House Rules with a Smile: How to Be a 5-Star Guest at Our Vacation Rentals

At Oconee Hospitality, we believe your vacation should be full of sunshine, laughter, and zero surprises when it comes to your rental experience. That’s why we’ve put together a few lighthearted—but important—house rules to help ensure your stay goes off without a hitch (and your security deposit stays safely in your pocket).

We know rules aren’t the most exciting part of planning a getaway—but think of these as the “How Not to Accidentally Upset Your Host” guide. Let’s jump in!

🧽 1. Trash & Tidiness: Keep It Classy, Not Trashy

We love guests who treat our homes like their own. But if we return after checkout to find leftover pizza slices under the couch or a trash pile rivaling a college frat party… we’ll have to add a $300 excessive cleaning fee.

Pro tip: Bag all trash and use the outdoor canisters with lids on. The raccoons around here are clever, and frankly, too comfortable already.

🚭 2. No Smoke, No Joke

We’re a smoke-free zone—this includes cigarettes, cigars, and anything else that might make the house smell like a campfire. If we walk in and it smells like “Burnt Pine No. 5,” it’s a $300 deodorizing fee.

Even if you open a window, we’ll know. Our noses are trained, and they don’t lie.

🐾 3. The Pet Clause: Paws Before You Pack

We’re pet lovers too—but only when it’s planned! If you bring a pet without paying the pet fee or getting approval in advance, that’s a $300 oopsie we’d rather avoid.

But if you’ve already paid the pet fee—thank you! We hope your pup enjoys the stay as much as you do.

❄️ 4. The AC Reality Check: Chill Slowly

It’s hot in the South, and we totally understand the urge to run inside and drop the thermostat to “penguin habitat.” But our AC units are Southern—they need a minute.

If you lower the temp too fast, it can freeze the unit solid and leave you sweating your first night (not exactly the welcome party we want for you).
Instead: Get settled, close all the doors, and then adjust the temp down a degree or two at a time. Trust us—it works, and your comfort will thank you.

👋 A Final Word from Your Hosts

Our goal is always to provide a beautiful, comfortable space for you to enjoy—and for the next guest to enjoy too. Following these few simple rules helps us keep our homes clean, cozy, and ready for the next adventure.

If you ever have questions during your stay, our team is just a call or text away. Thanks for choosing Oconee Hospitality—we’re proud to be your home base in the beautiful Upstate of South Carolina.

See you at the lake!
– The Oconee Hospitality Team