The guest, including all members of the guest’s party understands and agrees: Upon confirming a reservation, a contractual agreement is made between Sandcastles Vacation Rentals. LLC and the guest, including all members of the guest’s party. The guest and the rest of their party agree to abide by the following Rental Guidelines:
Check In: Check in time begins at 4:00pm but is not guaranteed. In the case of check in time after business hours, refunds or discounts will not be provided. Arrival instructions will be emailed to the registered guest on the day of arrival. The reservation must be fully paid, and all requirements must be digitally signed or emailed to info@sandcastlesvacationrentals.com.
Check Out: Check out time is at 10:00 am. No refunds or discounts will be provided if checking out before 10:00 am.
Maximum Occupancy: At all times, both inside and outside the home, the maximum occupancy is the number of the persons allowed on the premises, including infants. We cater to family groups and cannot accept reservations for vacationing students or house parties. We do not rent to students even if one or more parents or legally responsible adults accompany them, or to groups under the age of 25. This policy is strictly enforced. Special events such as weddings, reunions, and church retreats are only allowed in select homes and require a separate contract. Special pricing and security deposits may be required. Please contact our office for details.
Pets: Guests may bring up to 2 pets to our pet-friendly homes unless otherwise noted in an individual property description. Guests must obtain special permission, and additional fee may be charged, for each pet that exceeds the amount allowed as outlined above or as specified in an individual property description. Guests are required to clean up after their pets, and there may be additional charges if pet waste is left on the property. Franklin County law prohibits leaving pet waste on the beach or dunes. Pets in non-pet friendly homes are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate eviction with no refund of rent. If evidence of pets is found in non-pet-friendly homes during or after departure, a minimum charge of $500 will be incurred. Exotic animals are not allowed. Pets are not allowed in pools, the pool area, or hot tubs. A leash law is in effect and guests are responsible for adhering to it.
Wildlife & Pests: The properties are in Florida, a State with lakes, ponds, and conservation areas, where you will find many different forms of wildlife. Raccoons, lizards, toads, snakes, lovebugs, armadillos, deer, and alligators are most common, and though they may be a nuisance during certain periods of the year, caution should be taken when hiking outdoors. Other pests, such as ants, wasps, mosquitoes, spiders, bees, and water bugs also live nearby. Each property has a regular pest control service, but we cannot guarantee against guests seeing any. Guests see any animals or pests during their stay and no refunds will be made for this. If you have an issue with pests or wildlife on the property, please contact us and we will do our best to remedy the situation.
Pools and Hot Tubs: NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY, SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK. SVR is in no way responsible for injuries incurred by guests while using the pool. Children are not allowed in the pool unsupervised; an adult must be always present. Guests must practice reasonable caution when using the pool. As regulated by the Florida Statute, 515.29, all private pools are either equipped with a safety fence or sound alarms on the pool glass doors and windows. Private pools and hot tubs are cleaned twice a week. It is the guest’s responsibility for the appropriate use of these amenities. Some pools offer heat (as listed in individual property descriptions) and this amenity must be requested at least 1 week in advance. The charge for pool heat is $75 per day, reservations of 2 days or less are not subject to pool heat. Pools will not be heated when the outside temperature in a 24-hour period averages below 60’ or if the average water temperature of the pool is above 82’. Pool heat is not guaranteed. Hot tub covers break easily, please do not walk or sit upon them. An offer of free pool heat does not apply to monthly reservations.
Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all rental homes. Guest agrees that in the case of any signs of smoking in the house (odor, ash, cigarette butts etc.) there will be a minimum charge of $500 for violations and there are no exceptions to this policy.
Elevators: Please refer to individual property descriptions for availability and possible restrictions. If “Elevator for a fee” is noted in the property description, prior arrangements must be made, and a $100 fee must be paid in advance. Elevators are not to be used by children or pets unless accompanied by an adult.
Beach Gear: Beach Gear if offered by VayK Life and is subject to their terms and conditions. Sandcastles Vacation Rentals is not liable for any disputes that arise between the guest and VayK Life. Any beach gear credit provided by SVR has no cash value.
Trash/Trash Removal: You will be expected to empty full trash bins and dispose of garbage in outside receptacle(s). Guests are responsible for any violation and/or additional fees charged by the community association for incorrect disposal of trash.
Security/Emergency: In the event of a life threatening situation, please call 911. Homeowners and SVR are not responsible for damages, loss of stolen personal or property items. It is the guest’s responsibility to properly secure the house when leaving the property. SVR reserves the right to always have access to the property during guest stay. Iff vendor access to the home is needed SVR will inform you of the schedules.
Mandatory Cleaning: The cleaning fee charged on the reservation is related to the final cleaning after guest check out. Guest is aware and agrees that cleaning fee or any other additional cleaning that has been paid does not include damages or stains on the carpet or any other furniture that will need to be cleaned/removed or replaced.
Handicap Accessibility: Please refer to individual property descriptions for information above a home’s handicap accessibility. Homes are not fully handicap accessible unless stated in the property description.
Homeowner Associations: Rules and regulations may apply for homes within the St. George Plantation, 300 Ocean Mile, Villas of St. George and Sunset Beach. Rules may address use of community amenities, the types of vehicles allowed, parking, bonfires, fireworks, etc., and are subject to change by the community. Guests are responsible for reading and understanding applicable community rules and regulations.
Monthly Stays: Guests are aware that for each 28 day stay, an additional mid stay clean will be charged and performed.
