Terms

1) THE CONTRACT

For a short-term holiday rental will be between Higher Scholes Cottage & Cottage Owners (referred to as “us” or “we”) and the person making the booking and all members of the holiday party (referred to as “you” or “your”) in the following booking conditions. UK law will govern the Contract. The contract of hire is not effective until we have processed the deposit.

The contract will be subject to these booking conditions and must be complied with. The party leader must be at least 18 years of age at the time of booking and the booking form must list names, addresses and ages of your party. You are responsible for ensuring that all members of your booking party comply with the Terms of Use (as set out below), however, the Contract for the provision of accommodation is between us and you (as the person making the booking).

2) PAYMENT

Bookings are CONFIRMED on receipt of the deposit £150.00. The deposit must be paid within 48 hrs of booking being placed. The balance of the rental will be due for payment six weeks prior to the holiday commencement date and we reserve the right to cancel a holiday where payment has not been received 6 weeks before the commencement date.

If the booking is made within 6 weeks of the holiday start date the full rental will be required. If the booking is made within 14 days of the arrival date, full payment must be received within 24 hours of placing the booking. No entry to properties will be allowed without payment, in full, being cleared beforehand. Once you have a confirmed booking, (for clarity when you have paid the deposit and the booking has been processed), you are responsible for the full rental cost even if you subsequently cancel.

3) CANCELLATION

3.1 CANCELLATION BY YOU
Cancellations must be immediately notified to us by phone and confirmed in writing (email). The treatment of a cancellation will depend on

1. 1. a) the date the booking was made,
      b) when the cancellation is made
      c) the reason for the cancellation

Taking out your own travel insurance for UK holidays which covers booking cancellations, this is available at very affordable rates, and gives you peace of mind that you will get your money back if you need to cancel your holiday. If you choose not to then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to your cancellation. If you cancel 61 or more days before check in date, we will endeavour to re-let the property for those dates. If we are able to re-let your dates, we will refund you the deposit amount (which may be less than you paid – e.g., if the final letting price was discounted or only some of the days are re-let) less an administration fee of 10%. If we are unable to re-let you remain responsible for the deposit and there will be no refund under any circumstances.   If you choose not to take out your own personal insurance, then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to your cancellation.

National Lockdown – in the event that a national lockdown coincides with your holiday, where you are unable to travel, and we are prevented from opening, you will receive a full refund.

Regional/Local Lockdown – in the event that the address given on the booking is put into Regional/Local Lockdown, rendering you unable to travel, and the period of restriction covers the period of your booking, you will receive a full refund. Please note this only applies to the address given on the booking form of the lead booker and does not apply if an unidentified party member at a different address is unable to travel due to local lockdown.

Your inability (or the inability of any, some or all of your intended occupants) or disinclination to travel to and stay at your hired Cottage for any reason. This includes – but is not limited to – illness (including Covid), a requirement or recommendation to self-isolate or quarantine, a call to jury duty, incarceration, change in personal or work circumstances, family emergencies, travel delays, vehicle delays and delays with public transport. These remain at your risk and do not give rise to a right to cancel or to receive a refund unless we re-let the property, other than as already set out.

We strongly recommend taking out UK travel insurance to cover these eventualities. If you choose not to do so, then you accept responsibility for any loss you may incur due to cancellation. There are several options that include Covid related cancellation on sites such as, www.gocompare.com. We are not selling, promoting, endorsing or recommending any particular product, and do not benefit financially or have any formal relationship with any of the providers.

3.1.1 REFUNDS
All refunds will be subject to a deduction of a non-refundable administration fee of £75 to cover our costs and third-party costs related to the cancellation and remarketing (these costs include our admin costs, re-marketing cots, bank fees, accounting fees and agency fees or commission payments).

Cancellation more than 60 days before your stay, we will offer a full refund on cancellation, subject to our administration fee (£75) and to be paid within 14 days of written confirmation (by email) of your cancellation.

Cancellation less than 60 days before your stay, we will offer you a refund only if we can re-let the property. The refund will be the value of the re-let price, which may be lower than the original booking costs, less our administration fee (£75). This will be paid within 14 days of the booking start date.

