Guest Service Terms and Rental Agreement
Rental Terms and Conditions
Deposit and Payments
A $200 Rent Down Payment/Booking Deposit is due within 24 hours of your reservation. The total is due thirty (30) days prior to your check-in date. If you have a credit card on file it will be charged automatically unless other payment arrangements are made. Failure to pay the balance by the due date will render the booking void with loss of deposit. Please review your reservation and make sure all the information including check-in and check-out dates are correct.
Registration form and Rental Agreement require completion, signatures, and must be returned before the reservation is fully confirmed.
A Refundable Security Deposit of minimum $250 (up to $500 depending on the property) is due before arrival in the form of a credit card payment/authorization. The credit card of the last successful payment will be used to process the Refundable Security Deposit, if not otherwise notified.
Payment Terms
Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Diners, Discovery), Debit Cards, E-Checks, and Zelle are accepted. There is a $50 charge for all returned checks plus the cost of collection.
Cancellation Policy
Guest receives full refund (less cancellation fee of $35.00) if cancellation occurs more than 30 days before arrival; No refunds within 30 days of arrival.
If you booked through a third-party website, the cancellation policy listed on that booking site applies.
Additional Payments & Credit Card Processing Fees
Additional or early payments made prior to the scheduled due date are optional and processed for guest convenience. If a reservation is canceled during a free or full-refund cancellation period, credit card and payment processing fees incurred are non-refundable and will be deducted from any refund issued.
Trip Cancellation and Travel Insurance is available; please inquire.
In the event Guest wishes to terminate this agreement, Travel Insurance, Damage Protection, and any processing or administrative fees are non-refundable.
Because this is a private home with a private lease, there can be no credit given in case of early departure, and there will be no subletting or assignment by tenant without prior written consent. In the event that the owner removes the property from the management program or due to other circumstances the house is not available, every effort will be made to find a similar property. Owner or agent shall not be liable to tenant should similar units not become available; monies paid shall be refunded.
In the event Owner is unable to make the Rental Property available for any reason other than described above or a reasonable substitute as determined by Owner, Guest agrees that Owner's sole liability is to provide a full refund of all monies paid under this Agreement; in no event shall Owner be held liable for any special or consequential damages resulting from this unavailability.
Check-In and Check-Out
The rental period begins at 4:00 p.m. on the day of arrival and terminates at 10:00 a.m. on the day of departure, unless prior arrangements have been made. Early check-ins or late departures will incur an extra charge of $50 per hour. Properties are professionally cleaned and inspected before and after each rental. Please be thoughtful of renters who may be checking in on the same day you checkout. Occasional delays may occur during peak season.
If a guest fails to depart by 10:00 a.m., forcing cleaning delays and a guest relocation, the departing guest agrees to pay any damages and costs incurred in addition to the Late Departure Fee of $50 per hour.
Occupancy
Only Guest and persons identified in the Rental Agreement as the Guest party may use or occupy any part of the premises. Guests may not invite other persons to use the premises or its amenities. Any changes to the persons booked to occupy the house must be notified for insurance reasons. Overnight stays by additional persons will result in loss of the full damage deposit; further charges may apply. No sleeping on floors or on air mattresses is allowed. Rollaway rentals may be arranged at additional cost if occupancy law allows.
No events, groups, gatherings, or similar that exceed the property’s maximum occupancy. No person other than registered with Florida Holiday Homes prior to arrival is allowed inside the property or pool area. No parties of any kind are allowed. Violations may result in eviction.
No permanent residence. Use of the property is temporary and transient only; you may not use the property as a permanent residence.
Right to Refuse Occupancy and Removal of Guests
If Guest violates the terms and conditions of occupancy, including failure to pay rent, failure to check out at the agreed time, causing damage, or engaging in prohibited use, and Guest fails to pay for or vacate upon request, Guest may be removed with the assistance of a Florida law enforcement officer in compliance with Section 509.141(4), Florida Statutes. In the case of a large unpaid bill where payment is doubtful, Florida Holiday Homes may lock Guest out until payment arrangements are made per Section 509.401, Florida Statutes. Florida Holiday Homes reserves the right to refuse service to any guest for any reason, provided such refusal is not based on race, creed, color, sex, physical disability, or national origin.
