Rental Contract

RENTAL CONTRACT

MANAGEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Host Names: Julie and Mark

Phone: (910) 292-9597

Renters and property owners are bound to the entirety of this terms and conditions document. But, for convenience, a plain-language summary of some pertinent aspects is included here:

MINIMUM AGE: You must be 25 years of age or older to book a reservation (section 4).
LODGING ONLY: We do not offer properties as event venues. Properties are available for lodging accommodations. The use of the house for any activity other than lodging could be grounds for expedited eviction or other legal action. Seek approval before you book. The cancellation policy applies to booked reservations that are canceled by the property manager due to the inappropriateness of intended use (section 10).
TRANSPORTATION & ACCESS: Guest/customer is responsible for transportation to the property. Get details and important information about access before booking. Four-wheel drive is highly recommended to access all properties during winter (section 13). Properties are accessed by mountain roads. Seek disclosures about each property on the property description page. Be familiar with all aspects that affect your plans.
CANCELLATION & TRAVEL INSURANCE: Commit to the dates before you book. Making a reservation pulls the house off the market for the dates you book. So, generally speaking, you must pay the property owner to reserve the property, even if you never occupy the property. Refunds are handled according to the cancellation policy (see section 7 and 8 below). It is highly recommended that you purchase the travel insurance.
QUIET HOURS: Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM each night and continue until sunrise. During these hours, all noise levels must be kept to a minimum out of respect for the surrounding residents. Guests are required to maintain respectful levels of volume at all times so as not to disturb neighbors.
QUIET ENJOYMENT: The Guest is expected to behave in a civilized manner and shall be good neighbors with any residents of the immediate area. Creating a disturbance or hosting large gatherings that disrupt the peace of the area shall be grounds for immediate termination of this Agreement.
BOOKING FEES: The Guest shall pay the Host the amount as detailed during the booking process.
UTILITIES: The Host shall be responsible for all utilities and services to the Premises.
SECURITY DEPOSIT: The Guest shall be obligated to pay any Security Deposit or damage waiver amount as detailed in the booking process. Any applicable deposit will be returned to the Guest within the State's requirements after the end of the Lease Term, less any itemized deductions for damages or breaches of the Agreement.
SMOKING POLICY: Smoking on the Premises is prohibited.
SUBLETTING: The guest does not have the right to sublet the Premises.
INSPECTION: The Host has the right to inspect the Premises with prior notice as in accordance with State law. Should the Guest violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the rental period shall be terminated immediately in accordance with State law.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS: The Guest shall maintain the Premises in a good, clean, and ready-to-rent condition. Any damages caused by the Guest shall be repaired at their expense.
TRASH: The Guest shall dispose of all waste material generated during the Lease Term under the strict instruction and direction of the Host.
HOST’S LIABILITY: The Guest and any of their guests hereby indemnify and hold harmless the Host against any and all claims of personal injury or property damage arising from the use of the Premises. By choosing to stay at one of our properties, you acknowledge and agree that your use of all amenities, including but not limited to the grill, hot tub, shared dock, canoe, and any other provided amenities, is at your own risk. You understand that the use of these amenities involves inherent risks and that you assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur.
ATTORNEY’S FEES: The Guest agrees to pay all reasonable costs, attorney's fees, and expenses incurred by the Host enforcing this agreement.
USE OF PREMISES: The Guest shall use the Premises for residential use only. Commercial activities are strictly prohibited.
ILLEGAL ACTIVITY: The Guest shall use the Premises for legal purposes only. Any illegal activities will result in immediate termination of this Agreement with no refund of pre-paid rent.
GOVERNING LAW: This Agreement shall be governed and subject to the laws located in the jurisdiction of Premise’s location.

This total document discloses the full policy regarding how reservations are managed, and what responsibilities you are accepting when you book a property.

THIS IS A VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT UNDER THE NORTH CAROLINA VACATION RENTAL ACT. THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT ARE DEFINED BY LAW AND INCLUDE UNIQUE PROVISIONS PERMITTING THE DISBURSEMENT OF RENT PRIOR TO TENANCY AND EXPEDITED EVICTION OF GUESTS. YOUR SIGNATURE ON THIS AGREEMENT, PAYMENT OF MONEY, OR TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY AFTER RECEIPT OF THE AGREEMENT IS EVIDENCE OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT AND YOUR INTENT TO USE THIS PROPERTY FOR A VACATION RENTAL.

