Terms & Conditions

Holiday rental Terms & Conditions

The Gîte known as ‘La Grange du Saule’, Marval 87440, France (the property) is offered for holiday rental subject to confirmation by Neill and Karen Harrild (the owners) to the renter/hirer (the client).

Booking & Payment

Enquiries: Reservations for the property can be made by direct contact to the owners or various booking agents. Once a reservation enquiry has been received by the owners, the client must complete, sign and return the booking form.

Please note that only the clients that are listed on the booking form returned to us are permitted on the premises or to use the facilities, due to insurance restrictions.

Prices: Prices quoted on our website are for direct bookings only, and include: tourist tax, bedding, bed linen, towels, cleaning, electricity, water, Wi-Fi.

Any stay that straddles tariff bands will be calculated on a prorated basis.

Large Gatherings: Bookings will not be accepted for parties, large social gatherings or ‘Hen’ or ‘Stag’ events these are strictly forbidden. The owners reserve the right to refuse entry to the accommodation without refund of any monies paid.

Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit (excluding security deposit) is required within 48 hours of you receiving your booking confirmation invoice. Payment can be made via bank transfer or PayPal. Following receipt of the deposit, the owners will send a statement confirming the reservation of the property. This is the formal acceptance of the booking and terms and conditions.

If payment is not received within this time frame your reservation will be cancelled and this will be confirmed via email.

Balance: This is due 6 weeks prior to your arrival when you book directly with us. If payment is not received within this time frame your reservation will be cancelled and this will be confirmed via email. Please note your deposit is non-refundable. The security deposit (see below) is payable on the same date.

Reservations made within eight weeks of the start of the rental period require full payment at the time of the booking. Payment must be made via bank transfer or PayPal. During this period the property will be reserved in your name. If payment is not received within this time frame your reservation will be cancelled and this will be confirmed via email.

Personal Information: When booking direct, please be assured that your personal details are kept secure on our system and are not used for any other purpose or shared with any other person or business.

Payment Methods: Payments can be made in EUR or GBP via bank transfer or PayPal, for all other currencies only payment via PayPal is possible. Please note that all PayPal payments paid in any currency other than EUR, will require you to select the option to credit our account in EUR within the PayPal system. All exchange rates are taken from the PayPal platform.

Insurance: All amounts paid for the letting of the property are non-refundable. The client is strongly recommended to arrange a comprehensive travel insurance policy (including cancellation cover) and to have full cover for the personal belongings, public liability, since these are not covered by the owners’ insurance.

Cancellation: Cancellation of a reservation by the client is valid only upon written acknowledgement by the owners.

Any cancellation by the client must be made formally in writing. The effective date of cancellation is the date we receive this written notification. Any monies already paid are not refundable.

Cancellations due to non-payment of the balance or the total rental amount (see above) will be taken as a formal notice of cancellation by the client and written notice will not be required

In the unlikely event that the owners are forced to cancel your booking due to matters beyond their control, you will be advised as soon as possible and complete refund of all monies paid will be issued and the owners will have no further liability.

Security Deposit: A security deposit of €300 (or GBP equivalent) is required in case of damage to the premises or fixtures and fittings internal/external of the property. However, the sum reserved by this clause shall not limit the client’s liability to the owners. All damages exceeding agreed security deposit will be costed and claimed from you.

This is standard practice in France, and we are obliged to insist on this security deposit, paid to us at the time of final balance.

The security deposit held by the owners will be applied against, but not restricted to the following, during the client’s rental of the property and its facilities.

• Additional cleaning of property or pool
• Repair or replacement caused by means other than usual wear and tear
• Lost or non-returned keys and remotes.

• Damage to linen and towels.
• Any missing or damaged items.
• Damage to the pool and/or liner.
• Damage to the house or its contents

Following the inventory check and inspection on the client’s departure, the security deposit will normally be returned within 7 days in the currency in which it was received.

All bookings will require written acceptance of our terms & conditions. Email will be sufficient.

Additional costs:

Tourist Tax (taxe de séjour) is included in the cost of your accommodation.

Any chargeable expenses or additional services requested during the rental period must be settled locally with the owners prior to departure.

Rental Conditions:

The maximum number of clients permitted in the property is 8 this includes adults and/or children occupying a bed. Babies are not included in this number as a maximum of 2 cots are available on request at the time of booking.

Only those guests listed on the booking form can stay at the property and use the onsite facilities, due to insurance and license regulations.

The client agrees to be a considerate tenant, to take good care of the property, and to leave it in the same condition as at the start of the rental period.

The owner reserves the right to make deductions from the security deposit for any extra cleaning should the client leave the property in an unacceptable condition or damage is discovered.

All clients agree not to act in any way that would cause disturbance to the owners or neighbouring properties. The owners reserve the right to require any client deemed to be acting in an unreasonable or unlawful manner to immediately leave the property.

If the rental period is to be shortened by the client for any reason, the total rental amount will not change and there will be no refund to the client.

