The Terms & Conditions for booking Villa Belvedere at Watersong (‘our home’), are set out below. Please take the time to read through these terms and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
BOOKINGS
To ensure comfort, security and peace of mind our home is registered with the State Authorities and is in full compliance with all relevant legislation. The lead guest making the booking should be over 25 years of age and accepts these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all the guests in the party named on the booking form. By making the booking/reservation, the lead guest agrees to having read and understood these Terms & Conditions and assumes responsibility to their adherence on behalf of all guests in the party. The maximum occupancy is licenced for 10 guests.
The names of all guests in the party intending to occupy our home should be set out on the booking form. To comply with state fire regulations, under no circumstances may more than the maximum number of persons identified on the booking form occupy the property and only those guests named on the booking form (or as subsequently updated in advance of arrival) may occupy the property overnight.
Over occupation of our home is a breach of the State fire regulations and should this occur, our management company will be obligated to request that you leave the property with immediate effect with no compensation. Should evidence of over occupation be found upon departure, the security deposit will not be returned.
RENTAL PERIOD
Minimum rental period is 7 nights. Unless otherwise agreed, our home is available for occupation from 4.00pm local time on the day of arrival and is to be vacated by 10.00am on the morning of departure. Vacating after 10.00am may incur a charge equivalent to one day’s accommodation cost unless previously agreed. Guests can arrange authorisation to arrive earlier or depart later if the villa is empty and a cost may apply.
CHANGES TO RENTAL DATES
Further to your booking, we understand that sometimes plans can change. Should you need to change the dates of your booking, we are happy to help you subject to availability. If alternate dates are not possible, then in the event of cancellation, the terms set out within these Terms & Conditions will apply.
PAYMENT
Together with your completed booking form, a non-refundable deposit of $250 per week is due within 7 days of your booking. Upon receipt of your deposit, we will send you confirmation of your booking including payment dates. Please note:
- Payment of 50% of the full booking fee will be due 26 weeks prior to your date of arrival.
- Payment of the remaining balance will be due 12 weeks prior to your date of arrival.
The amount that you pay us will also include an additional $250 security deposit (see below) which will be returned to you after your stay once we have received confirmation from our Management Company that all post departure checks are complete with no issue.
If we do not receive the payment, we will endeavour to contact you, but if we receive no payment or communication, then unfortunately we reserve the right to cancel the booking and retain payments made to date. If you do have a problem, PLEASE contact us as soon as possible to discuss the matter.
SECURITY DEPOSIT
We wish to keep the levels of comfort in our home at the highest levels for all of our guests, so it is important for yourselves, our future guests and ourselves that the condition of our home is checked before the arrival of guests and upon their departure. We employ a local management company, Homes of America to carry out these checks and they will advise of any damage/loss that has occurred during the period of rental.
To guard against damage and/or loss, we require a refundable security breakage deposit of $250 to be paid with your balance prior to arrival. This deposit will be repaid to the lead guest by the same means used for the booking payment (minus the relevant bank fees) as soon as our management company has completed the departure checks and reported that there is no damage requiring repair.
Should the property be found in an unacceptable condition (excessive trash, excessive laundry or generally neglected) we reserve the right to retain the total security deposit plus further costs if required. We also reserve the right to retain the security deposit (either in part or full) to cover cleaning costs for removal of stains due to spillages. We also reserve the right to pursue a guest for recompense for any and all damages caused which may exceed the value of the security deposit and will require payment within 14 days of being served notice of this. We will of course provide guests with photographs supporting claims along with receipts for any repairs / replacements required in the unlikely event that such retention of the security deposit is necessary.
CANCELLATION
We understand that plans can change, and this sometimes results in needing to cancel planned holidays. For this reason, we strongly recommend that all guests take out holiday, injury, medical and cancellation insurance cover at the time of booking.
The closer the date of cancellation to the planned date of arrival, the lower the probability that we will be able to find other guests to occupy our home and for this reason, we have applied a sliding scale of cancellation charges based on the date of cancellation. The following conditions will apply for dates of cancellation occurring:
- 26 weeks before date of arrival: loss of the $250/week deposit paid at time of booking.
- from 26 weeks up to 12 weeks before the date of arrival: 50% refund on payments made to that date.
- from 12 weeks up to 8 weeks before the date of arrival: 25% refund on payments made to that date; and
- less than 8 weeks from date of arrival: This will regrettably result in the loss of the entire booking cost (not including the security deposit).
In good faith, if we have to apply a cancellation charge in the form of reduced refunds, but we are subsequently able to find alternate guests for the period that our home is vacant, we commit to pass on an additional refund up to the full amount of payments received less any difference in rental rates received from the new guests compared to the rates agreed with you and any costs already incurred relating to the booking. We would show you evidence of the new booking to substantiate this.
CANCELLATION BY THE OWNERS
In the unlikely event that our personal circumstances necessitate the cancellation of the booking, we will refund any payments that you have made to us (without interest, compensation or consequential loss of any kind). In the very unlikely event of this happening, we would work with our Management Company and use all reasonable endeavours to seek to relocate your booking to a villa of a similar or superior standard.
