Terms and Conditions
This Vacation Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legally binding agreement made by and between the responsible undersigned renter (“Guest” or “you”) and Mill Pond Realty, Inc (“Mill Pond Realty,” “we,” “us,” or “Agent”) on behalf of the property owner (“Owner”). This Agreement is for the rental of the vacation rental property (“Property”) for the specified dates (“Term”) included in a confirmed reservation. Guest and Agent agree this is a license to use the Property, there is no landlord-tenant relationship between the parties, and this Agreement is not subject to any statute that applies to the landlord-tenant relationship under Michigan law. All times noted herein are US Eastern Standard Time and all monies are US Dollar.
PAYMENT A payment in the amount equal to 50% of the rental rate amount is due at the time of reservation. Full payment, including all rent, taxes, and fees, is due 30 days prior to arrival. Online payments must be made by credit card and payments will be processed automatically. Payments may be made by cash, certified funds, money order, or check when arranged with Mill Pond Realty prior to the payment due date. You represent you are the account holder or authorized user of the account from which you are paying. We do not accept third party payments. Bounced checks will incur a $55 fee. When booking through third party channels (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.) policies may vary based on the channel’s terms and conditions.
CREDIT CARD Credit card information is required as a guarantee. Guest agrees to provide a security deposit in the form of a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or AMEX credit card. Guest agrees that unpaid rent, excessive cleaning, damage, lost keys, lockouts, or fines associated with breaking this Agreement may be charged to this card as a withholding from the security deposit, if necessary. Guest who is responsible for the reservation must be an authorized user of the card provided.
TAXES AND FEES Reservations are subject to state tax, local lodging tax, a processing fee, a damage waiver fee, and a cleaning fee. When booking through third party channels (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.) additional fees may be charged to the Guest by the booking channel.
CANCELLATIONS / TRANSFERS / TRAVEL INSURANCE The cancellation policy goes into effect immediately at the time of reservation. No refunds can be made for cancellations received less than 30 days prior to your arrival date, no-shows, late arrivals, or early departures. Transfers between properties will invoke the cancellation policy. All cancellations and transfers must be in writing. Mill Pond Realty advises Guest to obtain “cancel for any reason” travel insurance. Travel insurance you obtain shall be primary for all occurrences in which any occupant claims sickness, injury, loss, or damage. DIRECT RESERVATIONS: Cancellations received 30+ days prior to arrival are fully refundable less the amount of the administrative processing fee which is nonrefundable. THIRD PARTY RESERVATIONS (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.): Cancellations received 30+ days prior to arrival are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% the rental amount.
ACCIDENTIAL DAMAGE WAIVER FEE Any accidental damage that is reported to Mill Pond Realty prior to check-out is covered up to $500.00 under the accidental damage waiver fee of $10.00 (ten dollars) per day. This is not insurance. This is a non-refundable, one-time charge per day that covers Guests who have complied with this Agreement. This does not cover incidents due to negligence or gross negligence; intentional acts or omissions, abuse, or neglect; damage not reported to Mill Pond Realty prior to check-out, theft that results from failure to secure the Property or its amenities; additional cleaning or damages caused by an animal allowed on the Property or by smoking; personal property of the Guest/occupants; or loss or damage in excess of the coverage amount. When booking through Airbnb, all damages are the responsibility of the Guest.
OCCUPANCY Responsible Guest must be at least 25 years old, provide a valid ID to check-in, and be present during the entire term of this Agreement. The maximum occupancy listed is the number of persons that can be on the Property at any time during the Term. Daytime visitors are allowed if the total persons do not exceed the maximum occupancy. No weddings, parties, or events of any kind are to be held at the Property without expressed written permission from Mill Pond Realty. An event is any gathering of people that exceeds the maximum occupancy. A $200 per person per day fine will apply for over occupancy. No commercial use of the Property without written permission from Mill Pond Realty and proof of separate insurance.
GOOD NEIGHBOR POLICY Please remember you are staying in someone’s home which is located in a neighborhood with both short-term guests and year-round residents. Treat the Property with care and leave it in good condition at check-out. Quiet hours of 11pm – 7am are strictly enforced. You agree to conduct yourselves in a respectful manner, to keep the Property in clean and safe condition, and to close and lock doors and windows when not present at the Property. Disruption of neighbors, traffic flow, or the community, disrespectful behavior, and/or parties/events will result in termination of tenancy without refund and a fine of $500 plus damages.
