Terms and conditions
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully. Your booking and payment for a holiday constitutes acceptance of them.
CONTRACT
The contract for a short-term holiday rental shall be made between the client and the East Fife Letting Company as agents for the owner. The Contract is only effective once the transaction has been approved via email or by telephone, the required payment has been received and written confirmation has been sent to the client.
PAYMENT
A deposit of 25% of the rental is payable on booking. Provisional bookings are held for 7 working days only. The balance of the rental is payable 62 days prior to arrival. For bookings made less than 8 weeks in advance, the total amount is payable on the booking. Cheques should be made payable to ‘The East Fife Letting Company’ and sent to Craigforth Cottage, Chapel Green, Earlsferry, Elie, Fife, KY9 1AD. Any payment received by Mastercard, Visa or debit card over the telephone acknowledges and accepts the booking conditions. Payment by debit card carries no bank fee, payment by Mastercard or Visa carry a 1.35% surcharge.
CANCELLATION
Any cancellation made by the client for whatever reason shall be in writing or by email.
On receipt of notice of cancellation, we will seek to re-let the property for the whole period of the booking. If we succeed in re-letting the property for the whole period we shall refund all the monies paid less an administrative charge of £25.00 plus VAT per booking. If we only succeed in re-letting the property for part of the period booked it shall refund an amount equal to the monies paid less (1) the rental for the period that is not re-let and (2) an administrative charge of £25.00 plus VAT per booking. If we are unable to re-let the property before the final payment is due, the client still remains liable for the final payment on the due date as indicated in the Payment section. If we are successful in re-letting the property for the whole or part of the period of the booking after the client has made the final payment, the client will be reimbursed in accordance with the refund conditions above. The client is advised to take out a separate holiday cancellation insurance. (Details can be obtained from us on request).
PERIOD OF HIRE
Unless otherwise specified (ie short breaks etc) rentals commence at 4.00 pm on the day of arrival and terminate at 10.00 am on the day of departure. Weekly bookings (unless otherwise stated) will be either from a Friday to Friday or Saturday to Saturday depending on the property chosen. Please advise if arrival time is expected to be after 6.00 p.m. for key collection arrangements.
We cannot be held responsible for properties not being ready for occupation should clients arrive earlier than stated in their confirmation letter. Likewise, especially during high season periods, departure has to be by 10am and no later. Short break bookings can be more flexible and will be discussed on booking.
NUMBER OF GUESTS PER PROPERTY
The number of persons occupying a property must not exceed the maximum number stipulated in the brochure or website. Children over the age of 2, not sleeping in a travel cot, count towards the total number of guests.
SMOKING POLICY
Clients are reminded that most of the cottages are non-smoking unless otherwise stated on the website page. All traces of smoking must be removed from patios/gardens etc by the hirer by the end of occupancy.
CARE OF PROPERTY
The client is responsible for leaving the accommodation as they found it, tidy and organised and in clean condition with beds which have been used stripped if at all possible, and for ensuring that all members of his/her party behave in a responsible manner in both relation to the property and being considerate to neighbours. Refuse should be bagged up and disposed of in accordance with instructions in the invididual properties. Details of the nearest recycling centres are also provided as a charge will be levied for disposal of excess bottles and excess refuse and further clarification can be found at the office.
We do ask clients to report accidental breakages to the office immediately and, where deemed necessary, leave payment for replacement/repairs at the end of their stay. Faults or failure with any equipment within the houses unreported by previous visitors should also be reported immediately in order that steps can be taken to remedy.
We aim to ensure that all properties are maintained to a high standard. In the event of a breakdown, a repair/replacement shall be found/fitted within 48 hours where possible. We cannot be held liable for a breakdown of any facility which is beyond reasonable control (e.g. breakdown or failure of any electrical equipment, facility or plumbing) or from any misuse or negligence of the client using the equipment.
PETS
Only where stated are pets accepted by prior arrangement provided that they have their own sleeping bed/basket and are not left unattended in the property. They must be house trained, well behaved, kept off the soft furnishings/beds and exercised away from the cottages. Owners are responsible for ensuring that they clear up after their dog both in gardens and whilst out walking in the area.
FUEL
Your rental includes the provision of heating and hot water. Where properties have wood burning stoves and open fires as a secondary form of heating we will supply a reasonable supply of logs and/or coal and kindling as a starter pack but guests are expected to purchase more as required - please ask office for nearest supplier.
REFUNDABLE SECURITY DEPOSIT (RDD)
We will hold credit card details in lieu of a refundable security deposit, or ask for payment of the security deposit with the balance of rental. This is held in case of unreported breakages, loss or damage to items within the property together with any excess cleaning or refuse disposal required after occupancy.
PERSONAL INJURY & LOSS OF CLIENT PROPERTY
The client or members of his/her party cannot hold the owners or agents responsible for injury sustained or the loss or damage to any belongings during their stay. The proprietor accepts no liability for accident, injury, loss or damage sustained by any residents, their family, visitors, animals, vehicles or personal effects however caused.
CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL
If for any reason a cottage is not available or has been rendered unsuitable for holiday letting (e.g. water damage/fire damage) on the date booked, we will endeavour to offer alternate accommodation or alternate dates, or offer a refund of all monies paid by the client. There shall be no further claim against the owner or East Fife Letting.
Your stay at our properties should be an enjoyable break. Nevertheless, should you have cause for complaint, please advise us immediately, as it is difficult to investigate complaints of any nature once a client has returned home. Regrettably, therefore, it is unlikely that complaints can be accepted and investigated at the end of the hiring period or after the client has departed.
ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS
In addition to the terms and conditions stated here, there may be specific terms and conditions which apply to the individual cottages. These will be prominently displayed in the cottage information folders, and constitute part of these general Terms & Conditions.