The terms of your booking.

Holiday rental agreement (licence to occupy)

1. Formation of contract & licence to occupy

1. Parties to the Agreement
   • This Agreement is made between the Property Owner ("Owner") and the Guest ("you"), collectively the "Parties." Holiday Home Owners Ltd ("we/us") acts only as a booking agent on behalf of the Owner; therefore, the Agreement exists between the Owner and the Guest (the "Parties").
2. Holiday Letting Status
   • This Property is let under a licence to occupy for holiday use only, as defined in the Housing Act 1988.
   • No tenancy (including an AST) is created, and no statutory periodic tenancy arises.
   • You cannot sub-let the Property, and no statutory security of tenure applies.
   • These Terms become binding once we issue your Booking Confirmation. By making a Booking and receiving a Booking Confirmation, you agree to these Terms.
3. Duration and Purpose of Stay
   • Your stay runs from the Arrival Date to the Departure Date stated in the Booking Confirmation. The Property is unavailable outside these times.
   • Use is strictly for private holiday purposes only; no commercial events, illegal activities, or subletting.
4. Age and Party Size
   • You must be over 18 to book.
   • The maximum occupancy stated in your Booking Confirmation must not be exceeded without prior written permission, or your stay may be terminated without refund.
5. Owner or Agent Right of Entry
   • We, our representatives or the Owner may enter the Property at reasonable times for inspections, cleaning, or urgent repairs. In emergencies (e.g. safety concerns), we may enter without notice.

2. Booking price, payment & security deposit

1. Booking Price
   • Your total Booking Price is confirmed at reservation and shown in your Booking Confirmation. We may correct any pricing errors within 3 working days; if the corrected price is higher, you can cancel for a full refund.
2. Payment Schedule (Direct Bookings)
   • Small Group Properties (1–7 Guests): 25% due at booking; remaining 75% due 30 days before arrival (or 100% if arrival is within 30 days).
   • Large Group Properties (8+ Guests): 25% due at booking; remaining 75% due 60 days before arrival (or 100% if arrival is within 60 days).
   • Full payment is required before entry to the Property.
3. Payment Schedule Third-Party (Channel Bookings) e.g. Airbnb, Booking.com etc
   • See the specific payment schedule at checkout.
4. Security Deposit Hold (Direct Bookings)
   • Certain properties (generally those sleeping 8+) require a damage/security deposit hold (usually £300) on your card, placed 1 day before arrival. No funds are drawn unless breakages, damage, or fines occur. If unused, the hold is released 7 days post-departure.
5. Damage / Breakage Claims
   • You must leave the Property as you found it. Any damage, breakages, or extra cleaning fees will first be deducted from your deposit hold; if costs exceed that amount, you will be invoiced for the difference. If no deposit hold was taken, you will be invoiced directly. For third-party channel bookings, we may submit a claim via that platform and pursue you directly for any outstanding costs.
6. Failure to Pay
   • Entry to the property will not be permitted if you have not paid the total Booking Price (and Security Deposit Hold, if applicable). We may treat non-payment as a cancellation by you, subject to our Cancellation Terms.

3. Cancellation by you

Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to obtain travel insurance that covers cancellations, illness, or other unforeseen events. The Guest agrees that Property Owners are not the insurer for guest trips and are not responsible for refunding guest cancellation charges.

1. Notice of Cancellation
   • Direct Bookings: Cancellations must be made in writing (email). Your cancellation date is when we receive your notice.
   • Third-Party (Channel) Bookings: Cancellations to be made through the channel booking app/site and subject to their terms.
2. Non-Refundable Rates
   • If you chose a cheaper non-refundable rate at the time of booking, these standard cancellation terms do not apply, and no refund will be issued under any circumstances.
3. Refundable Rate Cancellation Charges (Direct Bookings)
   • Properties Sleeping 1–7 Guests
     • 1–6 days before Arrival Date: 0% refund
     • 7–13 days before Arrival Date: 50% refund
     • 14+ days before Arrival Date: 100% refund
   • Properties Sleeping 8+ Guests
     • 1–59 days before Arrival Date: 0% refund
     • 60+ days before Arrival Date: 100% refund
4. Third-Party (Channel) Booking Platforms
   • If booked via a platform (e.g., Airbnb), their cancellation policies apply.
5. Departure Before End of Stay / No-Shows
   • No refunds are given for unused nights or failing to arrive.
6. Illness or Self-Isolation
   • Cancellations due to illness, quarantine, or personal obligations (jury duty, family emergency, etc.) are treated as normal cancellations and follow the same policy above.

