You must acknowledge this Terms & Conditions, your electronic acknowledgement acts as our rental agreement. Receipt of these Terms & Conditions with your confirmation when your reservation was made through an outside website (e.g.VRBO/Airbnb) constitutes a binding agreement and rental contract. ** Cancellation/Refunds policy when booking through a third party OTA such as VRBO, Airbnb, or others – please refer to the cancellation policy we have in place for them, they may be different then booking through our site **
Thank you for renting your vacation property through Gulf Coast Getaways (referred to as GCG throughout this document). We are honored to have you. The following is important information regarding your rental. Please read it carefully and be sure that you understand it. These policies and rules apply to all vacation rentals at all times.
Damage Waiver: The Damage Waiver fee you have paid covers accidental damage up to $2000 for houses and $1000 for condos/townhouses. This damage waiver is only for accidental damage and does not cover the following: reckless treatment of property, excessive mess requiring additional cleaning time and/or effort, intentional damage (e.g. punching hole in wall), missing items, theft, and anything beyond accidental damage. Accidental Damage which exceeds $2000 or $1000 respectively, and all damage determined not to be accidental will be charged to the card on file and collected from the guest. We reserve the right to collect a refundable damage deposit at management discretion in addition to the Damage Waiver for any groups/individual which may provide a greater risk to the property - some examples but not limited to would include: college age groups, wedding/event parties, bachelor/bachelorette groups, etc.
Check in time is 4:00 PM (CT) for Condos and 5:00 PM (CT) for Houses, Townhomes vary, some have check in at 4pm, some at 5pm.
Check out time is at 10:00 am (CT). These times are strictly enforced to allow for preparation of our next arrival. A late checkout fee of one day’s rent will be charged for failure to comply with the 10:00 a.m. check-out time. Early check in requests are not available for any back to back reservations or during Peak season from Mid-May to Mid-August, they may be available during other times of the year or they may not, please check with our local office team post booking. You can find the contact information on your confirmation correspondence.
Check out procedure: Check-out time is 10:00 am on the day of departure. All guests and belongings must be out of the unit as housekeeping arrives promptly to prepare for the next guest. Late departures must be authorized by GCG.
*** To Avoid Additional Cleaning Charges: Please do the following before departure:
Remove all food from refrigerator and wash and put away all dishes. Leave furniture arranged as you found it. Put garbage in sturdy plastic garbage bags and place them in the outside trash cans provided. Close and lock all windows and doors, Please do not deadbolt doors, the door should auto lock with the keypad. Turn off all lights. Please leave the property neat and orderly. Leave bedding on beds, and towels in the bathrooms. **
Reservations: In order to reserve a property, you must be an adult, age 25 or older. Exceptions to this rule must be cleared by GCG management directly. Identification and proof of age may be requested. Additionally, there must be at least one adult, age 25 or older, for every four persons under the age of 25 occupying the unit during the reservation. Any failure to abide by this policy may result in the immediate termination of the rental, removal of the individuals from the property, and forfeiture of any deposit and/or monies paid.
Posting of Reviews Policy: Reviews will be reviewed by GCG staff before they are published. GCG maintains the right not to publish reviews which are deemed by management to be unfair, false, inflammatory, weaponized, inappropriate, etc.
Accommodations Capacity: Occupancy of the property shall not exceed the maximum number of persons the unit sleeps, which is listed on the rental advertisement. We do not accept reservations from student groups, unless approved by management and money deposit presented. Any failure to abide by this policy may result in the immediate termination of the rental, removal of the individuals from the property, and forfeiture of any deposit and/or monies paid.
Weddings, parties, and other group events require an advanced approval and reservation. Limitations in size apply and additional fees and security deposit will be required. An additional Guest Rental Agreement & Policies stating these requirements will be sent and must be signed before approval is given. Our properties do not allow gatherings and unauthorized parties or events, the property is for the guest only. Approved events are exceptions to this policy.