THIS VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT ALSO ADHERES TO THE TENNESSEE SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNIT ACT AND APPLIES TO PROPERTIES OFFERED IN BOTH TENNESSEE AND NORTH CAROLINA.

1) LIABILITY

HORIZON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC. is a private family business that owns and manages short-term vacation rental properties. The properties are private homes. When you book a property, you enter into a real estate contract with the property owner. The owner is not responsible or liable for any loss of the renter’s personal property or bodily injury or damage of any nature from any cause to the renter (including his or her guests, licensees, or invitees). The owner is not responsible for skiing conditions, insects, rodents, flies, or other pests, weather conditions, road conditions, power outages, acts of God, criminal activities, economic downturns, political changes, or any other activity, event or condition beyond its control.

2) CHARGES

All reservations require a payment of at least fifty percent (50%) of the reservation total for confirmation. The reservation balance shall be due upon the due date disclosed in the cancellation policy notice on the property page. Reservations made within the final balance due date must be paid in full and charged with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). Your reservation becomes a guaranteed reservation upon monies paid on your account that comply with the reservation requirement and final balance due date (restrictions apply). Reservations are subject to a processing fee, applicable taxes, a cleaning fee, other service fees, and damage waiver, among other potential fees. A security deposit may be required.

3) PAYMENTS

Reservations made more than 30 days from the date of arrival may be paid by check or credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover). The reservation is not guaranteed until receipt of the total amount due at the time the reservation is made. Credit card payments MUST be placed on a card held in the same name as the responsible party (see section 4). The property will be marketed until receipt of payment. If multiple credit cards are used to pay for the reservation, all card-holders are equally responsible for the total cost and also for damages. Personal checks received after the final balance due date may not be accepted if the final balance has been paid by credit card. If the 2nd payment is not paid by the due date, the reservation will be canceled, and the cancellation policy will apply. Acceptance of these terms and conditions is an approval of the automatic charge of final payment to the card used for the initial reservation on the final payment due date. There will be a $25 fee added to returned checks.

All payments received for rentals located in North Carolina will be held in the Horizon Investment Properties Trust account at Wells Fargo Bank located at 1256 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 and/or Wells Fargo Bank located at 4530 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606. Both banks are federally insured depository institutions authorized to do business in North Carolina. For rentals in Tennessee, payments may be held in the Horizon Investment Properties Trust account at Thread Bank 210 E Main St, Rogersville, TN 37857, a federally insured depository institution authorized to do business in Tennessee. Payments may be deposited in an interest-bearing account, and any accrued interest shall be disbursed to the property owner.

4) RESPONSIBLE PARTY

The persons whose credit cards are used to pay for the reservation accept responsibility for all occupants complying with rental policies, procedures, and restrictions. The responsible party must be at least 25 years of age and is required to stay in the property for the time reserved. Aside from normal wear and tear, the responsible party is responsible to pay for any damages to the property or its contents during property possession under the vacation rental agreement. If damages or excessive cleaning appears to be the result of negligent or deliberate actions or omission, the responsible party agrees to a deposit being charged to the credit card to be held in trust until damages are covered. If multiple credit cards are used to pay for the reservation, all cardholders are equally responsible for the total cost and also for damages. The responsible party is liable for damages caused by negligent, intentional, or omitted actions. Reservations on which the damage waiver fee is paid will not be held responsible for accidental damages less than $5,000.

BE FAMILIAR WITH THESE TERMS AND SEEK APPROVAL BEFORE BOOKING IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION REGARDING THE APPROPRIATENESS OF YOUR RESERVATION. RESERVATIONS MADE BY PERSONS NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT, OR RESERVATIONS BOOKED FOR A PROHIBITED INTENDED USE, MAY FORFEIT ALL MONEY PAID TOWARD THE RESERVATION.

