Terms & House rules

Important information for your stay

1. General terms and conditions

These general terms and conditions (GTC) govern the rental agreement between the landlord (Ferienhaus Ardèche) and the tenant (guest) for the holiday home.

By booking, the guest agrees to these GTC. The tenant undertakes to comply with all house rules and to treat the property with respect.

Each stay constitutes a rental contract under German law.

Consumers (natural persons booking the holiday home for non-commercial purposes) have a statutory right of withdrawal. Details on the period and exercise are set out in the cancellation conditions (Section 4) and in the statutory provisions.

2. Booking & Payment

Booking process

  • Guest selects travel dates and fills in the booking form
  • Booking request is reviewed by the landlord
  • Confirmation by email within 24 hours
  • With confirmation, the guest receives a payment link

Payment terms

  • Due date: Payment is due within 3 days of confirmation.
  • Payment methods: Payment via Stripe (credit card, instant transfer, etc.)
  • Last-minute booking: Even when booking less than 30 days before arrival, payment is due within 3 days of confirmation.
  • Payment confirmation: You will receive a receipt by email after successful payment

Included in the rental price

  • Accommodation in the holiday home for the booked nights
  • Final cleaning of the house after departure (flat rate €150)
  • Use of all facilities (pool, terrace, garden, etc.)
  • Wi-Fi & utilities (electricity, water, heating)

Important: The deposit is NOT included in the rental price and is blocked on the card as a pre-authorization.

3. Deposit

Deposit amount

500.00 € (gross)

The deposit is a security and is fully refunded if the house is left in good condition.

Deposit pre-authorization

  • The deposit is not charged immediately but blocked on the card as a pre-authorization. The amount is temporarily reserved.
  • If there are no damages or extra costs at check-out, the hold is released and the funds become available again. If there are damages or outstanding costs, the amount may be captured in full or in part.
  • The deposit is shown separately in the booking summary.

Refund period

7–14 days after departure

  • Refund to the guest's bank account
  • Delays possible due to damage inspection or bank processing
  • Invoice for damages will be communicated separately

When the deposit may be retained

The deposit may be retained in full or in part for:

Damage

  • Damaged furniture, doors, windows
  • Broken electrical appliances due to misuse
  • Damaged furnishings
  • Cracks in tiles or walls

Soiling

  • Heavy soiling of the house
  • Stains on furniture or carpets that cannot be removed
  • Soiled kitchen or bathroom
  • Unusual cleaning effort required

Missing or stolen items

  • House keys not returned
  • Inventory items missing
  • Dishes, cutlery or other furnishings taken

Breach of contract

  • Guests exceeded the permitted number of persons
  • Serious breach of house rules
  • Prohibition on pets or smoking disregarded

Procedure in case of damage

Step 1: Documentation at check-out

The landlord or their representative inspects the house immediately after departure and documents any damage with photos.

Step 2: Notification to the guest

Within 5 working days, the landlord will notify by email whether there is damage and how much will be retained.

Step 3: Invoice & statement

For damage claims, the guest receives a detailed invoice with an explanation of repair/cleaning costs.

Step 4: Refund of remainder

After clarification, the remaining amount will be transferred within 7–14 days.

Tip: Guest and landlord can agree on a joint inspection report to avoid disputes.

No retention: The deposit is fully refunded if the house is left in the same condition as it was handed over (normal wear and tear excepted).

4. Cancellation

Cancellation up to 60 days before arrival

Free cancellation, full refund

Cancellation 30–59 days before arrival

50% of the rental price is retained, 50% is refunded

Cancellation less than 30 days before arrival

No refund of the rental price

The deposit is always refunded (it is not subject to cancellation).

5. House rules

Quiet hours

10:00 pm to 8:00 am – Please respect your neighbours

Smoking

Smoking is generally not allowed. Smoking is only permitted on the terrace with an ashtray.

Pets

Pets are not allowed. The holiday home is pet-free.

Number of persons

Maximum 8 persons. Guests on the name list allowed. Additional persons only after prior agreement.

Pool use & pool liability

The pool may only be used during the day (before 10:00 pm). Swimming nappies required for small children. The pool is fenced and can be locked.

Drowning is one of the most common accident-related causes of death, especially among children. The pool is fenced and lockable. Nevertheless, guests use the pool at their own risk. Children may only use the pool area under constant adult supervision. The landlord is not liable for accidents, injuries or drowning in or at the pool. Guests must keep the gate closed when not in use.

Events & parties

Private events and parties are not permitted. The house is a private home, not an event venue.

Waste separation

There is one bin for general waste and one for plastic. Suitable bin bags are in the kitchen cupboard. No other bins are provided.

6. Damage & Liability

The guest is liable for all damage caused by him/her, accompanying persons or guests during the stay.

Insurance for guests

We recommend that guests take out travel cancellation and luggage insurance to protect against losses.

Limitation of landlord's liability

  • The landlord is not liable for theft from guests or visitors
  • The landlord is not liable for loss of personal belongings
  • The landlord is not liable for property damage due to force majeure (natural disasters, etc.)
  • Damage due to normal wear and tear is not charged

Immediate action in case of damage

In case of damage (e.g. water damage, power failure) please inform us immediately:

Email: kontakt@ferienhaus-ardeche.com · Mobile: +49 151 55652727

7. Arrival & Departure

Check-in

From 3:00 pm on the day of arrival.

Check-out

Until 10:00 am on the day of departure.

Key handover & return

  • Keys are handed over at check-in
  • Keys must be returned in full at check-out
  • Lost keys will be deducted from the deposit (key replacement costs approx. €150–200)

Inspection report

A handover report is prepared and signed by the guest and the landlord. This documents the condition of the house on arrival and departure.

8. Data protection

The guest's personal data is only used for administrative purposes (booking confirmation, payment, communication). It is not passed on to third parties unless required by law.

For more information see our Privacy policy.

Questions about the terms?

Please contact us by email or phone for clarifications or individual arrangements.

Email: kontakt@ferienhaus-ardeche.com · Mobile: +49 151 55652727