Repairs and Refunds: Our maintenance, concierge & housekeeping staff are here to make sure your vacation unit is in the best condition possible. If you should discover otherwise, please report it to us immediately and we will correct it as quickly as possible. However, no refunds will be given for appliance failure, outages of electricity, gas, water, cable, or telephone service, WIFI. Air conditioners, and hot tubs/Jacuzzis are not guaranteed, and refunds cannot be given for failure or breakdown. GCG will make every effort to have them repaired as soon as possible. GCG and/or an authorized employee or repairman may enter the premises during normal business hours for any purpose pertaining to repair, improvement, care, and management of the premises. GCG will make every effort to notify you ahead of time. Pool heaters and Spa heating are notorious for occasional failures, especially in our salt air and beach environment. Repairs will be made as quick as possible, but may require us to order parts and equipment, which takes time. In the event Pool heat and Spa heat was paid for and did not work, we will refund for the days that it was inoperable. Guests are strictly prohibited from messing/adjusting any pool equipment, including heaters. Tampering with any of the Pool Equipment is subject to a $500.00 fine!
After hour emergencies: There is an agent on call after hours for emergencies only. Non-emergencies will be noted and handled the following day during office hours. The after-hour emergency number is listed on correspondence emails and explained via text only correspondence post booking before your arrival. The definition of an after hours emergency is a serious safety issue, fire, flood, or dangerous situation. Other maintenance issues such as internet failure, TV failure, lights, pests, beeps, appliance failure, etc will be handled the following day during normal business hours.
Housekeeping: The property will be fully cleaned prior to your arrival and after your departure. No maid service is provided during your stay. We ask that you abide by the cleaning guidelines provided upon your arrival. Properties which are left excessively dirty, and which require additional cleaning services will be subject to an additional cleaning fee being charged to the Renter. If the guest is not satisfied with the cleaning upon arrival, please notify us within the first 24 hours so we can address any cleaning shortfalls appropriately.
Linen/Towels/Supplies: Sheets, bath towels and kitchen towels are provided. Please bring your own beach towels and beach blankets. Linens must not be removed from units and/or houses. Renter will be charged for any missing and/or damaged linens. Renters should supply their own paper products and supplies. A complimentary set-up of trash liners, bathroom tissue and facial soap is provided. Renters must provide any additional items as needed. Locked closets are maintained by homeowners solely for their personal use. Please respect these areas. A $100.00 fine will be charged if any owner’s closets/cabinets are forced open.
Furnishings and Equipment: All rental properties have fully equipped kitchens, coffee makers, dishwashers, color TVs, microwave ovens, DVD’s, central heat and air conditioning. Please do not rearrange the furniture, take any items outside that are part of the interior decor, or move any furnishings or kitchen items to another property. You will be charged if the housekeepers must rearrange the furniture after your stay. Locked closets are maintained by homeowners for personal use. Please respect these areas.
Internet Service: Internet service is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed. This is provided by the individual owner or condo association. GCG is not staffed or authorized to troubleshoot internet interruptions or outages. It is important to note that this is a limited service which provides basic internet searches and can fail due to high winds or storms. If internet service is imperative during your stay, GCG recommends you provide your own "hot spot". Different properties have different types of service, many properties are now Internet/Wifi only and do not provide cable TV services and streaming is used for Television service. These properties have the best Wifi that is available from the Internet provider.
PETS: Some of our properties are pet friendly. Pets are only allowed if the unit has advertised as such and the non-refundable $200.00 pet fee per pet has been applied in the rental agreement. ** Pet friendly with approval - non shedding dogs only $200 pet fee / per pet does apply ** Limit 2 Pets - must be friendly non-aggressive. Pets that leave excessive cleaning needs will be charged extra cleaning fees. If any pet is discovered on any property without prior authorization or notification the penalty is a $500.00 charge per pet for extra clean up and flea treatment. The Santa Rosa and Escambia Island Authorities do not allow pets on the beach, unless it is a designated “Dog Beach area”. If you need clarification about your pet and if it is allowed or not, or if a fee is required, please ask us before making a reservation.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in any of our properties. If you violate this rule in any manner, a minimum fee of $500.00 will be charged. Additional fees may also apply, and guest may be evicted if this policy is violated. Additionally, the Renter will be charged for any costs incurred regarding returning the rental property to its original condition.
Unit Substitutions: On very rare occasion(s), a property that has been reserved will become unexpectedly unavailable. In the event that this occurs, Gulf Coast Getaways reserves the right to change Renter’s reservation to comparable accommodation, the accommodations will be as close as possible within our inventory to the original property as deemed by GCG staff. In such an event, Renter will not incur any additional fees or rental costs.