5) DAMAGES, AND MISSING ITEMS

All reservations require a damage waiver. Neither damage insurance nor security deposit are required when a damage waiver is applied. The non-refundable damage waiver is not insurance. The cost varies per home and is billed as a small per-night fee and is non-refundable. It is designed to give you peace of mind by making you not responsible for accidental damage to the property less than $5,000. Damage excluded from being covered by the damage waiver includes, though is not limited to the following:

Intentional, willful, reckless or malicious acts by any member of the reservation on the premises during the tenancy
Negligent omission
Theft from the premises of the owner’s property
Damage caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Damages caused by smoking inside the home
Damages related to gas log fireplaces due to the logs being re-arranged, or burning items inside the gas log fireplace, such as paper, wood, etc.
Damages to the property caused by operation of a motorized vehicle by a guest or their guests
Excessive damages done by pets
Gross negligence of guest or intentional misuse of the property by having an unauthorized party or gathering resulting in excessive housekeeping and/or damages
Gross negligence of guest or intentional misuse of furnishing, appliances, equipment or other amenities provided with the home. This includes tampering with audio/video system controls and component programming and alarm systems.

Any damages shall be reported immediately to info@horizoninvestmentprop.com, or by phone (910) 292-9597.

A Visa, Discover, MasterCard, or American Express number is required for each reservation. The responsible party agrees that all costs for damage excluded from the damage waiver rules will be charged to the card on file. Owner reserves the right to collect a deposit in advance, which will be held in the Horizon Investment Properties Trust account at Wells Fargo Bank located at 1256 E Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 and/or Wells Fargo Bank located at 4530 Western Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27606, for all rentals located within North Carolina. For rentals in Tennessee, guest deposits may be held in the Horizon Investment Properties Trust account at Thread Bank 210 E Main St, Rogersville, TN 37857. The deposit is refundable, provided nothing is broken, missing, or damaged.

6) CLERICAL ERRORS

The owner reserves the right to cancel a reservation within 14 days of the booking or 250 days prior to the arrival date if the house was erroneously priced, made available for fewer nights than the minimum allowed by the owner, or other clerical errors. If the reservation is canceled because of a clerical error, the customer is entitled to a full refund. Clerical errors are rare. To avoid the potential of cancellation under this policy, you may ask for a review and email confirmation of your reservation.

7) CANCELLATION POLICY

You may cancel your reservation for a full refund up to 30 days prior to arrival. Cancelations up to 14 days prior to arrival will receive a 50% refund based on the total cost of the reservation, apart from reservations made through Airbnb.com, which will receive a 50% refund up to 7 days prior to arrival based on the total cost of the reservation. You may be able to recover the entire amount if travel insurance was purchased and the reason for cancellation is covered. Non-payment of the final balance after the due date will be considered the same as cancellation and the cancellation policy will apply. The portion not refunded is the cancellation fee and is dispersed to the owner per contract as compensation for the time off the market caused by the reservation. Attempts to reserve a property without payment will be declined. Attempts to make a reservation not subject to this cancellation policy will be declined.

8) VACATION TRAVEL INSURANCE

Please review the information regarding travel insurance posted on our website and our Cancellation Policy in Section 7. You are guaranteeing payment for your reservation in exchange for pulling the property off the market to reserve it. If an unforeseen event causes you to have to cancel, you are still responsible for payment. Travel insurance can protect you from certain risks offering protection against unforeseen causes of trip cancellation, interruption, and delay, among other benefits. You may accept the offer to purchase travel insurance through the provided links or chose your own insurer. Your choice to forgo purchasing a travel insurance policy after the option has been provided will serve as your official declination. By declining travel insurance, you accept the risk associated with making an uninsured commitment. If you purchase the recommended Vacation Travel Insurance, HORIZON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC. is not a licensed insurance agent, cannot sell insurance, and does not earn a commission on the issuance of any policy from the insurance provider. Any policy agreement and claims processing is solely between the guest and the travel insurance policy provider.

9) RENTAL CAPACITY

Please check the number of people each property sleeps as detailed in the online property description. The maximum occupancy stated on the property page represents the MAXIMUM number of people, including children, allowed to occupy the property. Please provide our office with the names and ages of all the people accompanying you to this rental. You will be prompted to comply with this requirement via email.

