1. AGENCY DISCLOSURE – GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC. serves as the agent & representative of all owners of vacation properties in its rental program, and is acting at all times, in and for the best interest of the owners.
2. CHECK-IN TIME IS 3:00 PM – At the following: GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC., 1460 US 76 West, Suite D, Hiawassee, GA 30546. Keys are NOT available until the property is ready for occupancy. No exceptions to this policy will be made. Agent will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Premises ready for Guest occupancy at check-in time, but Agent cannot guarantee the exact time of occupancy. Please call in advance if you may be arriving after 6:00 PM so that arrangements can be made for Guest property keys to be picked up. Please Note – NO ARRIVALS ARE ALLOWED ON THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY (DEC.25) and NEW YEARS DAY (JAN.1).
3. CHECK-OUT TIME IS 11:00 AM – NO EXCEPTIONS! Check-out takes place at our office and is strictly enforced so that Agent(s) have adequate time to prepare the property for the next guest. Please return keys to the front desk before leaving. (Unless prior arrangements are made in writing with Agent, Guests that do not vacate the rental property and return the keys by 11:00 AM, or in the event Guests return to the premises without the consent of the Agent after turning in the keys and checking out, a fee equal to the rental rate for one (1) day will be assessed to Guest(s).
4. RESERVATION REQUIREMENTS – 50% of the total rental fee is required in advance to hold reservation. Agent(s) accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Money Orders and Checks drawn of U.S. banks and payable in U.S. funds are accepted. (If securing with a check, it must be received within 3 days after booking has been made or the reservation will be canceled. Agent(s) do not accept checks on reservations made less than 30 days before arrival.) Balance is due by or at check-in with cash, certified funds, traveler’s checks, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Please reference reservation dates and folio # when sending check or money order. Upon receipt of deposit; confirmation and directions to our office will be mailed, faxed or emailed to Guests. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKS AT CHECK-IN!
5. DAMAGE WAIVER OPTION – Guest is required to pay $35 for a non-refundable Damage Deposit Waiver to cover any unintentional damage up to $200. Damage in excess of $200 or damage that is deemed by Great Escape Vacation Rentals, Inc. to not be of an unintentional nature, will be charged to the Guest’s credit card. This Damage Deposit Waiver does NOT cover intentional damage, theft excessive cleaning, or any damage or flea infestation caused by pet.
6. CANCELLATION - A $55.00 administration fee is assessed for all cancellations. However, if Guest(s) cancel less than fourteen (14) days prior to their arrival date in cabin, mountain homes and condos (30 days on lake properties, all properties located on or having access to lakes.), Guest(s) advance payment will be forfeited. No Cash Refunds Are Given! (For a refund of monies, cancellation must be in writing and sent certified mail and received 14 days (30 days for all lake properties) prior to arrival date (less a $55 administration fee per property), TO:
GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC.
1460 US HWY 76 WEST, SUITE D
HIAWASSEE, GA 30546
7. RESERVATION CHANGE FEE – All reservations that need date and/or property changes are subject to a non-refundable $30 rescheduling fee per change. All changes must be done prior to cancellation period expiration. You must make changes fourteen (14) days or more prior to your arrival date in cabins, mountain homes and condos (30 days or more on lake properties, all properties located on or having access to lakes). Agent may review cancellations that are done 13 days or less (29 days or less on lake properties) and at the Agent(s) own discretion, may approve a rescheduling with an administration fee of $30.00. Any reservations that were approved for rescheduling after cancellation period had expired cannot cancel; if they do, Guest(s) forfeit all monies paid. There is no guarantee that the Guest will receive approval so please do not expect it.
8. NO SHOW POLICY – The total amount of the reservation will be charged along with a $30.00 administration fee.
9. RETURNED CHECKS – A $35 service charge will be incurred for any returned checks.
10. CUSTOMER SERVICE – After your reservation has been made, if you have any questions, we will be pleased to answer them for you at our customer service number: (706) 896-9820. Please do not call the reservation center line.