Noncompliance
Noncompliance with the Rental Contract, rental policies, occupancy rules, subdivision or community restrictions, any illegal activity, or conduct creating a nuisance or disturbance are grounds for immediate eviction without refund.
Right of Entry
Florida Holiday Homes reserves the right to enter the rental property anytime to investigate disturbances, check occupancy, check for damage, deliver household items, or perform scheduled service, repairs, alterations, or improvements. When possible, at least 12 hours’ advance notice will be attempted and services performed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., 7 days a week. Notice is not required for emergencies or to investigate disturbances/occupancy issues.
The home may be listed for sale. If so, a realtor may request to show the home. Efforts will be made to schedule showings to minimize disruption.
Video Surveillance
Your vacation home might have exterior cameras (e.g., at the front door) for security. Disabling, redirecting, or obscuring cameras is prohibited and will result in full forfeiture of the security deposit and may result in eviction without refund.
Damage and Cleaning Issues
Any damage or cleaning issues noticed upon arrival should be reported immediately and within 24 hours of arrival. General maintenance issues should also be reported so the unit can be kept in good repair.
Please adhere to the following rules to prevent charges against your security deposit:
- No damage to the unit or its contents, including linens, towels, and carpets.
- No missing items upon inventory check (including transferring items to other units).
- All debris and garbage placed in proper containers; use community dumpsters for excess trash where provided. Follow posted garbage and recycle rules. Excess garbage removal will be charged.
- Kitchen left in order: soiled dishes cleaned or placed in dishwasher and dishwasher started; refrigerator emptied and all open leftover food disposed of.
- First load of towels washed and, if time allows, placed in the dryer; leave dryer running.
- No excessive cleaning necessary. Cleaning fee includes washing one set of sheets per bed; if spare sheets are used, wash them or additional charges apply.
- Maximum occupancy not exceeded.
- No smoking or evidence of smoking.
- Unit left in neat condition.
- Pet-friendly units show no sign of pet damage or excessive cleaning.
- No furniture moved; minimum $50 charge to return furniture to original position.
- BBQ grills (if provided) must be cleaned by guest; $75 cleaning fee if left dirty. Do not leave personal or purchased BBQs at the house; removal will be charged.
- Do not leave trash, coolers, broken items (including luggage) at the house/garage; minimum $75 removal fee.
- Damage Protection Plans do not cover stained or damaged towels or sheets; replacement cost will be deducted from the security deposit.
Florida is a tropical state; occasional insects (e.g., ants) may occur and are not cause for complaint. Properties are periodically treated for pests and cleaned after each rental.
Refunds
No refunds are granted for malfunctioning mechanical or electrical equipment including, but not limited to, appliances, air conditioning units, pools, and/or spas. No refunds for unfavorable weather, early departure, utility interruption, construction, or maintenance issues. No refunds for issues with recording/playback equipment, TVs, audio, telecoms, cable reception, computer equipment, or internet access.
Shared Amenities
If the property has access to shared amenities (e.g., pool, hot tub, parking lot, fitness center), availability and condition are not guaranteed and no refund is due as they are outside owner/manager control. Report maintenance or housekeeping problems or hazardous conditions promptly and allow a reasonable time to respond. Remedies cannot be guaranteed during your stay.
Severe Weather
No refunds or deposit returns for canceled or shortened stays due to weather. Departures due to inclement weather do not warrant refunds. Travel Insurance is recommended, especially during hurricane season.
Smoking
No smoking of any kind is allowed inside the vacation home. Violation results in a $250 charge (or loss of full damage deposit) and additional cleaning charges may apply.
Pool Safety
There are no lifeguards or attendants. Tenants are responsible for the safety of themselves, family members, and guests using the pool and specifically waive any and all liability claims. Do not permit juveniles, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities to be in or around the pool without an able attendant. Violent games and exercises are not permitted. Disconnecting pool alarms is against Florida law.
