Booking Terms & Conditions

Thank you for choosing to book with us. These Terms and Conditions form the basis of a contract between you (the 'Guest') and Joe Rafalowicz (the 'Owner') for the short-term rental of the property. By making a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in full.

1. Booking & Payment

1.1. Agreement: Your booking is a contract for short-term holiday accommodation and is not a residential tenancy agreement. The property must not be used as your principal place of residence.

1.2. Payment Structure:

• Booking Confirmation Deposit: A deposit, typically 30% of the total booking cost, is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Your booking is not confirmed until this deposit has been received.
• Final Balance Payment: The remaining balance (70% of the total booking cost) is due 30 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• Note: If your booking is made within 30 days of arrival, full payment of 100% of the booking cost is required immediately.

1.3. Payment Method: All payments are to be made securely via the payment processing system on our website, powered by Lodgify.

2. Cancellation Policy

2.1. Cancellation by the Guest:

• More than 30 days before arrival: You will receive a refund of the amount paid, minus the 30% deposit. The deposit is non-refundable.
• Less than 30 days before arrival: The total amount paid is non-refundable (100% forfeiture). This applies regardless of the reason for cancellation.
• No-shows: No-shows will result in the forfeiture of the full booking cost.
• All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email.

2.2. Cancellation by the Owner: In the unlikely event that the property becomes unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., damage, sale, or other emergency), the Owner reserves the right to cancel the booking. In this event, the Guest will be notified as soon as possible and will receive a full refund of all monies paid. The Owner’s liability will be limited to the total amount paid by the Guest.

2.3. Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances, including cancellation fees, medical expenses, and loss of personal belongings.

3. Security Bond

A security bond of $300 is required for all bookings. This is processed as a pre-authorisation on your credit card 2 days prior to your arrival via our Lodgify Payment Provider. No money is debited from your account at this time.

• The bond is held against any potential damages, breakages, excessive cleaning requirements, or breaches of these terms and conditions.
• The pre-authorisation will be automatically released within 7 days of your departure, provided a post-stay inspection of the property is satisfactory. The Owner reserves the right to make claims on the bond for any costs incurred.

4. Check-in and Check-out

• Check-in: From 3:00 PM on your day of arrival.
• Check-out: By 10:00 AM on your day of departure.
• Unauthorised late check-outs will incur a fee, deducted from your security bond, equivalent to 50% of the nightly rate for that day.

5. House Rules & Guest Obligations

5.1. Number of Guests: The number of guests staying at the property must not exceed the number stated on your booking confirmation. 5.2. Parties & Events: Strictly no parties, functions, or large gatherings are permitted. Any evidence of a party will result in immediate termination of your stay without a refund and the forfeiture of your entire security bond. 5.3. Noise & Neighbours: This property is in a residential area. Please be respectful of our neighbours and keep noise to a minimum, especially between 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM. 5.4. Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the property. Guests may smoke outdoors but must dispose of all cigarette butts responsibly in the bins provided. A fee for specialised cleaning will be charged if there is evidence of smoking indoors. 5.5. Pets: Pets are not permitted at the property unless you have obtained prior written approval from the Owner. 5.6. Damages & Breakages: The Guest is responsible for any damage, breakages, or loss to the property and its contents during their stay. Please report any incidents to the Owner immediately. The cost of repair or replacement will be charged to the Guest, and may be deducted from the security bond. 5.7. Cleaning: The property must be left in a clean and tidy condition. This includes washing and putting away dishes, taking out all rubbish to the exterior bin. An additional cleaning fee will be charged if the property is left in an unreasonable state. 5.8. Security: Please ensure you lock all doors and windows when you leave the property. The Owner is not responsible for any loss or damage to your personal belongings.

6. Limitation of Liability

The Owner does not accept any liability for any injury, debt, damage, loss, delay, expense or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events beyond the Owner's control. No responsibility is taken for guests' personal property left on or near the premises.

7. Code of Conduct

By booking this property, you agree to abide by the relevant state or local council Code of Conduct for Short-Term Rental Accommodation. This includes responsibilities regarding guest behaviour, noise, parking, and waste management. A breach of the Code of Conduct may result in the termination of your booking without refund.

8. Agreement

By making a booking, you acknowledge that you are over 18 years of age and that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all guests staying at the property.