10) EVENTS, GATHERINGS FOR UNRELATED GROUPS, AND HOUSE PARTIES WARNING

Properties are available for lodging accommodations. We do not offer properties as event venues. We do not rent for house parties or events that accommodate more than the published maximum occupancy. Gatherings and reservations hosting unrelated groups must be approved. Certain conditions may apply. If your plans include a gathering or involve hosting occupants whose age range and make-up may be construed as a gathering, please seek approval before booking the property. Acceptable arrangements are determined at the sole discretion of HORIZON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC. Reservations that appear to include an unapproved gathering may be canceled. The cancellation policy would apply. Indications that cause concern would be the whole group being in the same age range, not related, or the majority of guests being associated with groups that are historically linked to partying. If your group may be construed as such, we likely will still want to do business with you. But to avoid difficulty, please call our office to be approved by Horizon Investment Properties before booking. The cancellation policy applies to booked reservations that are canceled by the property manager due to inappropriateness of intended use.

11) CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT

CHECK-IN: (READ CAREFULLY) All homes have a coded entry and a lockbox, so there is no need to come to an office to pick up a key. Normal check-in time is 4:00 PM. During holidays and busy seasons, check-in time will vary depending on Housekeeping's workload. Please call us within 1 hour of arrival to your property to report any damages or other issues; otherwise, you may be held responsible for previous guests' damage. Call: (910) 292-9597.

The early check-in option may be available if the prior guest’s departure is not scheduled for your arrival date. When available, the early check-in option allows you to arrive at 1:00 PM. If you purchase this option for $35 and we need to cancel the early check-in for any reason, we will let you know as soon as we can, and your early check-in fee will be refunded. The early check-in option is not guaranteed since someone may book the night prior to your arrival AFTER you select early check-in. To truly guarantee the availability of early check-in, you need to simply reserve the night preceding your arrival date.

CHECK-OUT: You must vacate the property no later than the published check-out time on the last day of your reservation, typically 10:00 AM. Cleaning service fees are included within your total reservation costs. Additional cleaning services are available for a fee and are detailed in your check-in/check-out instructions (provided by email before your reservation), as well as shown here below.

The late check-out option may be available when the next guest arrival is not scheduled for your departure date. When available, the late check-out option allows you to depart at 1:00 PM. If you purchase this option for $35 and we need to cancel the late check-out for any reason, we will let you know as soon as we can, and your late check-out fee (including tax) will be refunded. The late check-out option is not guaranteed since someone may book the night of your departure AFTER you select late check-out. To truly guarantee the availability of late check-out, you need to simply reserve the night of your departure date.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES: A general cleaning of the property plus linen service is included. The following check-out procedures are the responsibility of the guest:

Return all remotes to their assigned area/holder, ensuring they are easy to locate in each room.
Place all used dishes, glassware, and silverware in the dishwasher, put in dishwasher detergent, and turn it on. Pots and pans should be cleaned separately.
Remove all sheets and pillowcases from the beds and place them with any used towels in the bathtub or shower.
Collect and deposit trash in outdoor trash containers as outlined per property and never leave trash outside the bins. If unable to fit all trash in the bins provided, guests are to take trash to the nearest trash collection area.
Do not leave a mess inside the home.
In the Winter, make sure heat is on and thermostat is set to 60 degrees. DO NOT TURN THE HEAT, OR HOT TUB, OFF IN WINTER MONTHS.
In the Summer, make sure heat is not on and turn the thermostat to 80 degrees.
Make sure ALL windows and doors are closed and locked.
Do not turn off pilot lights in fireplaces or stoves.
Report damages before departure.

12) USER ERROR, LOCK-OUTS, AND LOST KEYS

All systems are checked to confirm they are working prior to each arrival. Call us to seek service if an advertised amenity ceases to function. There may be a charge for service if the cause of the malfunction is user-error. If a physical key is lost, there will be a $100 charge.

13) WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS

Weather conditions in the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee are unpredictable. Be aware that rain, fog, snow, sleet, and ice are possible. Road conditions may become hazardous before or during your stay. For this reason, a 4-wheel drive vehicle, tire chains and the ability to drive on snow and ice are the only things we can recommend to get to or from the property. A 2-wheel drive vehicle with chains, or a 4-wheel drive vehicle without chains, will not operate as well as 4-wheel drive with chains; especially on steep inclines encountered upon approach and departure from the rental properties.

