Karin's Place - Pownal

1. Smoking tobacco is allowed outside only. Evidence of smoking cigarettes indoors will result in forfeiture of security deposit.

2. People other than those in the Guest party set forth above may not stay overnight in the property. Guests are not allowed to exceed the occupancy limit agreed to in the booking without prior permission and additional guest fees. Parties including extra guests on the day of incur an event fee. See #19 regarding events.

3. Guests should treat our neighbors as their own. While this is a vacation for the Karin’s place guests, we live in a small close-knit community and the neighbors live here full time and value their peace and quiet. Outdoor neighborhood quiet hours are from 9:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m and amplified music is not allowed outdoors at all. Quiet background music outdoors is fine, but party music should remain indoors. While the house is very secluded, sound travels and the music should not be intrusive for the neighbors. (We will alert you to take it inside if there are complaints.) If you have a scheduled outdoor party, the neighbors will be forewarned and the party must stay within the four hour limit. (No limit to level of music inside since the house as long as the doors and windows remain closed as the house is well insulated.)  

4. Keep the property and all furnishings in good order. If you move furniture, move it back. Treat the house as your own rather than as a fraternity house. NO beer pong or Slippy Slides permitted. Evidence of a slippy slide will result in loss of security deposit. The house is on well water which is a commodity.  

5. Only use appliances for their intended uses.

6. Pets are not permitted.
  
7. Parking: Vehicles are to be parked on the property only. Parking on the road is not permitted. Any illegally parked cars are subject to towing; applicable fines/towing fees are the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner. There is plenty of parking on the property.

8. Housekeeping:  There is no daily housekeeping service. While linens and bath towels are included in the house, daily maid service is not included in the rental rate.  A separate agreement is possible and the Housekeeping Addendum must be completed. We do not permit towels or linens to be taken away from the house. Dishes must be washed prior to departure. 

9. Garbage: Any garbage must be stowed in the proper garbage or recycling receptacle, located under the deck in the warmer months and at the top of the driveway in the winter.  

10.  Hot Tub and Sauna: No children under the age of five permitted in hot tubs at any time. No children under the age of 10 without adult supervision. (No young child should be allowed in a hot tub until they can stand on the bottom and have their head remain completely out of the water. Children who are big enough to be in a hot tub should not use it for more than five minutes at a time, especially at the maximum temperature of 104 degrees.)

If water is splashing on the floor, there are too many people and it is raining in the basement. Doors to the outside must remain closed during the colder seasons so as not to pour the expensive propane heating the house out into the backyard.

When using the hot tub, remember there is a certain health risk associated with this facility. Use at your own risk. We drain, sanitize, refill and replenish chemicals in all tubs prior to your arrival; therefore, it may not be warm until later that evening. [DO NOT STAND ON THE HOT TUB COVERS.  Hot tub covers are for insulation purposes and are not designed to support a person or persons.  They will break and you may be charged for replacement.] Remember when not using the hot tub, leave cover on to conserve energy..

11.   Fireplace: Please use responsibly. Open the flue and close it when it has cooled down. Wood, kindling, and starter logs are not provided.

12.   Water and Septic: The house is on a well and septic system. The mineral content in the water is high. During a drought, the well water may have an odor. There is a filter system but there is also spring water available. The septic system is very effective; however, it will clog up if improper material is flushed. DO NOT FLUSH anything other than toilet paper. No feminine products should be flushed at any time. If it is found that feminine products have been flushed and clog the septic system, you could be charged damages up to $3000.

13.   Storms: No refunds will be given for storms. Mountain roads can be curvy and steep. Gravel drives are well maintained; however, we highly recommend four wheel drive and/or chains during the snow months and mud season. We do not refund due to road conditions. The driveway is well maintained and plowed, salted, and sanded whenever necessary. 

14.   Utility Outages: A privately owned estate is similar to your own house, in that power outages, Internet outages, etc. are out of the control of the owner. We are all under the constraints and timelines of the local utility companies but we DO have a generator. If the internet goes out you will not be entitled to a partial refund on the rental if the outage is directly related to Consolidated Communications. Unfortunately getting a service appointment on utility issues in our area can take up to 5 days or more. We ask that you be patient and not let an inconvenience like this disrupt the enjoyment of your vacation. We will, of course, make every effort possible to rectify the situation.

15.   Repairs: Occasionally things break or break down, like appliances, furniture, etc. Unlike a hotel, there is no 24/7 maintenance staff. You will need to notify the owner immediately of an appliance malfunction and the owner will work to have things repaired as quickly as possible. Repair of a dishwasher or washer can take up to a few days. Broken furniture may require replacement and can take a couple days, also, to do so. If you have difficulty reaching the owner in these situations (with the numbers provided), there is a list of local people to help posted on the property.

16.   Departure and Upkeep: As you know there is only a 5 -hour time period for owners to clean, transition, and ready the estate for the next rental. It is critical that you check-out on time so the cleaning staff/person can get started (remember that the owner is paying a cleaning person while they are waiting for a late check-out). It is important that you perform the check-out procedures asked of you in the information document provided. To the extent possible, please try to “leave it as you found it”—at the very least, leave the property “tidy” or “broom clean”, dispose of garbage, run dishwasher (if applicable), wash dishes, and make a list of any damaged items. If you have brought a pet with you will need to tidy up after him/her (including removal of dog feces from the yard). Late check-out, failure to perform check-out procedures or leaving Karin’s Place in an unclean state (requiring additional cleaning above typical cleaning time) will result in forfeiture of a portion or all of your deposit. Please do not re-make the beds. Please strip them and put sheets, towels, and robes in the laundry bags provided.

17.    Liabilities and Amenities: We provide the use of cross-country skis, bicycles, pool, etc., as an added amenity to the property. You must take responsibility for your usage of these facilities. It is at your own risk that you use them. Extra care should be taken with children and these facilities. It is important that you know your own limitations when it comes to swimming, skiing, and biking and the proper safety equipment must be used with them (life preservers and helmets). 

18.   Rustic Terrain: You are visiting a rural, natural location with sometimes rustic terrain. Many properties have wooded pathways, gravel driveways, trails, rocky/ledgy waterfronts, etc. You should bring the proper footwear and use caution as you get to know the property. Trails can be “rooty”, shore rocks can be slippery, pathways can be uneven. Take care with your surroundings.

19.   Events: Events over and above the people contracted to stay in the house are permitted only with prior approval and the Event Contract must be completed. Events included (but are not limited to) are weddings, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, concerts with anyone more in attendance than the guests, etc.) There are additional charges for such events.

20.   Alcohol: The laws of the state of Vermont must be followed when consuming alcohol. The Lessor shall not be liable if any accident occurs as a direct result of alcohol consumption. 

21.   Perishables: Please recycle whenever possible. Please do not throw away food if you plan to not take it with you. We donate it to local families and they are not picky!

22.   Windows and Doors: Please keep doors to the outside closed at all times. This is the country. Critters will and do simply walk in if they feel invited. Please be aware of the house heat and/or air conditioning when opening windows. If it is hot in the winter, turn the heat down rather than opening windows.