Nantucket Vacation Rental Payment Process
I’ve Chosen My Nantucket Summer Rental—Now What?
You’ve found the one—your dream Nantucket summer rental. The search is over, your Pinterest board is coming to life, and you can already picture yourself splashing in the waves and taking in all the beauty that is Nantucket. So… what happens next?
Well, before you start packing your beach bag, there are a few important steps to lock it all in. Let’s break it down!
Step One: Sign That Lease (ASAP!)
We get it—finding the perfect house is a huge relief. But until the lease is signed by you and then the homeowner, the house isn’t officially yours. And in a hot market like Nantucket, where listings aren’t always exclusive to one agency, other vacationers could be eyeing the same week you are.
Here’s our advice: when your agent sends you the lease, try to sign it within 24 hours. It’s the single most important step to secure your spot.
Step Two: Payment Time
Once the lease is signed, your payment will be due—typically within 7 to 10 days. Wire transfers are the way to go (sorry, no credit cards here), but look on the bright side: you can still rack up plenty of points on flights, ferries, car rentals, and all the fun once you arrive!
How payments are structured depends on how far out you’re booking:
If you’re more than 4 months away:
First payment: 50% of the base rent + a $50 administrative fee
Second payment (due 60 days before your stay): The remaining 50% of base rent + taxes + security deposit
Single payments are always appreciated.
If you’re booking within 4 months of check-in:
One single payment is required up front. Quick facts: State and Local Room Occupancy Tax are currently 11.7% (A 3% Community Impact fee may apply to certain properties)
Security deposit is typically 10% of the base rent
Step Three: What If You Need to Cancel?
No one likes to think about canceling a vacation—but it’s important to understand the policy just in case.
The Legal Side: The lease states that by signing, you agree to pay the full rental amount. If you cancel and we’re able to re-rent the property, you’ll receive a refund minus:
A 15% cancellation fee
Any difference in rental price (if the rebooked amount is less than your original)
If we can’t rebook the house, you’re still responsible for the full amount.
However, there’s an exception for travel bans: if a federal, state, or local law prevents you from getting to Nantucket—or prevents the homeowner from renting—you can cancel without penalty.
The Practical Side:
We’re a rental community, and nobody wants to see you lose money. If you have to cancel, we’ll do everything we can—inside our office and across the broader brokerage network—to rebook your lease. And even if we’re not successful in re-renting the property, you’ll know we gave it our all.
Step Four: Get Ready for Island Time!
Once the paperwork and payments are sorted, it’s time for the fun part—planning your dream Nantucket getaway!
Your agent will reach out before your arrival to reconfirm travel details and remind you that typical check-in is at 3 PM. Meanwhile, we’ll be coordinating with homeowners, cleaners, and caretakers to make sure everything is in tip-top shape for your arrival.
Need help lining up concierge services, private chefs, or activities? We’ve got you covered. Be sure to check out the Fisher Travel Guide—it’s packed with insider tips, must-visit spots, and everything you need to make the most of your stay.
Final Step: Pack Your Bags!
Okay, we can’t help you pack (though we do have a blog on what to expect at your rental home) but we can help you get excited! Your Nantucket retreat is just around the corner, and we’re here to make it smooth, seamless, and unforgettable.
Questions? Reach out to your Fisher Rental Agent anytime—we’re just as excited as you are.