Booking conditions & Useful information

1.    BIRDS (the 'Agents') act only as booking Agents for the 'Owners' (the 'Owners') of the holiday accommodation.  The contract is therefore between the owner and the tenant.

2.    All applications for the reservations of the holiday accommodation must be made on the form provided in the brochure or on line and be accompanied by a deposit (see page 22 in brochure).  A booking fee of £20 (inc. VAT) must also be paid with the deposit.  A binding contract between the holidaymaker and the owner shall be entered into upon the Agent  issuing it’s confirmation form, as Agent for the owner.  The balance of the hiring charge will be payable twenty eight days before the commencement of the holiday.  Bookings received within this time period before prospective holiday dates must be paid for in full. In certain exceptions, some bookings will be referred to the owners before acceptance. Receipt and banking of monies does not constitute a confirmed booking.  All payments made shall be made to the Agent at the Agent’s address on the booking form or via the website's on-line booking system. Signing the booking form certifies that the applicant is over 18 years of age and confirms that the property will be used in accordance with holiday purposes – not for social gatherings, teenage holidays, etc.  Discretion will be used if bookings are  made by all male or all female groups as these are not normally entertained.  The owners permissions will be sought.  The Agents will reserve the right to refuse bookings.  Credit/debit card payments made by telephone also constitute agreement to abide by the Booking Conditions. 

3.    The Agents cannot be responsible for any matter outside their control, ie; damage, injury, delays, or loss in connection with your holiday arising directly or indirectly from mechanical or electrical breakdown, inclement weather, flood, fire, temporary invasion of pests or other Acts of God, war, farming or building activities, acts of local or central government, for nuisance caused on neighbouring properties, nor for the owner withdrawing the property.

4.     In the event that the Agents shall be unable to arrange the holiday accommodation the Agents shall use their best endeavours to arrange alternative accommodation from their portfolio.  If the alternative accommodation shall not be acceptable to the holidaymaker the Agents shall refund all monies in full and neither the Owner nor the Agent shall be liable for any other losses or expenses howsoever caused.

5.    The Owner is responsible for ensuring that the property is available to the tenant for the duration of the holiday, ie; ensuring that it is in a fit and reasonable state for the occupation but the Owner is not responsible for any defect of which he/she/the Agent were not aware.  Any equipment/appliance used in the property is entirely at the Tenant’s own risk.

6.    If any application for holiday accommodation cannot be confirmed within 14 days of it's receipt, the tenant will be notified as soon as possible.  If another property is not acceptable then cheques will be returned.  No payment will be taken unless the booking is confirmed. A telephone reservation without payment does not constitute a definite booking.

7.    The tenant must inform the Agent immediately by phone and then in writing of any cancellation for whatever reason.  On receipt of such notice, the Agents shall use their best endeavours to re-let the accommodation for the required dates.  If successful the tenant will have all monies returned less booking fee. If not, the Agents and Owners at their discretion may refund to the holidaymaker such part of the monies paid as remains after deducting any expenses  incurred by re-letting the property, making good any loss sustained to the owner and an amount equal to the sum payable by the holidaymaker for the period or periods the holiday accommodation is not re-let.  If the Agents shall be unable to re-let the property then all monies paid or payable by the holidaymaker (whether by way or deposit or otherwise) shall be payable and be forfeit to the Agents on behalf of the owners.

8.   All the information and statement contained in the brochure and online are made in good faith and the Agents use their best endeavours to check as far as possible all the information given to the holidaymakers.  The Agents shall not however, in any event be liable for any damage or loss resulting from any information or statements made whether orally or in writing.  The information contained in the brochure and online is believed to be accurate at the time of going to press.  However, the Agents reserve the right to make alterations thereto and shall endeavour to inform the holidaymaker of any such alterations.

9.   The holidaymaker shall occupy the booked accommodation and use it subject to the terms and conditions as outlined herein and within the property as outlined by the owners.  If electricity is by a meter and telephone is in the property the tenant is responsible for all telephone calls and electricity consumption.

10. The holidaymaker shall occupy the holiday accommodation and have the use of the furniture and effects therein as a licensee for a holiday for himself, his family and personal guests as detailed in the booking form for the period booked commencing at 3.00pm on the day of arrival until 10am on the day of departure unless alternative arrangements have been made and confirmed by the Agents.  THE HOLIDAYMAKER MUST ENSURE THAT THE PROPERTY IS VACATED AND THE KEYS RETURNED TO THE AGENTS OR THE OWNERS REPRESENTATIVE AS OUTLINED IN THE AGENTS FINAL LETTER REGARDING KEY ARRANGEMENTS, NO LATER THAN 10AM ON THE DAY OF THE TERMINATION OF THE HOLIDAY.  If the holiday accommodation is not vacated and the keys returned in accordance with these conditions, the owner or his representative shall have the right to enter the premises, removed the holidaymaker’s belongings and prepare the accommodation for the next holidaymaker.

