Terms & Conditions
Short-Term Rental Agreement / Terms and Conditions Agreement
This rental agreement is entered into by and between the renter, hereinafter referred to as “GUEST(S)” & "HOUSTAYS". This agreement constitutes a contract between the GUEST (S) and HOUSTAYS. Please read this Vacation and Short-Term Rental Lease Agreement thoroughly. Any money received for occupancy of vacation property indicates the acceptance of the terms and conditions of this Agreement. It is the responsibility of the GUEST S) to be familiar with all policies within this Agreement. This occupancy will be in the form of a Vacation Rental only and not constitute a permanent or primary residence or other tenancy.
TERM OF LEASE: The lease begins at 4 p.m. EST on the “Check-in Date” and ends at 11 a.m. EST on the “Check-out Date.” HOUSTAYS will consider, but not guarantee, early Check-In or late Check-Out depending on property availability and cleaning schedule.
MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY: Maximum occupancy for this property shall not exceed stated number of persons at any time. If GUEST(s) exceeds the maximum occupancy, any and all of their guests are subject to immediate removal and forfeiture of their rental payment. Any day visitors must be approved prior to arrival.
SMOKING: This is a NON-SMOKING property. No smoking is allowed inside of the Property whatsoever. Smoking is also prohibited on the Property’s porches and balconies.
PETS: No pets are allowed at or inside of the Property whatsoever without prior written consent from HOUSTAYS. Additional fees and deposits may apply. If there is evidence of pets without prior written authorization, additional cleaning fees will be charged to the credit card on file.
RESERVATION DEPOSIT: A reservation deposit in the amount of one-half (1/2) the total reservation amount will be due at the time of booking. The deposit becomes non-refundable sixty (30) days prior to the occupancy date. The occupancy date shall be the first day of the rental period. The total balance due including security deposit, if applicable, is due thirty (30) days prior to the occupancy date.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations are required to be in writing or by electronic means. GUEST shall be entitled to a full refund of all amounts paid if the reservation is canceled more than thirty (30) days prior to the occupancy date. GUEST shall not be entitled to a refund of the reservation deposit if the cancellation occurs within thirty (30) days of the occupancy date. GUEST shall not be entitled to a refund of any amounts paid if the cancellation occurs within thirty (30) days of the occupancy date.
FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS: Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit, and/or rental money, and the party will not be permitted to check-in.
MAINTENANCE: It is expected that major systems in and around the property will break down from time to time such as air conditioning, washer, dryer, refrigerator, etc. HOUSTAYS will attempt to repair the problem as soon as possible upon notice by the GUEST. HOUSTAYS assumes no liability to GUEST if such should occur as all products have a useful life and break down occasionally. All repairs are made within customary time periods.
REMOVAL POLICY: In addition to any other breach or violation of this Agreement, GUEST acknowledges and agrees that HOUSESTAYS may remove or cause to be removed from the property any guest or occupant who, while at the property, illegally possesses or deals in controlled substances, violates any of the terms of this agreement, or who indulges in language or conduct which disturbs the peace and comfort of other guests or neighbors or which constitutes a nuisance or which injures the reputation, dignity or standing of the property or anyone who fails to make a payment of rent at the agreed-upon rental rate and fees at the agreed-upon times or anyone who fails to check-out at the agreed-upon time unless an extension of time is especially agreed to by HOUSTAYS.
END OF TERM: At the end of the term, the GUEST shall leave the premises in reasonable condition, remove all GUEST property, and shall be liable for the repair of any and all damages caused during their stay beyond normal wear and tear.
SUBLET: GUEST shall not sublet or assign this agreement without the written consent of HOUSTAYS.
REPRESENTATION: HOUSTAYS and its agents and employees are the agents and representatives of the property owner. The property owner and HOUSTAYS are not responsible for loss, theft, or personal injury resulting from GUEST use of the subject property.
LIABILITY: By reserving, GUEST warrants that the GUEST, and all persons accompanying GUEST, agree to hold harmless HOUSTAYS and his/her agents and assigns, from any liability due to injury, loss of life or loss of property by the GUEST or any persons accompanying the GUEST.
HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNITY: GUEST is responsible for and shall indemnify the HOUSTAYS, upon demand and hold them harmless from any and all claims, liability, demands, actions, causes of action, expenses, damages, losses or injuries sustained by any person including GUEST, GUESTS family, agents, guests or invitees as a result of or arising from the GUESTS occupancy of the subject property, including but in no way limited to claims arising from the use of any pool, hot tub, spa-pool, water area or dock which are part of the rental premises. GUEST shall also be liable and indemnify HOUSTAYS upon demand for reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs, including the cost of appeals, incurred by HOUSTAYS in enforcing any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement or which are sustained by HOUSTAYS as a result of or arising from or during GUESTS subject occupancy and tenancy.
