BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All accepted holiday accommodation bookings with Wild Oyster Holiday Homes (WOHH), whether made by telephone, e-mail, in person, in writing or over the internet will be an agreement with WOHH acting as agent on behalf of the Owner with the following terms.

All Bookings made with WOHH are an agreement that you accept these terms and conditions and agree to comply with and you will be bound by them.

The defined booking terms and conditions are as follows:

Booking: a legally binding reservation with a specified start and end date to have use of a property.

Contract of Rental: a legally binding contract between the Renter and the Owner for the use of the Property for the purposes of the Booking and additional pre-agreed services.

Force Majeure Event: means (i) any event or circumstance not within a party’s reasonable control including, without limitation, acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster; epidemic or pandemic (if so categorised by a national or international health organisation), terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, or breaking off of diplomatic relations, nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom, any law or any legally enforceable action taken by a government or public authority, which affects (directly or indirectly) the ability of the relevant party to perform a contractual obligation, collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident, or any labour or trade dispute, strikes, industrial action or lockouts and (ii) any binding legislation or law passed by the UK government or a UK public authority as a consequence of any of the events listed in (i).

Guest Price: the total price payable (inclusive of VAT when applicable) by the Renter for a Booking, comprising the property rental, a booking fee and additional charges that may apply to that Booking (e.g. food requests, pets, trips).

Renter: the person (“You”) making the Booking under these terms and conditions confirms you are agreeing to enter into the Contract of Rent with the Owner.

WOHH: A privately run business by two Directors who are local to Weymouth and have a wealth of knowledge in hospitality and rentals. (Limited Company incorporated in England registration number 13683877).

Owner: the person/s/Company who own the Property which is the subject of the Contract of Rent.

Property: the accommodation available (subject to these terms and conditions) to the Renter for use for the purposes of the Booking.

1. CONTRACT OF RENT

Wild Oyster Holiday Homes (WOHH) act only as agents for Owners, and are not principals and so the Contract of Rent is between the Renter and the Owner of the property for which the Booking is made and shall be deemed to be made subject to these terms and conditions. For the avoidance of doubt, WOHH is not a party to the Contract of Rent. To the extent that WOHH carries out any functions in relation to a Property, it does so as an agent on behalf of the Owner.

The Booking is subject to these terms and conditions, which are governed by English law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts in England and Wales. The Contract of Rent is effective only from the date and time that WOHH dispatch to the Renter a written “Confirmation of Booking.” The Confirmation of Booking will show your booking details, the amount you have paid and the amount you still owe for the booking. As soon as you receive your Confirmation of Booking, you must check the details carefully. If anything is not correct, you should tell WOHH immediately. The Owner/WOHH, acting reasonably, reserves the right to amend arrival (‘check in’) and departure (‘check out’) times so as to ensure the Property is ready for occupation, for example in response to a Force Majeure Event. So long as the Owner/WOHH is acting reasonably, the Renter will not be entitled to a refund in relation to a change in arrival or departure times.

For the avoidance of doubt, if WOHH pays the deposit and/or full balance into its bank account, it will not mean WOHH have accepted a booking unless WOHH have issued the Renter with a written Confirmation of Booking. Please do not make any other travel arrangements until WOHH have issued you with a written Confirmation of Booking. If you book with us online, we will acknowledge that we have received your booking and then send a separate written Confirmation of Booking by e-mail to the e-mail address you have provided. If you book by post or phone, we will send your written Confirmation of Booking to you by post unless you tell us at the time of booking that you would prefer it to be provided by e-mail. It is your responsibility to check your e-mails regularly and to let us know about any change to your e-mail address.

The contract is for the rental of the Property for holiday purposes only. WOHH does not accept Bookings from Renters under 18 years of age and WOHH reserves the right to cancel a Booking made by anyone who is (or who WOHH reasonably believes to be) under 18 at the time the Booking was made.