A safe is provided for clients use, however any valuables left at the property including vehicles parked on site are at your own risk and the owners are not responsible for any loss or damage. Reasonable care should be taken against theft and burglary, ensuring that all doors and windows are closed and locked when leaving the property. Additionally all clients are responsible for their own safety inside the property and within the grounds.

The client shall report to the owners without delay any defects in the property or equipment so that repair or replacement can be made as soon as possible. Issues raised regarding any defective or non-functional aspect of the property or their facilities cannot be accepted upon or after the client’s departure.

Please note the owners may require reasonable access to the property during the rental period should circumstances dictate.

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is not permitted within the property, failure to adhere to this will result in an additional cleaning charge. Should clients wish to smoke outside the property, please ensure matches and cigarette ends are only disposed of in a clean and responsible manner using the ashtrays provided, due to the extremely dry conditions in this area.

Unfortunately pets are not permitted at the property but it should be noted that the owners have two elderly cats on site.

The owners may wish to publish a client’s guest book comments on their website and social media, so unless otherwise requested, the owners will assume there is no objection to this.

All bookings will require acceptance of our terms & conditions by completing and signing of the booking form.

Arrival: The property will be available from 16:30 on the day of arrival, please contact the owners if your expected arrival will be later than 20:00

Departure: Departure from the property should be completed by 10.00 on the day of departure. Clients shall not be entitled to stay in occupation after this stated time.

The property must be left in the same condition as it was on arrival. Clients are not expected to thoroughly clean the property, however it should be left clean and tidy, bins should be emptied, barbeque and oven left in a clean condition. Any damage or additional cleaning needed will be deducted from your security deposit.

Following the inventory check and inspection on the client’s departure, any discrepancies found may be deducted from the security deposit. The remainder or full amount will normally be returned within 7 days in the currency in which it was received.

Services & Equipment

Services: The property is fully furnished and equipped. The rental prices include bed linen, bedding, bathroom towels (for indoor use only), swimming pool towels, electricity, water and Wi-Fi. Additional services and equipment are clearly stated on our website and can be arranged prior to arrival.

Linen: While linen and towels are included in the property, a daily housekeeping service is not included in the rental rate. Pool towels are provided for your use, please do not use white towels around the pool area. Linen and towels are provided on a weekly basis, should you require additional items there may be a supplementary charge.

Septic Tank: The property is serviced by a septic system which is common in France. This means that only 2ply toilet paper and normal human waste can be flushed away.DO NOT FLUSH feminine products, nappies, wet wipes etc. at any time, these should be placed in the bins provided for general rubbish removal.

Please only use ‘Fosse Friendly’ cleaning products in sinks, baths and toilets. Kitchen oils and fats should be placed in the container provided as all of these effect the chemical balance within the septic tank system.

Failure to follow the above septic tank instructions could result in a substantial charge for damages which may exceed the security deposit.

Velux windows: The property has several Velux roof windows fitted with lockable window restrictors to prevent rain ingress. Clients should ensure these are not removed to prevent damage to the inside of the property. It is the responsibility of the adult guests to ensure children do not release the safety restrictor locks. Clients are advised to close these windows when leaving the property. Owners may enter the property should inclement weather be experienced, if these are left open.

Electronic equipment: Any equipment must not be altered, adjusted or interfered with in any way and if found to have been tampered with causing a malfunction or interruption to the system or internet services. The cost of rectifying this will be deducted from the security deposit.

Barbecue: The property benefits from a large stone built BBQ for client’s enjoyment, however there may be occasions where usage is banned under direction from local authorities due to fire risk.

Garden Maintenance: To ensure the upkeep of the grounds and gardens around the property, we may need to carry out essential work, we hope that this will not disturb your holiday

Log Burner: The owners provides a starter bundle of logs for reservations during colder periods, extra logs can be purchased from the owners for a small charge. Please be aware burner runs at a high temperature and therefore parents are responsible for their children’s safety. For safety reasons please ensure the log burner door is closed at all times and only wood is burnt.

Bins: This area operates a strict recycling policy and the property is provided with bags to enable clients to correctly sort recyclable items. These need to be taken to local collection points and the bags returned to the property. Non-recyclable items should be placed in the bins provided which the owners will remove.

Electric Vehicles: No facilities are available for the charging of electric vehicles at the property, and this is strictly prohibited. There are many local charging stations for client’s usage.

Swimming Pool: Clients using the swimming pool and/or all the facilities provided at the property including all of its surrounding area entirely at their own risk and the owners shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death. Adult clients are responsible for allowing children to use the pool and should be supervised at all times and ensure that they are not left unattended AT ANY TIME whilst the pool is open. Safety advice and swimming pool rules and regulations are found in the welcome pack and are also displayed next to the pool. All guests should ensure that the safety gate is closed at all times and that the regulations are strictly adhered to.

The swimming pool is available from June 1st to September 30th each year. The pool can be used from 09:00 and 21:00 each day to allow for daily maintenance. If weather conditions allow, the owners will endeavor to open the pool earlier than June and close it later than September. The pool is regularly maintained but if unusual climatic changes occur, this may affect the chemical balance. If there are any problems with the water clarity, please contact the owners, who reserve the right to close the pool at any time for cleaning, repair and maintenance.

The owners are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience that may be suffered as a consequence of any unforeseen breakdown in the pumping/filtration or any other equipment used in the swimming pool.

The pool is surrounded by a security fence conforming to the current French laws. It is imperative that the safety gate is not left open, it operates on a self-closing mechanism and objects should not be used to keep it open.

No glass, bottles or china to be taken or used in the pool area. Plastic glasses are provided.

Sun Cream: Please be considerate in the usage of sun cream and tanning lotions as these react with the water system in the pool and permanently stains fabrics. Please use the shower provided before entering the pool to help maintain the water quality. Sun cream and lotions should be removed before using towels and bedding supplied. Any damage caused will be deducted from your security deposit.

Pets: Animals are not permitted at the property or within the boundary under any circumstances.

Grounds: The property has a designated garden for clients to use, adjacent to farmland that may be protected by an electric cattle fence, this is clearly marked. Please ensure all clients are made aware of this. Please also respect the owner’s areas within the grounds.

Liability:

The clients may use the property and all the facilities provided including all of its surrounding area entirely at their own risk and the owners shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death.

The owner shall not be liable to the client for the following:

• Client’s personal belongings (including motor vehicles) left in or around the property are entirely at client’s own risk, and no responsibility will be accepted by the owners for any loss or damage.

 

• Personal injury, loss or damage whatsoever caused as a result of the use of any children’s equipment, toys, balls, barbecue or other equipment left at the property for use by the clients during the rental period.

 

• Temporary defect or stoppage in the supply of public services to the property, any equipment, machinery or appliances in the property or grounds.

 

• Wi-Fi is provided free of charge and very occasionally the connection is reset by the provider, additionally the loss or lack of a stable internet connection cannot be guaranteed.

 

• Any loss, damage or injury which is the result of adverse weather conditions, fire, riot, war, strikes or other matters beyond the owner’s control.

 

• Any loss, damage or inconvenience caused to or suffered by the client if the property shall be destroyed or substantially damaged before the start of the rental period. In any such event, the owner shall refund to the client all sums previously paid in respect of the rental period.

 

• In the event of the booking being cancelled or altered by reason of force majeure (which includes adverse weather conditions, fire, riots, global health issues, strikes, wars, and Acts of God) or other events outside the owners’ control.

 

• Every effort has been made to ensure that the description of the property and nearby facilities are as accurate as possible,

 

Privacy & GDPR Policy

The European regulation No. 2016/679 of 27 April 2016, or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), came into force on 25 May 2018. Basically this new law replaces the Data Protection Act. This is a European wide law and as such affects how we use and store information we receive from guests and enquirers. It covers all data, whether electronic or paper based.

We use cookies on our website, these are text files placed on your computer to collect standard internet log information and visitor behaviour information. This information is used to track visitor’s use of the website and to compile statistical reports on website activity. You can set your browser not to accept cookies. (See www.aboutcookies.org for more information).

What information we collect from you.

When you make a booking with us we collect the names of all the guests who will be staying, the home address, email address and telephone number of the person making the booking.

How we use the information you give us.

We use your email to communicate with you, to send you booking confirmation and answer any queries you email us, and to thank you after your visit and ask you for a review. We will also add details of how you can keep in touch with us on social media, should you wish to do this. We will not use your telephone number unless we need to contact you urgently or if we cannot reach you by email.

Marketing

We don’t do a newsletter or mailings. We use Instagram and Facebook to market our Gite and our own website. We never pass your details to any third party.

Access to your Information

You have the right to request a copy of the information we hold about you. If you would like a copy of this please email us.​

Right to be forgotten

All customers have the right to ask us to remove their details from our records. However, this does not override the legislative requirements (e.g. the Fiche Identite Individuelle form).

Fiche Identite Individuelle form: All non-French clients have a legal requirement to complete a Fiche Identite Individuelle form, which we have to keep for 7 months from date of arrival. Only the local police can ask for the details on this form. The form and the information contained on it are then destroyed by us.

We are also required by law to keep financial records for 7 years, so guests cannot ask to be erased from these financial records.

If you book to stay direct with us and complete a booking form, then be assured that your details are kept secure on our system via password controlled entry and are not used for any other purpose or shared with any other person or business.

If you book via one of our booking partners, they have also to comply with GDPR regulations and have their own safeguards and policies.

Similarly, if you choose to follow us on social media (e.g. Facebook or Instagram), we don’t need consent as you have already accepted the terms & conditions on that platform.

Notification of Data Breaches

The GDPR will require us to notify the Information Commissioner’s’ Office within 72 hours of first having become aware of the breach where that breach is likely to “result in a risk for the rights and freedoms of individuals”. For any breach, we are required to notify the customers “without undue delay” after first becoming aware of a data breach.