1. Parties and Property
1.1. These Terms & Conditions govern the rental of the holiday/short-term stay property (the “Property”) by you (the “Guest”) and your party from the owner or manager (the “Host”).
1.2. The Property address and key booking details (check-in date/time, check-out date/time, number of guests, price, deposit) will be stated in the booking confirmation you receive.
1.3. By paying for the booking you confirm that you (as the lead Guest) accept and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all members of your party.
2. Booking, Payment & Confirmation
2.1. A booking is deemed confirmed only when the Host has received the required payment (including deposit if applicable) and issued a written booking confirmation to the Guest.
2.2. Full payment (or the specified balance) must be received by the Host by the date stated in the booking confirmation. Failure to pay may result in cancellation and forfeiture of any amounts paid.
2.3. The price quoted covers the accommodation only, unless otherwise stated, and does not include optional services or damage costs.
2.4. The Host reserves the right to refuse or cancel any booking (for example in case of suspected fraud, or non-compliance by the Guest) and in such case will refund amounts paid, but will not be liable for further compensation.
3. Duration of Stay, Check-in & Check-out
3.1. The rental period begins on the check-in date and time specified in the booking confirmation and ends on the check-out date and time likewise specified.
3.2. The Guest must vacate the Property by the check-out time. Late check-outs may incur additional charges or refusal to remain on the Property.
3.3. Early check-in and late check-out may be possible by prior arrangement, subject to availability and additional charges.
4. Occupancy, Use of Property & Guests
4.1. The Property is rented for temporary holiday/short-stay use only and not as a long-term residence.
4.2. The number of persons using the Property overnight must not exceed the maximum number of guests stated in the booking confirmation.
4.3. The Guest agrees that only the persons included in the booking may stay overnight; visitors must be registered with the Host and approval obtained in advance.
4.4. The Guest must ensure that all persons in their party comply with these Terms & Conditions and any House Rules (see clause 8).
4.5. The Guest shall not assign, sub-let, or otherwise transfer the booking to any other person nor permit the Property to be used for any commercial, other holiday-making or illegal purpose without the Host’s prior written consent.
5. Security Deposit / Damage / Cleaning
5.1. The Host may require payment of a security deposit (or hold a credit-card guarantee) to cover damage, breakages, extra cleaning or other costs.
5.2. The deposit (or guarantee) will be refunded (or released) within a reasonable time after check-out, provided the Property is returned in the same condition as at check-in (fair wear and tear excepted) and with no outstanding charges.
5.3. The Host reserves the right to deduct from the deposit:
- cost of repairs or replacement of damaged items;
- cost of additional cleaning where the Property has been left in an unacceptable condition;
- reasonable charges for missing items;
- any other losses caused by the Guest or their party in breach of these Terms.
5.4. If repair or replacement charges exceed the deposit amount, the Guest remains liable for the balance. The Host may invoice the Guest for the same.
6. Cancellation, Changes & Refunds
6.1. The Guest may cancel or request changes in accordance with the cancellation policy specified in the booking confirmation.
6.2. When the Host cancels a confirmed booking (for example due to damage to the Property, force majeure, or regulatory constraints) the Host will refund all sums paid but will not be liable for further compensation, except where required by law.
6.3. If the Guest wishes to change the booking (dates, number of guests, etc) the Host may permit subject to availability, possible price change and additional charges.
6.4. No refund will be given for unused nights or early departures unless expressly agreed by the Host.
7. Host Access, Maintenance & Safety
7.1. The Host (or their agents) may need to access the Property during your stay for reasons including inspection, repair, maintenance or emergencies. The Host will give as much prior notice as reasonably practicable.
7.2. In case of emergency (e.g., fire, flood, major fault) the Host or their agent may enter without prior notice.
7.3. The Host will endeavour to maintain the Property, and ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations (gas, electrical, fire-safety, etc) but does not guarantee uninterrupted service of all amenities (internet, heating, hot water).
7.4. The Guest must ensure no defects or safety hazards are caused by their actions, and must report any damage, fault or unsafe condition immediately to the Host.
8. House Rules, Neighbours & Behaviour
8.1. The Guest shall comply with all House Rules as provided by the Host (e.g., no smoking, no pets, no parties/noise curfews, garden/outdoor rules, etc). The Host may amend House Rules reasonably as needed.
8.2. The Guest must respect neighbours, community guidelines and local regulations at all times. Any complaint of anti-social behaviour may be cause for immediate termination of the stay without refund.
8.3. The Guest shall leave the Property in a clean, tidy and respectful condition. Failure to do so may incur extra cleaning charges.
8.4. The Guest must not exceed any occupancy limits, must not permit more persons or vehicles than agreed, and must not use the Property for gatherings or events without express permission.
9. Utilities, Internet, Amenities & Garden/Outdoor Areas
9.1. The Host will provide the amenities listed in the property description and confirmed in your booking. However, these amenities are subject to routine maintenance, occasional disruption or failure, and the Host accepts no liability if an amenity becomes unavailable.