DIRECTIONS AND ENTRY CODES
One week before your scheduled arrival, we will send you the keypad code for entry to our home. We will also register the names of all your guests with the Watersong Security Gate so that you are able to enter the Watersong Community.
It is your sole responsibility to ensure you have all documentation relating to the directions to our home together with the entry keypad code that we have provided before you depart for your vacation. For security measures, entry keypad access codes may have to be changed so should you not be able to gain entry, you must call our local management company on their 24/7 emergency number (863 420 7775) for the new access code on the day of your arrival. No compensation or refunds will be given for non-entry to our home if no attempt is made to call our management company. If you call outside of normal business hours, please leave your name and a contact number and you will be called back that day / evening.
DEPARTURE INSTRUCTIONS / CHECKLIST
To help with your departure at the end of your stay, we will provide a list of departure instructions which we recommend you use as a checklist to reduce the risk of any charges.
CLEANING
For the comfort and pleasure of all our guests, our management company thoroughly clean our home prior to the arrival of all new guests as you would expect. Additional cleaning during your stay can be arranged through our management company for an additional charge – please enquire when you make your reservation. It is expected that all kitchen utensils will be washed and put back and our home left in an orderly state when you depart.
MAINTENANCE
For your benefit as well as for the benefit of future guests, we want to make sure that everything in our home is in top condition for your enjoyment. Maintenance of some items is therefore required, and whilst we can make no guarantee that every single item at our home will be in working order (as things do get broken etc.), we do guarantee that any problems will be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible once reported to our management company, Homes of America.
We therefore reserve the right to carry out maintenance to repair damaged items or faulty equipment during your stay. Whilst we, the owners and Homes of America (including such workers as pool maintenance, gardeners etc) reserve the right of entry to the property at any time, we will always try not to disturb guests and to carry out maintenance during the end of stay cleans but where this is not possible it will have to be carried out during a guest’s stay.
INSECTS
Florida has a sub-tropical climate and care must be taken with food that is left uncovered. Our home is routinely treated for insects on a regular basis but on occasion insects inevitably find their way into the property. Uncovered food and discarded sweet wrappers can attract insects very quickly. Should this occur, please contact our management company and they will attend to address the issue. Should the issue be due to lack of care on the part of our guests, any added cost for pest control services may be passed to you.
PETS
For the comfort of all our guests, we employ the services of a local management company to thoroughly clean the villa before the arrival of new guests. We want to make sure that the villa remains a clean environment with furniture and bedding suitable for those that suffer from allergies. Therefore, we regret that we are unable to accept pets unless by special agreement.
Guests found to have pets at our home will incur the total loss of their security deposit as a minimum and will be liable for additional costs of any specialist cleaning that is required. Guests will also be required to leave our home immediately and without compensation.
SMOKING
For the comfort and convenience of all our guests, smoking within our home is strictly forbidden. Evidence of smoking will result in the total loss of your security deposit and if discovered before your departure, your party will be required to leave without compensation. Additional costs may be payable for any additional cleaning required.
TV EQUIPMENT
We provide high quality TV equipment for our guests’ enjoyment and full instructions are provided so that you can easily watch or play whatever you wish. Guests must not move any of the components or disconnect them or attempt to override any settings. All the TVs are equipped with Roku sticks so that guests can connect to their own streaming accounts (Netflix, Amazon Primer etc.) and enjoy these whilst at our home.
INTERNET / TELEPHONE
Free high speed broadband is available at our home for guests to use their own laptop, tablet or smart-phone. There is a telephone in our home and local and national calls are free, subject to the conditions of the service provider.
CAR PARKING
You will be issued with a parking permit(s) which must always be kept visible in all vehicles when within the Watersong community.
Two cars can comfortably be parked side by side on the drive. Street parking is not permitted. If you have more than two vehicles, additional vehicles can be parked in the overflow parking at the Watersong Clubhouse which is just a short walk from our home. If you park on the streets, the Watersong Community personnel will arrange for your vehicle to be towed away at your expense. No parking is permitted on the grass or blocking the sidewalks.
Please follow the speed limit. Guests are liable for all fines or fees associated with parking violations.
WILDLIFE
Watersong is home to amazing wildlife for you to enjoy viewing. Please take the opportunity to admire the wildlife from a distance. Do not feed or harass the wildlife or you could face County or State fines.
GARBAGE
There should be no overflowing or excessive refuse/trash or recycling in the refuse/trash/garbage storage bins. The refuse/trash/garbage storage bin lids must be closed to prevent the attraction of wildlife. The Watersong community operates a ‘trash & recycling valet service’. There is no need to pull the trash storage bins to or from the curb.
Should you have excess refuse/trash/garbage that will not fit completely in the storage bins, please contact our local property management company, Homes of America on (863) 420 7775 and they will advise how best to deal with the disposal. Excess refuse/trash or recycling that is not disposed of properly may subject you to fees for excessive refuse/trash clean-up.
COURTESY TO OTHER WATERSONG NEIGHBOURS AND RESIDENTS
So that you can have a relaxing holiday break, please be courteous of your neighbours at all times. For both your and other guests benefit, the Watersong community sets a ‘Quiet Time’ which begins at 11:00PM. Please respect noise levels especially after this time.