11. CONFIRMATION – Confirmation of the reservation will be mailed, faxed or emailed to Guest(s) upon receipt of the reservation advance payment (deposit). Please read the confirmation for accuracy of dates, mailing address, number of adults and/or children, pets (if allowed) and accommodations. Any errors must be directed to the reservation department within seven (7) days of mailing. Pay close attention to the number of persons (Adults/Children) on the confirmation and lease! Occupancy is limited to REGISTERED GUESTS ONLY! Absolutely no overnight visitors are allowed. In the event this occurs, all deposits and rent will be forfeited and you will be asked to vacate the property.
12. ADDITIONAL GUESTS (More than the lease states) – Additional guests and visitors must be pre-approved by Agent(s) in advance. (Each child counts as one guest.) For approved additional guests (ages 4 and older) you will be charged $10.00 (Ten U.S. Dollars) per night/ per guest. There is no charge for children 4 years of age or under, one per adult.) IF YOU BRING IN EXTRA GUESTS OR VISITORS WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL, GUEST(S) WILL BE ASKED TO VACATE THE PROPERTY; GUEST’S DEPOSITS AND RENT WILL BE FORFEITED! If it is determined, upon check-out, that there were more guests than the number registered, an amount equal to $10 per additional person/per night, based on maximum occupancy, along with any and all additional cleaning fees will be assessed to the reservation and your credit card will be charged accordingly.
13. KEYS – All keys must be returned to the office at time of check-out. Guest(s) are issued one or two sets ordinarily. Guest(s) request the number of keys they will need and sign for them at check-in.) As these are privately owned properties, Guest(s) are responsible for lost-keys. The property must be re-keyed in the event that keys are lost, misplaced or not returned. The Guest(s) will be responsible for this procedure.
14. LOCKOUT POLICY – In the event that a Guest is locked out of a property, the Guest(s) may borrow a key by calling and coming to the office. During business hours, if no one is in the office, Guest(s) must call the local number (706) 896-9820 and leave a message for Agent. After business hours, Guest may call Agent at the after-hours emergency pager number, (706) 435-0087 and leave a working number where they may be reached. Whenever possible, Agent will meet the Guest(s) at the office to provide them with another key. A charge of $25 is payable for obtaining the key after business hours. (If an Agent is in the office after hours, there is no charge.) If an Agent is not available for late hour calls after 11:00 PM, a Locksmith will be required. The Guest(s) will be responsible for the cost of this procedure.
15. SATELLITE/CABLE TELEVISION – All properties are privately owned and have different subscription packages for cable and/or satellite. Agent does not guarantee any programs or events. Guest(s) are liable for ordering any pay per view, programming charge plus an additional $5.00 charge per program or event will be charged to your credit card.
16. PHONE CALLS – All properties are equipped with a telephone. Guest(s) agree to make all long distance calls with a calling card. If Guest(s) charges long distance phone calls to an Owner’s phone, Guest(s) will be liable for said charges plus a charge of $5.00 per call.
17. FIREPLACES – Gas fireplaces are seasonal and are non-operational from May 15th through September 25th.
18. FIREWOOD – Rental Properties are not provided with firewood, however it may be obtained from local markets and gas stations at reasonable rates.
19. SMOKING – Smoking is not permitted in any of our properties. Outside smoking is permitted, but please do not litter. Failure to obey this rule will result in additional charges to your credit card.
20. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – No drinking of alcoholic beverages by persons under the legal age of twenty-one (21) is allowed. Should a Guest or guest(s) of Guest, be arrested for underage drinking at the rental unit property, or should Agent(s) observe a Guest or guest(s) of Guest(s) under the age of 21 drinking alcoholic beverages, this rental agreement may be terminated and the Guest(s) evicted at the option of the Agent. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited. Kegs are not permitted on any property.
