Rental Contract
The remainder balance will be automatically charged to the card on file on the due date. If you prefer to use a different payment method, you must call us before the due date for final payment.
You have the right to opt out, but we highly recommend you consider the significant benefits of protecting your vacation investment. Once travel insurance has been paid out, it cannot be refunded. For more information, please visit our travel insurance partner, Red Sky (Trip Preserver)
Cancellation Policy
A reservation may be cancelled up to 30 days prior to the scheduled arrival date for a full refund, less a $100 cancellation fee or the Reservation Fee (whichever is greater). Cancellations within 30 days of arrival may be refunded—less $100 or the Reservation Fee—only if the accommodation is re-rented in full. If only part of the reservation is re-rented, a prorated refund will be applied to rent, tax, cleaning fee, and security deposit waiver. Tenant obligations include the full reservation amount. Any third-party services paid by the Agent on behalf of the Tenant may not be refundable. If Trip Insurance was purchased, it is the Tenant’s responsibility to check with Red Sky Travel Insurance to determine eligibility for a claim.
Payment Policy
An advance payment equal to half of the reservation total, including optional travel insurance, is due at the time of booking. If mailing a check, it must be received within 10 days of booking. Final balance is due 30 days before arrival. Reservations made within 30 days of arrival require full payment at the time of booking.
Security Deposit
An Accidental Damage Waiver fee of $50 applies to each reservation and is non-refundable. At the Agent’s discretion, a refundable cash security deposit between $1,500 and $3,000 may be requested. Any such deposit may be used to cover actual damages or unpaid charges in accordance with the Tenant Security Deposit Act. If a cash deposit is taken, it will be reconciled and refunded or itemized within 45 days following departure. Tenants are responsible for immediately reporting any damage that occurs during their stay.
Agent Rights and Responsibilities
Agent, owner, or authorized representatives reserve the right to enter the premises during the tenancy for inspection, repairs, or to show the property for sale. Agent may relocate guests in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Under no condition will Agent be liable beyond refunding Tenant payments. Agent will make reasonable efforts to keep appliances and amenities in working order but cannot guarantee their availability during the entire stay.
Pet Policy
Pets are only allowed in properties marked as Pet Friendly and require prior approval. Unauthorized pets will result in immediate eviction with no refund. Any pet-related damage, including from service animals, is the Tenant’s responsibility.
Age & Group Policy
Reservations must be made by individuals 25 years of age or older who are present during the entire stay. Groups must include at least two chaperones over 25 years of age in each rented unit.
Travel Insurance
Trip insurance is offered through Red Sky Travel Insurance and is also available through any licensed North Carolina insurance provider. Visit trippreserver.com or call 866-889-7409 for more information.
Fees
Returned checks are subject to a $45 processing fee. A Reservation Fee is applied to all bookings.
Tenant Duties
Absolutely no house parties are allowed. Any tenant breach of this provision shall be considered material and shall result in the immediate termination of tenancy with no refund. Any damage caused is the direct responsibility of the tenant. Overcrowding of units is strictly prohibited. Breaching this policy is also considered material and will result in termination of the lease with no refund. Tenant agrees the property will not be used or occupied by more than the maximum allowable number of occupants as set forth in the rental agreement. This includes tenant, tenant’s family (including children), and guests. Failure to abide by this will result in immediate termination of the tenancy with no refund. Tenant agrees that all applicable Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (such as HOA rules), as well as property-specific rules and regulations, will be obeyed. Tenant further agrees to comply with all such rules, regulations, and policies.
Agent Duties
Agent shall conduct all brokerage activities related to this agreement in accordance with Fair Housing laws, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, or familial status. Agent agrees to provide the property in a fit and habitable condition. If Agent is unable to do so or provide a comparable substitute property in such condition by the beginning of the tenancy, Agent shall refund all payments made by Tenant. Agent reserves the right to move any reservation due to unforeseen circumstances. Under no condition shall Agent be liable for more than the refund of Tenant’s payments. Agent will make reasonable efforts to keep amenities in working order (e.g., TV, appliances, hot tubs, whirlpools), and will attempt repairs as needed during the tenancy. However, Agent cannot guarantee continued functionality during the entire rental period. Tenant will not be entitled to any refund for non-functioning amenities. (Per NC Vacation Rental Act § 42A-31).
