A: That's up to you, of course, its a matter of personal choice. |
Q: What about my home security system?
A: Most residential security systems offer a feature that enables temporary codes to be input. You can decide what this code will be and disable it after the event. Additionally, at your request, Homes4Events will arrange for a locksmith to visit your home, at your convenience, to rekey your locks. This means you will receive new keys. Its another bit of assurance that the outgoing Guests won't have keys to your home. |
Q: I'd like to prohibit smoking in my home. I can, can't I?
A: Of course you can. In fact, Homes4Events designates each of its homes as smoke-free zones unless you give permission to do so. The homeowner can also choose pet-free or children-free, if so desired. |
Q: Are you representing homes in other cities besides Charlotte, North Carolina?
A: At present, our focus is Charlotte; however, our intention is to expand our scope to include other parts of the country including: Daytona Beach, FL, Indianapolis, IN, Fontana, CA, Phoenix, AZ, Louisville, KT, New York, NY, Seattle, WA, and Charleston, SC |
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