Horizon Investment Properties makes our best attempt to contract with a service provider to mitigate the accumulation of snow. Properties are treated on a route (providers' schedule). Service providers are instructed to mitigate after 3 inches of accumulation. We do not commit to achieving the same standard as state-maintained roads. We seek to make driveways passable by a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and chains. Weather conditions dictate whether this is possible, given the resources available. Some property driveways are uniquely difficult to plow. In these cases, there is a disclosure on the property page indicating the circumstances and the traits necessary to navigate the driveway.

The following conditions are required to successfully navigate winter weather situations:

Accept personal responsibility
Prepare for possible conditions
Approach circumstances of winter weather with a practical attitude that acknowledges the limited nature of the property manager's commitment and that responsibility for safety and consequences for actions belong to the vehicle operator.

Snow mitigation service for the driveway may not include the removal of snow and ice from walkways and entry areas, which may be covered with snow or may be slick with ice as a result of the weather. Be prepared to walk on surfaces with accumulated snow and ice if your visit coincides with a weather event that causes snow or ice. Products are available to provide traction on snow and ice. We will not change the standard to which we seek to clear snow/ice based on the transportation choices you make. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRIVE FULLY PREPARED. There will be NO refunds, changes in properties, allowances, or date changes resulting from negligence in this matter.

14) EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES

All equipment and advertised amenities should be in working order. Please report any equipment problems to us immediately. Please be patient if you encounter any inconveniences. We are motivated to serve you and will address issues as quickly as our ability and resources allow. The timing of solutions will be affected by when the malfunction occurred, the authority to affect change, the availability of specialists, and the demands on resources when the issue occurs. Refund decisions, regarding appropriateness or amount, for equipment failure and inconveniences are decided by Horizon Investment Properties owners, and we will consider the equitable interests of both parties to the contract.

15) HOT TUB USE

Hot tub use is "at your own risk" and the guest is responsible for all persons on the property. Please take care to know the rules of hot tub usage.

***You must shower BEFORE and AFTER entering the Hot Tub***

The water chemicals are checked and balanced before arrival. We guarantee water quality at the time of your arrival (conditions apply). If you have any reason to believe the hot tub was not serviced properly, you must contact us within 1 hour of your arrival by leaving a message and/or sending an email, and we will provide service at no charge. We do not guarantee the quality of water for the duration of your stay, since use and especially improper use can reduce water levels and clarity. Use of the hot tub changes the chemical balance as the chemicals remove bacteria and makes use of the filtration system which removes material from body oil, organic matter, soaps, perfumes, soap/conditioner residue, sunscreen, makeup, etc... Showering before use reduces the impact on the tub's chemicals and filter system and extends the useful life of the hot tub water/chemicals provided for your stay. Showering afterward removes chemicals and organic residue that may have been introduced by exposure to the water.

It is the guest's responsibility to report if use of the tub has created the need for servicing. The need for additional servicing is caused by use and there is a fee to maintain the quality during your stay. You may order the service by calling or emailing us. A standard mid-stay chemical balance and filter cleaning service is $45.00. A mid-stay dump and refill of the hot tub is $100. If the water needs service, continued use of the hot tub without water treatment may cause injury. It is the guest's responsibility to arrange service as needed during the stay.

A hot tub cover is no representation that it will prevent children from entering. To avoid injury, do not permit children to use or access the hot tub unless closely supervised by an adult. Use extreme caution and supervise your children at all times during your stay. Stay off the hot tub cover: It will not support the weight. If a hot tub cover is broken because it cannot support climbing on it, you will be charged to replace it, which can cost more than $600. Remove the cover completely before entry to prevent entrapment. Non-secured or improperly secured covers are a hazard. Failure to follow instructions may result in injury or drowning.