21. PETS (DOGS ONLY) – You acknowledge that NO PETS are allowed in or on the premises unless Agent has expressly authorized such use (type and weight of dog has to be listed on lease or it is prohibited). Some homes allow pets (DOGS ONLY) but have special requirements such as crating of pet when Guest(s) leave the property. Ask for special restrictions at time of booking to be sure of eligibility for your pet. The pet fee is $15 per pet/per night (limit of 2, DOGS ONLY). Our “NO PET” homes do not allow pets anywhere on or abut the premises. IMPORTANT: IF YOU HAVE A DOG AND IT IS NOT LISTED ON THE LEASE, THE UNAUTHORIZED OCCUPANCY OF PETS WHERE PROHIBITED WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE EVICTION AND LOSS OF ALL RENTS AND DEPOSITS! If it is determined upon departure that Guest(s) have had a pet in a “No Pet” property, a penalty of up to $100.00 as well as any and all additional cleaning costs (and possible exterminator fees) will be charged to Guest(s) credit card.
22. HOMES ~ FURNISHINGS ~ EQUIPMENT ~ ETC. – All homes and condominiums are privately owned property, furnished and equipped by their owners. As such, Agent(s) cannot make any changes to the furnishings or equipment provided by the Owner. If Guest(s) require special appliances or equipment, please bring them with you. Décor, style and color will vary. Furnishings are subject to change without notice. Under no circumstances are furniture, bedding, mattress pads, utensils or any other property supplied with the rental property to be taken out or transferred from one property to another; This will result in additional charges to Guest(s). Loss of these items, as well as damage to the property or furnishings in excess of normal wear, will be charged to Guest (the renter). Certain areas in each rental property are locked for the OWNERS’ personal storage and are not included in this rental.
23. LINEN – A basic supply of linen is provided in each property. Bed linens and bath towels are not changed during your stay. The Start-Up set of bath soap, dishwasher detergent, toilet tissue, paper towels, trash bags, etc. are not replenished; Please plan accordingly and purchase whatever additional supplies you feel you may need.
24. LISTINGS & PRICING – Information regarding individual listings is believed to be accurate but cannot be guaranteed. We have made every effort to ensure that all the information on Agent’s website is current and accurate, however the possibility of errors and omissions does exist. We will be happy to confirm all data contained therein or answer any questions you may have prior to booking your reservation. Rates, furnishings, fees and taxes are subject to change without notice. Rates – Rates for weekly stays are shown on our website at www.greatescapevacation.com; are based on occupancy of up to 4 persons and included one (1) “FREE NIGHT”. Rates for holidays, special events and weekends may be higher. Rates do not include taxes, special fees such as pet fees (where applicable) and are subject to change without notice. Most of our properties may be rented with a two-night (2 night) minimum stay on a year-round basis. Minimum night requirements may vary for holidays and special events.
25. DOUBLE BOOKINGS – Double bookings are rare! In the event that Guest(s) reservation for the rental property overlaps or matches the reservation of another tenant, online or otherwise, Agent reserves the right to relocate Guest(s) to a different rental property within the Agent’s rental program or that of another company. Every effort will be made to ensure that the replacement property is reasonably comparable to the original rental property booked. Agent shall have the sole right to select such replacement rental property. Agent agrees to pay any additional charges due in excess of the rental amount for the rental property and refund any amounts paid by Guest(s) in excess of the replacement property rental amount. Guest(s) will have the option to (1) accept the replacement property or (2) reject the replacement property and receive a refund of all rents, fees and deposits paid for the rental property. Guest(s) agree that Guest’s choice between these alternatives will be Guest’s sole remedy for any and all damages, liability or inconvenience arising out of the double booking.
26. CLEANING REQUIREMENTS – Guest(s) are required to leave the property in the same general condition it was, when Guest(s) arrived. Dishes should be cleaned and put away, but beds do not need to be made. Agent(s) will have the property dusted, vacuumed, sanitized and cleaned; and all towels and linens will be laundered upon your departure. If additional cleaning is required, appropriate charges will be assessed and charged accordingly to Guest’s credit card. Guest is responsible for any damages, abuse, excessive cleanup requirements or loss caused by any member of Guest’s party, to the property or its contents during Guest(s) occupancy or following Guest’s departure if property was not secured, (doors and windows locked) allowing entry of others (animals or uninvited guests) to enter and damage property or remove items. BE SURE TO LOCK ALL DOORS AND WINDOWS UPON DEPARTURE! Inspectors walk through each property as soon as possible, following Guest(s) check-out, to ensure that the property is left in good order. Agent(s) will make that final determination of the necessity of any charges to Guest(s). Maid service and other cleaning arrangements such as extra cleaning service to hot tub, hauling trash, etc. are available for additional charges.
