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House rules

Cottage Guidelines

These guidelines are an addition to the terms and conditions of your rental. Just as you appreciated the clean and well-maintained state in which you found the cottage, we ask that you leave it the same way for the next guests.

The Top 10

Please make sure everyone in your party reads these.

Smoking

  • Absolutely no smoking inside the cottage.
  • If you must smoke, smoke outside and dispose of butts in an appropriate container.
  • Never throw butts on the ground — fire risk.

Septic System

  • Everyone must be aware of the system to prevent unpleasant and expensive issues.
  • Do not flush anything other than natural waste and toilet paper — and be conservative.
  • No paper towels, facial tissue, or feminine products down the toilet.

Insects & Wildlife

  • Insects and mice are part of cottage country.
  • Keep doors and screens closed; clean the BBQ grill after every use.
  • Don't leave open food inside or outside. Wipe up crumbs.

Quiet Enjoyment

  • Please be considerate of cottage neighbours.
  • No music outdoors — sound carries across open water.

Fire, Smoke & CO Monitoring

  • The burglar alarm is disarmed during your stay, but smoke and carbon monoxide sensors are always active and monitored 24/7.
  • Any triggered sensor automatically dispatches fire/EMS — this cannot be cancelled, even by us.
  • Cook with the range hood on; ventilate well to avoid nuisance alarms.
  • Do not remove, cover, or disable any smoke or CO detector.
  • Repeated false alarms during your stay will result in a pass-through surcharge based on the township's false-alarm fee, deducted from your security deposit.

Outdoor Fires

  • Fire bans change frequently in Muskoka. Always check the current status before lighting any fire — it is the law.
  • Use the fire pit provided. Keep fires small and safe.
  • Pour water on embers before leaving the fire unattended.
  • A complimentary bundle of firewood is provided to get you started — additional firewood can be picked up at most local marinas and general stores.
Check today's Muskoka Lakes Fire Ban Status

Fireworks

  • Fireworks are not permitted anywhere on the property or docks.

Outdoor Furniture

  • Bring patio cushions in each evening; wipe tables down.
  • Patio umbrellas must always be lowered and secured when left unattended — wind gusts off the lake can damage or destroy them quickly.
  • Return all outdoor furniture to its original location before you leave.

Barbeque

  • Keep the BBQ well away from all building surfaces — especially glass. Radiant heat will damage siding and can crack or shatter windows and patio doors. Pull the BBQ out into the open before lighting it and never push it back against the house while still hot.
  • Do not burn foreign materials (e.g. wood) in the gas BBQ.
  • Clean/brush the grill, wipe surfaces, and cover after each use.

Parking

  • Never park in front of the garage doors, on the lawns, or on the sidewalk.
  • Use the designated parking spots only.

Departure

  • Check-out is 11:00 a.m.
  • This time must be honoured so the cottage can be prepared for the next family.
Rear of the cottage and deck facing the lake.

Additional Guidelines

Life-safety monitoring is always on

The burglar alarm is disarmed for the duration of your stay, but the cottage's smoke and carbon monoxide detectors remain active and are professionally monitored 24/7. If a sensor is triggered, the monitoring station will automatically dispatch fire and EMS — once that signal is sent, it cannot be cancelled or recalled, even by us. Please cook with proper ventilation, do not tamper with detectors, and report any sounding alarm to us right away. Any false-alarm charges levied by the township are passed through directly and will be deducted from your security deposit.

Electricity

  • Flashlights are available in case of a power failure.
  • Power may be interrupted from time to time and may stay off longer than in the city.
  • The water system relies on electricity — no tap or toilet water when the power is off.

Water

  • Water is filtered and safe to drink, though you may prefer bottled water.
  • The cottage uses lake water, pumped using electricity. If the power goes off, you can flush the toilet by dumping a pail of lake water into the tank.

Kitchen Basics

  • Feel free to use any food staples and supplies provided. If you deplete them during your visit, please replace them.

Cleaning & Linens

  • Please leave the cottage in the same condition as you found it.
  • Linens and towels are provided. Keep the cottage neat and tidy.
  • Mid-week housekeeping can be arranged with advance notice.
  • A thorough cleaning is done on your departure; linens and towels are laundered then.

Garbage & Recycling

  • Place all garbage in bags and all recycling in bags, then put both inside the green lock bin outside the cottage.
  • Securely lock the bin every time — black bears are active in the area and an unlocked bin will be raided. Double-check the lock is fully engaged before walking away.
  • Do not leave any bags, bottles, or food waste outside the bin, even briefly.
  • No need to take anything to the road — our caretaker will empty the bin after your checkout.

Pets

  • Owners must clean up after pets inside and outside (bags are provided).
  • Animals must be kept off all furniture at all times.
  • Pets must be on a leash outdoors unless they will stay close.
  • Towel-dry your pet before letting them inside. Use the pet towels provided.

Recreational Equipment

  • A kayak and canoe are available for use during your stay.
  • Life vests are provided and must be worn while in use.
  • Use at your own risk.
  • Please return them to their original place before you leave.

Accidents & Repairs

  • Accidents happen — if something breaks, please email us so we can arrange a fix or replacement.
  • If anything is broken or not working on arrival, email us immediately. Let us know about burnt-out bulbs or anything needing repair.

Landing

  • The property and docks are used by the owners as a boat landing.
  • Please do not block the breezeway.
  • Please keep the docks clear.
  • Do not move or use the luggage carts.

A note to our guests

Please remember you are a guest of the cottage and neighbourhood. People come to the lake for peace and quiet — no loud music outdoors, and please clean up after your pet every time. Grounds keepers attend to the gardens and lawn; cleaning up after pets is not their responsibility. Thank you.