Water in the hot tub should never exceed 104 degrees F (40C). Temperatures between 100 degrees F (38C) and 104 degrees F (40C) are considered safe for healthy adults. Lower temperatures are recommended for children. Usage time for these temperatures is 10 minutes; prolonged usage may injure your health.
Do not splash water out of the hot tub. Doing so may damage the hot tub.
Pregnant women should consult a physician before using a hot tub.
Medications, alcohol or drugs should not be used before or during hot tub use as they can lead to unconsciousness with the possibility of drowning. A physician should be consulted before using a hot tub if there is a medical history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, circulatory system problems, diabetes or if suffering from obesity. Any person using medications should consult a physician before using a hot tub. Some medications may induce drowsiness. Other medications may affect heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation and may cause drowning.
Do not use the hot tub unless all suction guards are installed to prevent body and hair entrapment. Never operate the hot tub if the suction fittings are broken, cracked or missing.
Do not permit any electric appliances such as a telephone, light, radio or television within 10 feet of the hot tub.
People with infectious diseases must not use the hot tub.
Wet surfaces can be slippery; to avoid injury, exercise care when entering or exiting the hot tub.
Do not use a hot tub immediately following strenuous exercise.
The use of alcohol or drugs can greatly increase the risk of fatal hyperthermia in hot tubs.
No horseplay or roughhousing in the hot tub.
No glass of any kind is allowed inside of or on the edge of the hot tub. Broken glass inside the hot tub requires prompt draining and cleaning of the hot tub. Notify us by phone and email if broken glass enters the hot tub in any way. A $200 broken glass emergency hot tub cleaning fee will be assessed upon timely and proactive notification from a guest. Broken glass discovered by the hot tub cleaners following a guest’s stay without proactive notification from the guest will result in a $300 glass removal and cleaning fee.

16) PETS

Our pet-friendly properties allow dogs only and a maximum of two dogs per reservation. Contact us for approval. Pit Bull Terriers of any variation are not permitted. We accept approved pets with a non-refundable pet fee of $90 per pet, per stay. All pets must be put in a crate if left unattended at the property. Guest's breach of this provision shall be considered material and shall result in forfeiture of any monies paid and the termination of tenancy. Evidence of a pet at the property without prior approval may result in a $100 fee in addition to the standard pet fee charged to the credit card on file post-departure.

17) NUMBER OF CARS

Please be aware that some communities have strict standards regarding the number of vehicles allowed to park at a property. Some areas may not allow motorcycles, RVs, or trailers. You must adhere to these regulations at all times during your stay. You will be prompted by email with the number and type of vehicles, and we will let you know ahead of time if there are any issues with the number or type of vehicles you disclose to minimize any issues caused by parking space or community limitations at that location.

18) SUBSTITUTION

The owner reserves the right to substitute accommodations if circumstances require. Circumstances include but are not limited to acts of nature, malfunctions, or other accidents or incidents that render a property uninhabitable. In the event a property becomes unavailable, the owner will contact the guest to offer alternative properties or a full refund.

19) PAY PER SERVICE ON OWNERS SUBSCRIPTION

For your convenience, VOIP telephones are included in all of our vacation homes. Additionally, we have included a number of premium streaming television services, some of which might include Hulu TV, Disney+, ESPN+, and Max/HBO. If access is included with your rental, instructions and usernames, and passwords will be available near applicable devices. Viewing of Pay-Per-View programs or any other services deliberately selected using our account login information is prohibited by the owner and will result in charges to your deposit and/or credit card.

20) ITEMS LEFT IN PROPERTY

Horizon Investment Properties is not responsible for items left in rental properties. It is important to check thoroughly before departing to avoid leaving your belongings. If you failed to remove and pack a belonging, inform us immediately if you want lost and found service. If you purchase lost and found service, we will attempt to locate the item and arrange to ship to the address you provide. Please remember that success with locating and returning the item to you is affected by many variables, so there is no guarantee that the items left will be found. If you contact us and request service related to a lost and found item, you will be charged for the service (generally $35 but is subject to change). Shipping will not be charged unless we successfully locate and deliver the item for shipping. Items found but not claimed within 2 weeks of departure date will be donated to charity.

21) OWNER'S CLOSETS OR OTHER LOCKED AREAS

It is normal for a portion of the property to be locked and unavailable for guest use. Locked closets or other areas are reserved for storage of the owner's private property, along with cleaning supplies. Locked areas are not included with a reservation. Entry to locked areas of the house will be considered illegal trespassing.