Mandatory Evacuation
If state or local authorities issue a mandatory evacuation order that includes the premises, Tenant must comply. In such cases, Tenant is entitled to a prorated refund for each night the property cannot be occupied. If Tenant refused the offered trip insurance at the time of booking, or did purchase it and the reason is covered, the claim must be filed with the insurance company, not the Agent.
Transfer of Premises
If the property is sold and the occupancy ends 180 days or less from the transfer date, the new owner is obligated to honor the terms of this lease. If the occupancy ends more than 180 days after the transfer and the new owner declines to honor the lease, Tenant is entitled to a full refund. The new owner (or their agent) must notify Tenant within 10 days of the transfer and confirm whether they will honor the lease or issue a refund. If a refund is owed, it must be issued within 30 to 45 days, depending on the situation. If the transfer was involuntary (e.g., foreclosure), the refund is due within 60 days.
House Rules
- Signing the contract affirms the signer is at least 25 and responsible for the condition of the property.
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
- Access codes are not released until the unit is clean and ready.
- No-shows forfeit all payments and reservation rights unless canceled and covered by insurance.
- Check-out is no later than 10:00 AM.
- Late check-outs incur a minimum $50 fee or one night’s rent unless previously authorized.
- Excessive messes incur additional maid charges at $35/hour.
- No refunds due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
- Snow chains or 4×4 vehicles may be necessary in winter. Travel is Tenant’s responsibility.
- Firewood is not supplied. Do not use wood in gas fireplaces. Doing so may result in injury and charges for damages.
- Tenants must ensure their guests follow the rules.
- No house parties.
- No moving items between properties.
- After-hours lockouts result in a $45 service fee to be paid by the tenant.
Accommodations
No compensation will be given for temporary outages of electricity, gas, water, cable, or phone. Tenants must report outages promptly. Properties include basic amenities such as a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and TV unless otherwise noted. Supplies include 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom, 1 trash bag per can, dish detergent, and dish soap. Additional items must be brought by the tenant. Linens are provided per occupancy cap. Some properties have landlines for local calls only. Tenant is responsible for any toll charges and a $25 service fee. Tenants using a swimming pool or hot tub do so at their own risk; these are not monitored. Hot tubs are for adults only. All properties are non-smoking. Evidence of smoking indoors results in a deep cleaning fee covering carpets, upholstery, and walls.
Changes & Transfers
Agent (on behalf of the property owner) reserves the right to cancel this agreement at any time prior to the start of tenancy. If so, all payments made will be refunded. If alternate accommodations are provided, the Tenant agrees to pay any difference in rental rate. Agents may reassign properties due to repairs, acts of God, owner use, or other conditions. Changes or transfers by the Tenant must be requested at least 45 days prior to arrival and may only be approved at Agent’s discretion. All changes will incur a $10 processing fee.
Legal
This Rental Agreement is a legally binding contract governed by North Carolina law. Disputes arising under the contract must be brought in the jurisdiction where the property is located. No waiver of any provision shall be valid unless made in writing. If any provision is deemed unenforceable, the rest of the agreement remains valid. This is a Vacation Rental Agreement under the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act. By signing the contract, paying a deposit, or occupying the property, you agree to the terms herein. Deposits are held in escrow, and any earned interest belongs to Dereka’s High Country Vacations. If you do not understand any part of the agreement, you are advised to consult an attorney. Tenant’s initials and signature affirm they have read and understand these terms.
Owner & Agent Contact
The undersigned has read, understands and hereby agrees to comply with the above policy and agreement.