27. EXTRA HOT TUB CLEANING - Hot Tubs have been cleaned prior to your arrival. There will be a $35.00 charge if guest(s) require an additional cleaning of the Hot Tub during Guest(s) stay.
28. CHECK OUT PROCEDURES - The following items must be complied with before check out or additional cleaning charges may be assessed:
(a). Dishes, Pots, Pans, Silverware, and Utensils must be washed; dried and put away (Do Not Leave In Dishwasher) and the stove/oven shall be left in a clean condition.
(b). Refrigerator should be left clean and free of food.
(c). Windows and doors must be left closed and locked with the air conditioner on 78 degrees or heat on 55 degrees depending on the outside temperature.
(d). All trash put in outside garbage cans when applicable.
(e). All litter, cigarette butts and pet waste must be picked up from the yard, front and back, and placed in the outside garbage cans tied securely in trash bags.
(f). Property should be left neat and in order (same condition it was when Guest(s) arrived).
29. REPAIRS ~ SERVICE CALLS~ REFUNDS – Agent(s) cannot guarantee against mechanical failure of heating, air conditioning, Hot Tubs, TVs, Satellite Receivers, VCRs, or other appliances. Please report any inoperative equipment to our office immediately. Agent will make every reasonable effort to have repairs done quickly and efficiently or move Guest(s) to a different property if possible. Should a repairperson make a call to a unit and find that the equipment is in working order and the problem was due to the Guest(s) oversight or neglect, the charge for service will be the Guest(s) responsibility. No refunds or rent reductions will be made due to failure of appliances or equipment. All maintenance requests must be reported to the office between 9 AM and 5 PM. PLEASE do not put off notifying us immediately as it could hinder us getting the repair done quickly! Guest(s) understands and agrees that Agent(s) may enter the rental property at any time for the purpose of making needed repairs. Please keep in mind that the property has been reserved and held for you and that others may have been turned away. Construction of new accommodations and attractions does occur in resort areas. Refunds or rate adjustments are not made for any inconvenience due to construction, road repair, etc. Please DO NOT asks for refunds. ~ No refunds for early departures (less days than reserved) ~ No refunds will be given for delayed arrival ~ No refunds for reducing the number of nights reserved with less than 7 days notice ~ No refunds or reschedules due to inclement weather.
30. TERMINATION BY OWNER/SUBSTITUTIONS - Agent(s) strives to comply with all reservation requests for specific vacation properties. However, due to ownership changes, properties being removed from rental use, mechanical problems, or other unforeseen circumstances, Agent(s) cannot absolutely guarantee a specific rental property. Agent(s) reserve the right to change assignments without notice or liability should the unit or property become unavailable. When comparable accommodations are not available, Guest(s) will have the option of selecting from available properties at the published rate or receiving a complete refund of their reservation deposit. Where there is no advanced deposit and no substitution can be made, Agent(s) will attempt to give as much notice as possible so other arrangements can be made.
31. VACATION HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION - If Guest(s) have selected a vacation rental property, which is under construction, and the vacation rental property is not completed prior to Guest(s) Arrival Date, Agent(s) will use its commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for comparable accommodations at similar rents. If comparable accommodations at similar rents are not available, neither Agent(s) nor Owner will be liable to Guest(s) beyond the obligation to refund to Guest(s) all payments made by Guest(s).
32. ACTS OF GOD/CONSTRUCTION NOISE Neither Owner nor Agent(s) shall be liable for events beyond their control which may interfere with Guest(s) occupancy, including but not limited to Acts of God, acts of governmental agencies, fire, strikes, war, inclement weather and construction noise from nearby sites. NO REBATE OR REFUND will be offered in these circumstances.
