Holiday Rental Contract- A guide

If you are in the business of holiday rentals then you will need to keep your paper trail in top shape. A holiday rental contract is a vital document you need to perfect because it protects both your property and your guests. By setting out what is and is not acceptable when renting your property, you minimise the chance of unpleasant surprises or miscommunication with guests later. Before accepting any visitors into your rental property there are many factors you need to consider.

 

Why do I need a rental contract?

Very simply, having a written agreement that both you and your guests can refer to is going to be invaluable. Your rental contract provides clarity on what your expectations are throughout the booking process and the guests use of your property. Similarly, it equips your guest with all the information they need to enter into an agreement to use your rental space.

Set out your rules

The rental contract you provide to your guests should include your rules on booking as well as house rules. If guests know what is expected of them throughout the whole rental process, they are more likely to respect your rules and treat your rental property with care. Having access to your terms and expectations allows your guests to make an informed decision as to whether your property is the best fit for them.

Temper expectations

Many potential renters may not have visited your property before, so you need to prepare them for what to expect. If you are not happy with them bringing pets, playing loud music or inviting their friends to join them at your property, let them know. Give them information about things that they may not expect to experience on holiday. Is your property located near to a night club where noise levels are out of your control? Could your guests come across dangerous wildlife at your property? Be sure to inform them of this so that once they have signed your rental contract you are not held responsible for unexpected events.

 

Avoid disputes

If you don’t provide a detailed rental contract, you will more than likely experience disagreements with your guests. Discrepancies between what you and the guest want can easily occur unless you agree on all conditions prior to check-in. The worst-case scenario could be an expensive legal dispute. But even small conflicts can lead to negative reviews which will affect your rental potential.

Provide a professional service

Leading online rental companies and agents such as Airbnb and Trip Advisor who represent individual property owners all provide comprehensive rental contracts. Build trust with your guests by displaying your professionalism and knowledge of the market by providing them with this protective agreement.

What your Holiday Rental Contract should include

Each holiday rental property is unique and your rental contract should reflect this. As well as the standard legal components of a rental contract you must include property specific information to ensure you and your guests are fully covered for your particular holiday home.

Property Details

This section should provide information such as the address of the property and features and amenities. The number of rooms and areas which are available to be used should also be detailed. Make sure you set out whether any spaces are shared, such as pools or terraces. Both the owners and property managers details should be provided, and any emergency contact numbers.

Renters Details

The lead guests full name, address and contact numbers must be provided in this section. Furthermore, you should outline the total number of guests and ratio of adults to children.

Rental Rules

Here you can include information about maximum occupancy for the property, the minimum stay requirement and check-in/out times.

 

Payment Terms

Guests need to know how much they need to pay and when. You can specify how much the deposit and balance payments are as well as when each payment is due in your rental contract. This is important because if guests fail to pay the balance on time you can legally cancel the reservation. Do you require any additional fees such as a security deposit or services like pool heating or late check out? Be sure to add them here.

Cancellation Policy & Refunds

You should incorporate both guest and owner cancellation terms into your contract. What are your stipulations for refunds? What do you consider as unacceptable behaviour from guests at the property? A few legally binding sentences outlining the circumstances under which you can cancel a guest’s stay will give you the right to evict these bad-intentioned guests immediately.

Covid Terms & Conditions

As we have all experienced in recent times the pandemic has caused issues for travellers and owners alike. Take the opportunity and add a clause regarding Covid cancellations. If  you will make any exceptions if guests are prevented from travelling make them aware in your contract. Trust us, this could save you a lot of time as you will not have to answer multiple questions from concerned guests.

House rules

Don’t forget your guests are signing your rental contract which means they are taking responsibility for being part of the agreement. Incorporating your house rules into your rental contract will protect you in the case that guests break your house rules.

Rental Property Specifics

This section could include things to do with the local climate and nature. For example, what are the temperatures in early and late season months and does this affect the pool water temperature? Can your guests expect to see unusual animals or insects outside the property? You can also determine whether your place is child friendly or has disabled access.

Signatures of both parties

It may seem obvious but a declaration at the end of the rental contract which is signed by both parties is the part that makes it binding. So don’t overlook this final section of the contract.

 

How can Kalkan Owners Direct Help?

We provide a fantastic platform for you to reach out to new guests. Our user friendly website is designed to appeal to travellers looking to rent in Kalkan so aimed at a captive market.  By listing your property with us you will have a dedicated page. Here you can display your rental home the way you want. We don’t set the terms. We don’t take the payments. Kalkan Owners Direct leaves you totally free to make agreements with guests as you wish. Contact us today to find out more about our services.