4. Cancellation or changes by us

1. Property Unavailability
   • If the Property becomes unavailable for reasons beyond our control (e.g., flood, fire, structural damage, property sale etc), we will inform you promptly and refund all monies paid. We are not liable for any further costs you incur (e.g., travel, alternative accommodation). Guests are advised to have insurance for such events.
2. Failure to Comply with Terms
   • We may cancel your Booking or end your stay without refund if you breach these Terms (e.g., cause disturbance, exceed occupancy, commit illegal activities).
3. Price Errors / Adjustments
   • If a pricing or administrative error leads to cancellation, we will issue a full refund, or you may choose to proceed at the correct price if you wish.

5. Your responsibilities during the stay

1. Respectful Conduct & Neighbourhood
   • You must respect neighbours and follow noise regulations. Anti-social or illegal behaviour may lead to immediate eviction without refund.
2. House Rules
   • House Rules form part of these Terms. Failure to comply may result in extra charges or eviction without refund.
3. Damage & Breakages
   • As lead guest, you're responsible for any damage or breakages. All must be reported immediately. Unreported damage found after your stay may be charged to you.
4. Locksmith & Contractor Callouts
   • If you lock yourself out or otherwise require an out-of-hours locksmith (for reasons unrelated to a faulty lock), you will be responsible for the cost.
   • If you call an emergency contractor for a non-emergency (e.g., a situation that does not threaten property or personal safety), you will be liable for the contractor's fees.
5. Suitability & Special Requirements
   • It is your responsibility to ensure the Property meets any accessibility or special needs before booking. We cannot offer refunds if the Property later proves unsuitable and you did not inform us at the time of booking.
6. Internet Access
   • Internet/Wi-Fi (where provided) is for recreational use. No minimum speed or continuous availability is guaranteed, and no compensation is offered for interruptions, slow speeds or lack of service.
7. Mid-Stay Cleans (If Applicable)
   • For longer stays (e.g., 14+ nights), a complimentary mid-stay clean/linen change may be offered. Your property manager/housekeeper will be in touch to arrange a convenient day and time, or you can contact them directly if you prefer.
   • Additional cleans or linen changes for stays of less than 14 nights can be requested for an extra charge (subject to availability).
   • Special rate/ Discounted bookings may have a different cleaning schedule which will be agreed at time of booking.
8. Liability for Personal Belongings
   • All personal items (including vehicles) are left at your own risk. We are not liable for loss or damage.
9. Events and Parties
   • Hosting parties, events, or gatherings is strictly prohibited. Breach may result in immediate eviction without refund.
10. Deductions
    • The following fees may apply (deducted from your Security Deposit hold, or otherwise invoiced):
      1. Noise Patrol (Anti-Social Behaviour): £50
      2. Smoking in the Property: Min £150 fine + extra cleaning
      3. Unauthorised Pets: Pet fee + additional cleaning fee
      4. Stained Towels (e.g., fake tan): Replacement cost
      5. Lost Keys: Min £25
      6. Rescheduled Clean (due to late check-out): £32
11. Pet Policy
    • Only pets agreed at booking or certified assistance animals are allowed, and you must clean up after them to prevent damage or nuisance.
    • Unauthorised pets may lead to immediate eviction without refund and extra cleaning charges.
    • You are liable for all pet-related damage or cleaning costs, including pest treatment.
    • We cannot guarantee the Property was pet-free before your stay and accept no liability for allergic reactions.
    • A pet fee of £30 applies, plus a £100 refundable pet security deposit hold.

6. Limitation of our liability

1. Our Legal Responsibility
   • We cannot exclude liability where it is illegal to do so. If we breach these Terms, we are liable only for foreseeable loss or damage resulting directly from that breach or our negligence. We are not liable for non-foreseeable losses or any transport/alternative accommodation costs.
2. Non-Commercial Use
   • The Property is for private holiday use only. We are not liable for business-related losses (e.g., lost profits, business interruption).
3. External Factors
   • The Owner is not responsible for any external factors outside of their control which might affect the Guest's stay including, but not limited to scaffolding, exterior works to a communal building, lift maintenance, building works at nearby properties, communal hallways, external noise etc. Where possible the Guest will be informed of any issues as the Owner is made aware.
4. Recommendations & Third-Party Services
   • Our local suggestions (e.g., restaurants, activities) are personal opinions only. Third-party service providers (e.g., private chefs) require our prior consent, and we are not liable for their services.
5. Property Imagery & Disclaimer
   • Images and illustrations are for guidance only. Décor, layout, and furnishings may change, and no guarantee is made of the Property's exact appearance.
6. Force Majeure (Events outside of the Parties' Control)
   • Neither party is liable for failure to perform obligations if caused by events beyond reasonable control (e.g., strike, civil unrest, government restrictions, pandemic, epidemic, extreme weather, pest invasion, or utility failure). If such an event prevents us from providing the Property, we will inform you promptly and refund all monies paid; no further compensation is due.
   • In a pandemic or similar crisis involving government-imposed travel restrictions, we may issue specific terms, which we will share via the contact details you have provided.
7. Agent Disclaimer
   • We (Holiday Home Owners Ltd) act solely as a booking agent on behalf of the Owner and are not responsible for the condition of the Property, any third-party services, or any negligence or breach by the Owner or the Guest. Our liability to you is limited to losses arising from our own negligence or breach of these Terms, and only to the extent such liability cannot be legally excluded.
8. Owner Liability
   • The Owner's liability is also limited to losses arising from the Owner's breach of legal obligations or negligence. The Owner is not responsible for any indirect or unforeseeable losses, or for events beyond the Owner's control.

