CONTRACT OF HIRE

The Contract of Hire is between the Principal Hirer and the owners of the property. The Principle Hirer, in signing the Booking Form, is agreeing on behalf of all named persons to these Terms and Conditions, and has overall responsibility for the party. The owners of the property cannot accept bookings from single sex groups, nor can they accept bookings from groups of persons under the age of 25.

PARTY SIZE
Only those named on the Booking Form may ENTER the villa unless otherwise agreed in advance, and the total number of guests must not exceed 12 + 2 infants. If it is found that additional people (not listed on the Booking Form) have stayed in the villa, then a charge will be made from the Security deposit. In accordance with the Watersong Homeowners Association rules, no truck or van, boat, trailer, recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle or other type of non-passenger vehicles, equipment, implements or accessories shall be parked, stored or otherwise kept on any portion of the property or elsewhere on Watersong Resort. The connection of the villa’s utility supplies to any external vehicle/appliance is strictly prohibited. The Owners or their Management Company will not be liable for any costs you will incur, nor shall we pay any compensation or make any refunds due to this action.

BOOKING CONFIRMATION
A booking is only confirmed once the Booking Form has been completed in full and returned to us together with the Deposit either by email or post to the address below.

OWNER CONTACT

Valerie Mealand
6 Roxburgh Close
Macclesfield
Cheshire. SK10 3QE
United Kingdom

e-mail vmealand@yahoo.co.uk

Upon booking a non-refundable deposit of £200/$360 or 20% whichever is greater, must be paid within 5 days to reserve your dates. Once this has been received, a confirmation letter/e-mail will be issued and the Hirer will then be responsible for the total price of the property rental on the due date specified on the confirmation letter, plus refundable Security deposit, less deposit paid. We do not accept payments from third parties. The Booking Deposit is non-refundable.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT
The balance of the rental fee will be due 8 weeks before the holiday commencement date. We reserve the right to cancel the rental Agreement where full payment has not been received unless otherwise agreed. Any bookings made within an 8-week period before the commencement of the hire period must be paid in full. Cheques should be made payable to: Valerie Mealand.

ALTERATIONS TO BOOKING
All requests to alter a confirmed booking must be made to the owners in writing. Whilst the owners will attempt to accommodate any such requests (subject to availability), the owners cannot guarantee that this will be possible. Where such alteration is not possible and the Principle Hirer decides to cancel, then the cancellation fees detailed within these Terms and Conditions will apply.


SECURITY DEPOSIT
A refundable Security deposit of £200/$360 will be added to the balance, payable 8 weeks prior to departure. This is to be held as security against non-return of keys/keycards, inventory damage, cleaning costs or excessive Utility bills. The Owners, following the guest’s departure will return this deposit to the guest subject to a satisfactory inspection of the property by the Management Company. Normally within 3 weeks of departure. The Principle Hirer must agree to pay any additional charges for damage or loss not covered by the Security deposit. Any breakages or damage to the property must be reported to the Management Company immediately, who will endeavour to replace the item as soon as possible and the cost may be deducted from the Security deposit. It is the Principal Hirer’s responsibility to ensure the property, its furnishings and fittings are treated with due care and respect. All kitchen utensils etc, should be left clean and tidy on departure.
The Security deposit cannot be used to cover other charges such as Pool heat not taken at the time of booking.

CANCELLATION
Written confirmation is required in the event of a booking being cancelled and charges will be made accordingly:-
• Not less than 60 days (8 weeks) prior to departure – Deposit only.
• Not less than 42-59 days (6 up to 8 weeks)prior to departure – Deposit plus 50%
• Less than 42 days (6 weeks) prior to departure – 100%
We will however endeavour to find a replacement booking and reimburse accordingly where possible. In the unlikely event that the Owners, due to events beyond their control, have to cancel the booking, the Owners will endeavour to locate a suitable alternative villa. If the Owners are unable to provide an alternative villa, or if one is found but not accepted by the Principal Hirer, then the Owners will make a full refund of all monies paid. However the Owners, Management Company or their Agents will not be liable for any further losses that may be incurred by the clients.

INSURANCE
It is strongly advised that the Hirers take out adequate holiday insurance cover at the time of booking. We cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property, nor can we be held responsible for any injury, sickness or deaths however caused. It is the Principal Hirers responsibility to ensure that all guests have appropriate Insurance to cover their costs in case of cancellation through illness, accident or any other circumstance beyond the Owners control. Cancellation for most reasons beyond your control will be covered by your Travel Insurance. Cancellation due to financial reasons or simply ‘no longer wishing to travel’ are not included.