All pool homes have pool door alarms and/or child safety fences. Tampering with or disconnecting pool alarms or removing safety fences is a second-degree misdemeanor under Chapter 515 (Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act), punishable by a fine or jail. A minimum charge of $75.00 per alarm or to reinstall a safety fence will be assessed. Do not tamper with pool alarms or safety fences.
Child Safety Fences
Keep child safety fences in position while renting. If you choose to remove them, neither Florida Holiday Homes nor the owners accept liability for any accident. A $75.00 fee applies if a fence is removed and must be reinstalled after departure.
Pool Heating (if applicable)
Available at additional cost; please inquire. Pool/spa heat must be ordered at least 2 days before arrival and for the entire stay. Pool heaters and spas are connected to the pool pump, which operates on a timer and does not run at night.
- Electric pool heaters/heat exchangers must run at least 24 hours to produce heat and are dependent on outside temperature. Water may increase about 1°F per hour after reaching ambient temperature.
- Electric heat pumps are typically set to 86°F but may not reach that temperature in cold weather; intended to take the chill off the water, not to feel like a hot tub.
- When air temperature drops below 55°F, heat pumps may not reach desired temperature; operating costs remain the same and no refunds are given. Partial refunds may be processed only if heat is turned off upon guest request. Heat on/off service may be unavailable on Sundays/holidays or same day.
- Gas pool heaters operate more independently of air temperature and may heat more effectively in lower temperatures.
Do not attempt to adjust pool heating yourself; damage is expensive to fix. Many properties have a spa integrated with the pool; spa temperature is typically the same as the pool and may not reach standalone hot-tub temperatures. Pool temperature maximum is 86°F per state regulations; standalone spas/hot tubs max 102°F. Integral pool spas may not reach 102°F.
Tampering with pool heating controls or lock boxes will result in a minimum $150 charge against the security deposit.
Spa, Deck and Patio
Surfaces can be slippery when wet and injuries can occur. Observe all posted rules and policies. No glassware is to be taken outside to the pool area.
Air Conditioning
Do not set A/C below 72°F in cooling mode (or above 70°F in heating mode). Setting outside these limits can freeze the unit; related service calls will be charged to you. Keep windows and patio doors closed when operating A/C. Excessive energy/water use may be charged.
Pet Policies
No pets, including emotional support animals, are allowed unless otherwise stated in this agreement. Violation will result in loss of the full damage deposit and additional cleaning/flea treatment charges may apply. If you have a trained service animal, please contact us.
Community Rules
Guest agrees to abide by community rules as posted in the unit or at community facilities; these may change from time to time.
Good Neighbor Policy: Treat the property with care and leave it as you found it. Close and lock doors and windows when away and upon check-out. Conduct yourselves respectfully and without disrupting neighbors, traffic flow, or the community. Noise audible outside the property is prohibited between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., or as community rules specify.
Special Needs
Special needs must be conveyed at the time of booking. Efforts will be made to accommodate; if the request was not made when booking and cannot be fulfilled, no refund is due. If any party member is hearing impaired, advise upon booking and an additional smoke detector for the hearing impaired can be placed in the home.
Parking
Available parking spaces vary by property. Many resorts restrict the number of cars and prohibit trucks, campers, boats, and trailers. Inquire for specifics. No parking on grass; damage to sprinkler systems from parking on grass is the guest’s responsibility.
Falsified Reservations
Any reservation obtained under false pretenses will result in forfeiture of deposits and/or rental money and the party will not be permitted to check in.
