Sterling Vacation Homes Terms and Conditions

Terms Used

The Person or Persons renting a vacation home and/or whose names appear on the rental agreement will hereby be referred to as the “Renter”.

Guest(s) or Renter(s) refer(s) to the person or persons under whose name the reservation was made and who will be staying at the vacation rental property and all those who accompany this person or persons.

The terms vacation home, vacation villa, vacation rental, vacation property, villa, home, house, rental property, and property, used in these terms and conditions all refer to the vacation home and the property that the home is located on.

Occupancy

The Guest(s) in whose name the reservation is made is (are) responsible for the conduct of all those using or occupying the vacation property and/or its grounds throughout the duration of their stay.

Only the Renter and those staying with the Renter, as agreed upon in the rental agreement are permitted , on the property. The number of persons occupying the property may not exceed the limit as set out by law or as determined by the property owner. The total number of Guests and Visitors to the property may not exceed this number.

The accommodation rates quoted are PER NIGHT, not per person and include electricity, air conditioning, villa heating, North American long distance calls, local phone calls, cable TV, bed linens, towels, the use of all amenities and facilities on the rental property, with the exception of the locked owner's closets.

There is a maximum occupancy for each vacation home. This is determined by government authorities within the guidelines for fire safety. Please note that the contravention of the above renders your booking void and all moneys will be forfeited .

The vacation homes may not be sub-let, shared or assigned without written agreement.

The rental period begins at 16:00 hours ( 4:00 PM ) on the day of arrival and terminates at 10:00 hours ( 10:00 AM ) on the day of departure. Early check-in or late check-out is not permitted without express permission of the property owner and confirmation by the cleaning staff. If a Renter fails to check out as agreed he/she may forfeit his/her security deposit and incur additional charges.

The rental property is for private use by the Renter and those accompanying the Renter as permitted by these terms and conditions. The rental property is not to be used for public or commercial events other than family reunions without the permission of Sterling Vacation Homes.

When not in the villa and upon final check-out guests must close and lock all windows and doors. If the villa is left open or exposed to the elements while occupied or unoccupied during or following a guests stay, the Renter will be liable for damages due to unauthorized entry or exposure to the elements that would otherwise not have occurred had the villa been properly closed and locked.

Failure to Vacate

Check out time is 10 am the morning following the last night of your stay. Any change requires the express permission of Sterling Vacation Homes. If a guest does not check out by this time and has not contacted Sterling Vacation Homes to obtain permission to do so the Renter will be charged additional charges which may include but are not limited to, an additional nights rental, loss of security deposit, cost to put incoming scheduled guests into alternative accommodations, any costs incurred due to law suits resulting from scheduled guest not being able to gain access to the rental home as scheduled , additional cleaning charges.

Cleaning, Maintenance and Entry

The vacation home is professionally cleaned and inspected before and after each rental to ensure that all guests have a comfortable stay. Unless prearranged , no cleaning or maid service is provided during a guest's stay. Such service may or may not be available and if available may require an additional charge.

Lawn and pool care are provided on a weekly basis.

Maintenance of the structure and its appliances is provided .

Sterling Vacation Homes reserves the right of entry at any time by a representative of Sterling Vacation Homes or it's management company or authorized service personal. The Renter will be notified prior to any necessary entry to the property unless entry is required due to emergency for the safety of the homes occupants or to prevent damage to the home.

Villa Consumables

Please note that each home is self-catering and has an initial supply of consumables (garbage/trash bags, toilet tissue, and bar soap). Once these have been used it is not the responsibility of the management company to replenish these items during your stay. The consumables should be adequate for the first few days of your stay.

Booking

The terms and conditions apply to the contract between “Sterling Vacation Homes” also referred to as “We” and the person signing the Rental Invoice also referred to as the “guest” or “renter” who must be over 18 years of age and who shall sign this form on behalf of all persons herein. No contract shall exist until Sterling Vacation Homes has received a signed Rental Invoice together with the correct “booking deposit” and / or “full payment”, and Sterling Vacation Homes confirms the reservation in writing by email, letter, or fax.

