Our Policies

These policies ensure the safety and enjoyment of our guests and our neighbours. Please review to avoid consequences such as forfeiture of your rental fee or damage deposit as well as additional cleaning and repair costs.

Reservations & Payments are subject to the following schedule:

  • 90 Days or less: Reservation payable in-full at time of booking
  • 180 Days or less: 50% of reservation payable at time of booking; balance due 90 days prior to check-in date
  • 180 Day or more: 25% of reservation payable at time of booking; 25% due 180 days prior to check-in date; balance due 90 days prior to check-in date

Payment accepted by credit card including Visa, MasterCard, American Express or e-transfer to stay@lakesidecottages.ca

  • Cancellation: Cancellations more than 90 days prior to check-in are refundable, less a $250 cancellation fee. A cancellation fee of $250 will apply to each summer week booked. Cancellations less than 90 days prior to check-in are non-refundable. In the unlikely event LCM cancels the reservation due to factors beyond our control, a full refund will be provided.
  • Security Deposit: A security deposit of $2,000 is due one week prior to check-in by e-transfer to stay@lakesidecottages.ca. This will be refunded upon post-checkout inspection confirming the cottage and property have been left as found. Everything must be in working order, nothing is missing/broken or requires repair/replacement outside normal wear and tear, and no extra cleaning is required (stains, pet clean-up, dirty dishes, food, garbage & recycling). The security deposit will be used in part or in full to pay for any additional cleaning/repair/replacement charges. Should damages exceed the security deposit, the balance will be charged to the renter. The security deposit will be forfeited for violation of occupancy or noise policies and may result in eviction.
  • Arrival & Departure: Check-in on day of arrival is after 4:30 pm; check-out on day of departure is no later than 10:00 am. A late departure fee of $250 will be charged to guests who have not checked-out by 10:00 am. The cottage address will be provided upon completion of the booking. Access codes will be provided upon receipt of the security deposit. Guests are responsible to ensure all doors are locked whenever leaving the property during occupancy and upon check-out.
  • Linens, Furnishings & Cleaning: LCM provides all linens including beach towels. Guests are welcome to use the onsite washer and dryer but must not use any bleach products. Bookings of more than one week include one mid-stay cleaning for each additional week. Guests are expected to leave the cottage neat and tidy as found. This applies to all furniture, appliances, décor and equipment both inside and out. Dirty dishes, leftover food and furniture out of place will result in additional cleaning costs charged to the guest at the rate of $100/hour (minimum 1 hr charge, plus any repair/replacement costs). Guests will not rearrange the furniture/fixtures and will contact our Property Manager promptly for any emergency issues or repairs.
  • Garbage & Recycling: Garbage and recycling bags and bins are provided. Disposal instructions are in the Cottage Welcome Guide. Guests are responsible for putting out garbage and recycling in the appropriate metal “bear bins” before the appropriate pick-up day and upon checkout. Alternatively, garbage and recycling may be taken to the nearest transfer station. Garbage or recycling left behind in the cottage will be removed at the guests’ expense.
  • Pets: LCM is dog-friendly with approval upon booking. Pet owners will refrain from allowing pets on bedding and upholstered furniture and attend to them outside so they do not wander onto neighbouring properties.
  • Smoking/Vaping: LCM properties are 100% smoke-free, both inside and on the cottage property. This includes all forms of tobacco, cannabis products, e-cigarettes and vaping products. Failure to abide by smoking and pet policies will automatically void the booking agreement and all guests will be evicted without refund. Guests will be responsible for all associated cleaning costs which will be deducted from the security deposit.
  • Occupancy Limits: Amber and Topaz each accommodate up to 8 guests. This is the maximum number of overnight occupants allowed. The name and age of each guest must be provided upon booking. Should the renter exceed our occupancy limit, all guests will be subject to eviction without refund, or an additional nightly charge of $200 per person will apply at the discretion of LCM.
  • Neighbours & Noise: Guests must not interfere with the quiet enjoyment of neighbouring cottagers or create loud noise/music which violates local by-laws (11:00 pm, Township of Muskoka). Celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries & weddings are welcome upon prior approval by LCM.
  • Fire: It is the guests’ responsibility to check with the local municipality whether a fire ban is in effect during their occupancy (not uncommon in summer). Outside fires are prohibited between dawn and dusk in Muskoka irrespective of any temporarily-imposed fire bans. Each cottage is equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Guests must use common sense with open flame on the property and never leave fires/candles burning unattended. We encourage use of the flameless candles provided. Each cottage is equipped with several fire extinguishers (location in Welcome Info).
  • Winter Guests: All LCM docks have bubbler devices to prevent damage from lake ice, therefore creating open water around the docks and waterfront. Guests must stay clear of these areas. Failing to do so poses inherent danger and is at the individual’s own risk. LCM is not responsible for any injury or loss of life to a guest due to our ice prevention systems. We make every effort to clear snow from the driveway, parking area and front entrance of the cottage before arrival. Driveways are plowed on an as-needed basis by our snow removal service providers in consultation with our Property Manager. Due to logistical limitations, we are unable to hand-shovel front entrance steps after each snowfall. We ask for your assistance in clearing these small areas; shovels and ice melt crystals are provided for your convenience.
  • Waiver of Liability: By accepting these terms, you agree to abide by all LCM policies. You further agree to use the cottage at your own risk and to indemnify LCM and its owners of all liability from such use, including harm from personal injury, sickness, death, loss and damage regardless of cause to you, your family and guests both during and after occupancy.