11.  THE BROCHURE STATES THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PERSONS THAT EACH PROPERTY IS DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE.  THESE NUMBERS MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED.   IF THIS CONDITION IS NOT COMPLIED WITH THE AGENTS MAY IMMEDIATELY UPON DISCOVERING SUCH BREACH, TERMINATE THE HOLIDAYMAKERS LICENCE TO USE THE ACCOMMODATION AND THE HOLIDAYMAKER SHALL IMMEDIATELY VACATE THE HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION AND ALL MONIES PAID BY THE HOLIDAYMAKER SHALL BE FORFEIT TO THE AGENTS.  THE HOLIDAYMAKER SHALL FURTHER BE LIABLE TO PAY THE AGENTS ON DEMAND ALL COSTS AND EXPENSES ARISING FROM THE FAILURE BY THE HOLIDAYMAKER TO COMPLY WITH THIS CONDITION.

12.  The holidaymaker shall keep the accommodation and all the furniture, fittings, and effects in or on the premises in the same state of repair and condition as at the commencement of the holiday and shall leave the accommodation in the same state of cleanliness and general order in which it was found.  Any defects or wants of repair must be reported to the Agents or as per the instructions outlined inside the property.  The holidaymaker shall be responsible for all damage relating to the furniture, fittings and effects of the property and the Owners will make claims for repair/replacement thereof.

13.  Where loss or damage arises from breach of contract, negligence, misrepresentation or otherwise, neither the agents or it’s employees or owners will be under any liability to the holidaymaker or to third parties for any loss or damage howsoever arising subject to any statutory entitlement to the contrary.

14.  If the owner is prevented from making the property available as per the booking due to unforeseen circumstances beyond his/her control, ie; death, illness, theft, fire, flood, squatters, financial difficulties or other damage to the property, the Agents will make every effort to find alternative property from their portfolio but if this is not possible any refund will be made immediately without further claims being made by the holidaymaker or their representative against the owners or their Agents.

15.  Notice is hereby given by the Agents or Agents duly authorised by the owner may apply for possession of the holiday accommodation under Ground 3 or Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Housing Act 1988 at any time after determination of any licence to occupy the holiday accommodation.

16.  DURING HUNSTANTON TENNIS TOURNAMENT WEEK, A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IN THE SUM OF £200 IS PAYABLE WITH THE BALANCE OF RENTAL.

17. FOR ANY RESERVATION MADE AT SHORT NOTICE WITHIN TWO DAYS OF THE PROSPECTIVE HOLIDAY DATES, PAYMENT MUST BE MADE IN CASH AT THE AGENTS OFFICE OR A CHEQUE MUST BE SENT FIRST CLASS WITH AN EXTRA £10 FOR IMMEDIATE CLEARANCE.  DEBIT/CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTABLE.

18.  ANY LATE PAYMENT OVER 5 DAYS OVERDUE WILL INCUR £10 PER DAY ADMIN CHARGES.

19. Any items left behind at a property will incur at least a £5.00 charge for being collected, plus postage expenses.  Payment must be made in advance before we pack and return any items.  If tenants do not report missing belongings, then they will remain in our store for 3 months before being passed over to a Charity Shop or to the local tip.

NB; Tenants' information will not be shared or passed on to third parties for any purpose whatsoever.

RENTAL FIGURES, BOOKING FORM AND PART WEEK/BREAKS
The weekly rental figures are outlined in each description.  2/3 nights are charged for at 70% of a weeks rental, 4/5 nights, 85% of weeks rental. These breaks are usually available between September and April subject to availability and the owners consent.

HOLIDAY CANCELLATION INSURANCE
It is a condition of booking that Insurance cover against cancellation is taken by each tenant.  Please quote 'RIC1220' and 'Norfolk Holiday Homes' on the following telephone number 0845 260 1634 , to P J Hayman & Co Ltc, the Travel Insurance Specialists who are underwritten by ELVIA Travel Insurance International NV (Netherlands) and is administered by Mondial Assistance (UK) Ltd.  Or visit www.ukplusinsurance.co.uk . Full terms and conditions are available on line and are issued with the policy.  IMPORTANT; If no cancellation insurance is taken then tenants are responsible for the full amount should the property not get re-booked, even if the deposit has only been paid. Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) will be charged at the rate of 17.5%.  Premiums may be subject to a change in the event of tax change. 