At the Renter’s written request, WOHH shall provide the name and contact details of the applicable Owner. The Renter undertakes not to contact the Owner for any reason other than to deal with queries in relation to the Property which WOHH has not been unable to deal with or, alternatively, if requested to do so by WOHH.

2. INITIAL PAYMENT

Bookings will be reserved upon receipt by WOHH of the required deposit payment in cleared funds of one third of the total Guest Price. If the Booking is made less than twelve weeks before the holiday commencement date, the full Guest Price will be required to be paid at the time the Booking is made. Deposits can be paid by debit card or credit card, BACS transfer or cheque. In the case of web bookings, these can be paid online through our secure payment system.

3. BALANCE PAYMENT

The balance of the Guest Price will be due for payment twelve weeks before the holiday commencement date. On receipt of the full balance payment in cleared funds, advice on key collection arrangements and directions to the Property will be sent to the Renter. The Owner reserves the right to cancel a Booking where full payment has not been received within 14 days after the due date as advised by WOHH. The deposit paid on the Booking is always non-returnable (subject to clause 16).

4. METHOD OF PAYMENT

Cheques should be made payable to Wild Oyster Holiday Homes with the booking reference written on the back. There is no charge for Debit or Credit Card payments.

5. VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)

Where VAT applies to the Property rental, it is included in the quoted price at the prevailing rate. WOHH’s Confirmation of Booking is not a VAT invoice. All WOHH charges and VAT inclusive rentals are subject to change if the rate changes.

6. CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING

Once WOHH has issued a written Confirmation of Booking, the Renter is responsible for the total Guest Price as well as any extras as shown on the Confirmation of Booking. Amendments to bookings, where applicable and accepted by WOHH (on behalf of the Owner), will be subject to an administration fee of £50 for each amendment. WOHH reserves the right to adjust prices quoted in the brochure, on its website or on details to properties, due to errors or omissions or changes in the VAT rate.

7. BOOKING CANCELLATION

If you wish to cancel your Booking you must inform WOHH as soon as possible in writing (including by e-mail). The day WOHH receives your notice to cancel is the date on which WOHH will cancel your Booking with the Owner.

If WOHH are able to re-let all or part of the period booked, WOHH will, at its sole discretion, consider a refund, less any shortfall in cost of the re-let booking, less the booking fee (if applicable) and less a handling charge of £60. Further, even if WOHH are not able to re-let all or part of the period booked, WOHH may (depending on your reason for cancellation), at its sole discretion, refund you all money you have paid for your Booking less the booking fee (if applicable) and a handling charge of £60.

Please note that if you cancel your Booking you will remain liable for full payment, subject to your rights pursuant to clause 16.

We recommend that all guests consider taking out a travel insurance policy, which may provide cover in the event of a cancellation.

8. BOOKING FEE

WOHH charges a booking fee for your first booking in any calendar year, payable at the time of booking. Additional Bookings with the same customer reference where the Property rental period starts in the same calendar year (1st January to 31st December) will not attract a booking fee. The booking fee is non-refundable once the Booking has been confirmed. Booking fee is currently £30.

9. PETS

If the property accepts pets, this will be clearly marked in the brochure or on the website property page. Bookings that include pets are taken on the condition that all flea and worming treatments are up to date and WOHH and/or the Owner reserve the right to ask for written evidence of such treatment. You are not permitted to leave pets unattended at the property at any time and some Owners will require that pets remain on the ground floor and off furniture at all times – this will be stated in the brochure or on the website property page if applicable. You, as pet owner, will be responsible for removing any evidence left by your pet and reimbursing the Owner for any damage caused. Please show consideration for guests visiting after you have gone home and bear in mind that some popular beaches do not permit dogs during the summer months. For most properties, a charge per pet per Booking will be made.

Guests With Allergies Relating to Pets:

Please note that an assistance dog may have stayed in a chosen property recently (even one that doesn’t allow pets as standard) and the Owner may have a dog or cat that sometimes stays at the property. The Owner cannot accept responsibility or liability for any suffering, damages or losses which may occur as a result of such animals having been present. The Owner and WOHH cannot guarantee and make no warranty that the property will be free from pet hair.

