Howard Vacations
CANCELLATION AND RENTAL POLICY
This Cancellation and Rental Policy (“Agreement”) is a legally binding contract between Howard Vacations (“Management”), the Property Owner (“Owner”), and the Reserving Guest (“Guest”). By confirming a reservation, submitting payment, providing identification, or occupying the Premises, Guest acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms set forth herein.
1. RESERVATION APPROVAL AND IDENTITY VERIFICATION
All reservations are subject to final approval by Management and Owner. Rates and availability are not guaranteed until confirmed in writing.
As a condition of booking, the Reserving Guest must provide:
• A clear copy of a valid government-issued photo identification; and
• A photograph or copy of the credit card used for payment, showing the name and last four digits only (all other digits may be covered for security).
The name on the photo ID must match the name on the credit card used for the reservation.
If a credit card belonging to a different individual is used, the Reserving Guest must provide:
• A copy of that cardholder’s valid government-issued photo ID; and
• Written authorization permitting use of the card for the reservation.
Failure to provide required documentation may result in cancellation of the reservation without refund. Submission of identification and payment documentation constitutes confirmation of authorized use of the payment method.
2. PAYMENT TERMS
A reservation deposit equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total rental amount is due at booking. The remaining balance is due sixty (60) days prior to arrival. Reservations made within sixty (60) days of arrival require full payment at booking.
Failure to remit payment when due constitutes cancellation by Guest and forfeiture of all amounts paid.
3. STRICT 60-DAY CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations made more than sixty (60) days prior to arrival will receive a refund of payments made less a five percent (5%) administrative processing fee.
Cancellations made sixty (60) days or less prior to arrival are strictly non-refundable. This includes rental payments, taxes, cleaning fees, and all additional charges.
No credits, date transfers, or rescheduling will be granted within sixty (60) days of arrival.
No refunds shall be issued for early departure, delayed arrival, no-shows, or unused nights.
4. NO CHARGEBACK POLICY
Guest expressly acknowledges that all payments are authorized and valid. Guest agrees not to initiate, pursue, or participate in any credit card chargeback, payment dispute, reversal, or claim with respect to any payment properly made under this Agreement.
Any chargeback or payment dispute initiated by Guest constitutes a material breach of this Agreement.
In the event of a chargeback:
• Guest remains fully liable for the disputed amount;
• Guest shall reimburse Management for all administrative fees, processing penalties, and legal expenses incurred;
• Management shall be deemed the Prevailing Party for purposes of fee recovery if the dispute is resolved in Management’s favor or dismissed.
5. PROPERTY USE AND OCCUPANCY
The Premises are rented solely for lawful short-term vacation lodging purposes in compliance with Florida law and local ordinances.
No parties, weddings, events, commercial activity, or large gatherings are permitted.
Occupancy may not exceed the maximum allowed under fire code, HOA rules, or local ordinance. Violation constitutes material breach and may result in immediate eviction without refund.
6. NO TOLERANCE POLICY
Excessive noise, illegal substances, disturbing neighbors, or violation of HOA or municipal regulations will not be tolerated. Violations may result in immediate termination of occupancy, eviction without refund, and assessment of fines.
7. LOCAL ORDINANCE AND HOA COMPLIANCE
Guest agrees to comply with all Walton County, Okaloosa County, Destin, and applicable municipal short-term rental regulations, including noise restrictions enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Guest is responsible for all fines, penalties, and fees resulting from violations.
8. SECURITY DEPOSIT AND CREDIT CARD AUTHORIZATION
A valid credit card must remain on file throughout the reservation period.
Guest authorizes Management to charge the card on file for:
• Damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Missing items
• Excessive cleaning
• HOA fines
• Ordinance violations
• Unpaid balances
• Legal or enforcement costs
9. SYSTEM FAILURES AND UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCES
No refunds shall be issued for weather, natural disasters, construction, internet outages, utility interruptions, appliance malfunction, or circumstances beyond Management’s control.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
10. PERSONAL PROPERTY AND INDEMNIFICATION
Guest agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Owner and Management from all claims, disputes, losses, injuries, or damages arising from Guest’s occupancy or use of the Premises.
11. FLORIDA GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida.
For properties located in Walton County, venue shall lie exclusively in Walton County, Florida.
For properties located in Okaloosa County or the City of Destin, venue shall lie exclusively in Okaloosa County, Florida.
Guest consents to personal jurisdiction in such courts.
12. MEDIATION
Prior to filing suit, parties agree to attempt mediation in the county where the Premises are located.
13. ATTORNEY’S FEES AND PREVAILING PARTY
In any dispute, enforcement action, eviction proceeding, collection effort, or chargeback defense arising from this Agreement, Management and/or Owner shall be entitled to recover all attorney’s fees, court costs, administrative fees, expert fees, and collection costs.
“Prevailing Party” shall include Management and/or Owner if:
• Guest’s claim is dismissed in whole or part;
• Management obtains any monetary recovery;
• Guest fails to prevail on all claims;
• Guest breaches this Agreement; or
• Management successfully defends any claim or chargeback.
This provision survives termination of occupancy.
14. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY FLORIDA LAW, GUEST AND MANAGEMENT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OCCUPANCY OF THE PREMISES.
15. RELEASE
Guest releases Owner and Management from liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from occupancy except to the extent caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct under Florida law.
16. ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND SURVIVAL
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. If any provision is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain enforceable.
All payment authorization, chargeback prohibition, indemnification, attorney-fee, waiver, and jurisdiction provisions shall survive termination of occupancy. |
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