Your booking can be made provisionally, if required , and held to allow for your completed “Rental Invoice” and “booking deposit” and or “full payment” to be received . If such is not received in a reasonable time your provisional booking may no longer be held.

Rates & Cost

Rental rates are based on per night rented . Per night rates vary according to rental home and season. The rental rate is for the entire villa regardless of number of occupants up to the maximum number of occupants permitted by law for each villa.

In addition to the per night rate, pool/spa heating charges may be required . Pool/spa heating charges vary according to rental home and season.

Cleaning after your stay at the rental property is included in the rental cost for stays of seven nights or more. For stays of less than seven nights cleaning charges may be required . Cleaning refers to the cleaning of the villa before and after a Renter's stay. Additional housekeeping or cleaning during a stay is not included but may be available for additional cost upon request. Cleaning charges vary according to rental home.

Additional services or special requests may incur additional charges and these will be negotiated by the Renter and Sterling Vacation Homes and added to the total rental cost.

Rental rates and additional costs are set by Sterling Vacation Homes and are subject to change without notice. Once a rental has been confirmed the agreed upon rate may not be changed without consent of both Sterling Vacation Homes and the Renter.

Security Deposits

The Security Deposit is collected in advance, no less than ten weeks prior to arrival. The Security Deposit is held against the possibility of damage or unforeseen costs incurred by the Renter. After the Renter has checked out of the rental home, the property will be inspected for damage. If no damage is found and no additional costs have been incurred the security deposit will be returned in full. If any damages are found, the security deposit is forfeited and will be kept by Sterling Vacation Homes. If damage done to the rental home exceed s the amount of the security deposit, the Renter is obligated to pay for the additional cost. If additional charges have been incurred by the Renter these will be deducted from the Security Deposit. If such charges exceed the amount of the Security Deposit then the Renter is obligated to pay for the additional cost.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the rental, Sterling Vacation Homes has the right to process charges using any credit card information, electronic payment information or other payment information on file to recover the cost of damages to the rented property or additional costs incurred by the Renter exceeding the amount collected as a security deposit.

Payment Policy

A deposit of thirty percent of the total rental charge is due at the time of booking. If the deposit is not paid within a reasonable time or as agreed upon at the time of booking then Sterling Vacation Homes is not obligated to honor the provisional booking.

The balance of the total rental cost is due on or before ten weeks prior to the Renter's arrival date. If the balance has not been remitted by the Renter and received by Sterling Vacation Homes on or before ten weeks prior to the Renter's arrival date, then the Renter may forfeit their rental. If the Renter has not cancelled nor paid the balance prior to ten weeks of the arrival date, the Renter is still responsible for full payment as agreed upon and is not entitled to any refund of monies already paid toward the rental. (For more information see Cancellation Policy)

If a booking is made within ten weeks of arrival the full amount is due at the time of booking. Once confirmed the Renter is responsible for full payment as agreed and is bound by the cancellation policy.

A “security deposit” of $300 to $500 is due with the final payment. If paying by cheque the “security deposit” will be collected and will be refunded , by cheque, as soon as the Management Company has completed its inventory and occupancy report. This refund will normally be no later than 30 days after you leave the villa. (For more on Security Deposits see Security Deposits)

Florida sales tax and tourist tax must also be paid in addition to rates quoted . These taxes together are 11% for Lake County and 13% for Osceola County .

Sterling Vacation Homes will not release the check-in instructions until payment for the rental has been made in full and the security deposit has been collected .

Payment Methods

Sterling Vacation Homes normally accepts Visa, MasterCard, certified cheque, personal cheque, bank draft or money order. Sterling Vacation Homes reserves the right to refuse one or more of these methods of payment at its discretion.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that Sterling Vacation Homes protects your reservation by refusing all subsequent inquiries for your villa and dates after you have made a reservation. If we are not given advance notice of cancellation then we are not able to rebook and we lose income that we otherwise could have received by accepting a booking from someone else who inquired for your same dates but who was turned away to honor your booking. The following terms and conditions regarding cancellation are to protect your reservation and to protect Sterling Vacation Homes against loss of income.