Please note that no visitors can enter the community after 11:00PM. Only guests with documentation relating to their reservations at a home within the Watersong community will be given access to enter the community at the Security gate.
If you have any issues, please contact the Guardhouse on (863) 547 8365.
SAFETY & SECURITY IN OUR HOME AND ON THE POOL DECK
The swimming pool and its equipment is used entirely at the guest’s own risk. No diving is allowed, and children must always be supervised whilst in the pool area.
For the safety of young children, our pool deck is fitted with a child safety fence to prevent young children from accessing the pool and spa. If the child safety fence is dismantled, this will be at the guests’ own risk and it should be put back in place when the pool is not in use.
We accept no responsibility for death or accident in or around the pool area or our home.
Glass is not permitted in the pool area at any time. Please use the outdoor safety tableware that we have provided when dining and drinking outside and serve drinks from glass bottles inside. Should any glassware become broken near the pool, please contact our Management Company, Homes of America on (863) 420 7775 so that the pool maintenance team can sweep the pool to avoid risk of injury or accident.
It is your responsibility to lock your valuables and money in the safes that we have provided at our home. We do not accept liability for losses of money and valuables during your stay at our home.
POOL & SPA
Our management company arrange for our pool and spa to be serviced and chemically balanced on a weekly basis in line with Florida State Law. It is possible that in between services the pool may lose minimal water or chemicals or show signs of dirt (especially in stormy weather). We invite you to use the net provided in between services to keep the pool in good condition. Any major concerns are to be reported immediately to our management company such that they can arrange to address the issue.
Pool and Spa heating
Prior to your arrival, you may have arranged with us to have your pool heated for your stay. Here are a few points to be aware of with the pool heating during your stay.
The heater for the spa and pool will be activated on the morning of your arrival date. Please note that it can take 24hours for the water to reach the target temperature. The heater is set to 86 degrees Fahrenheit/30 degrees Celsius for the pool and 100 degrees Fahrenheit/37 degrees Celsius for the spa. Pool filtering times are typically from 9am to 5pm and while the pool is filtering the pool heater is on. The pool heater is not on throughout the night, so you will feel that the pool is a little cooler in the mornings.
The heaters will shut down if the water level is low in the pool. The pool company visits our pool once a week to check chemical levels, hose the deck and top up the pool if needed. Should the water level drop in between those visits, we do kindly ask you to top up the pool using the hose as this will stop your pool heater from shutting off.
Spa and pool heat can be affected by the external temperature and the pool heater will NOT work as efficiently in weather cooler than 65 degrees Fahrenheit/18 degrees Celsius. At these times, the pool may be cooler than the set temperature. If the heater is found to be operating correctly but not providing heated water to the set level due to the external temperatures, refunds and/or compensation will not be granted.
Our spa and pool heater has mechanical and electrical components which can unfortunately fail. This is not common, but should this happen, please report this to us through our management company, Homes of America by telephone on (863) 420 7775 and they will attend to investigate the issue within working hours. You do not need to be in for this as they can access the heater from outside.
PROBLEMS
Whilst we take every care to ensure that everything is perfect for your stay at our home, we cannot prepare for unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event of a problem arising relating to our home whilst you are on holiday, please contact us through our local management company, Homes of America on (863) 420 7775 who will seek to resolve the matter speedily. We want your stay at our home to be a great experience so should you consider that the matter is of a serious nature, please contact Homes of America during your stay so that they can attempt to remedy the situation quickly. If the problem has not been reported to Homes of America during your stay, we cannot accept any responsibility.
LIABILITY
The property is privately owned by us and neither we nor Homes of America accept any responsibility whatsoever for personal injury, accidents, loss or damage to persons or personal effects, however caused.
Force Majeure – We also accept no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage or alterations to the terms of this booking caused by events beyond our control including, but not restricted to, war, civil commotion, travel restrictions/bans, flight delays or cancellations, technical difficulties with transportation, alteration or cancellation or schedules by carriers, adverse weather conditions, fire, flood, industrial dispute or any other event beyond our control.
WEBSITE DESCRIPTION
As we are constantly upgrading our home, we may remove or change items that you may see within the photos on our website. Whilst all information supplied on our website is deemed to be correct to the best of our knowledge, it is understood that the information supplied is for guidance purposes only and does not form any part of contract.
LAW
These Terms & Conditions are governed by and interpreted following the laws of the United Kingdom, and the use of the United Nations Conventions of contracts for the International Sale of Goods is expressly excluded. If your habitual residence is in the EU, and you are a consumer, you additionally possess the protection provided to you by obligatory provisions of the law of your country of residence. Villa Belvedere at Watersong and yourself both agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the United Kingdom, which means that you may make a claim to defend your consumer protection rights in regards to these Terms & Conditions in the United Kingdom, or in the EU country in which you reside.
BOOKINGS
If you wish to enquire about availability, please complete the online Enquiry Form or you can contact us by e-mail us at enquiries@villabelvedereatwatersong.com
The return of the completed booking form will acknowledge receipt and agreement of these Terms & Conditions.