CENTRAL HEATING
Should the hirer wish to use the central heating/night store heating (as outlined in certain property details) please confirm this when completing the booking form.

LINEN & TOWELS
Several properties supply bed linen and/or towels which are detailed in the property particulars. If tenants require this service please inform us on the booking form.

PETS
There is an extra charge of £20.00 per pet per week on the properties where they are permitted. Please state on the booking form.  Please remember to clear up in the garden after your dog has fouled, plus remove any evidence of animal hair, etc from the property.  If extra cleaning is required due to excess 'dog residue' in garden and/or house, then we reserve the right to charge for cleaning.

ACCESS STATEMENTS
THESE ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL PROPERTIES UPON REQUEST.

HOLIDAY PROBLEMS
Should tenants experience any problems during their stay, it would be appreciated if they could be reported to the owner/caretaker/this office as soon as possible please and we will use our best endeavours to rectify matters. We regret that any correspondence relating to complaints, received after the termination of the holiday cannot be entertained.

VALUE ADDED TAX
All rental figures include VAT at 17.5% at time of print. All rentals are subject to change if the rate alters. The details herein are correct as we know them.   Any known alterations will be issued to tenants as soon as possible.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES; DOCTOR:
Hunstanton area: tel. 01485 532859 or 999 or directory enquiries for name of the doctor in your area. POLICE: Hunstanton - tel. 01485 532666 POLICE/FIRE/ AMBULANCE: telephone 999. VET: Hunstanton area: tel. 01485 570065

ELECTRICITY/GAS/OIL/PLUMBING/HEATING
There should be an emergency list in each property, stating the owners name, address and telephone number together with the cleaners/caretakers details. Contact these people first (this should only apply at weekends when the office is closed). Please note that most service engineers cannot come out to attend problems at very short notice due to their job schedules. We do use a few firms who offer a 24 hour service if problems are extremely serious.

REFUSE DISPOSAL

ALL PROPERTIES SHOULD HAVE DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS INSIDE, OUTLINING INFORMATION REGARDING RUBBISH DISPOSAL.  PLEASE ADHERE TO THESE. TENANTS STAYING IN PROPERTIES THAT HAVE A RETURNABLE BREAKAGE DEPOSIT CHARGED ON THEM WILL LOSE THIS IF THEY DO NOT FULFIL THE INSTRUCTIONS EACH WEEK, AS THE BINS WILL THEN HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL RECYCLING/WASTE DISPOSAL AREA AND SORTED.  WE ARE SURE THAT YOU WOULD NOT WISH ANYONE TO SORT THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL RUBBISH.  THEREFORE, WE AND THE OWNERS KINDLY ASK THAT ALL RECYCLING IS DEALT WITH AS YOU WOULD AT HOME OR AS PER THE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE DISPOSABLE WASTE IS BAGGED UP INSIDE THE BLACK WHEELIE BINS.  WE ARE SORRY TO HAVE TO OUTLINE WHAT SHOULD BE AN EASY ENOUGH TASK, BUT DUE TO HOLIDAYMAKERS NOT READING INSTRUCTIONS, WE FEEL THAT WE MUST RE-ITERATE THIS INFORMATION IN AS MANY AREAS AS WE CAN; THE HOLIDAY HOME ITSELF, OUR BOOKING CONDITIONS, OUR CORRESPONDENCE TO TENANTS AND WITH KEYS IF THEY ARE COLLECTED FROM THIS OFFICE.  SADLY, WE FEEL THAT WE HAVE TO MAKE THIS CLEAR TO HOLIDAYMAKERS FROM THE OUTSET OF THEIR HOLIDAY.  RUBBISH IS PART OF OUR LIVES AT HOME AND DOES NOT GO AWAY WHEN WE ARE ON HOLIDAY, SO YOUR KIND ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER IS MUCH APPRECIATED PLEASE. 


THE AGENTS AND THE OWNERS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE BOOKINGS WITHOUT FURTHER REFERENCE.  PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE OWNERS DESCRETION.  BOOKINGS, DETAILS, PRICES AND DESCRIPTIONS AFRE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.   DETAILS MAY HAVE TO BE CHECKED BEFORE A BOOKING IS CONFIRMED.