A. Security Deposit

Each person, family or group (hereinafter referred to as “Guest”) that books a rental home with Special Places of Costa Rica (hereinafter referred to as “SPCR”) is required to pay a security deposit to cover any damages to the property that may occur. This is done via a credit card voucher upon check-in. Guest understands that his or her signature on the credit card form will serve as an authorized signature on the credit card charge slip. The amount of the security deposit varies from $500 to $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the property.

Guest agrees that he or she is responsible for providing this security deposit, and Guest agrees to hold SPCR harmless against any liability.

SPRC will hold the security deposit for seven days after check-out in order to inspect the property and determine whether any damage has occurred. Any damage that is identified, or any missing items from the home, will be communicated to Guest before any charge is incurred. In the event that damages exceed the deposit, additional charges may be assessed.

Guest agrees to the following replacement costs for any missing items: lost keys, alarm fobs, or remote controls, $100 + 13%; beach/pool towels, $30 + 13%; bath towels, $25 + 13%. If no items are missing and no damage has occurred, the credit card authorization form will be destroyed.

If the reservation of the property originated from a channel that charges the security deposit directly, no additional deposit will be charged upon check-in. Each channel has its own deadline to release the damage deposit

B. Rental Rates

SPCR manages several rental rates, depending on the property and the length of the stay. Monthly rental rates (30 days or more) are discounted heavily, though clients are to pay for the consumption of electric during their stay. Some properties are also subject to a weekly cleaning which is charged to the guest. Each rental is subject to a cleaning fee, charged when reserving the property to cover the cleaning service when the property is vacated. The weekly cleanings are charged at $32 plus tax for 3.5 hours.

C. Prohibited Behaviors

Smoking, vaping, prostitution and drugs are never allowed inside any property represented by SPCR. Smoking and vaping are allowed outside the home if not otherwise prohibited by Costa Rican law or the regulations of a multi-unit property. Guests who smoke are requested to close windows and doors to prevent smoke from drifting inside, and to be considerate of neighbors who may find secondary smoke invasive or harmful. If we receive a complaint from a neighbor about the smoking habits, guest must refrain from smoking on the property.

D. Pets

Pets are not permitted unless pre-authorized by SPCR in writing. Guest traveling with pets may incur an extra fee and an additional security deposit.

E. Check-ins

The earliest check-in time offered by SPCR is normally 3 p.m. However, if the Guest arrives early and the property has been inspected and cleaned, check-in will occur immediately. If the property is not ready at 3 p.m. because of another guest’s late check-out on the same day, check-in will occur as soon as the property is ready.

If the Guest arrives early and the property is still being cleaned, SPCR will allow the Guest limited access to place belongings in the property and/or put groceries in the refrigerator. At all times, the Guest must contact SPCR in advance to make arrangements to pick up keys.

Check-ins after 6 p.m. will be subject to a $20 fee. Check-ins after 9 p.m. will be subject to a $40 fee. The latest check-in time offered by SPCR is 11 p.m., although if Guest arrives later, arrangements can be made in advance to provide a lock-box containing the key to the property.

F. Check-outs

Guests must check out by 11 a.m. in order to give SPCR time to prepare the property for a check-in at 3 p.m. Guests who check out late may be charged $50 + 13% for each hour past the check-out time unless a previous agreement is reached with SPCR.

Guests must remove garbage from the property and place it in designated garbage bins before check-out. Guests must also turn off lights, air conditioning, ceiling fans and televisions and lock doors upon leaving. Barbecue grills must also be left in the same condition they were found, or Guests are subject to a $50 + 13% cleaning fee.

If Guest must check out at a time when SPCR’s office is not open, Guest will place all keys and alarm fobs in a drop-box outside SPCR’s office.

G. House Rules

Guests and all other occupants will be required to vacate the premises and forfeit the rental fee and security deposit for any of the following: (1) occupancy exceeding the sleeping capacity stated on the reservation confirmation; (2) using the premises for any illegal activity; (3) causing damage to the property or to any of the neighboring properties; (4) smoking, vaping, drugs or unauthorized pets inside the property; (5) removal of furniture from inside the property, moving inside furniture outside and leaving it to be damaged by the elements (rain, sunshine,…) and/or use of furniture for any purpose other than its intended use inside the property; (6) any other act that substantially interferes with neighbors’ right to quiet enjoyment of their property; and (7) any other regulations mentioned to Guest by the agent doing the check-in.

H. No Rebates or Refunds for Malfunctions

SPCR will make every effort to ensure that all properties are maintained to the highest standards, and every effort will be made to conduct repairs as quickly as possible when needed. Still, malfunctions can happen, and there are no rebates or refunds issued for any malfunctions or service requests for air conditioners, televisions, internet, hot tubs, pools, appliances, elevators, barbecue grills, etc. In addition, no refunds will be given due to area power blackouts, cable and internet interruptions, water shortages or construction/remodeling at nearby properties.

Some properties represented by SPCR offer amenities such as a pool bar, but it’s beyond SPCR’s control if it’s closed at unpredictable times. In some cases, repairs have to be made by the owner or HOA on their timetable. Please bring any issues to SPCR’s attention and we will try to address them as soon as possible, but no refunds are offered for matters beyond SPCR’s control.

I. Cleaning

Guests who are eligible for housekeeping services will be notified by email when cleaning will occur. Cleaning times are not negotiable, and if the cleaning is declined at the available time, it will not be rescheduled.

On the day of check-out, housekeepers may arrive at 10 a.m. to begin cleaning. Guests must let housekeepers in at this hour or they will be assessed a $50 + 13% charge.

J. Maximum Occupancy

SPCR will check occupancy upon check-in and throughout your stay. If there are more guests staying at the home than what was confirmed on the reservation, SPCR has the right to have your party removed. SPCR has a zero-tolerance policy for not complying with the house rules. If a property has a maximum occupancy, SPCR cannot allow Guests to exceed this maximum without special permission from the property owner. Exceptions can be made for infants with prior approval from SPCR, but any exceptions must be approved in advance of check-in.

K. Owner and SPCR Not Responsible

Neither the owner of the property nor SPCR is responsible or liable for lost, stolen or damaged items inside or outside the property. All SPCR properties contain a safe, and SPCR recommends that Guests place valuables in the safe. Neither the property owner nor SPCR is liable for any inconvenience or damage arising from temporary stoppages of water, gas, electricity or plumbing, nor for weather conditions, natural disasters or acts of God.

L. Terraces, Pool, Beach & Patios

Guest hereby acknowledges that he/she is fully aware that the terrace, beach, pool, and surrounding patio can be dangerous, that the floors and stairs inside and outside of the property can be slippery when wet, and that injury on the property may occur. With full knowledge of these facts, Guest accepts and assumes all risks involved in or related to all outdoor and indoor areas of the property. Guests traveling with small children should ask SPCR before booking about any potential risks to children’s safety.

• Check-in time is 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM • No parties or events • No pets • No smoking