UNFORESEEN CONDITIONS: If any unforeseen conditions or problems with the property arise prior to or during GUESTS stay, HOUSTAYS reserves the right to either refund GUESTS payment, pro-rate or place GUEST in a comparable house with the same amenities, bedroom, etc. Such unforeseen conditions could be the following but are not limited to storms, vandalism, flood, sale of the home etc. HOUSTAYS assume no responsibility for such unforeseen conditions.
SUBSTITUTION OF ACCOMMODATIONS: Certain circumstances may cause GUESTS confirmed unit to become unavailable. Therefore, HOUSTAYS reserves the right to substitute comparable accommodations. HOUSTAYS cannot guarantee the confirmed rate in these circumstances; however, accommodations and rates will be subject to GUESTS approval. Should the above Property be unavailable or uninhabitable during the specified time due to unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to, Owner’s actions, or so called “Acts of God”, HOUSTAYS will use reasonable efforts to present a property of comparable quality and utility, which then becomes the Property subject to this agreement. If GUEST requests a return of paid funds, this agreement becomes null and void for all parties.
ACCESS: GUEST agrees to allow access to the house and property to HOUSTAYS and its agents upon 24 hours’ notice by telephone or in person. Agents include but are not limited to, plumbers, electricians, pest inspection, etc. HOUSTAYS reserves the right to inspect the premises and property interior upon 24 hours’ notice to GUEST. GUEST agrees not to deny access. If GUEST refuses to allow access to HOUSTAYS or any agent designated by HOUSTAYS, HOUSTAYS reserves the right to terminate the GUESTS rental and GUEST will immediately vacate the premises upon demand by HOUSTAYS and will forfeit the rental payment.
ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: GUEST expressly agrees that this Agreement is also subject to the Terms and Conditions Agreement provided to GUEST.
ADDITIONAL TERMS
SECURITY DEPOSIT: A security deposit is required to book some select properties managed by HOUSTAYS.
CLEANING FEE: Cleaning fees are collected for each rental property and vary in price depending on the requirements of the property. The cleaning is for a onetime post-departure cleaning required on all properties. GUEST is required to leave premises in a reasonable state and undamaged. Any additional cleaning over the previously collected amount will be billed to the credit card on file.
LOST AND FOUND / PERSONAL PROPERTY: HOUSTAYS is not responsible for any personal property lost, stolen, or damaged within the Rental Property. If GUEST (S) have lost an item during their stay, please notify HOUSTAYS as soon as possible. We will use reasonable effort to help locate the missing item. If we discover any personal property, HOUSTAYS will notify GUEST to arrange return. GUEST is responsible for shipping charges plus any applicable handling fee.
MINOR DAMAGE: Immediately report any spills or minor damage to HOUSTAYS allowing us the opportunity to make any repairs or clean-up. Most accidents can be taken care of with little to no expense and allowing you to continue to enjoy your vacation.
TRASH: All interior and exterior trash must be collected and properly disposed in exterior receptacle cans at check out. Excessive trash and overflowing cans will result in additional fees and billed to the credit card on file.
FURNITURE: All furniture must be left in the originally placed rooms and undamaged.
ALTERATIONS: GUEST shall not make any interior or exterior alterations to the property. Should any Property items need attention, please contact HOUSTAYS. If any un-permitted alterations are made, HOUSTAYS shall be liable for cost to bring the property back to its original condition.
DOORS, WINDOWS, A/C: All doors and windows must be shut and locked at your departure.
NOISE AND DISTURBANCES: GUEST(S) agree to behave in a civilized manner, be a good neighbor, and respectful of the rights of your surrounding neighbors. HOUSTAYS has a zero-tolerance policy towards house, group, or bachelor/bachelorette style parties. If any complaints are received local law enforcement will be called. Should the issue giving rise to the complaint not be immediately corrected GUEST(S) will be required to vacate the premises forfeiting, as agreed upon liquidated damages, the balance of the rental amount and any security deposit.
REBATES AND REFUNDS: GUEST is aware appliances and features may break or become inoperable and this can be unforeseen. HOUSTAYS will use all reasonable means to repair the item. However, sometimes parts delivery will take a little longer than expected. We understand this is frustrating but out of our control. There will be no rebates or refunds given for inoperable appliances or faulty equipment, unfavorable weather, early departure, interruption of utilities (e.g., phone, electric, water, cable, wifi, swimming pool) malfunction, construction in the area, insects inside or outside the home, or other maintenance problems.
CERTIFICATION: I or we, the GUEST(S), hereby certify and consent that I/we have read the entire Agreement and Terms and Conditions Agreement and agree to the terms and will comply with them during the course of this vacation rental.