7. Other important provisions

1. Data Protection
   • We will use your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
   • By making a Booking, you consent to the collection and use of your personal data as necessary to perform this contract.
2. Amendments
   • We may revise these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in the law or our business practices.
   • If changes significantly affect your existing Booking, we will give you as much notice as possible and the option to cancel if you do not accept the changes.
3. Transfer of Rights
   • We may transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to another individual or legal entity, but this will not affect your rights or our obligations under these Terms.
4. No Waiver
   • If we fail to enforce any provision of these Terms, it does not constitute a waiver of our right to do so later.
5. Severability
   • If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force.
6. Third-Party Rights
   • No person other than you, us, or the Owner has any rights to enforce any of these Terms.
7. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
   • These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. All parties submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
   • If you are a resident of Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may also bring proceedings there.
8. Entire Agreement
   • These Terms (and any documents or House Rules referred to herein) form the entire agreement between the parties. They supersede any prior agreements or understandings.
9. Contact Details
   • For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms or your Booking, please use the Contact Details on our Website or your Booking Confirmation email.

Signature

By proceeding with the Booking (and/or making payment), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.

Definitions

In these Terms & Conditions ("Terms"), the following words with capital letters have the meanings set out below:

• Accommodation Terms: The rules, regulations, and obligations relating to your stay at the Property.
• Arrival Date: The date and time on which your Booking will begin, as set out in the Booking Confirmation.
• Balance Due Date: The date by which the remaining balance of the Booking Price is due (typically 8 weeks before Arrival, unless otherwise stated in your Booking Confirmation).
• Booking: The confirmed reservation of the Property, starting on the Arrival Date and ending on the Departure Date.
• Booking Confirmation: The written acceptance from us of your Booking Reservation (which may include arrival/departure times, directions, House Rules, local information, etc.).
• Booking Deposit: The deposit percentage or amount (e.g., 40%) of the Booking Price required at the time of Booking (if applicable).
• Booking Price: The total price for your stay, as confirmed in the Booking Confirmation.
• Booking Reservation: Your initial request to book the Property.
• Business Day: A day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday) when banks in London are open for business.
• Cancellation Fee: Any fee charged in accordance with the cancellation terms under these Terms.
• Channel Bookings: Bookings received via third party channels e.g. Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com etc.
• Contact Details: The details found on our Website's "Contact Us" page and any correspondence we issue in writing or email.
• Departure Date: The date and time on which your Booking ends and you must vacate the Property.
• Direct Bookings: Bookings received directly through our Websites, over the phone, or made by us on your behalf.
• Events Outside of the Parties' Control: Also known as "force majeure", as defined in these Terms.
• Group: The named individual(s) attending or staying at the Property under the Booking.
• House Rules: Any additional rules or instructions specific to the Property, provided to you with your Booking Confirmation or separately, forming part of these Terms.
• Owner: The legal owner of the Property or their appointed representative. (We act as a booking agent on behalf of the Owner.)
• The Parties: The property owner and the lead guest making the booking.
• Permitted Pets: Any animal(s) permitted to stay at the Property in accordance with these Terms or with our prior written permission (assistance animals are always permitted by law).
• Property: The holiday let property (including its grounds/outside areas) that is provided to you for your stay under this agreement.
• Security Deposit: A fee or pre-authorisation taken prior to Arrival, to be held as security for any damage or additional costs.
• We/Us/Our: Holiday Home Owners Ltd, acting as the booking agent for the Owner.
• Website(s): www.brightonholidaylets.com, www.brightonhenweekend.com and any other online platforms or websites we use to advertise or manage the Property.
• You/Your: The lead guest making the Booking (must be over 18 years of age) and who is responsible for ensuring all members of the Group comply with these Terms.

"Writing" or "Written" includes email but not fax, text messages, or messaging platforms.