22) ENTRY

Under special and rare circumstances, the owner may be required to enter the property during reasonable hours for any purpose connected with its repair, care, or management. The guest will be provided prior notice of entry into the property during the guest's stay.

23) WHAT IS PROVIDED AT THE HOUSE UPON ARRIVAL

All properties are set up for light housekeeping. Beds are made with clean linens, as well as one towel and one washcloth are provided for each guest. Hand towels are also provided in the bathroom. HORIZON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES provides a starter amount of toilet tissue, soap, shampoo, dish soap, paper towels, and trash bags. You may need to bring supplies from home or plan to purchase these items to be properly stocked for the duration of your stay. Kitchens should be stocked with kitchenware and tableware sufficient for basic meal preparation. Specialty cookware is not guaranteed, but we try to keep all of our properties well-stocked and ready to meet your needs.

24) DISBURSEMENT OF RENT TO THIRD PARTIES/FEES

Guest authorizes owner to disburse up to fifty (50%) of the rent to the owner (or as owner directs) prior to guest's occupancy of the premises, and the balance of the rent upon the commencement of the tenancy or as otherwise permitted under the Vacation Rental Act. Guest also authorizes owner to disburse prior to guest's occupancy of the premises any fees owed by the property owner to third parties to pay for any goods, services, or benefits procured by the owner for the benefit of the guest or property owner.

25) TRANSFER OF PREMISES

If the owner voluntarily transfers the premises, the guest has the right to enforce this agreement against the grantee of the premises. If a guest's occupancy under this agreement is to end 180 days after such recordation. The guest has no right to enforce the terms of the agreement unless the grantee agrees in writing to honor this agreement. If the grantee does not honor this agreement, the guest is entitled to a refund of all advance rent paid by guest. Within 10 days after transfer of the premises, the grantee or the grantee's owner is required to (i) notify the guest in writing of the transfer of the premises, the grantee's name and address, and the date the grantee's interest was recorded; and (ii) advise guest whether the guest has the right to occupy the premises subject to the terms of this agreement or receive a refund of any payment made by the guest. Upon termination of the owner's interest in the premises, whether by sale, assignment, death, the appointment of a receiver or otherwise, the owner, owner's owner, or real estate owner is required to transfer all advance rent and fees paid by guest to the owner's successor-in interest within 30 days and notify the guest by email of such transfer and of the transferee's name and address. However, if guest's occupancy under this agreement is to end more than 180 days after the recordation of the interest of the owner's successor-in-interest in the premises, and the successor-in-interest has not agreed to honor this agreement, all advance rent paid by guest must be transferred to the guest within 30 days. If the owner's interest in the premises is involuntarily transferred prior to the guest's occupancy of the premises, the owner is required to refund to the guest all advance rent paid by guest within 60 days of the transfer.

26) GUEST DUTIES

Guest agrees to be a polite and conscientious neighbor, and to comply with all obligations imposed by the Vacation Rental Act with respect to maintenance of the premises, including but not limited to keeping the premises as clean and safe as the conditions of the premises permit and causing no unsafe or unsanitary conditions. Guest agrees to not use the premises or amenities for any activity or purpose that violates any criminal or copyright law or governmental or local regulation, including noise ordinances, local parking restrictions, and illegal internet use. Guest's breach of any duty contained in these terms and conditions shall be considered material and shall result in the termination of tenancy. Horizon Investment Properties will cooperate with any investigation of illegal activity that seeks to hold perpetrators responsible.

27) OWNERS DUTIES

The owner agrees to provide the premises in a fit and habitable condition. If at the time the guest is to begin occupancy of the premises, the owner cannot provide the premises in a fit and habitable condition or substitute a reasonably comparable property in such condition, the owner shall refund to the guest all payments made by the guest.

OWNER SHALL CONDUCT ALL BROKERAGE ACTIVITIES IN REGARD TO THE AGREEMENT WITHOUT RESPECT TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, HANDICAP, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR FAMILIAL STATUS OF ANY GUEST.

