Tips on Renting a Great Summer House

On the South Fork of fish-shaped Long Island, New York, the Hamptons consist of two large towns, East Hampton and Southampton. It also comprises several smaller villages and hamlets, including Water Mill, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, and Wainscott.

Just the mention of the place name, “the Hamptons,” conjures up images of boundless beaches, celebrity sightings, and sprawling mansions owned by the rich and famous.

Every summer, numerous Long Islanders from nearby and far, Manhattanites, and those who seek sun and sand look for rentals in the Hamptons. From Westhampton to Sagaponack, Amagansett, East Hampton, and other areas, the search is on for weekly, monthly, or summer-long accommodations when the weather turns warm.

But where are the best places to rent? Should you be on the beach or not? Gary DePersia, senior vice president of The Corcoran Group, offers valuable tips for finding a summer rental in the Hamptons.

A Hamptons Summer Rental to Suit Your Specific Needs

DePersia advises considering which village or hamlet you’d prefer to rent in. For those wanting proximity to New York City, Southampton might be ideal. If you desire a relatively quiet place, try East Hampton, Amagansett, or Montauk. For central locations, renters may appreciate Bridgehampton or Sagaponack due to their proximity to areas east and west.

To Beach or Not to Beach?

To stay as close to the ocean as possible, DePersia suggests renting in the areas south of Route 27, or as the locals say, “south of the highway.” If you go north of Route 27, you’ll be closer to serene bayfront properties and woodlands, still retaining the option to drive to the beaches.

Finding Your Price Range for Hamptons Summer Rentals

• Western and central parts of the Hamptons, such as Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, and Sagaponack, are often rented faster and earlier in the season and may be more expensive than areas further east.
• Keep in mind that rentals south of the highway are closer to the Atlantic Ocean, but they can also be pricier. One way to save is to consider renting “north of the highway,” which is further from the beach.
• If you wish to rent “south of the highway,” but your budget falls short, DePersia recommends exploring village locations nearer to Montauk Highway or Route 27, where shops, restaurants, and ocean beaches are easily accessible. Areas like Watermill, Sag Harbor, and Amagansett fit this description.

Best Time to Look for Bargains for Summer Rentals

Finding your dream summer rental in the Hamptons hinges on timing. Should you rent early or wait for deals? However, if you wait too long to rent, your options could dwindle significantly, as DePersia cautions, “If you wait to the last minute to rent, hoping to get the best prices, your options actually decrease significantly… because… the homeowner has had no time to make alternate plans for the summer or the month.”

He notes that July and August are peak months with the highest rents in the Hamptons. Conversely, if you rent off-season, from September to May, you’ll typically pay a fraction of the summer rental costs. For instance, “If a house rents for $100,000 from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” he explains, “that same house from September to May may be $3,000 to $5,000 per month.”

Additional advantages of renting off-season include the warm weather and ocean, without the summer crowds and traffic.

If the Hamptons rental still seems out of reach budget-wise, consider renting for just one month instead of the entire season. “There are many homeowners eager to rent for just a month so they can utilize their homes during the summer as well,” DePersia notes.

Lastly, remember that good tenants often secure favorable rates. DePersia explains that non-smokers, those who leave pets at home, and individuals with solid references are more likely to convince a homeowner to offer them a great rental price.