10. AMENITIES

The use of accommodation and amenities, where offered, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, rowing boats, beach huts etc, is entirely at the Renter’s risk and the Owner excludes all responsibility or liability for injury, or loss or damage to Renter’ or visitors’ belongings.

Further, neither the Owner nor WOHH will be liable to you, any member of your party or person visiting the Property during the period of your rent of it for any events outside the Owner’s or WOHH’s reasonable control, such as the breakdown of domestic appliances, plumbing, wiring, temporary invasion of pests, building works at adjacent properties, damage resulting from exceptional weather conditions or other unforeseeable circumstances or any Force Majeure Events. You also accept that WOHH in acting as agent for the owner will not be liable for any negligence on the part of the Owner resulting in loss, injury or accident.

Further, neither the Owner nor WOHH will be liable to you for the withdrawal/removal of any facilities/amenities from/in the Property resulting from a Force Majeure Event.

Where Wi-Fi is an advertised facility, please note that its provision is subject to availability and network conditions. It may not be available 24 hours a day and is provided for pleasure not for business purposes.

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common and we want to ensure they can be catered for wherever possible. Not all properties will have a suitable and safe place to charge vehicles, so it is recommended you check prior to finalising your Booking if this is an essential requirement. If you are keeping an electric vehicle at the property, you must use designated charging points (where available) only and manufacturer approved cables for charging any vehicle when at the property. The Owner reserves the right to (i) charge additional fees if charging is, in WOHH’s or the Owner’s opinion, excessive and/or (ii) refuse to allow electric vehicles to be charged if they do not think it is suitable/safe to do so.

Any damage to the electric system at the property through incorrect use, overload of the system or the use of a standard extension cable will be the responsibility of the Renter. Should damage occur the costs of repair are the responsibility of the Renter and are not covered by the accidental damage waiver.

11. PARTY NUMBERS/COMPOSITION

It is your sole responsibility to ensure that no more than the maximum numbers of persons, as stated in the brochure/website, occupy a Property during your Booking. The Owner/WOHH reserve the right to refuse admittance or to require you to ensure that some people leave the Property if they believe that you are in breach of this obligation. No refunds will be given if admittance has been refused for this reason. Further, where properties specify a minimum age limit for guests, in no circumstances may any persons under the specified age limit, as stated in the brochure/website, stay at that Property. The Owner/WOHH reserves the right to refuse admittance or to require proof of someone’s age if either believe that this restriction has been breached. No refunds will be given if admittance has been refused for this reason.

By completing a Booking, the Renter certifies that they are authorised to agree to these Booking Conditions on behalf of all members of the party, including any changes. The Renter must be over 18 years at the time a Booking is made and be a member of the party occupying the Property. The Renter agrees to take responsibility for the acts and omissions of all members of the party in relation to the Booking and the Property. The Owner/WOHH reserves the right to refuse or revoke any bookings from parties that may in their opinion (and at their sole discretion) be unsuitable for the Property concerned.

12. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

For the duration of your stay at the Property, you will be responsible for the Property and will be expected to take all reasonable care of it. The Property and all equipment and utensils must be left clean and tidy at the end of the rent period. If a Property is not left clean and tidy, any additional cleaning costs will be charged to the Renter. Should there be any specific health or mobility difficulties which may affect a party member; this must be pointed out at the initial reservation stage so that the suitability of the Property can be assessed. The Property (including any car parking spaces) must be vacated by 10.00 am on the day of departure.

