Mallard Cottage #5

Guests & Occupancy

• The Lead Guest must remain present at the property during the stay.
• The total number of overnight guests must never exceed the home’s maximum occupancy. Overcrowding may result in immediate eviction.
• Guests are fully responsible for their actions and the actions of all members of their party.
• Homes may only be used as private vacation residences. Subleasing, reselling, advertising the reservation, using the home for promotions, competitions, business activities, or charity events is not permitted without written approval.

Events & Noise

• Parties, large gatherings, weddings, tours, photo shoots, media production, or other events are not permitted unless approved in writing in advance.
• Guests must comply with all local noise regulations and avoid disturbing neighbors.
• Some homes may use smart home noise monitoring technology that measures volume levels only (no audio recording) to identify disturbances.
• Any disturbance resulting in a neighbor complaint, property response, or law enforcement visit may result in a minimum $500 fee, in addition to any fines imposed by authorities.

Prohibited Activities

• Smoking/Vaping: Smoking, vaping, or using electronic cigarettes is not permitted inside the home. Evidence of smoking will result in a minimum $500 deep-cleaning fee.
• Pets: Up to two dogs allowed only in designated dog-friendly homes with payment of a non-refundable pet fee. Some homes may restrict dog size or weight. Dogs must be leashed at all times, cannot be left unattended, and are not allowed on furniture. Guests must clean up dog waste. Cats and other pets are not permitted. Unauthorized pets may result in an immediate non-refundable pet fee charge and/or eviction, plus damage or cleaning charges if applicable.
• Service Animals & ESAs: Guests must notify in advance and provide valid ESA documentation if applicable. No pet fees apply for qualified Service Animals or ESAs. Guests remain financially responsible for damage or excessive cleaning caused by the animal. Service Animals may not be left unattended in the home.
• Illegal Items: Illegal firearms, illegal substances, explosives, and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
• Tent camping, pop-up campers, caravans, and RVs are not allowed on the property without prior written consent.
• The booking price includes standard utilities based on historical usage. If usage exceeds normal levels by more than 20%, the excess cost will be charged to the credit card on file.

Equipment & Amenities

• Grills (_if equipped_): Must be used outdoors in non-covered areas only. Do not move grills from their designated location. Not permitted on decks or porches. Guests must follow local burn bans or fire advisories.
• Hot Tubs (_if equipped_): Use without soaps, shampoos, bath oils, or other bathing products. Hot tub covers must remain closed when not in use. Do not sit, stand, or place weight on the cover. Damage or excessive cleaning fees may apply. Additional charges may apply for heating.
• Swimming Amenities (_if equipped_): Pools, lakes, docks, rivers, and oceans do not have lifeguards. Use is at your own risk.
• Towels: Beach or pool towels must be brought by guests. Bath towels and linens may not be removed from the home.
• Parking, Safety & Access: Additional property rules, including parking instructions, trash handling, safety procedures, and restricted owner areas, may be provided in the House Rules at the home or electronically.
• Property Access: Authorized personnel may access the property with reasonable prior notice during your stay for inspections, maintenance, or showings if the home is listed for sale.

Checkout & Care

• The home, furnishings, and fixtures must be kept in the same condition, cleanliness, and order as when you arrived.
• All damage must be reported immediately during the stay.
• Guests must vacate by the scheduled checkout time listed in the booking confirmation.
• Failure to depart on time may result in additional charges, including costs associated with alternate accommodations for incoming guests.
• Additional fees may apply if guests arrive before the designated check-in time while housekeeping is still in progress.

Liability & Disclaimers

• A non-refundable damage protection fee ($25–$165 depending on the home) is included in bookings.
• Some stays require a security deposit or credit card pre-authorization of $1,500 or more at check-in.
• If damages exceed the deposit or pre-authorization amount, additional charges will be applied to the credit card on file.
• Pools, lakes, rivers, docks, oceans, and hot tubs present inherent safety risks. There are no lifeguards, and use is at the guest’s own risk.
• Violations of the rental agreement or House Rules may result in charges, eviction, or refusal of future bookings.