Guest Responsibilities
Guest assures that all tenants will observe this agreement, maintain the rental in good order and appearance, and conduct themselves in a manner inoffensive to neighbors. Any tenant who violates terms of this Agreement shall be denied occupancy and must remedy any damages or expenses caused by the tenant and/or the tenant’s guests. Any tenant using or permitting the use of illegal drugs on the premises will be denied continued occupancy. Guests shall not disturb, annoy, endanger, or inconvenience neighbors; nor use the premises for immoral or unlawful purposes; nor violate any law or ordinance; nor commit waste or nuisance. Guest agrees to keep the rental clean and free of trash, and to maintain fixtures and equipment in the same condition as at the beginning of the stay, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
Indemnification
Guest agrees to indemnify and hold Florida Holiday Homes and property owners harmless from all liability, loss, or damage arising from any nuisance or harm made or suffered on the premises by the guest, tenants, or guests; or from any carelessness, neglect, or improper conduct of any persons entering, occupying, or visiting the premises. No responsibility or liability is accepted for loss, damage, or alterations to reservations caused by events beyond control, including but not limited to war, terrorism, civil commotion, pandemics, flight delays/cancellations, airport closures, loss of luggage, adverse weather, fire, flood, or industrial dispute. No liability for failure of public supplies (water, electricity, internet) or breakdown of A/C, nor for consequences of actions/omissions of service providers or authorities beyond control.
Liability
No liability is accepted for personal safety during your vacation. Children must be supervised at all times in and outside the property. Exercise care for personal safety and property. Valuables should be secured and out of sight.
Guest is solely responsible for theft, vandalism, or other damage or loss of personal property during the stay, whether belonging to the tenant or any invited person.
The rental may offer access to recreational and water activities (e.g., canoes, bicycles, swimming). These activities have inherent risks. Participation may result in injury, illness, paralysis, death, or disability. Guest agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless the Owner, Florida Holiday Homes, and any agents, employees, or contractors for any injury or damage caused by these activities, whether due to negligence or otherwise, foreseeable or unforeseeable. Guest assumes all risks and agrees to release, waive, discharge, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Owner and agents from any and all claims related to use of facilities, equipment, or activities. Guest assumes responsibility for actions of all persons they allow to enter the property and indemnifies Owner for claims arising from such persons.
COVID-19 and Other Pandemics
An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place or lodging. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and can lead to severe illness and death. By visiting, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
Accuracy of Listing Description
All property information is provided by the individual property owner and is true and accurate to the best of Florida Holiday Homes’ knowledge; however, guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless for any errors or changes due to maintenance or owner’s removal of items. Efforts are made to ensure the website information is correct and accurate.
Governing Law and Disputes
This Agreement shall be enforced under the laws of the state in which the rental property is located, including any applicable rental acts, and represents the entire Agreement. Any amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. Legal action may only be instituted in the county where the property is located. If any part of this Agreement is deemed unenforceable, that part shall be omitted without affecting the remainder.
Acknowledgements
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein, Guest has read and agreed to the following:
- I understand the rules and rental conditions upon which I am agreeing to rent accommodations, equipment, and use of the property and acknowledge that the sole responsibility for safety lies with the participant.
- I am over the age of 18 and assume responsibility for those in my charge under the age of 18.
- I assume legal responsibility for bodily injury to me or to any person on the property as a result of my visit and use, operation, or possession of equipment hired or loaned to me, and accept complete responsibility for minor children in my charge.
Termination on Breach
Owner may terminate this Agreement upon breach of any terms by Guest. Guest shall not be entitled to the return of any rental monies paid and shall vacate the property immediately.
Renter Commitments
- The property will be returned in the same condition as rented. I am responsible for all damage and/or loss that occurs during my rental period.
- I agree to hold harmless and indemnify the Owner against all loss, damage, expense, and penalty on account of personal injury or property damage to the rental dwellers, myself, or any minor children in my charge, however arising.
- I acknowledge receipt of the property in good order and condition (and will contact Owner immediately if found otherwise upon arrival) and agree that the Owner is not liable for consequential damages of any kind or nature, whether property or equipment is loaned or rented.
- I enter into this Agreement freely and at my own risk, acknowledging the risks inherent in indoor and outdoor activities, and assume responsibility for the minor children and myself in my charge.
- All parties agree to comply with Federal, State, and County pollution laws and any other applicable laws and regulations.