Terms and conditions ( by booking you agree by terms below)

Little Owls Nest – Terms & Conditions

1. Booking Agreement

1.1 The Lead Guest must be 18 years or older.

1.2 The Lead Guest accepts full responsibility for all payments, communications, and compliance with these Terms & Conditions on behalf of the entire party.

1.3 A non‑refundable deposit of 20% is payable at the time of booking.

1.4 The remaining balance is due 60 days before arrival.

1.5 Bookings made within 60 days of arrival require full payment at the time of booking.

1.6 Payments may be collected automatically.

1.7 The Owner reserves the right to refuse or cancel any booking. If the Owner cancels, all monies paid will be refunded in full.

1.8 The property is let for holiday use only. Any commercial use requires prior written consent.

2. Arrival & Departure

2.1 Standard check‑in is from 16:00.

2.2 Early check‑in at 14:00 may be available for £25, subject to confirmation.

2.3 Check‑out is by 10:00.

2.4 Failure to vacate on time may result in additional charges.

2.5 Lost keys incur a £25 replacement fee; lock‑out call‑outs may incur a £40 fee.

3. Maximum Occupancy

3.1 Maximum occupancy is 4 guests plus one infant under 2 years in a cot.

3.2 Exceeding occupancy without written agreement may result in refusal of entry or repossession of the property without refund.

4. Dog Policy

4.1 Only fully house‑trained dogs are accepted.

4.2 Up to 6 well‑behaved dogs are permitted (6 small dogs or 3 medium/large dogs).

4.3 Arriving with more than 6 dogs breaches contract and may result in immediate termination.

4.4 Dogs must not be left unattended unless safely crated or agreed with the Owner.

4.5 Guests must bring dog beds and throws; dogs must not use furniture without protective covers.

4.6 All dog waste must be picked up immediately; failure incurs a £50 charge.

4.7 Guests must comply with the separate XL Bully Policy.

4.8 Guests are fully responsible for the safety and welfare of their pets at all times.

5. Cleaning & Deep Cleaning

5.1 The property must be left clean and tidy.

5.2 Excessive mess or deep cleaning requirements may incur additional charges.

5.3 Dog waste left inside or outside the property will incur a £50 cleaning fee.

5.4 Photographic evidence will be retained where applicable.

6. Care of Property & Damage

6.1 Guests must treat the property and contents with reasonable care.

6.2 Minor accidental damage is generally not charged.

6.3 Significant damage, misuse, or negligence may result in charges.

6.4 Damage or faults must be reported immediately; failure to report may result in additional costs.

6.5 The Owner may repossess the property if damage is likely or has occurred; this is treated as a cancellation by the guest.

7. Smoking & Vaping

7.1 Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited inside the property.

8. Rural Location & Connectivity

8.1 Due to the rural setting, no warranty is offered regarding TV, radio, Wi‑Fi, mobile signal, or other communication services.

8.2 Interruptions caused by third‑party providers are outside the Owner’s control.

9. Maintenance & Access

9.1 Guests must allow reasonable access for essential repairs or maintenance.

9.2 The Owner accepts no liability for temporary interruptions to utilities or services.

10. Complaints

10.1 Any issue must be reported immediately during the stay so the Owner can attempt resolution.

10.2 Complaints raised after departure cannot be considered.

11. Cancellation Policy

11.1 Cancellations more than 90 days before arrival receive a refund minus the non‑refundable deposit.

11.2 Cancellations between 60–90 days receive a 50% refund; the deposit remains non‑refundable.

11.3 Cancellations less than 60 days before arrival are non‑refundable.

11.4 No‑shows are treated as cancellations within 60 days.

11.5 Guests are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

12. Lost Property

12.1 Lost property is retained for 28 days.

12.2 Returned items incur a £15 postage and packing fee.

12.3 Food and drink items are not retained.

13. Septic Tank

13.1 Only toilet paper may be flushed.

13.2 Flushing wipes or other items may cause system failure.

13.3 Guests may be required to vacate during repairs; all repair costs will be charged to the guest.

14. Cleaning Expectations

14.1 Guests must strip used beds and place bedding/towels in provided laundry bags.

14.2 Mattress and pillow protectors must remain in place.

15. Security & Utilities

15.1 Doors and windows must be locked when the property is unattended.

15.2 Electrical items, including fans, must not be left running when the property is empty.

15.3 Excessive use of oil or gas may be charged.

15.4 Tampering with heating or utility systems is prohibited.

16. EV Charging

16.1 EV charging is not permitted via the cottage’s electrical system.

16.2 This breaches insurance terms.

16.3 Unauthorised charging incurs a £50 fee and may result in termination.

17. Liability

17.1 The Owner accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal possessions, vehicles, or contents.

17.2 All personal property is left entirely at the guest’s risk.

17.3 The Owner is not liable for accidents, injuries, or incidents unless caused by proven negligence.

17.4 Vehicles are parked at the guest’s risk.

18. Early Departure

18.1 If guests choose to leave the property before the end of their booked stay, no refund, partial refund, or compensation will be issued for unused nights.

18.2 Early departure is treated as a voluntary cancellation by the guest.

18.3 Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover unforeseen circumstances requiring early departure.

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19. Weather & Environmental Conditions

19.1 The Owner cannot control external weather or environmental conditions.

19.2 Indoor temperatures cannot be guaranteed.

19.3 No refunds or compensation will be issued for discomfort caused by heat, cold, humidity, storms, or other natural conditions.

19.4 Guests must manage their comfort using provided equipment.

19.5 Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

20. Force Majeure

20.1 The Owner is not liable for delays, cancellations, or alterations caused by events outside reasonable control (weather, disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, etc.).

20.2 Alternative dates may be offered where possible, but refunds are not guaranteed.

21. Right to Evict

21.1 The Owner may evict guests without refund if:

• Terms are breached

• Damage occurs or is likely

• Behaviour is abusive, threatening, or illegal

• Occupancy limits are exceeded

• Unauthorised pets or guests are brought

21.2 Eviction is treated as a cancellation by the guest.

22. Noise & Nuisance

22.1 Guests must not cause excessive noise or nuisance.

22.2 Persistent nuisance may result in eviction.

23. Fire Safety

23.1 Guests must familiarise themselves with fire exits and equipment.

23.2 Candles, open flames, fireworks, and fire pits are prohibited unless authorised.

23.3 Smoke alarms must not be tampered with.

24. Prohibited Activities

24.1 Parties, events, illegal activities, commercial shoots, drone use (without consent), and unsafe BBQ use are prohibited.

24.2 Breach may result in termination.

25. Third‑Party Services

25.1 The Owner accepts no liability for third‑party services booked by guests (e.g., food deliveries, dog walkers, taxis, grooming, vets).

26. Legal Jurisdiction

26.1 These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

26.2 Any disputes will be handled exclusively in the courts of England and Wales.

27. Agreement

27.1 By booking Little Owls Nest, the Lead Guest confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

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