BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS 2025/6
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Please take the time to read through our booking terms and conditions before placing a deposit to book Avalon. Once you've done this, you will be liable for the full cost of your holiday if you can no longer make it (save for exceptional circumstances set out below). Please take the time to read our cancellation policy.
1. The contract
The contract entered into is between “The Owners” (Claire Burditt and
Andrew Dawson) and “The Guest”. The contract is not effective until the
required booking deposit payment has been received and confirmation sent
by us. Management and maintenance services will be provided by “The
Management Company” (Homeleigh Property Management - HPM).
2. The holiday
The Guest has the right to occupy the property for a holiday only (within the
meaning of Schedule 1, para 9 of the Housing Act, 1988) for no more than 28
consecutive days. This begins at 3.00pm on the start day of the holiday and
ends at 9.30am on the day of departure. Times may be subject to change
with notification.
3. Liability
We cannot accept responsibility for any sickness, injury, loss, damage,
additional expense or inconvenience directly or indirectly caused by or
arising out of the property and its appearance, plumbing, electrical or
otherwise exceptional weather conditions. Further, no responsibility is
accepted for the personal property (including pets), or the cars and contents
belonging to the Guest or any member of the party during their occupancy.
4. Photography, property description and marketing
Whilst we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the property
description and photography, please be aware that in-year alterations
sometimes have to be made. Any major changes will be notified.
5. Provisional bookings
Please let us know if you are interested in the same or similar week next year
– it is our policy to offer a provisional booking to existing guests (family use
allowing). We will be in contact in September (or as soon as possible after)
to discuss potential dates for the following year. Bookings are now
administered through the ‘Bookalet’ system.
Guest details
To secure a booking, party details must be completed on the booking form
attached, to include names and ages of all persons who will be occupying the
property during the holiday period. Bookings will not be confirmed until this
information has been provided. If the party details change prior to the
holiday commencing, Guests will need to inform us.
Only persons listed within the party details are authorised to stay at the
property. By agreeing to these terms, the person making the booking is
deemed to have permission from all other guests to share their details with
us for the purpose of making the booking.
6. Booking eligibility
Bookings cannot be accepted from persons under the age of 18 years or from
parties where the majority of members are under 25 years (except families
or supervised groups). No bookings will be accepted from single sex groups
of three or more, irrespective of age unless a special arrangement has been
made with us. The number of persons occupying a property must not exceed
the maximum stated in the current property description (babies who do not
occupy a bed, but are small enough for one of the two travel cots provided,
are not counted as a member of a party).
The person who makes the booking will be legally responsible for all persons
included within the party details and should ensure that they are aware of
the booking terms and conditions. We reserve the right to decline any
booking or to refuse to hand over a key to any person who is not considered
suitable, or who has not complied with the booking terms and conditions.
7. Reservation
To secure the reservation, Guests must complete all parts of the booking
form and make payment for the deposit (30% of the total tariff, or as
indicated on the Bookalet email). The balance is payable eight weeks before
the holiday is due in most cases (please refer to booking correspondence)
and it should be noted that reminders are issued three days before the
balance is due and again on the balance due date. If the balance is not
received, we reserve the right to cancel the booking without refund of the
deposit and the holiday will be offered for resale. Any bookings made within
eight weeks of the start of the holiday require full payment at the time of
booking.
8. Damage deposits
The Guest will be required at the time of making the final payment to provide
the Owners with a damage deposit of £300. This deposit covers damage, loss,
or loss of rental as a result of the conduct of the Guest or members of the
Guest’s party. The Guest is liable for the loss and damage caused to the
property and contents to the full value of the Owner’s loss even though the
value of the loss:
a) may exceed the damage deposit.
b) may be covered by the Owner’s insurance.
It is also a requirement of the conditions of booking that the property is left
in a clean and tidy condition at the end of the letting period. The damage
deposit will normally be refunded to the Guest seven to ten working days
after departure, provided that no damage has been caused to the property,
its contents, fittings and fixtures. The damage deposit will be refunded back
to an account specified by the guest.
We reserve the right to deduct a £40 charge in the event of having to clear,
pick up or black-bag waste and rubbish, clean a barbecue that has been used
by the Guest or pick up dog waste.
The damage deposit does not limit the Guest’s liability for damages. If the
damage claim exceeds the damage deposit paid then the Guest is required to
settle this within seven days of being notified of the total amount.
9. Method of payment
Payments may be made by electronic bank transfer (please contact me if you
do not have these details, but unchanged from previous years – also available
via the ‘payment methods’ link in your Bookalet email). Any charges raised
against us by the Guest’s bank for handling bank transfers will be passed on
to the Guest, who is liable to reimburse us within seven days of the
notification by us.
10. Overseas bookings
Overseas Guests may pay in Sterling drawn on a UK bank, or by international
electronic transfer. Any charges for payments from overseas will be passed
on to the Guest.
