When you make a booking you enter into a legal contract with the owner of the holiday property.

Terms and Conditions of Rental

Please read the following conditions carefully; when you make a holiday reservation request with Cat Hole Cottages, by telephone, email or post, you agree to be bound by these terms.

We strongly recommend you take out suitable insurance as soon as you book your holiday, to cover the possibility of unforeseen cancellation.

1) Agency

Cat Hole Cottages (The Agent) arrange bookings of holiday accommodation (The Property) as agent for holidaymakers (The Holidaymaker). The Agent, CHC, does not own or manage the Property in any way and the use of the Property is subject to the terms of the owner of each property (The Property Owner). For this reason, any contract is between the Property Owner on one part and the Holidaymaker on the other. Should there be any problems at between Holidaymaker and Property Owner that need resolving, either before, during or after the holiday, communcation will be between Holidaymaker and Property Owner direct. Cat Hole Cottages, on a goodwill basis as Agent only, may assist in trying to resolve the difficulties, if requested by either party.

2) Holiday Confirmation and Payment

I. As soon as CHC issues a holiday confirmation form/letter (even if not yet received by the Holidaymaker) for the Property to the Holidaymaker as Agent for the Property Owner, a binding contract shall exist between the Holidaymaker and the Property Owner, subject to these booking conditions.

II. A holiday confirmation form/letter will be issued when a completed booking form, or telephone booking, is made, along with a deposit of £80 of the total rental charge, plus a booking fee of £10 per property, per week or per short break. The balance of the rental charge must be paid to CHC 8 weeks in advance of the holiday; the due date is clearly stated in the confirmation letter sent to the Holidaymaker. Short breaks are payable in full at the time of booking. Where CHC has not received the balance by the due date, an overdue reminder letter will be issued to the Holidaymaker. If the balance is still not received within 7 days, CHC reserves the right to cancel the booking; the deposit paid by the Holidaymaker will be forfeited and the Holidaymaker shall have no claim against CHC for compensation or reimbursement whatsoever. Holidaymakers are reminded that once the booking is made and confirmed, the deposit and booking fee are non-refundable.

III. Booking forms or telephone bookings received by CHC within 8 weeks of the holiday commencement must include payment of the rental charge in full, plus a booking fee of £10 per property, per week or per short break (the price advertised on the website includes the £10 booking fee).

IV. Any charges raised against CHC by its bank for handling dishonoured cheques, bank transfers or any other payments, must be reimbursed by the Holidaymaker to CHC within 7 days of a request from CHC to do so.

V. The majority of CHC’s Property Owners are not VAT registered and therefore no tax is due, but where VAT is payable this is included in the weekly rental charge. CHC reserves the right to amend prices quoted on the web site due to any errors or omissions or in the rate of VAT, where applicable.

VI. Holidaymakers from Overseas must make payment in pounds sterling. Any charges incurred for overseas payments will be passed on to the Holidaymaker

VII. CHC reserves the right to refuse any booking.

VIII. CHC reserves the right to correct any error in both advertised and confirmed prices.

IX. The person completing the booking form certifies that:

a). He/She is authorised to agree the booking conditions on behalf of all persons included on the booking form, including those that may be added/substituted at a later date.

b). He/She is over 18 years of age and is a member of the party intending to occupy the property.

c). He/She agrees to take responsibility for the party occupying the property.

3) Changes by the Holidaymaker

The Holidaymaker should check the details of the holiday confirmation form and notify CHC immediately of any correction necessary. CHC reserves the right to charge a booking amendment fee to administer or correct any error by the Holidaymaker.

4) Cancellation by the Holidaymaker

I. If the Holidaymaker needs to cancel the holiday for any reason, CHC must be informed as soon as possible. The cancellation only takes effect when CHC has received written confirmation from the Holidaymaker.

1. If the Holidaymaker, for any reason, does not contact Cat Hole Cottages between receipt of deposit and the start of the holiday to pay the balance, the Holidaymaker is deemed to have cancelled the booking, even without written confirmation, and as such, is in breach of contract. Cancellation fees, as outlined below, are therefore payable.III. Cancellation of the holiday for any reason, once the booking is made, deposit received and confirmation issued, whether received by Holidaymaker or not, will result in cancellation charges being made, based on the number of days prior to the cancellation that CHC receives notification, as set out below.

