This home is a really great place to stay, especially if you are coming with two families. The layout is two bedrooms and a bathroom on either side. And it is well stocked, especially for families with kids. There is a view of the ocean, but an obstructed one. We really had a great time here. While booking, the owner was responsive and seemed to answer all our questions adequately.
However, our real problems came with check out and the security deposit. There was no rental agreement to sign, and no clear-cut instructions with regard to check out. The two things that were clearly stated were that we were to leave the keys in the house and lock the front door, replacing the lockbox key where it belonged. Also, to bring the trash to the curb. Other than this, there was a vague request to, “leave the place the way we found it”, but nothing more specific.
Despite the unclear checkout instructions, we didn't want to leave the place a total mess, so did all the dishes, put them away except for the final load in the dishwasher, washed the kitchen linens, wiped down counters, swept the floors, and vacuumed any major messes. We even deep cleaned a coffee maker that clearly needed it. Then, we left the keys as instructed, locked the doors, and brought the garbage to the curb before leaving.
Two weeks later, I still had not received my deposit nor had the owners contacted me beyond a message saying they hoped I'd enjoyed the stay and please book again. I emailed asking what was going on, and received a message with a list of things they felt we had not done during checkout as we had not left the place EXACTLY as we left it. End result: they kept half our deposit. They didn't even respond when I emailed a response to their list.
Bottom line: these owners expect you to make the place perfect, and ready for the next guest. Despite a cleaning fee built into the rent, you need to be prepared to do all the scrubbing if you want your damage deposit returned. Also, take very good pictures of everything as you arrive and when you are leaving. I did not, and regret it. I would also ask for a detailed check out sheet BEFORE handing over any money. Also, stay on top of the deposit as they left it to me to contact them about it.
Knowing all of this now, I would absolutely not stay there again, nor would I have booked it if they had been clear about how picky they would be about the house.