How does
CitiStar Rentals promote and market your property?
Can I promote and
rent my own property?
How are rates
established?
What are some
of the normal expenses for the rental program?
What about
cleaning services and maintenance?
What about
maintenance?
What type of
rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?
What if there is
damage by a rental tenant?
How do we
receive our rental proceeds?
What about
linens?
What about owner
and owner’s free guest use?
Does CitiStar
Rentals accept credit cards and who pays the fees?
How does CitiStar Rentals promote and market your properties?
Each property has their own customized website on four Internet Rental sites . All inquiries are property specific ensuring the owner that they receive all intended bookings. In the event that a requested property is booked, alternate similar properties will be offered using unit specific criteria such as availability, pricing, location and number of bedrooms/bathrooms.
CitiStar Rentals utilizes the most searched Internet Vacation Rental sites available. Utilizing weekly updated statistical analysis of daily visits we contract with the most searched websites. Experience has shown that 3 or 4 web sites consistently have the most inquiries from quality, interested renters and, therefore, we recommend that all of our contracted owners utilize more than one site whenever possible.
CitiStar Rentals has identified several proven marketing strategies to separate your vacation property from the rest. Participation in these programs is optional but strongly encouraged. There are three levels of guest amenity packages available. Please see the FAQ on guest amenity packages for a more detailed explanation of these.
Each renter also receives a follow up email from CitiStar Rentals with the return of their security deposit with instructions on how to leave a comment in the property’s website guest book. In addition owner’s are encouraged to email CitiStar Rentals with comments written in your property guest book so that CitiStar Rentals can add these to your website guest book. CitiStar Rentals keeps a detailed database on renters so that they can be contacted periodically to encourage repeat bookings.
Can I promote and rent my own property?
CitiStar Rentals encourages owners to promote their rental property to friends, relatives and business associates. CitiStar Rentals Gold Plan includes a special service that will host your own individual web page (in addition to the 3 Internet Rental sites) in order for you to promote your property to friends, neighbors etc… without exposing them to competing properties. In addition this page will be hyperlinked whenever possible to the Internet Rental Sites so that interested renters can view additional photos of your property at no additional expense to you. With the GOLD Plan you will also receive a one-page full color brochure to distribute at work or at home. CitiStar Rentals works with you to honor discounts you may wish to offer to friends and family members. CitiStar Rentals fees are due on all rentals whether procured by CitiStar Rentals or property owner.
CitiStar Rentals works with property owners to establish all rental rates and terms. It is in the best of interest of the property owner and CitiStar Rentals to maximize your rental income and insure that your property rents for the maximum amount obtainable. A market analysis is performed using current comparable properties to determine competitive rental rates. Due to competitive market conditions, tourist fluctuations and demand CitiStar Rentals reserves the right to alter rates and terms and make special rates and terms at its discretion in order to maximize the OWNERS rental income and occupancy percentage.
What about cleaning services and maintenance?
Repeat business is based on happy customers. Everyday maintenance of your property prolongs its life and increases its value. CitiStar Rentals employs an exceptional cleaning service that is second to none. The cleaning staff inspects each property as they clean (a great way to notice damage or substandard maintenance) as well as inspecting the complete unit after cleaning. Our cleaning service prides itself on preparing each unit to our strict standards for the next arrival. A clean, well-maintained property is one the owner is proud of and the rental tenants request when they plan their next vacation. This cleaning service is charged to the rental tenant as an additional charge.
CitiStar Rentals reserves the right to spend up to $150 for the purpose of maintenance out of the rental proceeds from each property. Of course, the necessity for large expenditures ($150+) requires consultation with the owner but small items are just repaired or replaced i.e. Light bulbs, remote batteries, smoke detector batteries, and furnace filters. If any maintenance is needed it will be identified on your next monthly statement.
What type of rental tenant will be allowed in my unit?
While most owners want to maximize rental of their property they of course do not want to rent to someone who may cause damage to your property. CitiStar Rentals has a strict policy designed to promote family-oriented rentals only. NO UN-CHAPERONED VACATIONING STUDENTS OR SINGLE GROUPS UNDER THE AGE OF TWENTY-FIVE ARE ALLOWED TO RENT CitiStar Rentals PROPERTIES. Our maximum concern is for the protection of the property and our aggressive pursuance of rentals will not be at the property’s expense. CitiStar Rentals staff is thoroughly trained in screening prospective rental tenants to assure that they meet the quality standards required. This is spelled out in the rental contract signed by the renter.
What if there is damage by a rental tenant?
CitiStar Rentals requires damage deposit from each property reservation. The amount of this deposit is $200.00 This damage deposit is required thirty days in advance of rental and therefore is completely in the hands of CitiStar Rentals by the time of rental. At each departure cleaning staff inspect each property for damages. If it is determined that there are damages the repair cost is charged and deducted from the rental tenant’s deposit. Upon approval of the cleaning staff, CitiStar Rentals will return the damage deposit to the rental tenant generally 7 to 10 days following check out.
How do we receive our rental proceeds?
Each month CitiStar Rentals supplies each property owner a detailed statement of the previous month’s rental activity. The statement itemizes all income and expense items. A net proceeds check is rendered and sent with this monthly statement. This statement should serve as verification of your income and expenses for tax purposes.
CitiStar Rentals has a recommended list of linens that property owners should have on hand. We will make an inspection of the property and give the owner a list of needed items. All units will need two complete sets of linens. CitiStar will have linen packages available for purchase if needed.
What about owner and owner’s free guest use?
CitiStar Rentals allows each owner unlimited use of their property AT ANY TIME. Owners must, however, reserve their property through CitiStar Rentals rental services to ensure that availability calendars are kept current at all times. No fees other than departure cleaning services apply.
Does CitiStar Rentals accept credit cards and who pays for the fees?
CitiStar Rentals accepts all major credit cards for reservation, rental and security deposits. Credit cards have become a way of life and are not only needed as a courtesy to rental tenants but also provide for guaranteed up-front funds for the owner with no worries about collection particularly with short notice rentals. The fees associated with credit card use are an expense to the owner. CitiStar Rentals charges a rate of 3% to cover the credit card provider charges.
What are some of the normal expenses for the rental program?
CitiStar Rentals tries to keep expenses to a minimum. We too have seen the nitpicking expenses charged by some other rental programs. There are no hidden charges to property owners. The only fees charged are the annual Enrollment Fee ($300 - per property), 20% fees on all rentals, credit card fees (at 3%), and maintenance which varies dependent on individual job.