11. Travel insurance
The Owners strongly recommend that the Guest takes out suitable
independent travel insurance when making a booking, to cover the full cost
of the holiday in the event of a cancellation.
12. Changing dates
Changing dates of a booking within the same calendar year may (very)
occasionally be possible and is subject to availability. Alterations to a
booking by the Guest (except for cancellation) will be subject to an
administration charge of £50.
13. Booking alterations by the Owner
If for reasons beyond our control (for example failure of a utility service, fire
or flood at the property) the owner has to cancel arrangements made for the
guest, we will issue a full refund.
14. Cancellation
The Owner offers a 24-hour grace period starting from the time that the
deposit payment was made as a cooling off period. If the Guest wishes to
cancel their booking within this time period, they will be fully refunded to
include the deposit and balance (if applicable).
A holiday booking is a legally binding contract. In the event of a cancellation
for any reason other than the circumstances set out in section 13, the Guest
will become liable for the full cost of the holiday unless the Owner can secure
another booking to replace the Guest's booking. This is not guaranteed, and
even if achieved, may be at a lower rate than the original cancelled booking,
in which case the cancelling guest will be liable for the difference. If a
replacement booking is secured, the Guest will be charged a one-off
administrative fee of £30 and then refunded the balance of any sums paid for
their holiday. It is a condition that the Owner is notified immediately by
telephone and promptly in writing of the circumstances giving rise to a
cancellation as a phone call alone will not suffice.
15. Cleaning, bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels are included in the hire price of the property (unless
otherwise agreed). Guests are asked to bring beach towels as these are not
included.
Charges for cleaning or replacement of missing, soiled or damaged linen and
towels will be deducted from the Guest’s damage deposit. Guests are asked to
take particular care when it comes to using products that may stain such as
make-up and fake tan.
If Guests are staying for 14 days, they will receive a basic refresh clean to
refresh WCs, bathrooms and shower rooms as well as fresh linen and towels
at or around the end of the first week. This will involve you leaving the
property and allowing access to HPM at a time to be mutually agreed by
yourself and a representative of HPM who will be in touch during your first
week to make arrangements.
Linen at end of stay – please DO NOT strip the beds as the housekeeping
company remove and check all linen as part of the inventory/damage
process.
16. Occupancy
Occupancy shall be from 3.00pm on the day of arrival to 9.30am on the day of
departure, unless special arrangements have been made prior to arrival (the
housekeepers have only a limited time to prepare the property for the next
guests, and you are asked to respect this). Early entry or late departure may
incur a deduction from your security deposit to cover the costs of staff who
are unable to enter the property due to your non-compliance in this matter.
Should there be anything the Guest feels that we should be made aware of to
ensure the comfort and safety of the Guest, please inform the Homeleigh
Property Management (details on board in house).
If the Guest vacates the property later than the check-out time of 9.30am, the
owner has a right to deduct a charge from the Guest's damage deposit to
cover one or all of the cleaner's (or any other maintenance staff’s) additional
time (waiting to enter the property). This will be based on the staff
members’ hourly rate.
17. Property rules and information
A property information folder is provided at the property which includes
property specific information, specific property rules requested by us and
health and safety procedures. Guests are asked to familiarise themselves
with this information on arrival and to follow any instructions given. We do
not accept liability for the content of this information or the Guest’s reliance
on it.
18. Parking
There is parking for up to four cars, one behind the other rather than side by
side. Parking information is provided on the property webpage (in the
‘Outside’ section). Guests must adhere to any parking limitations and this
includes any visitors to the property. Guests must not park or obscure any
neighbouring properties or park on nearby lanes with parking restrictions.
19. Services
Electricity, heating and water are included with the price of the booking.
Please do not charge Electric or Hybrid vehicles (see item 25 below).
20. Internet
We now have superfast FTTP, but we can't guarantee the speed of the
internet or be held responsible for any issues with the service, but if the
Guest has a problem, they can contact HPM and we will try and assist
however we can.
The Guest agrees to comply with all current legislation pertaining to and
regarding the use of electronic data in using the internet provided by the
Owner. The Owners cannot accept liability for loss or damage to the Guest’s
data, or, accept responsibility or liability for the Guest’s inappropriate or
illegal use of the internet.
Please note during the busier months, broadband services can be disrupted.
With the huge increase in people trying to access the internet, the local
network simply cannot cope so it is therefore likely that if the house that you
are renting has a broadband service you could find that it only works
intermittently. Unfortunately, we will not be able to sort out this issue, as it
will be an infrastructure overloading problem, for which we can only
apologise as it is beyond our control.
21. Pets
In order to ensure that dogs will continue to be welcomed at Avalon, Guests
must undertake the following:
1. There must be no more than two dogs (by prior arrangement
only) at the property at any time.
2. All dogs must be kept under strict control at all times whilst on
the property.
3. Any fouling of lawns, paths, etc. must be cleared up without
delay, particularly if in neighbours’ gardens.