ACCOMMODATION / FURNITURE / CABLE TV Rental properties are individually owned and reflect the tastes of each owner. Every effort has been made to assure accurate descriptions. Mill Pond Realty shall not be held responsible for changes made by Owner or printing errors. Inside furniture should not be taken outside, bath towels should not be used for the beach/pool/hot tub, and household items should not be taken off the premises. Locked closets/rooms are not included in the rental of the Property. Most properties do not have cable or only receive local channels (basic cable) which does not include premium channels such as ESPN, CNN, etc. Pay per view services / onscreen movie rentals should be charged to your credit card. Charges made to the Property’s account will incur a $25 fee in addition to the charge. No refund will be given for outages, content, lack of content, or personal preferences in regard to cable TV and streaming services.
INTERNET Wireless internet may be provided as a convenience only and is not integral to this Agreement. No refund shall be given for outages, content, lack of content, speed, access problems, lack of knowledge of use, or personal preferences with regard to internet service.
PARKING Many properties have a strict maximum number of allowable vehicles and failure to adhere to this can result in fines or towing. No parking on lawns or neighboring properties. No motorhomes, tents, trailers, or boats are allowed without prior written permission.
NO SMOKING is allowed in or around the Property. Failure to honor this will result in a fine of $500 plus professional cleaning and damages.
DOGS Domestic, housebroken dogs are allowed at dog friendly properties with approval from Mill Pond Realty and payment of a per pet fee. Puppies, cats/kittens, and other animals are not allowed without prior expressed written permission from Mill Pond Realty. All approved pets require a pet fee of $100 PER PET (select properties require a larger fee and approved non-dog pets may require a larger fee). The pet fee is for bringing your pet along and does not cover damages, additional cleaning, or cleanup of hair or waste inside or outside the Property. Pets are not allowed in any swimming pools or hot tubs. Bona fide service animals are permitted by law. Emotional support animals are considered pets and must be approved. Any violation of pets in a non-pet friendly property will result in termination of tenancy with no refund and a $500 fine. Please remember, your pets are in unfamiliar surroundings and should not be “locked up” or left unattended. A non-pet friendly property does not guarantee that the property is free of pet allergens or that a pet has not been inside.
ARRIVAL Check-in is at the Mill Pond Realty office at 747 Water Street, Saugatuck. Check-in starts after 4pm. Mill Pond Realty will make every effort to ensure your Property is ready on time. However, due to occasional unforeseen circumstances, a 4:00pm check-in is not guaranteed. Guests are not authorized to park at the Property, use the amenities, or access any part of the Property prior to check-in. Early arrival to the Property and/or use of the amenities will be charged an early check-in fee equivalent to half the daily rate.
LATE ARRIVALS If you are arriving LATER than 5:30pm, please notify Mill Pond Realty to make arrangements for your check-in packet and keys. Alternatively, you can pre-arrange for at-property check-in if you are arriving later than 5:30pm.
DEPARTURE Check-out is no later than 10am. Please refer to the duties listed in the Departure Procedures section. Select properties require a departure walkthrough with a Mill Pond team member.
DEPARTURE PROCEDURES Please treat the Property with the same care you would use with your own residence and leave it in the same condition it was when you arrived. Wash and dry any provided beach/pool/hot tub towels you opted to use. Do NOT strip the beds. Lock all doors and close and lock all windows. Leave the keys on the kitchen counter or under the welcome mat. Call or text the office to let us know you’ve departed.
HOUSEKEEPING The Property will be cleaned to our quality standards prior to your arrival and after your departure. If you opt to use the provided blankets, you understand they are not washed between guests. You are responsible for cleaning during your stay and for leaving the property in good condition at check-out. If the Property is found abnormally dirty at check-out, an additional cleaning fee will apply. If you have any housekeeping issues, you must let us know within 24 hours of check-in so we can address any concerns. We do not offer credits, discounts, or refunds for any housekeeping issues.
SUPPLIES For your convenience, we provide a LIMITED QUANTITY of complimentary essentials to get you started until you have time to go to the store. These include hand soap; dish soap, dishwasher pods, sponge, and paper towel in each kitchen; toilet paper in each bathroom; and trash bags in each bin. Additional cleaning, paper, and personal items are not provided. Beds will be made up with freshly washed linens. Linens for trundles, sofa sleepers, and futons are provided in a closet. Bathrooms will be stocked with bath, hand, and wash cloth towels. Guest shall not use wash cloths or towels for makeup removal.
SWIMMING POOLS / HOT TUBS / FIREPLACES / ETC. Guest acknowledges that use of amenities such as pools, hot tubs, natural bodies of water, fireplaces, decks, kayaks, water toys, fire pits, bunk beds, etc. may be potentially dangerous and involve potential risk if not used properly, and such use is at the Guest’s own risk. It is the Guest’s responsibility to learn about safety precautions, water conditions, and safety procedures concerning using and/or being around these amenities. Combustible items should never be placed in any fireplace. Absolutely nothing should be placed in a gas fireplace.