If cancellation is made by the Renter for any reason more than ten weeks prior to the arrival date the renter is entitled to a full refund of monies paid toward the rental less an administration fee of $50 US funds.

If the Renter cancels with less than ten weeks prior to the arrival date, the renter is responsible for payment in full for the rental and is not entitled to a refund. If payment has not already been received , Sterling Vacation Homes may take steps to collect full payment and may use any billing information for the Renter to process the charge to the Renter. Any exception to this policy can be made only by Sterling Vacation Homes at their discretion.

If full payment for the rental has not been received nor written cancellation been received on or before ten weeks prior to the arrival date, Sterling Vacation Homes is entitled to and may seek payment in full for the amount of the rental and may take steps to collect payment and use any information on file to process charges to the Renter. Sterling Vacation Homes is also no longer obligated to hold the villa for the reserved dates and may try to rebook. If Sterling Vacation Homes can successfully rebook the dates, they may, at their discretion, reduce or eliminate the amount due from the ori gina l Renter.

Sterling Vacation Homes reserves the right to cancel a reservation at any time for any reason. Upon such cancellation by Sterling Vacation Homes, the Renter is entitled to a full refund of monies already paid toward the rental.

Cancellation requests must be submitted by the Renter in writing. If you call or email to cancel you must still forward a signed letter of cancellation by mail or fax. This written notice of cancellation must be received by Sterling Vacation Homes ten weeks or more prior to the Renter's arrival date for the Renter to be entitled to a refund of monies paid toward the rental.

You are strongly recommended to take out adequate holiday/vacation insurance to cover possible cancellations as soon as the reservation is definite.

Sterling Vacation Homes may cancel a booking at anytime for any reason. If Sterling Vacation Homes cancels a booking on its initiative, the renter is entitled to full refund of monies paid toward the rental of the vacation home.

Sterling Vacation Homes reserves the sole right to waive payment of monies owed according to the Terms and Conditions.

Refunds

Refunds apply only to the rental of the vacation homes, pool heat and associated cleaning fees and taxes and may be subject an administration fee and/or transaction charge. Sterling Vacation Homes does not refund monies paid or owed to third parties such as airlines, car rental companies, ticket vendors etc.

Bad weather such as storms, hurricanes etc. are not grounds for refund. Sterling Vacation Homes can not be expected to compensate for events or conditions beyond its control that have an impact on your vacation. Notwithstanding, Sterling Vacation Homes wishes strongly and works hard so all guests enjoy the vacation they are paying for and we will strive to work out alternative arrangements whenever possible.

For named Hurricanes that are predicted to pass over the Orlando area, Sterling Vacation Homes would prefer to have the villa vacated, so in such cases will offer alternative dates according to availability or a refund. If you are already in the villa and wish to leave early to avoid a named Hurricane predicted to pass over the Orlando area Sterling Vacation Homes will offer you a refund for the number of nights lost or apply this to alternative dates. (Please note that Sterling Vacation Homes are located in Central Florida where it is virtually impossible for a storm surge to reach. Neither are our homes located on flood planes where there is great danger of flooding due to heavy tropical rains associated with storms or hurricanes.)

Refunds will be paid according to the Terms and Conditions of the property rental. Refund payment method will be determined by Sterling Vacation Homes.

Early check-out regardless of the reason does not entitle the Renter to a refund.

If through no fault of the Renter, Sterling Vacation Homes is unable to provide the Renter with the property as agreed , Sterling Vacation Homes will refund the Renter for the full amount paid to Sterling Vacation Homes.

Damages

The Renter is responsible for his/her own conduct and the conduct of all members of their group during their stay at the rental property.

Renters are liable for all damages and/or loss to the rental property caused by them or as a result of their negligence or caused by or as a result of negligence by anyone permitted on the property during their stay. This includes but is not limited to neglecting to properly close and lock all doors, windows and access points into the villa when not occupying the villa during the rental period or upon check-out. This also includes damage caused by neglecting to close windows and doors permitting exposure to the elements such as rain water from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Any damages to the vacation home will result in loss of the Renter's security deposit. If no security deposit has been submitted , the Renter's credit card held on file for this purpose, will be charged the full amount of the agreed upon security deposit. If the damages exceed the amount of the agreed upon security deposit this additional sum will also be charged, if no credit card is on file the amount of extra damages will be invoiced .