9.2. Internet/WiFi, broadcasting streaming services, television, heating, air-conditioning (if applicable) etc are provided on an “as-is” basis.
9.3. Outdoor areas including garden, terrace, parking, etc are provided for use by the Guest and their party only, and always in accordance with any House Rules. If the outdoor area is described as “fully fenced/private garden”, the Guest must still observe safety, ensure children are supervised, and use the area at their own risk.
9.4. The Host is not liable for misuse of the garden, outdoor spaces, parking areas, or any personal injury or loss arising outside the Property interior.
10. Liability, Insurance & Indemnity
10.1. The Guest uses the Property and its facilities entirely at their own risk. The Host accepts no liability for loss, damage, injury or death to the Guest or their party, or to the Guest’s personal property, except where caused by the Host’s negligence or wilful misconduct.
10.2. The Guest is strongly encouraged to obtain their own travel insurance to cover cancellation, personal belongings, accident, medical expenses and other contingencies.
10.3. The Guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Host for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses (including legal fees) arising from the Guest’s breach of these Terms & Conditions, or actions or omissions by the Guest or their party.
10.4. The Host’s total liability to the Guest under or in connection with the booking shall not exceed the amount paid by the Guest for the stay.
11. Compliance with Law and Regulations
11.1. The Guest and Host must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, local authority by-laws, safety and licensing requirements.
11.2. The Host confirms that the Property meets required safety standards (e.g., gas safety certificate, electrical installation condition report, fire alarms, etc) and that any short-let registration or licensing obligations are met. (Guests should check local regulations in the area of the Property.)
11.3. The Guest must not use the Property for any illegal or immoral purpose.
11.4. If any local or national regulation prohibits the stay (or a part of it), the Host may cancel or redirect the Guest, refunding payments but having no further liability.
12. Force Majeure
12.1. Neither the Guest nor the Host shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance of these Terms due to circumstances beyond reasonable control (including but not limited to: fire, flood, pandemic, strikes, government action, utility failure, natural disaster, major building fault).
12.2. In the event of such force majeure, the Host may cancel the booking or offer an alternative accommodation or date. The Guest will normally receive a refund of sums paid, but the Host shall not be liable for further compensation.
13. Governing Law, Jurisdiction & Dispute Resolution
13.1. These Terms & Conditions and the booking shall be governed by the laws of England & Wales [or Scotland/Northern Ireland if the property is in one of those jurisdictions – adapt accordingly].
13.2. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of that jurisdiction.
13.3. If any dispute arises, the Guest and Host agree to try to resolve amicably before commencing legal proceedings.
14. Data Protection & Privacy
14.1. The Host will collect and process the Guest’s personal data (name, address, contact details, payment information) for the purposes of booking, check-in, security deposit, emergency contact and regulatory obligations.
14.2. The Guest consents to this data processing and to the Host sharing data with third-parties where required by law (e.g., local authorities).
14.3. The Host will handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection legislation (such as the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018).
15. Amendments & Severability
15.1. The Host reserves the right to amend or update these Terms & Conditions at any time; however the version in force at the time of booking shall apply to that booking.
15.2. If any part of these Terms is found by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.
16. Specific Property Rules & Additional Clauses
16.1. Pets: [Specify if pets are allowed or not, and any additional charges/conditions].
16.2. Smoking/Vaping: [Specify smoking policy].
16.3. Parking: [Specify parking availability, location, any extra charges or restrictions].
16.4. Garden/Outdoor Use: If the Property includes a garden/outdoor area described as “fully fenced/private garden”, the Guest agrees that use is at their own risk; children must be supervised; equipment, furniture and garden features must be treated with care; no liability is accepted by the Host for injury or loss in the garden/outside area.
16.5. Maximum Stay/Consecutive Nights: [Specify if there is a maximum consecutive nights stay].
16.6. Noise/Curfew: The Guest agrees to abide by any local noise curfew (for example, no loud noise after 10 pm) and to be respectful of neighbours.
16.7. Local Authority Rules & Short-Let Licensing: The Guest acknowledges that the Host has met (or is responsible for) any local authority registration/licensing required for short-term lets; the Guest must permit the Host’s access for any inspection required by the authority. The Guest agrees not to use the Property in a manner that would cause the Host to breach such regulations (for example exceeding maximum nights per year, extra guests, illegal events). If such a breach occurs the Host may immediately terminate the stay without refund.
17. Departure & Condition On Check-Out
17.1. On departure the Guest shall leave the Property in a reasonably clean and tidy condition, all used dishes washed, rubbish disposed of in the allocated bins, keys returned as directed, and any additional checklist instructions followed.
17.2. Failure to comply may result in deduction from the deposit or extra charges as specified by the Host.
17.3. The Host is authorised to carry out an inspection after check-out. If further cleaning, disposal of rubbish, missing key replacement, or repair is required, the cost may be charged to the Guest.
18. Acknowledgement
By proceeding with payment you acknowledge that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and the booking terms specific to your stay. You agree that you are authorised to enter into this contract on behalf of all persons in your party, and that you will ensure they comply with these obligations.