3.2 CANCELLATION BY US
If, Higher Scholes Cottage, performance is hindered or prevented by a Force Majeure Event (please see definition below), we may at our sole discretion offer you

1. 1. a) a full refund,
      b) alternative holiday dates,
      c) such other remedy as we consider appropriate with regard to the circumstances.

In this contract, a FORCE MAJEURE EVENT, means any of the following circumstances which may hinder or prevent the performance of the contract, including but not limited to:

1. 1. a) acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake, or any other natural disaster
      b) epidemic or pandemic
      c) terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo or breaking off of diplomatic relations;
      d) nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom;
      e) any law or any action taken by government or public authority, including without limitation imposing a restriction, prohibition, or failing to grant a necessary licence or consent;
      f) collapse of building, fire, explosion or accident;
      g) any labour or trade dispute, strikes, industrial action or lockouts;
      h) non-performance by suppliers or subcontractors; and
      i) interruption or failure of utility service.

4) PERIOD OF HIRE

The cottages will be available from 4pm on the commencement date (earlier arrivals are strictly be arrangement only) Please note that the property MUST be vacated by 10.00 a.m. on the day of departure (again, later departures are strictly by arrangement only). We need this time to ensure the cottage is ready for your arrival after the previous guests. You must not use the property except for the purpose of a holiday during the holiday period, and not for any other purpose or longer period. The agreement to stay in the property for the holiday period, does not create the relationship of Landlord and Tenant between the parties. You shall not be entitled to a new tenancy, or to any assured short hold or assured tenancy or any statutory protection under the Housing Act 1988 or other statutory security of tenure now or at the end of the Holiday Period. On departure, you are requested to leave the accommodation in a clean and tidy condition. This includes washing up, placing rubbish in bin liners and putting in outside bins, ensuring ovens and barbeque are clean and free from grease.

5) NUMBER OF PERSONS USING THE PROPERTY

Under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons stated on the Higher Scholes Cottage web site occupy the property. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed. Any persons other than members of your party must not use the facilities at Higher Scholes Cottage.

6) LIABILITY

Higher Scholes Cottage, its employees and representatives shall not be liable to you or your party for loss or damage to personal belongings or vehicles howsoever arising. You must take all necessary steps to safeguard yourselves and your property.

7) CARE OF THE PROPERTY

You are responsible for the property and are expected to take all reasonable care of its furniture, pictures, fittings and effects, in or on the property. You must leave them in the same state of repair, and in the same clean and tidy condition at the end of the rental period as at the beginning. You must not use the properties for any dangerous, offensive, noxious, noisy, immoral activities or carry on there any act that may be a nuisance or annoyance to the owner or other neighbouring properties. We operate a strictly NO SMOKING Policy.

8) DAMAGES & BREAKAGES

You are legally bound to reimburse us for replacement, repair or extra cleaning costs on demand. If you lose a key we will replace it upon you paying for the cutting of a new one.

But, please do let us know about any damages, as soon as they happen. This allows us to replace or repair items, prior to our next guest’s arrival.

9) WIFI

Wi-Fi is provided for the guest’s reasonable use. It is rural broadband and has limitations. The guest agrees to reasonable and lawful usage of this service.

10) RIGHT OF ENTRY

We shall be allowed the right of entry to the property at all reasonable times for purposes of inspection or to carry out any necessary repairs or maintenance.

11) COMPLAINTS

Every effort has been made to ensure that you have an enjoyable stay. However, if you have any problem or cause for complaint, it is essential that you contact us immediately to give us the chance to resolve it. We value your custom and want you to return.

12) Hot Tub

Adults only, never use the hot tub alone.  Do not use the hot tub under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Persons suffering from obesity or who have a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system problems and or diabetes should first consult their doctor  before using the hot tub.  Pregnant women or women with the possibility of being pregnant must  consult with their doctor before using the hot tub, if you require hot tub temp lowering please advise Mrs. O’Leary.  If you are taking medication please consult your doctor before using the tub.  Do not use the hot tub if you have an infectious disease. No electrical equipment to be used within two metres of the hot tub.  The hot tub should be treated with respect at all times, damaged will be charged. Hot tub used at own risk.   A hot tub safety form must be signed by all guests  before use.

13) PETS

Unfortunately we don’t accept pets.

Any questions please contact: Catherine O’Leary at info@higherscholescottage.co.uk