Damages are defined as “physical harm to the property or anything contained on or within the property”. Normal “wear and tear” resulting from normal use of the property and items on or contained within the property is not considered damage.

The rental properties are inspected before and after each rental. The Renter agrees to notify the property owner or Management Company of any damage to the rental property. If the renter arrives at the rental property and notices damage to the property upon arrival they should call to notify the property manager or villa owner of this damage within 24 hours of their arrival to avoid being held responsible for such damages.

Damages refers to but is not limited to the following: structural damage to the property itself or buildings and structures on the property; cosmetic damage (damage to painted or finished surfaces, including but not limited , to wooden surfaces, pool tables surfaces, counter tops); damage to electronic equipment; damage to screening of the screened in pool area, or window and door screening, damages to lawn furniture, pool alarms, and pool heaters.

Moving or repositioning of furniture and appliances in or on the property is not permitted with the exception of Pack-N-Play portable play pens for children, high chairs for children and children's toys, and lawn chairs and lounging chairs which are permitted to be moved only within the enclosed pool area and in the back yard. The Renter is also permitted to use the children's strollers on and off the property as desired . But strollers must be returned to the property before check-out. Moving or repositioning of furniture and appliances can damage floors, floor coverings, walls, doors and doorways and other things of the property. Such damages are the responsibility of the Renter and must be paid for by the Renter. There will also be a charge to have items replaced to their ori gina l positions.

Tampering with the alarm systems on the doors and windows exiting to the pool area is considered vandalism and a violation of Florida State law and will result in forfeiture of the security deposit.

Tampering with the equipment or services on the property is not permitted.

If you experience difficulty with any equipment or services please contact the property manager or property owner. Any tampering requiring a service call to repair or correct will be billed to the Renter. Such tampering includes but is not limited to: pool alarms; pool/spa equipment and pool/spa settings; air conditioning and heating system, electrical systems, appliances, electronic equipment, wireless router and modem, telephone equipment.

If a Renter causes damage through his/her own fault or negligence or allows damage to be caused that prevents the rental of the property to guests scheduled to check-in following them, then the Renter is liable for and obligated to pay for the cost of repair for any damages and any monies lost and/or costs incurred by Sterling Vacation Homes, including but not limited to; refund to the guests scheduled to follow, hotel charges paid to rebook the sched uled guests into another location, money paid out in law suits to guests scheduled , for the duration of the period and for as many guests are affected by the damages cause by the initial Renter.

Theft

The removal of anything from the rental property without the permission of the property owner is considered theft. The Renter is responsible for any items removed from or lost that belong to the rental property. The property owner may seek to recover any stolen items. If the item or items are not recovered, the property owner is entitled to charge the Renter for the replacement of the item or items. (Note: It is permitted to remove child strollers from property as these are provided for the use of the Renter on and off the property during the duration of their stay. However these must be returned to the property before check-out).

Please do not remove any of the themed bed ding, or any bed ding or linens, from the homes. We aim to offer a complete home to all guests and are not able to do this when part of the bed ding is missing. If bed ding is taken and we cannot replace just the missing piece we will be forced to replace bed ding for the entire themed room and take new photos. Any expenses cause by the theft of linens will be billed to the Renter. We are happy to tell any guests where we purchased any item and the cost so that they may purchase one for themselves. Some of our bed ding and decorations are custom made and therefore cannot be purchased anywhere. Please respect the effort we have put into our rental homes and do not remove items from the property.

Locked Owners Closets

Each vacation rental has one or more closets that are locked and not for Renters use. These closets are for the owner and Management Company only. Any attempt to open or break into these closets is considered theft and/or vandalism and will be treated as such. Any damage or loss to these closets or their contents will be billed to the Renter. Only the locked closets are owner's closets. None of the other closets have doors that will lock.