4. The Guest must provide a bed for the dog to sleep in.
5. No dogs must ever be left in the property unattended.
6. No dogs are allowed in bedrooms, on chairs or sofas and hair
must be cleared up before departure.
7. A fee is charged of £50 per dog, up to a maximum of two dogs
per booking. The Owner reserves the right to deduct a £40
charge in the event of having to pick up dog mess.
8. Please do not bring any other pets or animals.
22. Considerations in Older Properties like Avalon
Avalon is an older style property. We cannot guarantee that there will not be
damp and/or insects (or other characteristics associated with older
properties) and you should be aware that it is impossible to eliminate these
factors entirely from an older property. We cannot be held responsible in
respect of any particular sensitivity Guests may have to such characteristics.
23. Damage, loss and nuisance
The Guest agrees that the supervision of children, babies, dogs and any
adults requiring care remains the responsibility of the Guest at all times. The
Guest will be responsible for leaving the accommodation in good order and
clean condition, otherwise a cleaning charge will be levied. The Guest will
pay for any damage or loss however caused, excluding reasonable wear and
tear incurred during occupation. The Guest agrees not to cause nuisance or
annoyance to occupants of nearby property, and to allow reasonable access
to the property by HPM if deemed necessary. No functions are to be held at
Avalon. It is very important to us that we are not part of Cornwall’s
problems in relation to the less desirable aspects of tourism in the county,
and any reports of excessive, antisocial drinking, late night noise, or general
anti-social behaviour may result in guests being blacklisted.
If in the opinion of the Owners, any person is not suitable to continue their
occupation of the property because of unreasonable behaviour, damage or
nuisance to other parties, the contract may be discharged, and the Owner
may repossess the property immediately. The Guest will remain liable for the
whole of the cost of the hire and no refund shall be due.
24. Septic Tank/Blocked drains
Avalon has a septic tank rather than mains drainage. As per the instructions
in the house, great care must be taken not to flush sanitary
items/nappies/wipes etc as this will block the drains and/or the tank. Any
blockages will be chargeable to the guest, both call out charges and
remediation costs.
25. Smoking and vaping policy
Avalon is a strictly non-smoking and non-vaping property. Smoking and
vaping are only permitted outside the property away from any open
windows or doors. The Guest must not leave cigarette or cigar butts or ashes
anywhere around the property or garden. Additional cleaning charges will
apply and will be deducted from the Guest’s damage deposit should the
inside of the property smell of smoke or cigarette butts and ashes are left in
the vicinity of the property.
25 Electric Vehicle Charging
Please do not charge vehicles from the Avalon electricity supply. The wiring
in the house is not compatible and charging vehicles may damage both the
vehicle (for which we accept no responsibility) and/or the house electricity
supply, any damage to which you will be liable for. We monitor weekly
electricity consumption for reasonable usage and reserve the right to make
deductions from your security deposit if usage is excessive.
The nearest EV charge point depends on what sort of charger you need. The
nearest free one is at Tesco in Wadebridge, or try
https://www.plugshare.com/ or https://www.zap-map.com/ or their
associated apps to find the most suitable one for you.
26 Personal items left behind
The Owner cannot take responsibility for any items left behind by Guests. If
an item is recovered, it will be taken to the Management Company’s office
and the Guest will be contacted. If the Guest confirms they want this item
returned, this will be subject to a postage charge and a £10 administration
fee. This will be deducted from the Guest’s damage deposit. After three
months, if an item is not claimed it will be disposed of or donated to charity.
27 External Factors
The Owner will not be held to account or be responsible for any of the
following which may have an impact on the Guest's stay which results in the
Guest seeking to cancel or end their booking early:
• holiday fairs, fetes, events or festivals occurring during the letting
season or any noise or building works carried out in the vicinity or on
neighbouring properties; or
• compliance with any law or governmental order or direction, adverse
weather conditions, strikes, act of God, war or civil commotion or an
epidemic or pandemic
• Noisy neighbours. Will speak to our immediate neighbours if there is
an immediate issue, but cannot be held responsible for noise in the
wider area.
28 Additional services
Homeleigh Property Management can supply additional cleaning services
during occupancy if required, charged at local rates and payable direct to the
Management Company. The Guest must request this at the point of making
the booking.
Where a Guest wishes to obtain other additional services such as private
chefs, baby-sitting etc during their stay, please call the management
company direct. Where a third-party supplier is engaged by a Guest, the
Guest will be responsible for the cost of those services and the terms and
conditions of the relevant supplier will apply to such arrangements. Please
contact Homeleigh for the full range of services available.
29 Complaints
In the event of a problem or complaint, the Guest should phone the
Management Company within 24 hours of arrival so that remedial action can
be taken. If an engineer is requested and the engineer can find no problem,
the call-out cost will be passed on to the Guest.
No complaints can be considered where the management company or owner
have not been given an opportunity to investigate the complaint and
endeavour to put matters right during the occupation.
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