RENTAL PERIOD
Check in is from 4.00 p.m on the day of arrival, and check out is at 10 a.m on the day of departure.

EXTENDED RENTAL PERIOD
Should the rental period be extended at the request of the Renter, and by the permission of the Owner (such permission to only be provided in writing) that all previously existing Terms and Conditions (with the exception of the rental rate for the additional period, which the Owner is free to solely determine) agreed to by the Renter continue to be in force, and that:-
1) Full payment for the extended period is immediately due and payable.
2) The full security deposit must be maintained.
3) The Security deposit may be applied to any unpaid amounts after the Renter has vacated the property only at the discretion of the Owner.
4) The Renter agrees to pay interest at 24% per annum, plus any and all collection costs necessary to recover any unpaid amounts due.


LICENSING
The villa is licensed for 12 persons (plus 2 infants). Any more than 12 persons (plus 2 infants) will be unacceptable. In the event that guests bring in more persons than those shown on the Booking Form, the whole party will be required to leave the Villa and no compensation will be made available, and this will also result in the loss of your Security deposit

FORCE MAJEUR
The Owners cannot accept responsibility, nor are they liable for any force majeure events such as fire, floods, weather conditions, industrial disputes, or any other events, which are beyond their control.

AIR CONDITIONING UNITS
The Air Conditioning Units are already set at an ambient temperature by the Management Company. If the units are tampered with and they freeze up, then the renter becomes liable for the repair of the Unit. The patio doors must remain closed at all times whilst the Air Conditioning is running, or the renter could forfeit some of their Security deposit to pay for excessive bills.

POOL
As swimming pools are potentially dangerous, please do not swim whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and unaccompanied swimming is ill advised at any time. Florida Law requires that a pool alarm/safety fence is fitted. This is for the safety of children. Please use the pool safety fence provided. The Owners also request that no children be left to play unsupervised either in the pool or surrounding area The pool heater is gas operated and is more efficient than electric heaters. However during cold spells it has to work a lot harder to maintain a comfortable water temperature. We advise that due to the size of the pool, it can take up to forty-eight (48) hours for the water to reach its optimum temperature, in relation to the prevailing climatic conditions. Pool heating charges will still apply during this ‘warm up’ period. If Pool heat is required after arrival, then cash only is accepted and paid to the Management Company on the day the Pool heat is switched on.

PASSPORTS
United States Immigration requires that all UK citizens have a valid 10-year passport with at least 6 months remaining after your intended departure date. From October 2004 all UK citizens are advised to contact the United States Embassy to check visa requirements before booking.

LIABILITY
We cannot accept liability for any events beyond our control. This includes the actions of third parties over which we have no direct control, such as the Management Company, Maintainance Companies, Home Association, neighbouring villas etc. All information concerning the property is frequently checked to ensure its accuracy. However on occasion it is possible that advertised facilities may be withdrawn or changed due to circumstances beyond our control.

BURGLAR ALARM
The Burglar Alarm must be activated at all times when leaving the villa – failure to do so and in the unlikely event of a break-in, the guests will be held responsible for payment of the excess on the Owners Insurance Policy.

SMOKING AND PETS
Unfortunately neither smoking or pets are allowed within our villa. You may smoke on the pool deck using the ashtray provided.

PRICE GUARANTEE
Prices will not change once a deposit has been paid and a booking confirmation received.

ACCESS
Whilst guests’ privacy is always respected, the Owner, Management Company or their Agents reserve the right to gain access to the property during your stay. Where possible you will be informed beforehand.

DATA PROTECTION
The details provided to the Owners by the Principal Hirer will only be passed on to the Management Company for booking confirmation.

PESTS
The Principal Hirer is hereby notified that as Florida has a tropical climate, it is home to many insects and bugs. The villa is treated on a regular basis to repel these creatures, but you may occasionally find that they get inside the property. They are best dealt with by spraying with an appropriate product. If the problem persists contact the Management Company. These kinds of incidents are kept to a minimum if food and crumbs are not left on surfaces or floors, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately. Eating in the bedrooms is also not recommended.

COMPAINTS
Any complaints relating to the property must be made in writing to the owners Management Company within 48 hours of any problems arising. The Management Company will endeavour to deal with any such complaints to your satisfaction. Unless there is a valid reason, the owners will not consider any complaints that were not initially registered with the Management Company during the booked period.