OBX Vacations Frequently Asked Questions

We are happy to answer some of the more common questions about how things happen. Here is a list that will hopefully help answer them. We look forward to seeing you on the Outer Banks.

There are many benefits and advantages to purchasing travel insurance. As with any insurance policy there are terms and conditions that apply. For complete details, you should reference the Sun Trip Preserver Policy Details.

Once a reservation request is received a signed Vacation Rental Agreement and Advance Rent Payment must be received in our office within three (3) days of booking. If your reservation is less than forty-five days (45 days) in advance it should be paid on the day of the Reservation Request.

We do send emails to our guests such as payment receipts, payment reminders, etc. as a courtesy.

Most homes have keyless entry.  Emails are sent to the leaseholder 16 days prior to arrival with the instructions for a keyless entry arrival and the entry code that will work all week.   If your reservation is confirmed less than 16 days prior to arrival you will need to arrange to get the keyless entry code from our office.  

For homes with traditional locks, keys can be picked up at our office during normal check-in hours of 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  If you arrive after hours your keys and check-in information will be located in the drop-box outside of the front door of our office located at 4607 N. Croatan Highway. 

If you arrive after hours and your vacation home has a traditional lock,  the keys and directions to your vacation home will be put in the after hours box. Our office has a drop box just to the left of the front door. Your check-in package will be clearly marked with your last name and Joe Lamb Jr. rental unit number on the outside of the package.

If your vacation home is Keyless Entry, proceed directly to the rental home and gain access with the entry code provided. 

We set our check-in time for 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm so that service providers such as housekeepers, inspection crews, and maintenance vendors have time to do their jobs. Most every vacation rental home has new guests arriving each week. With just a short time between check-out time and check-in time we have to allow enough time to get your vacation home ready for you and your family. We will make every attempt to let you into the home earlier but only if it has been released for occupancy. Please do not park at the home, drop off personal items or ask the service vendors if the home is ready for you to go into. We have specific processes in place to ensure that everything is ready for you.

We do not have a pay to check-in early program. 

You will need to bring paper products like toilet tissue, paper towels, as well as garbage bags, hand soap, dish and laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies. The things we find most guests forget are spices, aluminum foil, dish towels, sponges and dish cloths. Even if you do forget something you can pick it up at a nearby grocery or retail store.

All Joe Lamb Jr. & Associates vacation properties are equipped with standard kitchen amenities such as cooking pots and pans, dishes, silverware, basic cooking utensils and glassware. You might want to pack any items that you use regularly at home that the homeowner may not provide like crock pots, salad spinners or your favorite chef knife.

Beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas, baby equipment and sports equipment can be rented from local providers.

When you see this option you can rent these items. Just choose your options when you book your vacation.  Our interactive online price quote feature allows you to see the cost quoted (plus tax) with your reservation total amount due. The bed linens and towels are provided by an independent company that delivers directly to your vacation home. When you rent the bed linens their service makes the beds for you. Keep in mind trundles, tops of bunks, sleep sofas, futons and roll-a-ways, are not made and crib sheets are not included.  You will also be provided with bath mats for the full baths only and two (2) kitchen towels. When renting towels you will receive a bath towel, hand towel and a wash cloth for every person that the house sleeps.

When departing please leave the home in a neat, clean and orderly condition.  Remember that as your vacation ends, another family’s vacation will begin.  Our company has a very short period of time to prepare the home for the next guests arrival.    

See the Vacation Rental Policies  - Cleaning for details. 

Just remember that if your home has a tradtional lock to bring the keys to our office before you leave town. Please don't leave the keys inside the home.

If you are in a vacation home that has keyless entry your code will stop working at 10:00 am. You do not have to come by the office to check-out.

If you plan on getting an early start on your trip back home if you can contact our office to let us know. It is helpful to notify us however, it is not required.  

For traditional locks, drop your keys in the after-hours box just to the left of the front door of our office. 

We send an email to the leaseholder two (2) days before departure that gives you an exclusive link to fill out your advance reservation form and submit it for the same house, same week next year.  

You can also fill out and drop off the Advance Reservation Form. 

Keep in mind the owners of the vacation home always have the first choice of weeks. As the repeat guest of the house you have first right to reserve the same rental week for the next year by submitting the request no later than the Monday after your departure. It is best to contact us within 72 housr of departure to verify the receipt of your request. Remember the calendar is always changing. Certain holiday weeks change, as a repeat guest your are given the right to request the same dates as you are staying in the home. You are not guaranteed the holiday will be included in your repeat week.

All advance reservations are tentative and subject to change. They are not guaranteed. We will send you notification when your reservation request is approved by the homeowner. Once you receive the approval notification you will be directed to login to e-sign your rental agreement. Your deposit is requested at this time. Look on your rental agreement for the advance deposit amount due.

You can call us at 800-552-6257 as early as one year in advance. You can also book online for dates that show Request Now or an actual rate. Weekly Rental rates will not show online until the homeowners have approved the weekly rental rate and have released the weeks for the upcoming year. Usually rates for the next year are set and approved by September.  An advance reservation request is subject to an Owner's return of the property to our program as well as the Owner's choice of weeks, change in amenities, and rates.

If you chose to pay a Security Deposit this deposit may be used by the Owner for actual property damage, long distance phone calls, cable TV charges, or other expenses as allowed by law. This deposit will be accounted for or refunded (less allowable deductions) within 45 days of your departure.

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