Terms & conditions

DurTERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS

When the following words with capital letters are used in these Terms, this is what they will mean:
Accommodation: the period of time for which I provide accommodation at the Property to You as set out in the Booking and agreed by Myself.
Booking: your request for the Accommodation as made via my website booking form, email or over the phone;
Property: the property as defined as 145 Findhorn, Forres, IV36 3YL, Morayshire, Scotland

When I use the words “writing” or “written” in these Terms, this will include e-mail unless I say otherwise.

The Agreement
The rental agreement is between the Guest and Pamela Burnett, the Owner of 145 Findhorn.  The contract is deemed to have been made once the Guest has paid a deposit of 25% to the Owner and the Owner has confirmed the booking in writing.  The guest must be over 18 years of age at the time of booking.

Booking
The Guest who makes the booking is deemed to have agreed to these Terms and Conditions and will be responsible for all persons included in the booking and should ensure that they are all aware of the Terms & Conditions.   The Owner reserves the right to decline any booking or refuse to hand over a key to any person who has not complied with these Terms and Conditions.

Payment and Booking
For bookings made more than 6 weeks before arrival, a deposit (part payment) of 25% of the rental sum, is required The balance is due 6 weeks before the commencement of the letting period.  For bookings made less than 6 weeks before arrival, the total amount is payable in full on booking.

The Guest agrees to pay the balance of the payment 6 weeks before the letting is due to start.   Email reminders are sent, but delivery cannot be guaranteed.   Where a Guest fails to pay their balance by the due date the booking may be cancelled and the deposit retained.
Method of Payment:
– Payment may be made by bank transfer. Bank transfers must be in cleared funds by the deadlines for payment as set out in this agreement.
Any bank or transfer charges shall be borne by You.
Payment may only be made in pounds Sterling.

Cancellations or Changes by the Guest
Once the holiday is booked the Guest has entered into a legally binding contract.   If the Guest cancels, for whatever reason (including medical and weather related) then no refund of the deposit will be due, and within 6 weeks of the accommodation period no refund of the full balance is due.   Cancellations made by the Guest require to be notified by email and include a copy of the booking confirmation/invoice.   I will confirm the cancellation in writing to you. In the event that the Property is re-let, for the cancelled period, the Owner will refund the amount paid (less Deposit).  In the event the cancelled period is re-let for a lesser amount the lesser amount will be refunded (less Deposit).

It is recommended and expected that Guests takes out a holiday insurance policy (which includes cancellation insurance covering sickness and unavoidable reasons for cancellation) prior to their stay.

Disabled
Unfortunately due to the construction and situation of this old cottage access for the disabled is not available.

Children
Due to the age and nature of the construction of the Property it is not suitable for children under the age of 7.

Pets
No pets of any sort are permitted within the Property.   The garden is not enclosed and consideration has to be taken for future guests who may suffer from allergies.

Number of People using the Property
The Owner permits the Guest and members of the Guest’s party (but no one else) to occupy the property for holiday purposes only.   The Guest must declare the correct number of additional Guests during booking and, if this changes, must inform the Owner before the rental commences of any change.  No more than 4 people may occupy the Property unless by prior written agreement with the Owner.

Arrival/Departure
The Property is available for occupation from 4.00 pm on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 10.00 am on the day of departure.   During the months of July and August the accommodation is available on a weekly basis from Saturday to Saturday and the minimum period of rental is one week. Exceptions may be made but only with prior agreement with the owner.   During the mid-season the minimum period  of rental is 4 nights according to availability.  However, this must be agreed in writing by the Owner.  The maximum period of rental is 2 weeks.   The property is let for holiday purposes only and only to the persons named on the booking form.

Availability
If the property cannot be made available for the period of Accommodation due to events beyond the Owner’s control and the Owner is forced to cancel the booking, the whole of the rental charge will be refunded and the Guest will have no further claim against the Owner.

Services
Use of electricity for heat, light and cooking, one basket of fuel, including kindling wood, for each of the wood stoves, bed linen and Wi-Fi internet access are included in the weekly charge. Hand and bath towels for indoor use only are provided.

Guest Responsibility
The supervision of children  and any adults requiring care remains the responsibility of the Guest at all times.

Guests shall take care of the furniture, fittings and effects in or on the Property and leave them in the same clean and tidy condition as they were at the start of the letting.  All furniture etc. shall be put back to where it was at the beginning of the rental period.  The garden furniture should not be left outside but returned to the porch at the end of the rental period.