Internet & Cable: Complimentary Wi-Fi internet is available at all properties, some properties also provide cable ( see individual listings). These services are not under the control of SVR and if any service interruptions or slowdown may occur SVR cannot be held responsible. However, SVR team will ensure the service provider is aware and taking the proper actions regarding any eventual issues.
Barbecue Grill: Please note, not all properties have a grill available onsite. Charcoal grills are not permitted on decks at any time and are strictly prohibited. Additional cleaning and disposal costs will be the guests responsibility. Homeowner & SVR is not responsible for any injury or accident resulting from the use of the grills.
House Layout: To avoid damage and injuries, guests are not allowed to change the furniture position, remove window screens, or add any furniture or large appliances to the unit without authorization. The noncompliance of this rule will incur a penalty equivalent to the cost of the service required for the repair or replacement of the item to its original position.
Surveillance Equipment: For added safety, security and property protections; some vacation rental properties may have surveillance equipment installed. Such video/audio devices will be legally installed in very limited exterior locations. We will make every attempt to ensure areas under surveillance are clearly disclosed and marked in such a way to protect your privacy. Furthermore, registered guests may not, under any circumstances, install any such surveillance device during their stay without the expressed, written permission of SVR. SVR does not monitor or manage surveillance equipment.
Construction: We cannot predict the location of construction activities near rental homes, and may be unable to notify guests prior to arrival that their home is near a construction site. Refunds or adjustments are not made because of construction activity.
Rental Homes for Sale: Rental homes may be for sale. Owners reserved the right to allow showings to qualified buyers. We may be unable to notify guests prior to arrival that the home is for sale. However, guests will be notified of showings at leave one hour in advance. Refunds or adjustments are not made because of sales activity.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance can provide coverage for various medical, travel and weather events, including hurricane evacuation, and we strongly urge you to purchase it. A Description of Coverage explaining the benefits, exclusions, and limitations is available on our website. Submitting a claim is the responsibility of the guest and is to be filed directly with the travel insurance company.
Accidental Damage Protection: Should you notice any damage/irregularities upon your arrival or any cleaning issue, it is your responsibility to contact us within 24 hours and report those issues in writing via e-mail to: info@sandcastlesvacationrentals.com. If any damage occurs during your stay, you must also report such damage before the check out date. Linens & Towels vandalism and negligent acts are not covered by the damage protection, and they may be charged to the credit card on file.
Cancellation/Changes to Reservations: Once the first rental payment has been received, there will be no refunds issued by SVR. All modifications will be subject to availability.
- We can re-rent the home for the same dates and rental rate. A 10% cancellation fee of the total rental amount will be deducted from the advance rental payment(s). If it is not possible to re-rent the home for the same dates and rental rate, the 10% cancellation fee and any difference in the re-booking rate will apply. If the home remains vacant for those dates, the entire payment will be forfeited or the reservation may be reinstated;
- After arrival, there should be no expectation of refunds or relocation because of dissatisfaction with the home rented. Unlike a hotel, we cannot relocate guests without specific authorization.
Refunds, Bad Weather, Equipment Malfunction: Refunds are not made for inclement weather, lack of public utilities, the unavailability of private community amenities, or equipment malfunctions. Should any equipment malfunction, we will make every effort to have it repaired a s soon as possible. One of the challenges of living on a barrier island is parts have to be ordered and repair companies have to travel a long distance, so repairs may take longer than expected.
Credit Card Payment: SVR reserves the right to charge the credit card provided to cover any damages that are not covered by the accidental damage protection or not reported by the guest until the check out date. Such as, but not limited to damage, vandalism, negligence, repairs, pool heating, breakages, excessive trash removal, stains and missing items that occur during your stay in the house.
Lost & Found: SVR will not be held responsible for any items left at the property from the guest. As a courtesy, SVR will notify guests about the item found in the property and hold it for up to 30 consecutive days for guest to pick up at our office location or have it delivered to guest and address of choice, guest is responsible for shipping costs. If items are left for 30 days or more unclaimed, the guest agrees that SVR has the right to donate the item. If a guest requests a third party to pick up the item, the guest must send a written authorization with the full name of the person who will be picking up the item.
Returned Checks: The charge for returned checks is $30. Checks will not be re-deposited and must be replaced with a money order, cashier’s check, web check, or credit card payment.
Substitutions: In the event a reserved accommodation becomes unavailable for rental use, we reserve the right to substitute a comparable home, if available, or grant a full refund of all payments made, without further liability.
Errors: Every effort is made to ensure the property information listed online and in all print media is accurate and complete. Homes, rates, descriptions, furnishings, equipment, or bed arrangements are subject to daily updates and changes. Information represented online and in all print media is not guaranteed. To ensure accuracy, please contact our office.
Attorney’s Fees & Arbitration Agreement: If SVR employs an attorney due to Guests’s violation of the terms and conditions of this agreement, Guest shall be responsible for all costs and reasonable attorney’s fees as incurred by the SVR whether suit is filed. SVR and guest waive the right to demand a jury trial concerning any litigation between SVR and guest. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award by the Arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
Marketing and Communications Permissions
Your email will be used to send periodic newsletters, promotions, and other information relating to marketing and communications. At any time, you may unsubscribe from these communications using the link at the bottom of emails or contact us directly.
SVR and guests agree that the rent of the property is a transient accommodation (short-term rental) in accordance with Chapter 509, Florida Statutes, and other applicable laws governing public lodging establishments.