As you are aware the Outer Banks is currently under an order from the local Emergency Control Group which has closed access to the area by visitors effective March 17th until further notice. We do not know when this road block will be lifted, but we look forward to welcoming you back to the Outer Banks one day soon.
This has obviously impacted the travel plans of our guests indefinitely and we regret the inconvenience caused to many of you reading this.
Notice from North Carolina Real Estate Commission
The chief legal counsel of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (Janet Thoren) issued a letter yesterday (March 19, 2020) clarifying the Commission's position on refunds that are due our guests that are directly impacted. The letter states that the Landlord (landlords are vacation rental home owners) are required to provide a refund to any affected guests as a result of this local authority's action. The letter goes on to say that because the property owner cannot provide access to the property the landlord and broker are to refund all monies paid by the tenant. The purchase of travel insurance is not a remedy in this matter and is not a consideration in this situation.
Outer Banks Blue appreciates this confirmation and support of our position on this matter. Since Tuesday, March 17th we have been diligently contacting each affected guest one by one and offering full refunds of all monies paid or, in some cases re-booking a reservation for a later time in the same property if possible.
Thank you for your patience.
During this extraordinary times you can imagine the volume of telephone traffic we have received on this issue over the last few days. We ask for your patience during this time, and request that unless you have a reservation that is due to arrive within the next few days to please refrain from calling the office. We cannot speculate about reservations two weeks, one month or even further from now.
As all of you, we are dealing with each day one at a time, and diligently processing refunds to affected guests promptly. These refunds to affected guests will include all monies paid including taxes, rent payments, and travel insurance premiums (if that option was taken by the guest).
We are working with our property owners to make this process as smooth as possible and will be managing this process each day.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience during this unprecedented time. Stay safe, and be well.
All the best from the beach!