Bad Weather: The rental property is located on a barrier island in a semi-tropical climate and, as such, severe weather events such as tornado, hurricanes and thunderstorms are not uncommon, especially during the months between June and September. Because such weather can be difficult to predict with much certainty, Renter is strongly encouraged to purchase the Vacation Rental Insurance referred to previously in these policies and available to Renter for a relatively small fee. In the event that Renter chooses not to purchase such insurance, should Renter’s stay be canceled, shortened, or otherwise negatively affected due to bad weather, Renter will NOT be entitled to a refund of any monies paid, nor will rescheduling be accommodated.
Parking: You may park in designated areas only, and if your rental unit requires a parking pass it must be always displayed on the dashboard. Renter will be liable for any parking fees or fines that are imposed. If you have any questions about parking, please ask us before you arrive. Most Condos require parking passes to be displayed. If the parking pass is not on the dashboard and visible through the windshield, your vehicle could be towed at your expense. All condos have parking passes in the unit inside the GCG Binder.
Grilling: Charcoal grilling and open fire grilling is not allowed on or under decks, balconies or porches, or within ten feet of any island structure. Please check the property for designated grilling areas and limit all grilling activities to these areas only! Please do not move any grills to other locations on the properties. Most Condos have a specific grilling area and this information is located in the GCG Binder, or our concierge service can advise accordingly.
Garbage Removal: Please place household trash in appropriate receptacles, trash chutes, on-site dumpsters, or in covered outside containers provided. All trash must be bagged! Trash pickup days will be specified in the GCG binder at the property, our staff ensures that all cans are pulled the day before trash pickup. If trash is not emptied when a Renter departs, and is instead left at the property, additional cleaning charges may be assessed.
Indemnity: In consideration for the use of the rental property and the other terms and provisions of this confirmation, Renter agrees as follows:
(i) Gulf Coast Getaways (including its members, agents, officers, directors, employees, and other representatives), nor the owner of the rental property (including its members, agents, officers, directors, employees, or other representatives) shall at any time be liable or responsible in any way whatsoever for any loss, injury, death, or damage caused or arising in connection with the Renter's (including members of Renter's travel party and any visitors or invitees of Renter) use or occupancy of the rental property or any of the amenities, or as a result of acts of God, acts of government or other authorities, wars, civil disturbances, hijacks, thefts, or any circumstance beyond its control;
(ii) Renter, with the intention of binding itself, its successors, legal representatives, directors, stockholders and/or assigns, as the case may be, hereby releases and forever discharges Gulf Coast Getaways (including its members, agents, officers, directors, employees, or other representatives) and the owner of the rental property (including its members, agents, officers, directors, employees, or other representatives), and indemnifies and holds such persons and/or entities harmless from and against any and all liability, damages, actions, causes of action, claims, losses and/or expenses (including but not limited to attorneys' fees, court costs and expenses) arising in connection with or based on injury to or death of any person, or damage to property, including the loss of use thereof, caused in whole or in part by Renter or any member of Renter's travel party, including without limitation visitors or invitees of Renter, regardless of whether or not caused in whole or in part by the negligence of Gulf Coast Getaways or the owner of the rental property; provided, however, this indemnification shall not apply with respect to losses arising directly from the willful misconduct of any one or more of the indemnified parties.
Noise / Disturbances: Renter shall ensure that televisions, stereos, and all sound producing devices are used in a manner which does not disturb neighbors or residents. Any failure to abide by this policy may result in the immediate termination of the rental, removal of the individuals from the property, and forfeiture of any deposit and/or monies paid.
Lost & Found: If there are any personal items that Renter mistakenly leaves at the Property after departure, such items may be mailed to the Renter at a handling charge of $75.00 plus the cost of shipping. Otherwise, unless Renter makes such a request to Gulf Coast Getaways within 30 days of Renter’s departure, Gulf Coast Getaways has no obligation to store such property or to notify Renter and may dispose of such personal property as it deems appropriate.
Pricing Errors: On rare occasion our website will give an inaccurate price due to software mistake/input error. We reserve the right to cancel any reservation when this occurs. These rare occasions are typically discovered within the first 48 hours of the reservation and the renter will be notified asap. Additionally, pricing errors may occur on third party advertising sites as well due to human error, fraud, other circumstances. In these instances, the guest will be notified of the error asap and will be asked to cancel the reservation with full refund given.
The Renter hereby agrees to each and all of the rules and policies above.
Weapons: Any weapons brought into our properties and left at our properties will incur a $500.00 fee due to negligence and said weapon will be turned over to the Escambia County or Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s office. There will be no exception to this!
**The last and most important rule: Please have an outstanding, relaxing, peaceful, and memorable beach vacation!