13. DAMAGE

All damages and breakages are the legal responsibility of the Renter and should be reported immediately and before the end of the holiday. The reasonable costs of miscellaneous repairs to and/or replacement of and/or additional cleaning of furnishings, kitchen equipment, crockery, glass, keys, bedding and towels damaged or soiled otherwise than by usual wear and tear during the period of the Booking by you or other members of your party shall be payable on demand to WOHH who may also, at their discretion, refuse further bookings. The Owner/WOHH has the right to enter the Property (without prior notice if this is not practical or possible) if special circumstances or emergencies arise (for example if repairs need to be carried out). The Owner/WOHH reserves the right to repossess the Property at any time where you or any member of your party has caused damage, and in such circumstances the Owner/WOHH shall not be liable to make a refund of any remaining portion of the Guest Price.

14. ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE DEPOSIT/WAIVER

It is a requirement when booking certain specified properties with WOHH, to pay either an Accidental Damage Deposit or an Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver.

14.1 The Accidental Damage Deposit is due with the balance of the Guest Price and it will be cashed on receipt and held by WOHH to be applied against the reasonable costs of miscellaneous repairs to and/or replacement of and/or additional cleaning of furnishings, kitchen equipment, crockery, glass, keys, bedding and towels damaged or soiled otherwise than by usual wear and tear during the period of the Booking by you or other members of your party. The balance of the Accidental Damage Deposit will be returned to you within 7 working days of the departure date. Where such costs exceed the Accidental Damage Deposit you agree to pay such excess to the Owner promptly and in any event within 14 days of being notified.

14.2 Where you have agreed to pay the Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver the Accidental Damage Deposit is not payable. The Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver is a non-refundable payment by you to WOHH in lieu of the Accidental Damage Deposit. The Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver covers the costs of making good any loss or damage to the Property and/or its contents caused through act or omission during the period of the Booking by you or other members of your party up to the value of the Accidental Damage Deposit for the booked Property. Where any such damage caused exceeds this amount, you agree to pay to WOHH, acting on behalf of the Owner, upon written demand, any reasonable costs incurred by or on behalf of WOHH or the Owner to make good any such loss or damage above the predetermined amount. The Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver is not available for any stay at a Property which exceeds 14 nights in any single booking. Criminal or wilful damage will not be covered by the Accidental Damage Deposit Waiver.

14.3 Loss of keys Should the Renter lose a set of keys then they should immediately make contact with WOHH to report. As WOHH do not hold keys, we will report the loss to the owner who will decide on course of action with consideration of their key control. Should the Renter fail to inform WOHH that the keys are lost and fail to communicate then WOHH will notify the Owner who will dictate the financial repercussions and the clause will revert to section 14. Consideration should be with regard to following guests, it may be that an emergency locksmith has to be appointed in order to gain access for cleaning and new guests which would increase damage costs. We highly recommend the co-operation of guests and owners.

15. LITERATURE

16. AVAILABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

The Contract of Rent is made on the understanding that the Property will be available for the dates stated. In the unlikely event that a Property is not available during the period of the Booking as a result of a Force Majeure Event or if the Renter cannot legally travel to the Property as a result of a Force Majeure Event, then either (i) the Owner/WOHH may be forced to cancel the Booking and you will be advised as early as possible or (ii) you must write to WOHH as soon as possible to inform WOHH as to the Force Majeure Event and its effects on your ability to legally travel to the Property.

In the event of such a cancellation, or in the unlikely event that the Owner is forced to cancel the Booking due to circumstances or events outside their reasonable control, the Renter will have the choice of the following options:

to transfer the Booking to a later date and/or another property free of any administration charges, subject to availability – the Renter will have to pay any difference in price if the cost of the new booking is higher or be reimbursed the difference if the cost of the new booking is lower;
to request a voucher with a redemption value equal to the amount previously paid for the Booking – the voucher terms and conditions will be available to the Renter before they make their choice under this clause; or
to obtain a refund of the amount already paid for the Booking (after deducting any administrative charges that apply to a Booking, such as the booking fee).

The Renter will have to contact WOHH in order to access these options.

The Renter will not as a result have any further claims against WOHH or the Owner.