• • More than 56 days – Full Deposit and booking fee is Forfeit
  • Between 29 and 56 days – 50% of cost is Forfeit
  • Between 15 and 28 days – 90% of cost is Forfeit
  • Between 14 days and arrival date – 100% of cost is Forfeit

1. If the balance has already been paid, then the Holidaymaker may be entitled to a refund. If the balance has not already been paid, the Holidaymaker may still be required to pay all or part of the balance to CHC.V. If CHC can re-let the holiday accommodation for the period of the cancelled holiday, monies received by CHC for the re-let holiday, less the deposit, booking fee, and any extras already paid by the Holidaymaker, may be refunded to the Holidaymaker with 2 weeks after the re-let holiday has taken place.5) Cancellation or Changes by CHC

   I. In the event of CHC being unable to arrange the holiday accommodation requested by the Holidaymaker, or if the Property booked by the Holidaymaker becomes unavailable for whatever reason, CHC will endeavour to arrange alternative accommodation for the Holidaymaker of an equivalent type and standard in a similar location, failing which (or at the option of the Holidaymaker) all monies paid by the Holidaymaker will be refunded. CHC will then have no further liability to the Holidaymaker in that respect.

   II. Neither CHC nor the Property Owner is liable for the additional cost of any alternative accommodation which must be paid by the Holidaymaker.

   III. If the offer of alternative accommodation is not accepted by the Holidaymaker within 28 days, a refund of all monies will be given by CHC.

   6) Accuracy of Property Description

   Whilst to the best of CHC’s knowledge the details relating to any property advertised by CHC were correct when first advertised, CHC reserves the right to make alterations to the Property Description at any time and shall endeavour to inform the Holidaymaker of any such alterations. CHC cannot accept responsibility for any changes of closure to area amenities or attractions mentioned on its website.

7) Car Access

There may be difficulties with car access to some properties – neither the owners, nor CHC, accept any responsibility whatsoever for loss of enjoyment or damage to vehicles at any time before, during or after the holiday. Bookings are made entirely at the holidaymaker’s risk. When guests are advised of a car parking space for the use of guests, please note, this space is used by the holidaymaker entirely at their own risk, whether on a public highway, private land, or common land.

8) Price Alterations

CHC reserves the right to adjust prices quoted on our website or on details to properties, whether or not already confirmed with holidaymakers.

9) Responsibility of the Holidaymaker

During the period of the holiday, the Holidaymaker undertakes the following:

I. That the number of people occupying the Property must not exceed the number stated on the website and booking form. If it does, the Property Owner can refuse to allow the Holidaymaker to take possession of the Property, or make the Holidaymaker leave the accommodation before the end of the holiday. If this happens, or if any smoking shall be found to be taking place in the Property, CHC shall treat the holiday as being cancelled by the Holidaymaker and the Holidaymaker shall have no claim against CHC for compensation or reimbursement whatsoever.

II. That the Property will be used solely for the purpose of a holiday by the Holidaymaker and his / her party.

III. To show consideration for other parties e.g. neighbours / Owner / Caretaker etc, and to respect the environment and tranquillity around the Property. If the Holidaymaker abuses the Property, environment or displays unreasonable behaviour, the Property Owner and / or Caretaker has the right to request the Holidaymaker to leave immediately. If this happens, CHC shall treat the holiday as being cancelled by the Holidaymaker and the Holidaymaker shall have no claim against CHC for compensation or reimbursement whatsoever.

IV. To allow the Property Owner or his / her representatives access to the Property at any reasonable time during the holiday period.

V. To keep the Property and all furniture, utensils, equipment, fixtures and fittings in or on the Property in the same state of repair and condition as at the beginning of the holiday and to ensure that the Property is left at the end of the holiday in the same state of order and cleanliness in which it was found. The Owner reserves the right to make an additional charge for any extra cleaning required, or repair for any damage caused, after the Holidaymaker’s occupancy and for any consequential loss.

VI. To report as soon as possible to the Property Owner or Caretaker any breakages or damage caused by the Holidaymaker during the holiday and to reimburse the Property Owner with the cost of replacement. The Property Owner reserves the right to make a claim against the Holidaymaker for repair or loss as a result of damage caused.

VII. To notify all other members of the Holidaymaker’s party of these conditions.

VIII. To arrive after 3 pm on the arrival day (4pm in peak weeks) and to vacate the Property promptly by 10 am on the departure day, unless prior arrangement has been agreed with the Owner.

IX. The Holidaymakers’ vehicles, their contents, and Holidaymakers’ personal belongings are left at the Property during (and after) the holiday period entirely at the risk of the Holidaymaker.

X. The Holidaymaker must not (without the express permission of the Owner) allow any person other than guests booked and staying in the Property for their holiday to use the facilities and amenities of the Property.