POOL & HOT TUB RULES There is no lifeguard. Guest is responsible for proper care of pool/hot tub. It is imperative that everyone shower before entering the pool/hot tub to remove body oils and lotions. Pool/hot tub must be covered when not in use. Do not sit/walk on the cover or use it as storage. Do not set hot tub thermostat higher than 104 degrees. Due to high temperatures, hot tubs are not suitable for small children, persons with medical conditions, or pregnant women. It is recommended not to exceed 15 minutes in the hot tub at any time. Persons with skin disease, open wounds, nasal or ear discharge, inflamed eyes, or communicable diseases are not allowed in the pool/hot tub. Do not use the pool/hot tub while under the influence of any type of substances. Do not have glass in and around the pool/hot tub.
MAINTENANCE / BAD WEATHER / POWER OUTAGE Mill Pond Realty cannot guarantee that utilities, appliances, or amenities will not fail during your stay (e.g.: electricity, water, hot tub, swimming pool, air conditioning, heating, cable/Internet, appliances). However, we will make every effort to repair or restore use of these utilities, appliances, or amenities as quickly as possible. You agree to report any issues to Mill Pond Realty immediately so we can correct the situation. No credits, refunds, discounts, or rate adjustments whatsoever will be made for mechanical failures, appliance failures, or discontinued or interrupted services during your stay. If you report an issue that is later found to be non-existent or caused by lack of common sense, you will be financially responsible for the unnecessary service call. Additionally, no credits, refunds, discounts, or rates adjustments will be made due to inclement weather, sickness, death, acts of nature/government agencies, or construction noise. If there is a power outage and the Property is on a well and septic system, you will be without water until power is restored.
PESTS / VERMIN The Property has contracted a professional pest control company to provide preventative maintenance. Mill Pond Realty is not responsible for the intrusion of pests such as rodents, insects, mosquitoes, flies, bats, etc. No refunds, discounts, or adjustments will be made. Keep doors closed and food properly stored. Notify Mill Pond Realty immediately if pests are discovered inside the Property and pest control will be sent.
REFUND NOTICE Mill Pond Realty does NOT issue refunds or compensation for any issue that was not brought to our attention immediately and/or Mill Pond Realty was not given the opportunity to correct, service, or address.
RIGHT OF ENTRY Mill Pond Realty employees, vendors, and the Property Owner may arrive unannounced to perform regularly scheduled services, investigate disturbances, make necessary repairs and/or maintenance, or show the Property for sale. This may require entry to the Property even if you are not present.
VIDEO CAMERA Some properties have outdoor security cameras to monitor for safety. Cameras will never monitor spaces inside the Property. If a camera has been tampered with or disconnected, there will be a $350 fee.
AVAILABILITY If, in Mill Pond Realty’s opinion, the Property is unable to be occupied, we will make every effort to move you to a property comparable in price and amenities. If no comparable property is available or you do not wish to be moved, your rent will be refunded in full. In no event will Mill Pond Realty be responsible for any direct or indirect costs, expenses, fees, or other consequential damages resulting from the unavailability of a specific property.
KEYS / LOCKOUT You will receive 1 set of keys at check-in. A fine of $50 will apply for a lost key or to be let in after hours ($30 during normal hours). A 2nd set of keys is available for a $50 cash deposit, which will be refunded when both keys are returned to the office.
LOST & FOUND Mill Pond Realty is not responsible for items left behind. If Guest would like left behind items returned, Guest will pay shipping, packaging, and a $30 trip fee. After 30 days, items will be donated.
ASSOCIATIONS Many properties are part of an association with its own unique rules required to be signed. If the Property has access to association amenities (amenities shared with other properties), you acknowledge that the availability and condition of those amenities is out of Mill Pond Realty’s control.
IDEMNIFICATION Guest agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Owner and Mill Pond Realty, Inc., and their respective affiliates for any liabilities, theft, damage, cost or expense whatsoever arising from or related to any claim or litigation which may arise out of or in connection with Guest’s use and occupancy of the Property including but not limited to any claim or liability for personal injury or damage or theft of property which is made, incurred or sustained by the Guest. Mill Pond Realty is not liable for any communicable diseases, including but not limited to Covid-19, before, during or after stays.
DISPUTES / JURISDICTION This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the law of the State of Michigan, and this Agreement shall be treated as though it were executed and were to have been performed in Allegan County, Michigan.
VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT If Guest violates any of the conditions of this Agreement, Mill Pond Realty, Inc. may terminate this Agreement and enter the premises. Upon notice termination of this Agreement, Guest shall vacate the premises immediately and forfeit all rental payments.