NO Smoking

Smoking is not permitted inside any of our vacation rentals. Our vacation homes are advertised as smoke free and must be available to individuals with smoke allergy and respiratory illness. Any smoking inside the villa can seriously affect sensitive individuals for weeks or months afterward. Smoking also interferes with the smoke detectors in the vacation homes.

Anyone found to have been smoking inside the home will be charged for removal of the smoke smell. The person in whose name the rental is made is responsible for the behaviour of all persons in the villa for the duration of their stay.

If any guest, or person in the villa during a guests stay, is noticed smoking or found to have been smoking in the rental property the guests may be asked to vacate the premises immediately and without refund of any kind. Furthermore, smoking in the villa results in loss of the security deposit if one has been collected. If a security deposit has not been collected in lue of a pre-authorized credit card or credit card information held as security, Sterling Vacation Homes may charge this credit card for the amount of the security deposit agreed upon. If the security deposit amount is insufficient to cover the cost of removing the smell from the rental property then the Renter is responsible for the additional cost and Sterling Vacation Homes may seek payment of this cost and collect it by using any payment information provided or available. The cost of removing the smell of smoke in a villa may include replacement of objects that cannot be properly cleaned to completely remove the smoke smell such as, but not limited to, pillows, furniture, carpet…

Smoke odour cleaning may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Washing of walls and surfaces
• Carpet cleaning
• Mattress cleaning or replacement
• Cleaning fabric furniture and upholstery
• Replacement of flower arrangements
• Replacement of plush stuffed toys
• Replacement of pillows
• Dry cleaning bed spreads
• Dry cleaning curtains
• Washing blinds

Smoke smell is not easy to get rid of. It is time consuming and expensive .

As a smoker you may not be aware of the smell the smoke smell, but all non-smokers can very easily smell if someone has been smoking in any room of the home and those sensitive to smoke can be affected long after a smoker has passes through.

Our cleaning staff specifically checks for cigarette smoke smell after each group of guests.

Please be considerate to our future guests and do not smoke in the home .

Pets

If you bring or allow an unauthorized animal or pet into the vacation home or on the property and there is any damage or cleaning required as a result, you will be responsible for any damages and or cleaning required.

Sterling vacation Homes must be notified , prior to booking, of any intention to bring a pet of any kind to the vacation home. Permission to bring a pet to the vacation home is given solely at the discretion of Sterling Vacation Homes. If permission is granted, the guest in whose name the reservation was made takes full responsibility for any damage or soiling of the property, both inside and out, that occurs due to the pet and must pay the cost of cleaning, repair or replacement of the affect part of the home or objects within the home.

Evidence of any unauthorized pet will result in forfeiture of your security deposit.

Liability

The Renter who contravenes the Terms and Conditions may be refused occupancy and may not be entitled to any refund of monies paid and may remain responsible for monies owed.

Although Sterling Vacation Homes provides high speed wireless internet access as a courtesy in our vacation homes, we do not guarantee that this service will be accessible at any or all times during your stay. Sterling Vacation Homes do not provide computers. Guests must provide their own computer with wireless capability. Sterling Vacation Homes does not provide technical support. Sterling Vacation Homes is not responsible or liable for any loss of business or damages due to an inability to access the internet. Guests are responsible to abide by state and fed eral laws with regard to restricted websites and restricted materials. The guest assumes full responsibility for any internet activity at the villa during their stay.

We cannot accept liability for death, personal injury, sickness, accidental delay or loss of luggage or personal effects or any misadventure which may occur while renting one of our vacation homes. Usage of the pool, spa, any community pool, aqua area, tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court, soccer field, and recreation area are entirely at your own risk. It is particularly important that children be supervised at all times in and around the pool areas and playground.

We cannot accept any liability for your personal safety during your holiday vacation. You are reminded to exercise care as to your personal safety, and the safety of your companions.

We accept no responsibility or liability of any damage or alteration to the terms of your reservation caused by events beyond our control, including, but not restricted to; war, terrorist activity, civil commotion, flight delays or cancellation, airport closures, abnormal weather condition, fire, flood, or industrial dispute.