10) Smoking is not allowed in any part of the Properties at any time. In the event CHC or the Property Owner determines that smoking has occurred, they may make a charge appropriate to cover the cost of extra cleaning of fabircs and furnishings. Please also note the rpovisions of 8) I above.

11) Pets

I. Pets are only allowed at properties that state they are allowed in the Property description. If a Holidaymaker takes a pet to a property that does not allow them, or exceeds the stated number / size of pet, the Property Owner / Caretaker can refuse to allow the Holidaymaker to take possession of the Property or make the Holidaymaker leave the accommodation before the end of the holiday. If this happens, CHC shall treat the holiday as being cancelled by the Holidaymaker and the Holidaymaker shall have no claim against CHC for compensation or reimbursement whatsoever.

II. The Holidaymaker is liable for all damage caused by his / her pets. The Holidaymaker must remove all traces (inside and out) from the Property of pet occupation before final departure. The Owner reserves the right to make an additional charge for any extra cleaning required after the Holidaymaker’s occupancy and for any consequential loss.

III. The Holidaymaker must not allow pets on beds or furniture within the Property.

IV. Pets must not be left alone in the Property at any time.

V. If the Holidaymaker breaks these conditions, the Owner / Caretaker has the right to ask the Holidaymaker to desist. If the Holidaymaker fails to do so, the Owner can take the action described in 9) I above.

12) Liability

I. CHC, the Agent, shall accept no liability to the Holidaymaker for any loss, damage or injury howsoever caused to the Holidaymaker or to the Holidaymaker’s personal property (or to persons in the Holidaymaker’s party or their personal property) during their stay at the Property except to the extent such loss, damage or injury is caused by the negligence or wilful default of CHC.

II. CHC give no warranty and are not responsible for the accuracy or otherwise of any information or representations given verbally by its servants or agents.

13) Communication and Information

I. For the purpose of the Data Protection Acts, all personal and other information and details collected by CHC, the Agent, in the course of its business as a holiday booking agency, belongs to the Agent and will not be disclosed – except as necessary to the Property Owner / Caretaker when confirmation of holidays booked at a Property is given.

II. If a Holidaymaker or other individual wishes to be removed from Cat Hole Cottages mailing list, they should call CHC on 01748 886366.

14) Complaints

I. In the unlikely event the Holidaymaker may have cause for dissatisfaction, this must first be made known to the Property Owner, Caretaker, or Cat Hole Cottages immediately, and at least within the duration of the holiday. The Property Owner will endeavour to deal with the complaint as soon as possible, and within what is considered a reasonable time. Should the Holidaymaker not make known his/her complaint within the duration of the holiday, and therefore not allowing the Property Owner any possibility to rectify problems, the cottage is deemed to have been in good order during the holiday. The Holidaymaker’s contract for the use and occupation of the Property for the holiday is with the Property Owner – not the Agent, CHC. If the Holidaymaker is unhappy with the Property Owner’s response, CHC on a goodwill basis as Agent only, may then assist in trying to resolve the complaint.

15) Maintenance problems during a holiday. Guests are requested to let either the Owner or Cat Hole Cottages know as soon as possible of any maintenance problems in a cottage, so repairs can be made so as not to inconvenience following guests. There are two categories of maintenance problem: Emergency and Non-emergency.

Emergency: problems such as the heating/hot water/cooker/electric/gas not working are categorised as emergencies, and as such, the Owner and Cat Hole Cottages will try their utmost to resolve such problems as soon as possible, although subject to being able to summon suitable tradespeople during normal working hours/days. In the event of a problem being outside normal working hours, the Owner and Cat Hole Cottages will try to help holidaymakers as much as is reasonably possible.

Non-emergency: problems such as non-working TV/radio/dvd player/non-essential lights/cd player/broken furniture etc are categorised as non-emergency. Whilst being an inconvenience, they cannot be termed as vital to a cottage holiday and as such, the Owner and Cat Hole Cottages will try to effect repairs, or summon tradespeople, within normal working hours. Repairs etc will therefore be subject to fitting in with diaries and appointment calendars of relevant tradespeople and neither the Owner, nor Cat Hole Cottages, can guarantee that repairs can be made during the holiday. No refund for inconvenience can be made.

16) Force Majeure

The Property Owner and the agent do not accept liability or pay compensation for any loss, damage or expense where our obligations are prevented or affected by reason of force majeure. Force majeure means any event which we or the Property Owner providing the service could not, even with care, foresee or avoid such as war or threat of war, riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial action, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, adverse weather conditions, closure of airports or ports, technical problems with transport, governmental action and all other similar events.

17) Contract

The validity, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by English Law. The Holidaymaker and the Property Owner submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts.