The Island in Oxfordshire Holiday & boats hire agreement.

• A contract between you and the owner will come into existence when the deposit or full payment is received, and a booking confirmation is issued showing the confirmed holiday dates.
• The deposit/full payment must be paid within at the time of the booking.
• The contract binds you (the lead booker) & all the members of the party who are part of the booking. It is your responsibility to ensure that all members of your party accept the terms of the contract set out in these terms & conditions. Failure to disclose all relevant information or comply with these terms may lead to termination of the contract & loss of the booking.
• We require the names, ages, and contact details of all guests.
• A 25% deposit of the holiday cost is payable at the time of booking.
• Bookings made less than sixty days before your arrival date must be paid in full, plus the £1000 refundable damage deposit.
• The balance must be paid no later than sixty days before the commencement of your holiday. If the balance is not received by the due date, then your holiday will be treated as a cancellation.
• All cancellations must be notified in writing and once received we will confirm the cancellation.
• The customer remains liable for a percentage of the booking cost when a cancellation is received, as detailed below:

Number of days before the holiday when cancelled             The % of booking cost payable

More than 60 days                                                                5% of the booking cost
45 to 59 days                                                                        40% of the booking cost
30 to 44 days                                                                        50% of the booking cost
15 to 29 days                                                                        75% of the booking cost
3 to 14 days                                                                          90% of the booking cost
0 to 2 days                                                                            100% of the booking cost

• If we are successful in getting a replacement booking, we will refund the total amount paid less a 5% booking fee and any difference in price between your original and the replacement booking.
• We strongly advise that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover cancellations. If you choose not to, then you accept responsibility for any loss that you may incur due to your cancellation.
• If your booking is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, notification will be given of the cancellation as soon as possible and we will promptly refund all payments made to us for your holiday. Our liability for cancellation will be limited to payments made to us.
• If our property must close due to government restrictions or your address is put into local/regional lockdown for your holiday dates and you are unable to travel, you will be refunded in full.
• The maximum number of people occupying the property must not exceed 22 and only those listed on the booking form can occupy the property. No additional visitors may visit you during your stay.
• Please be advised that no extra overnight visitors are allowed to stay at the property.
• Bookings cannot be accepted from persons under twenty-five years of age.
• The owner reserves the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason.
• We or our representatives reserve the right to enter the property at any time to undertake essential maintenance, repairs or for inspection purposes.
• Stays normally commence at 4pm on the arrival date and guests are required to leave the rental by 10am on the day of departure. Failure to do so may result in you being charged a further day’s rental.
• You must not use the property except for the purpose of a holiday.
• Smoking is not allowed in the property.
• Vaping or smoking anywhere inside the premises will result in immediate termination of occupancy and forfeiture of all payments. This must be strictly adhered to, and any damage or extra cleaning caused will be at your expense.
• No additional speakers, sound systems or anything that is capable of making a loud noise must be bought onto the island.
• ABSOLUTELT NO FIREWORKS OR NAKED FLAMES
• Pets
  -We only allow 2 dogs maximum, no other kinds of pets.
  -Dogs must be booked in and the cost is £75 per dog.
  -Please don’t let dogs on the furniture, especially sofas and beds.
• Please do not let dogs or chidren chase the wldlife
• -Guests are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
  -Please clean muddy dogs using the outside tap and the dog towels provided.
  -Dogs must not be left alone in the property.
  -If the property requires additional cleaning due to excessive dog hair or if dogs have been in the bedrooms, or on a sofa, we will charge a £100 fee to cover the extra cleaning costs.
  -You are responsible for your dog and you will be charged for any damage caused by your dog.
• Damage deposit – In making a booking you accept responsibility for any theft, breakage or damage caused by you, your pets or any member of your party and agree to indemnify us in full for any loss that we may incur as a result. A security deposit of £1000 is required and will be returned within 7 days of the end of your holiday, less the cost of damage/breakages.
• Damages and breakages – please treat the facilities & accommodation with due care so that other guests may continue to enjoy them. If you notice something is missing or damaged in your accommodation, please let us know immediately so that we can take the appropriate action. If there has been any damage or breakages during your stay, we would be grateful if you could report them promptly, especially before check-out. The accommodation will be inspected at the end of the holiday & you may be charged for any loss, damage or extra cleaning costs. These are to be paid for in full within 7 days of notification.
• If damage occurs and we must cancel and/or refund subsequent bookings, we may bring a claim against you for any loss arising as a result.
• Please do not move any furniture from one room to another or any of the indoor furniture, furnishings or bedlinen outside.
• Please remove shoes before entering the house.
• Please lock the doors and close the windows when you leave the property unoccupied.
• Please make sure you switch off lights, heating,  or any electrical appliances when you go out – we’re an eco-friendly holiday home.
• Please don’t take any bath towels with you to the lake or hot tub, use the towelling star ponchos provided.
• The owner reserves the right to make a charge to cover additional cleaning costs if the client leaves the property in an unacceptable condition.
• Please note that if any keys issued are not returned at the end of your stay, then the cost of replacement will be charged to you.
• The client may in no circumstance re-let or sublet the property.
• The owners shall not be liable to you or your holiday party for loss or damage to property, however arising.
• All inventory must remain in the property and not be taken to another property.
• You are responsible for the supervision of all members of your party under the age of 18 at all times.
• Hot tub & lakeside
  -No children under 18 without adult supervision.
  -The hot tub is only open from 8am to 11pm. Please respect these timings out of respect for our neighbours.
  -Please avoid using glass in the hot tub, use the plastic cups provided.
  -Guests must shower before entering the water and remove any creams and makeup.
  -No diving or jumping in the hot tub
  -Please replace the hot tub cover after use to retain heat.
• Please park your vehicles in the designated parking spaces, ensuring cars do not block access to other properties. Parking is limited to 8 vehicles.
• Please respect the community and try to keep noise levels to a minimum, especially between 11 pm and 8 am.
• We reserve the right to terminate your rental agreement with immediate effect where the unreasonable behaviour of the persons named on the booking (or their guests) may impair the enjoyment, comfort or health of others. You’ll be asked to leave the property, without any refund of the rental amount paid.
• Please use the designated barbecue utensils and clean the barbecue after use.
• Fireworks, Chinese lanterns, fire pits, candles and portable bbqs are prohibited.
• Check-out –  check out is before 10am, please place all your rubbish and recycling in the bins provided and clear up any dishes.  Please remove any of the produce you have bought with you including unopened items
• If you want to use the services of a third-party supplier (e.g. a chef, beauty treatments) this must be agreed beforehand. If you bring a third-party supplier without consent, we reserve the right to ask them to leave. We do not accept liability for the activities of these third-party suppliers.
• Wi-Fi – the guest agrees to reasonable and lawful usage.
• Domestic electric vehicle chargers are not suitable for use at the property and are strictly forbidden. You are liable for any damage or loss suffered by us due to your unauthorised use of domestic chargers.
• Any problem or complaint must be immediately reported directly to us/our representatives to allow us the opportunity to resolve it.
• Non-compliance with the house rules will be considered as a breach of the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. We reserve the right to terminate the booking with immediate effect and without a refund if they do not abide by the rules.
• This property is privately owned and is our home. We expect all guests to enjoy the facilities and treat the property with the same respect that they would with their own home.

Boat Hire Rules

There is one direct route for guests crossing to and from The Island. 

We understand it may seem like a fun idea to use the boats outside of this route but it is extremely dangerous to both guests, other lake users & The Islands electric and water supply. 

We have had one guest break this rule, fortunately without incident but to help deter this from happening again, a charge of £250 will apply to your booking for using the waters in any of the following ways:-

Driving outside of the access route

Driving in an unsafe manner

“Racing” the boats

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Driving and not being one of the designated drivers.

Please remember

*Give way to all other boats

*Most ski boats will be travelling anticlockwise

*Most will be towing at least one person

*Watch out for fallen skiers – other boat drivers may raise their hand to signal they have a skier in the water.  You may acknowledge this by also raising your hand.

THE ISLAND & BOAT RENTAL, WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY AGREEMENT

This agreement is applicable to all renters, guests, operators, passengers and users of The Island & boats. The term ‘Owner’ includes all of the Owner’s employees, agents, representatives, servants, assigns, successors, and insurers.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO ACCEPTING RENTING THE ISLAND & BOATS.  THIS IS A LEGALLY VALID AND BINDING OBLIGATION TO RELEASE THE HOME & BOAT OWNER FROM ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN LIABILITIES, AND TO INDEMNIFY THE OWNERS AGAINST CLAIMS BROUGHT AGAINST IT BASED UPON YOUR USE OF THE ISLAND & BOAT EVEN FOR CLAIMS THAT ARISE OUT OF THE NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT OF THE OWNER.

1. WAIVER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY By the execution of this Agreement, the Renter agrees that the Owner shall not be liable for any damages arising from personal injuries sustained by the undersigned, their fellow guests and any minor children under the undersigned’s custody, care, and control, as a result of any and all activities related to the rental, operations, or use of The Island & Boats.  The Renter assumes full responsibility for any such injuries or damages which may occur, and further agrees that Owner shall not be liable for any loss or theft of personal property.  The Renter specifically agrees that Owner shall not be responsible for such injuries, damages, loss or theft, EVEN IN THE EVENT OF NEGLEGENCE OR FAULT BY THE Owner, whether such negligence is present at the acknowledgement of this Release or takes place in the future. This Waiver and release does not apply to gross negligence or intentional torts by Owner.
2. EXPRESS ASSUMPTION OF RISK The Renter hereby agrees that he/she is renting, operating or using The Island & Boats at his/her own risk.  The guest agrees that he/she is voluntarily participating in all activities related to the rental, operation, or use of The Island & Boats, and assumes all risk of injury, illness, damage or loss that might result, even if the risks arise out of negligence or fault of Owner.
3. LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES The Renter hereby agrees that he/she will indemnify and hold harmless Owner for all personal injuries, property damages, or any other damages to any and all third parties, including, but not limited to, operators and passengers of the watercraft and minor children under the undersigned’s custody, care, and control, as a  result of any and all activities related to the rental, operation, or use of The Island &  Boats, even if the such damages arise out of the negligence of the Owner.

Additional Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use.  Renter agrees and acknowledges that he/she will be the sole operator of the Boats, and will use the Boats in a careful, safe and conscientious manner.  Renter shall at all times observe and adhere to any rules and guidelines posted by the Owner, and any applicable laws and regulations of the lake.  Renter shall be responsible at all times for the safety of all passengers in and around the Boats.
2. Prohibited Activities.  Renter shall not violate any of the following rules and regulations during his/her operation of the Boats.  There is no smoking while in the Boats.  The Boats will not be operated whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
3. Life Jackets are available.  Please advise number and sizes required.  The capacity of each Boat must not be exceeded.  The capacity of each Boat is five.
4. Unsafe Use.  If at any time Owner determines that the Renter has engaged in unsafe or hazardous use of the Boats, Owner may immediately terminate the rental portion of this Agreement.  If the rental is terminated for unsafe or hazardous use the Renter will not be refunded his/her rental fee.  Owner shall determine, in its sole discretion, whether any behaviour of the activity is “unsafe or hazardous”.
5. The damage deposit or equivalent when booking via Airbnb or other platforms for The Island also includes the use of the Boat.  The deposit or equivalent will be applied toward the cost to repair any and all damages suffered to the Boat during the time of the rental.  If the cost of repair exceeds the damage deposit, Renter agrees he/she is fully responsible for the remainder of the costs incurred to restore the Boats to the condition it was in at the time the rental began.  Should any damages exceed the damage deposit, Owner will provide an itemised repair bill, including the lost rental time (lost rental time begins with the date of the itemised repair bill, and stops when the watercraft is once again available for rental).
6. The Renter will not use the Boat until they understand the instructions for use which will be given in person or sent by video.
7. Condition of Boat upon Return.  The Renter shall return the Boat to Owner on or before the termination date and at the mainland jetty clean and free of garbage and debris, in the same condition in which the Boat was rented.