Booking:
When are your properties open? / Do you rent in the winter?
We do not rent properties in the winter as our houses are not winterized. The tourist season on Monhegan is Memorial Day-Indigenous People’s Day, and that’s when we’re open.
When do you take bookings?
Contact us at any time and we’ll let you know how things stand. We give longstanding tenants priority, and many of the homeowners also use their houses in the summer. We start confirming bookings once the property owners have given us their calendars (this usually happens between November-January). The best way to guarantee a spot is to get in touch with us early and keep in contact!
How do I book?
Email us at brackettrentals@gmail.com! Please note that we do not do phone calls except in emergencies.
Emails about booking are checked and responded to once daily. You can expect a response within 24 hours. (For on-island tenants trying to get in touch, see below)
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept checks only, as we do not have a credit card machine.
Do you only rent by the week? / Can I come on a day other than Saturday?
Most of our properties only rent weekly, Sat-Sat, except for Jenney Cottage, Baldwin House and Flying Bridge, which rent Sun-Sun. Brackett Oar House and Flying Bridge will rent with a 3-night minimum all season, while Windward House apartments will rent with a 3-night minimum May-June 25 and September 3 -October only. Also, please note that Walker Bright rents for a minimum of two weeks.
During high season we stick to these rules. But during low season feel free to contact us if you desire a shorter rental or days other than Sat-Sat, and we may be able to work something out.
Are pets allowed? Are children allowed?
Depends on the property… check the online listing or ask us. Dogs cannot be left alone in the cottage. Please note you must pick up after your dog on Monhegan… no matter where you are: trail, town or the front yard!
Do you provide linens?/ Can I do laundry?
We do not provide linens or personal towels at our properties, please bring your own. There is a laundromat, All Washed Up, located in the center of town behind the Black Duck Emporium (more info below).
Is the kitchen fully equipped? / What do I need to bring?
All kitchens are fully equipped, check the listing or ask us if you have any specific questions. There is a grocery store, Monhegan Store, in the center of town that can fill all your grocery needs! You can also find local produce grown by our own Island Farm Project stocked on their shelves!
What do you need for a deposit?
For one week rentals (and any rentals less than one week), we require the full amount. For rentals of more than week, half the full amount is required. You must be paid in full prior to arrival. Please let us know if you require a payment plan.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel within two months of your arrival date, you will receive a full refund. After that, we can only refund if your space is filled, minus an administration fee. We do not refund for late arrival/early departure, no exceptions! Please note that weather can be fickle on the island, especially if you are coming in the spring or fall. Confirm with your boatline about your crossing if a storm is expected. It’s part of what makes travel here so exciting!
What is a security deposit? Why is it necessary?
We hope you’ll be good tenants but accidents happen! The security deposit covers damage to the property, and it also covers cleaning should you leave the property less than desirable. They must be paid prior to arrival, by a check separate from your balance. We will refund them upon inspection of the property at check-out. Or, we will use them to pay for a cleaner and refund you the balance.
On island:
How do I get in touch with you?
You can email us at brackettrentals@gmail.com. Our rental assistant, Sarah, will be checking email at 8:30-9:30am and 3:30-4:30pm everyday, and questions/problems from on-island tenants will be responded to at those times. We ask that you understand we are not a hotel, and we don’t have a front desk. Renting a house on Monhegan is a self-catering, independent experience. If you have an emergency, please call 911.
Booking/non emergency questions will be responded to by Mia and you will get a response within 24 hrs.
Where do I check-in?
We don’t do central check-ins! You will receive directions to your house in an email prior to your arrival. You can go there at 4pm.
How do I get to my house? / How do I get my luggage to my house?
Monhegan Trucking meets the boat, just give them the name of your house and they will bring your bags up for a small fee. Refer to the directions given to you by email to find your house.
What is check-in and check-out time? / Can I be early/late?
Our check-in time is 4pm and our checkout time is 10 am. We abide by those times to ensure adequate hours for cleaning. However, you are always welcome to leave your packed luggage on your porch so you don’t have to lug it around with you!
Can I smoke on the property?
No, all our properties are non-smoking. Monhegan has a high fire potential, please smoke only in the village.
How do I handle trash?
Trash pickup is included in the rental. Please sort trash and place in bins outside your house. Directions for trash sorting are clearly displayed on each property, please ask us if you have any questions. Trash removal on the island is a bit more complicated than inshore, we appreciate your cooperation. $20 will be deducted from your security deposit for trash that is not sorted properly.
Is there Wifi? / Where can I get online?
Some of our properties include Wifi, check the listing or ask us. There are no open Wifi hotspots on island. If you need to get online, you can take out a membership at the Library ($15) and get their Wifi code. Please note that Wifi is extremely fickle on island. It does not have high bandwidth, and goes out a lot. It’s a good idea to give a heads up to anyone who might be trying to reach you while on island. (Monhegan is trying to get broadband, but no luck yet!!)
Is there cell service?
It depends on what carrier you have, but it is generally spotty on the island. US Cellular seems to work well. Let us know your needs and we can advise you.
Why is there an occupancy limit? /Can I have visitors?
All of our houses have strict occupancy limits because of fragile septic systems and water conservation. It is important that you adhere to them in order to keep the house in good working order. Please let us know immediately should your occupancy change.
Can I do laundry?
Some houses have washing machines, check the listing or ask us. There is a laundromat in the center of town called All Washed Up. It is located behind the Black Duck Emporium. As of May 2022, it’s under new ownership and brand new machines (including dryers finally!!) are being installed. There is also a Wash n Fold service. Inquire with them directly for details.
What is your cleaning policy? / I don’t want to clean, can I hire a cleaner?
We expect that you will clean the house thoroughly upon departure, and there is a cleaning checklist posted in each property. If you would like, we can hire you a cleaner, though we strongly recommend doing this in advance and not on the day you leave! To guarantee that a cleaner will be available, please request this service during booking. We will inspect each property after checkout and will base the refund of your security deposit on the condition we find it in.
What about COVID?
As of right now, there are no special policies regarding COVID, but we will keep our tenants updated if anything changes.
There are no medical facilities on island. Please be aware of this as you make your travel plans.