Q.        What are you looking for in the way of rental accommodation for the G8 Summit?

A.        A variety of different types of rental accommodations are needed. Of course, proximity to Deerhurst Resort is the most desirable feature. Internet access, cell phone and/or telephone access will also be important. The rest depends on what the guests are looking for in their G8 Summit rental accommodation We will help match the guests' needs with the accommodation available.

Q.        Are you interested in someone looking to rent out rooms in their house while the Summit is on?

A.        No.

Q.        Do I have to leave my home to rent it out? 

A.        Yes, unless you are a licensed B&B, you should not be present in your home while G8 Summit guests are using your property.

Q.        Is there anything I should do before renting out my home or cottage for the G8 Summit?

A.        Yes.  If this is your primary residence, you should speak with your insurance company about renting your home to guests during the G8 Summit.  The answer varies from company to company about charges, etc., but you should be aware the bottom line responsibility for insuring your home and its contents is yours. If this is your cottage, there is cottage rental insurance that can be purchased to cover the period of time your cottage is rented. 

Be sure to remove offsite or lock-up somewhere inaccessible in your home anything personal or valuable such as antiques, jewellery, computers, photo albums, etc. 

Make arrangements with your telephone service about any restrictions you may want to put on the line. 

Leave instructions for using the appliances and directions about garbage disposal, use of the septic tank and anything else peculiar to your home.

You also need to be prepared to arrange for cleaning once your guests depart, as we feel it is unrealistic to expect attendees to have the time or the resources to take care of their own cleaning. We hope to make a cleaning resource list available shortly.

Q.        Is there a fee for your services?

A.        Yes.  There is an initial fee to have the cottage description and photos to be placed on this web site. We also charge the guest a booking fee.

Q.        What do you offer in the way of service?

A.        If you are advertising on the website, we will place your description and photos on the website. 
If the services include rental management, we will guide possible renters to your property. We then screen them to make sure you are comfortable. If you find them acceptable, we will go ahead with the necessary paperwork, renter's agreement and damage contract, and rental contract. We will then handle all the monetary issues, such as initial deposit, security deposit and balance reminders.  Please note that we have the advantage of being able to take MasterCard, Visa and Debit for payments.  We issue the directions to the cottage and any necessary instructions. We are also "on call" while your property is in use to handle any problems that might arise.  Finally, we release the security deposit once you've given us the OK.

Q.        How much can I make?

A.        That will depend on what your property offers. Please be aware that the government mandated the resorts to charge what the 2009 rate is for their accommodation, plus a maximum of 3%. The G8 Summit presents Huntsville and its residents with an opportunity to participate in a world-class event that can positively enhance interest in the Muskoka region around the world. Unreasonable expectations and demands would only create a negative image that is just as easily projected to a worldwide audience.

Q.        What kind of guests can I expect?

A.        The delegates' accommodation needs have been taken care of through official G8 channels, so that leaves the media, security, NGOs and anyone else attending the G8 Summit. For the 2005 Gleneagles, Scotland G8 Summit, over 9400 beds were booked for security purposes alone.

Q.        How long will my property be rented?

A.        The G8 Summit itself runs for 3 days, June 25, 26 and 27.   Depending on the association the renter has with the G8, there could be time needed to set-up equipment, checkpoints, stages, tents, etc.  Time will also be needed to tear down anything set-up specifically for the G8 meetings. That leaves 2-3 days beforehand and 2-3 days after the 3 days of the actual meeting. The shortest rental period would be 1 - 3 days but it could be 7-10 days. Of course, if a holiday is being rolled into the necessity of being in the Muskoka area, it could be longer.

Q.         What about security?  Is there a screening process?

A.        Our rental management program has a screening process in place that has worked well for us for the past 11 years. We will be tailoring this process to reflect the needs of the G8 Summit.  Security for the G8 has their own set of priorities, number one being the delegates; however, they are well aware of the needs of the local people and have set-up a group with a hot line to handle any concerns that fall under the heading of "security."