28) MANDATORY EVACUATION

If state or local authorities order a mandatory evacuation of an area that includes the premises, the guest shall comply with the order. Upon compliance, the guest will be entitled to a refund of the prorated rent for each night that the guest is unable to occupy the premises because of the order. However, the guest will not be entitled to a refund if, prior to taking possession of the premises, (i) the guest refused insurance offered by the owner that would have compensated the guest for losses or damages resulting from loss of use of the premises due to the mandatory evacuation order, or (ii) the guest purchased insurance offered by the landlord or real estate broker. The insurance offered shall be provided by an insurance company duly authorized by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and the insurance cost shall not exceed eight percent (8%) of the total rent charged for the vacation rental to the guest.

29) EXPEDITED EVICTION

If the tenancy created hereunder is for 30 days or less the expedited eviction procedures set forth in the Vacation Rental Act will apply. The guest may be evicted under such procedures if the guest: (i) holds over in possession after the terms of the guest's rental agreement has expired, (ii) commits a material breach of any provision of the agreement (including any addendum hereto) that according to its terms would result in the termination of the guest's tenancy; (iii) fails to pay rent as required by this agreement; or (iv) has obtained possession of the premises by fraud or misrepresentation.

30) INDEMNIFICATION AND HOLD HARMLESS: RIGHT OF ENTRY; ASSIGNMENT

Guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the owner from and against any liability for personal injury or property damage sustained by any person (including the guest's guests) as a result of any cause unless caused by the negligent or willful act of the owner, or the failure of the owner to comply with the Vacation Rental Act. The guest agrees that the owner or their respective representatives may enter the premises during reasonable hours to inspect the premises, to make such repairs, alteration or improvements thereto as the owner may deem appropriate, or to show the premises to prospective purchasers or guests. Guest shall not assign this agreement or sublet the premises in whole or part without the written permission of the owner. There are no security cameras on any property's premises to fully respect our guests' privacy. Acceptance of terms and conditions is acknowledgment and acceptance of this information by the guest.

31) RESOLUTION

Any claim or dispute arising from or related to this agreement shall be settled by first discussing the matter, secondly by mediation, and, if necessary, by legally binding arbitration. Judgment upon an arbitration decision may be entered in any court otherwise having jurisdiction. The parties understand that these methods shall be the sole remedy for any controversy or claim arising out of this agreement and expressly waive their right to file a lawsuit in any civil court against one another for such disputes, except to enforce an arbitration decision.

32) NO SMOKING

All of our properties are NON-SMOKING properties. You may not use smoking or vaping products of any kind inside the properties. If any sign of smoking or vaping is found inside a property, the responsible party accepts responsibility for odor remediation and possibly reimbursement of the property owner for time off the market, should remediation require extended time.

33) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

The properties in our vacation rental program are privately owned residences, and NONE of the properties meet the standards to be ADA Compliant.

ALL RESERVATIONS MADE VIA THE WEB HAVE ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO ALL TERMS IN THIS AGREEMENT IN FULL. IF THIS RESERVATION WAS MADE WITH HORIZON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC. THROUGH ANY MEANS OTHER THAN THE ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM, THIS AGREEMENT IS EMAILED TO YOU ALONG WITH YOUR RESERVATION CONFIRMATION. WHILE PAYMENT OF MONEY OR TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY AFTER RECEIPT OF THE AGREEMENT IS EVIDENCE OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT AND YOUR INTENT TO USE THIS PROPERTY FOR A VACATION RENTAL, YOUR RESERVATION IS NOT GUARANTEED AND CONFIRMED UNTIL RECEIPT OF A STATEMENT OF ACCEPTANCE FROM THE EMAIL ADDRESS ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESERVATION.

Acknowledgment:

I agree to abide by the rules and policies herein as well as those pertaining to the property I am renting as outlined by the house rules and/or rental contract. Failure to adhere to the rules and policies may result in forfeiture of my deposit and/or denial of occupancy without refund. I agree with the rules and policies concerning the use of the hot tub, lake access, shared dock, canoe, and any other amenities provided. I will not bring a pet to a property without explicit approval. I authorize to the use of my credit card for any damages incurred during my tenancy.

By completing my reservation, I agree that this is a legally binding document and acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the terms and conditions of this rental contract and liability waiver. I agree to hold harmless and indemnify Horizon Invest Properties and it’s owners from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from my use of the property and its amenities.

Rental Agreement