Policies

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF BOOKING POLICIES AND HOUSE RULES

BOOKING POLICIES

• The deposit is due to reserve the property; Balance will be due 30 days before the check-in date. 
• Availability is real-time and may change after the quote is given. Property is not reserved until the deposit (or full balance) is paid and the booking is accepted/approved by the Owners.
• Security/Rental Deposit (as applicable) will be processed 48 hours prior to check-in, and will be refunded/released within 14 days after check-out if there are no damages or excessive cleaning required (See the sample Rental Agreement for more details). 
• The Primary Guest (Renter) must be at least 25 years of age to rent and be present during the entire stay.
• A Renter Agreement signed by the Primary Guest and a copy of valid photo ID are required if you decide to book.  If those items are not received within 72 hours from booking, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and issue a refund.
• No third-party rentals. Property cannot be rented for someone else if the requestor will not be staying at the property OR will not be staying at the property throughout the entire duration of the rental period. The guest signing the Rental Agreement must be the same one who provides a valid photo ID.  For example, a parent cannot rent our property for their child(ren) who is under minimum age.
• Reservations made under false pretenses will be deemed canceled by Guest and Guest and everyone in their party will be denied entry to the property; if Guests are already checked in, their stay will be terminated and they will be required to vacate the property immediately. No refund of any kind will be given under such circumstances.  
• Minors under 18 can only stay with a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult present at the property, and must never be left at the property unsupervised.
• Any booking requests are conditional upon the Owners' approval. If we do not approve the booking, we reserve the right to cancel/decline and issue a refund (if applicable) expeditiously. 
• We strongly recommend obtaining Travel/Cancellation Insurance for your trip especially if your stay is during the winter months, or if you are concerned about possible cancellation. You will be able to purchase Travel insurance at check out. 
• Payments accepted: Zelle, Venmo direct bank to bank payment, major credit cards, and PayPal. A credit card processing fee may apply. For reservations made via 3rd party sites (Airbnb, VRBO/HomeAway, TripAdvisor, etc), payment terms and conditions are governed by that respective site's policy. 
• Address, driving directions, and check-in instructions will be provided after the balance is paid and a few days before check-in.  

HOUSE RULES

I would like to make you familiar with a few of the most important asks at Shady Pines Harbor Springs. These are in place to ensure that your stay with us will be as comfortable as possible. Please take a minute to read each of the responsibilities carefully to avoid possible injury and/or deductions from your security deposit. 

1. General Rules
   • Ensure to read and fully understand our house rules before your stay.
   • All guests (and any visitors) must comply with all house rules.
   • Please treat our house with the same respect as you would your own home.
   • We hope you have lots of laughter and good times during your vacation! However, we’d really appreciate it if you’re mindful and keep noise to a minimum during nighttime hours.
   • Have fun! This is your vacation time and we hope you get the opportunity to relax and visit the surrounding area.
2. Check In/Check Out
   • Check-in is 4:00 PM ET and check-out is 10:00 AM ET unless pre-arranged otherwise in advance.
3. Check Out Procedures
   • The cleaning team arrives shortly after check out. Please ensure you leave by the check-out time, so that they may have ample time to prepare the home for the next guests.
4. No Smoking/Drugs
   • NO Smoking or vaping of tobacco or marijuana products on the premises.
   • NO illegal substances.
5. Noise and Neighborhood
   • Keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb the neighbors – especially during nighttime hours (e.g. 10pm – 9am), and upon arrival and departure.
   • If you encounter any issues with our neighbors, please notify us as soon as possible. 
   • If any neighbors report to us excessive noise, your  stay could be terminated, and you’ll be asked to leave our property.
6. Events/Parties
   • Absolutely NO parties or events are allowed.
7. Occupancy
   • No occupancy above the stated limit at any time. The number of guests in the Rental Agreement must include ALL adults and ALL children - no matter how young. Occupancy rules are enforced to ensure fire code observance.
8. Safety and Security
   • Children should be supervised at all times on our property by adults. 
   • Guests are responsible for the safety of their children at all times. 
   • No candles or open flames in the house.
9. Cleanliness/Trash
   • Dispose of all trash in the trash cans and white trash bags provided.
   • When trash bags become full tie top and place in the large, pink trash can outside.
   • Do not flush any sanitary products or baby wipes down the toilet. We have provided trash cans for this in both bathrooms.
10. Parking
    • Park your vehicle(s) in the driveway.   Do not park on the street. 
11. Dogs
    • Maximum of 2 dogs allowed, and must  be less than 50 lbs. each.  
    • Dog must not be a breed that is "uninsurable."  This includes but not limited to Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Cane Corsos, and Chows.
    • Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their dog(s).
    • Use the pet blanket provided when dogs wish to lay on the furniture.
    • Keep your dog(s) inside the house during nighttime.
    • Dog(s)  must be crated when left at the residence unattended.
    • Keep your dog leashed when outside.
12. No Shoes
    • In order to keep the floors and rugs looking beautiful, we ask that all guests please take shoes off at the doors
13. Appliance Use
    • No cooking of bacon on the stove top or in the oven
    • Do not overload the washer, dryer or dishwasher
    • Please double-check that you have switched off all lights, electrical devices, and the gas stove/oven before you go out or leave at check-out.
14. Outdoor Grill Use
    • Use the designated barbecue utensils. Regular kitchen tongs will melt.
    • Clean the barbecue immediately after use, while the grate is still hot. Scrub the grate with the provided grill brush to remove any stuck-on food. It’s much more difficult to clean the next day!
    • Tighten the propane tank valve closed when not in use.
15. Heating/AC/Electrical
    • The optimum heating temperature for the thermostats is 68 degrees.
    • In the pantry, you will find the electric panel. Please do not open it unless in the unlikely event of a power outage
16. Inventory/Supplies
    • Our cleaning crew always makes sure any food left by previous guests is removed. However, every once in a while, something may have been missed.  If you do find unopened food and/or drink in the kitchen, you are free to use it.  But please don’t use opened food or drink.
    • The citronella candle (if provided) on the patio is for outdoor use only.
    • Don’t take any kitchen cutlery outside to avoid misplacing or losing it.
17. Damages and Security Deposits
    • We understand that accidents do happen, and kindly request that you report any accidental breakages or damages to us before checking out, so that we may get it fixed or replaced before the next guests arrive.
    • In the event that damage to the property or its contents is not covered by our insurance, or it exceeds the security deposit, the cost to repair or replace will be billed to the guests.