We cannot accept any liability for failure of public supplies or utilities such as water, sewer, electricity, cable television, telephone service, wireless internet, gas supplies, or air conditioning systems. Nor for the consequences of the action or omissions of people who may control or supply main services, or any action taken in the vicinity of the property reserved , by any authority over which there is no control.

We reserve the right to decline any person as a client whose conduct is “deemed to be disruptive” and affects the enjoyment of other vacationers and residents. We shall be under no liability to accept costs incurred , or responsibility for, any such person.

Vacation Homes Appliances and Equipment

Sterling Vacation Homes provides various appliances and equipment in our vacation homes. This equipment is maintained in good working order but as is the nature of such items these may at times break down or not function properly. If this occurs during a guests stay, Sterling Vacation Homes will endeavor to repair or replace the item as quickly as reasonably possible. However, the malfunction of appliances or equipment in the home or on the property does not constitute grounds for refund. Notwithstanding, if the pool heater ceases to function during a guests stay we will refund the pool heat charges paid by the guest for the time the heater was not operational. If no additional pool heat charges were charged to the Renter on the booking invoice then no refund will be made.

Florida Insects

Florida is a sub-tropical state and as such is home to many insects and critters. All our villas are treated regularly to prevent infestation. Bugs may be present from time to time in the home but this seldom indicates infestation. However, if you notice bugs in the home outside of what you can expect now and then in any home, please call the property managers. The presence of a few bugs in the home does not constitute grounds for refund. In the unlikely event of a very serious infestation that prevents use of the rental property during the contracted rental period, the home owner will provide a refund equal to the rental cost of the nights lost due to serious infestation. The rental home owner is not liable for any insect or animal that enters the rental property, nor for any harm or damage such insect or animal may cause to person or property.

Valuables

Whenever possible, valuables should be left in a secure place and out of sight.

We are not responsible for any items left at the vacation home during your stay; however, we will do our best to help you locate lost items. Please have a responsible adult check the entire home and pool area prior to your check-out.

Travel Documentation

All guests should possess valid passports if needed. It is your responsibility to make sure all guests in your group have correct travel documentation. We cannot accept liability for any aforementioned conditions not being met or any refusal of passage that affects your travel plans.

Pool Rules

All persons using the pool and spa area do so at their own risk.

Neither the management company nor the homeowner can be held responsible for any accidents that may occur from the use of the pool, spa, playground, and surrounding area.

All children should be supervised by a responsible adult at all times and should never be left unattended in or around the pool area.

NO DIVING, no running, and no horse-play are permitted in the pool area.

It is the Renters responsibility that all members in their group abide by the pool rules.

It is recommended that no person swim alone.

Remove the pool cover before entering the pool. Do not swim when the pool cover is on the pool.

Disclaimer

All descriptions of the vacation homes, their amenities, and all other information given on the website are made in good faith and no liability can be accepted for error and or omission.

Should you experience any problems whatsoever with the vacation rental during your stay, please contact the management company, who will do their best to assist and rectify the matter as soon as it is practically possible. We cannot resolve a problem for you unless we or one of our agents are notified of it at the time. Please give us the opportunity to correct any matters. Should a problem remain unresolved , you are asked to notify us in writing within two weeks of your return. No liability can be accepted for any complaint received after this period.

Sterling Vacation Homes strives to provide an enjoyable vacation experience for all our guests and to that end we investigate all questions or complaints in order to rectify problems, provide compensation when warranted and to improve our services. Please notify us of anything you feel is below your expectations. Complaints or recommendations received longer than a month or two after a guest's stay may be difficult address. We ask that you inform us at the time of the occurrence of anything deemed to be unsatisfactory so that we have the opportunity to rectify the matter.

Any problems with the villa that are not reported immediately can not be used as grounds for refund of any kind.

Any rights herein pertaining to Sterling Vacation Homes can only be conceded , waived , or made exception to with the express consent of Sterling Vacation Homes and in compliance with the law.

Any rights herein pertaining to the Renter can only be conceded , waived , or made exception to with the express consent of the Renter and in compliance with the law.

 

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