This is a no smoking Property. Guests are also asked to refrain from smoking and vaping  in the entrance porch and on the patio.

Guests are asked to refrain from burning candles within the Property.

Bed linen and towels are provided for use within the Property.  Guests are asked to bring their own beach towels.

Guests are requested to use the non-slip bath mat provided when using the shower to avoid accidents.

Guests are required to secure the Property (including all windows and doors)  and make sure that electrical appliances and lights are turned off whenever leaving the Property.  The Property is not to be left under any circumstances when the woodburning stoves are lit, and their doors must be kept closed unless wood is being loaded or they are being cleaned.

Guests are requested to remove soiled or wet outdoor shoes in the porch before entering the hallway.   They are requested to wear slippers or light, clean indoor shoes whilst inside the cottage.

Guests should try not to leave any items at the property and, if left, the Owner has the right to charge for the removal, return or disposal of those items.

Damage, Loss, Theft
A refundable Damage Deposit of 175 pounds sterling is payable six weeks prior to arrival and is fully refundable after the period of letting (usually within 7 days of departure).  The owner will endeavour to return the deposit via bank transfer as soon as possible after departure of the Guest. (usually within 7 days)

The Guests agree to inform the Owner of any damage or loss however caused, excluding reasonable wear and tear incurred during occupation.   Guests should not remove any items from the property.  The Owner may ask for reasonable replacement costs. In the instance of damage or breakages which occur as a result of reckless or deliberate misuse the Owner reserves the right to demand payment.   This payment will be deducted from the Damage Deposit.

Guests agree to return any keys issued at the beginning of the letting period.   Should the keys not be returned at the end of the stay then the cost of replacement will be deducted from the Damage Deposit.

Nuisance
Guests should not cause nuisance or annoyance to occupants of any nearby property.

Hen parties, Stag nights and large and noisy parties are strictly forbidden.

If, in the opinion of the Owner, any person is not suitable to continue their occupation of the Property because of unreasonable behaviour, damage or nuisance to other parties, the contract may be treated by the Owner as discharged and the Owner may repossess the property immediately.   The Guest will remain liable for the whole cost of rental and no refund shall be due.

Access
The Owner or Housekeeper reserve the right of entry to the Property at all reasonable times for the purposes of inspection or to carry out necessary repairs or maintenance.

Liability
The Owner shall have no liability for any death, personal injury, damage or loss of personal property unless this results from my own negligence.

The Owner cannot accept responsibility for any material loss, damage, additional  expense or inconvenience directly or indirectly caused by or arising out of the property, its plumbing, electrical services or exceptional weather.

The Owner shall not be liable for any temporary defect or malfunction of any equipment, machinery or appliance in the Property.

Complaints and Problems

Should there be any problem or cause for complaint during a period of letting please contact the Housekeeper or Owner by telephone or email and we will attempt to rectify the problem as quickly as possible.  Complaints made after the period of letting is over will not be considered by the Owner.

WIFI Fair and Appropriate Usage Policy 
WIFI Internet access is provided and Guests are required to use this access to the Internet fairly and appropriately.   The Internet access is intended for general use such as access to the world wide web, email, messaging, social media, light video/music/media streaming.   It is not intended or suited for heavy media streaming,  online gaming, extensive downloads/uploads.  Access to illegal activity or use of the network for illegal activity is prohibited and will be reported to local authorities.

Neither a minimum speed, unrestricted bandwidth nor uninterrupted provision of an internet access service can be guaranteed and I am are not liable for any form of compensation or expenses claimed by any guest in respect of the provision of internet services or telephone services not being available or failing.

I reserve the right to make reasonable amendments or additions to these terms and conditons without notice. 

HOW I MAY USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
I will use the personal information you provide to Me in accordance with GDPR data regulations to:

 provide the Accommodation

– provide additional services through third parties to You as requested within the Booking;

– process your payment for Accommodation; and inform you about upcoming special offers concerning the Accommodation.  You may stop receiving these at any time by contacting me.

I will not give your personal data to any third party unless you have requested additional services to be provided during your Accommodation.

To satisfy any legal, accounting or reporting requirements. By law I have to keep basic information about my customers (including Contact, Identity, Financial and Transaction Data) for seven years after they cease being customers for tax purposes. 

These terms and conditions were reviewed on 17th March 2024..