Terms and Conditions of Hire

• Contract of Hire
• Initial Payment
• Balance Payment
• Confirmation of Booking
• Amenities
• Party Numbers
• Hirer's Responsibilities
• Damage
• Security Deposits
• Literature
• Access for Maintenance Purposes
• Availability
• Payments

Contract of Hire

The hiring contract will be between you, “the Hirer”, and “Underwood Cottages” for which the booking is made and shall be deemed to be made subject to these Terms and Conditions of Hire and shall be interpreted and governed by English Law and jurisdiction. The Contract of Hire is not effective until Underwood Cottages despatch to the Hirer written confirmation of the booking. Please note that we do not accept bookings from Hirers under 18 years of age.

Initial Payment

Bookings will be confirmed upon receipt by Underwood Cottages of the required deposit payment. However, if the booking is made within eight weeks of the holiday commencement date, the full accommodation rental will be required at time of booking.

Balance Payment

The Balance of the Hire will be due for payment 8 weeks before the holiday commencement date. The date by which the balance payment is due will be communicated on the booking confirmation document. We reserve the right to cancel a holiday where full payment has not been received within 8 weeks before the holiday commencement date. The deposit paid on the booking is non-returnable.

Confirmation of Booking

Upon issue of a Confirmation of Booking (which may be communicated via email), the Hirer is responsible for the total published price of the property and extras as shown on the confirmation.

Amenities

Use of accommodation and associated amenities is entirely at the users' risk and no responsibility can be accepted for injury, or loss or damage to user or visitors' belongings. However, Underwood Cottages do not seek to exclude or limit legal liability for the negligence of their servants or agents.

Party Numbers

In no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons, as stated on the website, occupy a property. We reserve the right to refuse admittance if this condition is not observed. In addition, we reserve the right to refuse or revoke any bookings from parties that may in our opinion (and at our discretion) be unsuitable for the property concerned.

Hirer's Responsibilities

The Hirer is responsible for the property for the period of hire and is expected to take all reasonable care of it, leaving the property and its contents clean and tidy at the end of the hire period. Please note, smoking is not allowed inside the cottages.

Damage

All damages and breakages are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and should be notified to Underwood Cottages before the end of your holiday. The cost for their replacement shall be payable by the Hirer on demand. Minor damage or breakages will not normally be charged but in circumstances where extra cleaning is required or there has been breakage or damage beyond what is reasonably expected, Underwood Cottages reserve the right to charge you for any additional costs incurred.

Security Deposits

We reserve the right to request payment of a security deposit. Any security deposit charged will be cashed before the start of the holiday and reimbursed promptly after the holiday (less any charges which have been incurred).

Literature

We take every care to ensure the accuracy of our property descriptions. All information on the Underwood Cottages website is given in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to press but we cannot be held responsible for changes beyond our control. The description of our cottages shows the amenities available at that property, but does not state what is not available. Please be aware that whilst the cottages have partially enclosed gardens, they are enclosed by open style fencing and are open to the parking area and driveway. Please contact us for further details if required.

Access for Maintenance Purposes

Underwood Cottages will not be liable to the Hirer, any member of your party or person visiting the property during the period of your hire of it for events outside its reasonable control, such as breakdown of domestic appliances, plumbing, wiring, temporary invasion of pests, damage resulting from exceptional weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstance. Underwood Cottages will make reasonable efforts to ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.

Availability

The Hiring Contract is made on the understanding that the property and its facilities as published will be available for the dates stated. In the unlikely event that a property is not available through events arising outside our control we may be forced to cancel the booking. The Hirer will be advised as early as possible and the Hirer will be entitled to a full refund of all monies paid. The Hirer will not as a result have any further claims against Underwood Cottages.

Payments

By sterling cheque to “Underwood” or by bank transfer (please call us for details).