33. HOUSE PARTIES – ARE NOT ALLOWED! - Rental Guest understands that Agent(s) will accept families, married couples, and responsible adults over the age of 21 ONLY. Guest(s) agree that more than the number of people stated on the lease shall not occupy the premises. If the unit is occupied by more than the number of people stated, it will result in loss of total rent, security deposit and/or additional charge to credit card. Occupancy in use of premises shall not be such as to disturb or offend neighbors. The use of firearms, or fireworks is strictly prohibited. Guest(s) certify that they have read carefully the limitations placed on the number of persons permitted to occupy the premises, and agree to abide by such limitations: if not, Guest(s) will be asked to vacate the property which will result in loss of total rental and security deposits with no refund.
34. RIGHT OF ENTRY - Guest(s) agree that the Agent(s) reserves the right to enter the rental property anytime to investigate disturbances, check occupancy, check for damage, to make such repairs, alterations or improvements thereto as Agent(s) may deem appropriate, or to show property to prospective purchasers or guests.
35. EXPEDITED EVICTION – A material breach of this Agreement by Guest(s), which, in the sole determination of the Agent, results in damage to the Premises, personal injury to Guest(s) or others, a breach of the peace, a nuisance to others, or a violation of criminal law or local code, shall be grounds for termination of Guest(s) tenancy. Violation of any of the rules contained here in will result in IMMEDIATE EVICTION and forfeiture of rent and security deposit. If the tenancy created hereunder is for 30 days or less, the expedited eviction procedures set forth in the Vacation Rental Act will apply. Guest(s) may be evicted under such procedures if Guest(s): (i) hold over in possession after Guest(s) tenancy has expired; (ii) commit a material breach of any provision of this Agreement that according to its terms would result in the termination of Guest(s) tenancy; (iii) fail to pay rent as required by this Agreement, or (iv) have obtained possession of the Premises by fraud or misrepresentation. Any reservation made under false pretenses will result in forfeiture of advance payments and the party will not be permitted to check-in.
36. INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS - Guest(s) agree to indemnify and save harmless the Owner and Agent(s) for any liabilities, theft, damage, cost or expense whatsoever arising from or related to any claim or litigation which may arise out of or in connection with Guest(s) use and occupancy of the rental property including but not limited to any claim or liability for personal injury or damage or theft of property which is made, incurred or sustained by Guest(s). The terms “Agent(s)” and “Owner” as used in this Agreement shall include their heirs, successors in interest, assigns, employees, agents, and representatives where the context requires or permits. The terms “Guest(s),” “You,” and “Your” as used in this Agreement shall include Guest(s) heirs, successors, assigns, guests, invitees, representatives and other persons on the rental property during Guest(s) occupancy (without regard to whether such persons have authority under this Agreement to be upon the rental property), where the context requires or permits.
37. DISPUTES - This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, and shall be treated as though it were executed in the County of Towns, State of Georgia. Any action relating to this Agreement shall be instituted and prosecuted only in the Towns County Superior Court, Georgia. Guest(s) specifically consent to such jurisdiction and to extraterritorial service of process.
38. GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE- ll rental properties are leased without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin or handicap. Due to liability issues, we are unable to provide prospective renters with keys to preview properties.
39. VIOLATING AGREEMENT - If Guest(s) violates any of the conditions of this Agreement; Agent(s) may terminate this Agreement and enter Premises. Upon notice of termination of this Agreement, Guest(s) shall vacate the Premises immediately and forfeit all rents and deposits.
40. CREDIT CARD - I am providing my credit card number as a guarantee. I agree to pay all rent and/or any outstanding long distance phone charges, accept all terms of the lease agreement and accept all liability for any damage beyond normal wear and tear during the term of my lease with GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC. If I fail to do so I understand that these cost will be charged to my credit card and all credit card sales are final!
41. TAX EXEMPTIONS - In order to be completely tax exempt from hotel/motel and state sales tax, a state, city, or county check must be presented upon check-in along with your state, city or county tax exemption certification displaying you tax exemption number. The check must be made payable to GREAT ESCAPE VACATION RENTALS, INC..
Signature:_________________________________________ Date:___/___/___