Rent a cottage hassle free

Don’t wait until the last minute to rent a cottage

Do your research and book several months in advance, especially if you’re planning a stay during peak periods like summer vacation, the Christmas holidays, spring break, Easter, or ski season for cottages near the slopes.

Tip: Opt for a cottage certified by Corporation de l’industrie touristique du Québec (CITQ) for the best value for your money.

Spotting potential fraudsters

Beware of rental ads that seem too good to be true. Scammers often make use of real rental ads, stealing the photos and posting them at lower prices in order to collect fake rental contracts, and especially deposits. Many also charge additional costs, such as a cleaning fee.

How to protect yourself against fraud?

Make sure the website you’re on is legitimate. Use a payment method that leaves a trail, like a credit card. Try to speak to the owner on the phone, not just by email. Ask questions about things that aren’t in the description but that the owner should know, for example the type of coffeemaker, the amount of firewood included, or the number of cars the parking space can accommodate.

Request a rental agreement

The agreement specifies the terms of the lease. It should include several key components such as contact information (yours and the owner’s), the total amount of the rental (deposit, rental fee, taxes), the duration of stay, arrival and departure times, inclusions and exclusions, cancellation terms, obligations, and so on.

Never pay the rental fee in full when signing the contract. Upon arrival, walk around the property with the owner or rental manager to see if there is any damage to the property.

What to do if the cottage owner fails to meet their obligations

If the cottage owner fails to provide the amenities and services you paid for, you can ask for a reduction in the price. If something goes wrong, try to come to an agreement first. If that fails, you can file a claim with in small claims court, as long as the amount in dispute is $15,000 or less. You can also seek advice from Office de la protection du consommateur, Quebec’s consumer protection bureau.

Do you need insurance when renting a cottage?

If you have home insurance, you are already covered. Your policy covers your belongings (both inside or outside your home), as well as accidental bodily injury and property damage caused to others through civil liability. This applies to all of your dependants, so your 23-year-old son who rents a cottage with his friends will be covered.

Travel insurance could also be useful if ever you need to see a doctor or in case of emergency evacuation for non-medical reasons. The same applies for accident insurance if you plan on hiking.