17. PROPERTIES WITH CHARACTER

If you choose to holiday in an older property, remember that much of its character and charm is due to its age. Some properties could be well aged and built prior to options of damp proof courses and cavity walls so some may show signs of damp, particularly in long spells of wet weather. The Owner/WOHH will do their best to ensure that the background heating is kept on sufficiently to compensate, even when the Property is empty. Condensation can be alleviated by opening windows and allowing the air to circulate. If you have any concerns, please talk to us at the time of making your Booking. Also, please remember that should traditional property features (steep stairs or low beams, for example) be a problem for any member of your party, you must consider and mention this prior to booking as featuring this character as a negative feature in feedback is unfair.

We inform you that properties in the country (even by the seaside) attract spiders and therefore cobwebs especially in the garden. It does not mean that the Property is dirty or has not been cleaned as cobwebs can be spun almost as quickly as they have been cleaned away! Please also be aware that in rural areas sounds of animals and scents may be unfamiliar to you but they are all part of the countryside experience

18. COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

We aim to provide a high level of customer service and want all of our guests to be completely happy with their holiday. In the unlikely event that you have any issues with your accommodation, please get in touch with us as soon as possible during your stay so that we can do our best to put it right.

If the Renter wishes to make a complaint about anything connected with the rent of the Property, they should contact WOHH as soon as reasonably possible prior to departure. In the event the Renter does not have phone reception at the location where they are staying, the Renter must make reasonable efforts to make a call from a nearby public telephone, send us an e-mail or visit our office. WOHH will then either pass the complaint on to the Owner of the Property to deal with or it may consider the complaint and take action to resolve this itself (on behalf of the Owner) as soon as reasonably practicable.

Please note that WOHH has the authority to act on the Owner’s behalf to resolve any dispute, but WOHH is not liable if one or both parties are dissatisfied with the outcome.

Compensation will not be considered for any complaints that are made after the end time and date of the booking or where the Renter has denied WOHH or the Owner the opportunity to investigate, address or remedy the issue during the Renter’s stay.

Neither WOHH or the Owner can accept responsibility or liability for work taking place outside the boundary of the Property, or for noise or nuisance resulting from third party activity over which WOHH or the Owner have no control including animals around the proximity of the property.

20. DATA PROTECTION

WOHH will process your data in accordance with its Privacy & Cookie Policy which can be found on our website. These policies form part of these terms and conditions so please take the time to read them. They will also provide WOHH contact details.

At all times your data will be held securely and protected in line with WOHH’s obligations under UK data protection legislation. Your party names and contact details will only be shared with the Owner in order to allow the Owner to manage your holiday and give you the best possible experience.

If you request that we pass on supplementary information that you wish to provide to the Owner, for any reason, then we will do so. WOHH will securely hold that information on your behalf as part of your booking record unless you ask us to delete it. Any such information is provided at your sole request and discretion, and WOHH bears no responsibility for its accuracy or contents.

21. OUR LIABILITY

As WOHH acts only as agents for the Owner, WOHH cannot accept any legal responsibility for any act or neglect on their part or of anyone representing or employed by them. Furthermore, WOHH cannot accept any liability for any problems or faults with or within the Property. The Owner is solely responsible for providing the accommodation and for the safety of all guests. WOHH accepts no responsibility for personal injury to, or death of, any guests, or loss of or consequential loss or damage to their property, or for other matters over which WOHH has no control, except to the extent such personal injury or death is caused by the negligence or wilful default of WOHH. We check that our Owners hold personal liability insurance which should cover guests should any untoward issues result, WOHH will not be party to any disputes between Renters and Owners.

Other than in relation to any liability which it is not possible to exclude at law, the Owner’s and WOHH’s liability for any claims arising out of or in relation to the Contract of Rent is limited to the amounts paid by the Renter pursuant to the Contract of Rent.

22. LEGAL

Each of the paragraphs in these terms and conditions operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.

In the event of any dispute between parties it shall be referred to the jurisdiction of the courts of Wales and England only and any actions shall be heard in the court for the area in which the property is situated.

August 2021 – These Booking Conditions supersede any previous issues