Saltwater Ranch- Terms and Conditions

All bookings and tariffs are subject to change without notice. All bookings and deposits received are subject to the property owners’ approval and receipt of deposit monies. All tariffs are exclusive of a $100 booking and service fee. A bond authority must be agreed to and signed by the guest before the booking is confirmed.

Deposit: Confirmation of the booking requires a deposit of 50% of the total owing. The booking will be confirmed via email on receipt of the deposit.

Balance of Payment: Full and final payment for the holiday booking is required 21 days prior to the commencement of the holiday. If the outstanding balance has not been received by the 21st day prior to the booking commencement date, Saltwater Ranch reserves the right to cancel the booking without notice and the guest will forfeit the deposit. Or to charge the card provided on the booking form the remaining balance, which will also incur a merchant fee. 

Security Bond: The guest gives pre-authorisation to debit their provided credit card should we need to do so without notice to remedy any damages or repairs, replace missing household items, charges resulting from excess cleaning, the removal of garbage and debris from the property, to recover expenses as a result of excessive usage or as a result of breaches of the terms and conditions. In the event of an account being in default and being referred to an external party for collection the guest shall be liable for all resulting costs arising from the recovery, including commission which would be payable if the account is paid in full and legal costs including demand costs.

Inspections: The Agent or any person approved by the property owner may access the property at any time upon demand.

Cancellations: Saltwater Ranch offers the following cancellation terms for accommodation

Bookings:

Peak Season Bookings

• 60+ days prior to arrival: Free cancellation, full refund of deposits and payments
• 30–59 days prior to arrival: 50% refund of the gross rental tariff Less than 30 days prior to arrival: No refund of deposits, accommodation, or services booked
• Peak Season bookings require property owner approval for any date or guest transfer requests.

Bookings Outside of Peak Season

• 22+ days prior to arrival: Free cancellation, full refund
• 21-14 days prior to arrival: 50% refund of the gross rental tariff
• Less than 14 days prior to arrival: No refund of deposits, accommodation, or services booked

If a cancelled booking is re-let for the same dates at the same or greater rental value, a full or partial refund may be possible, less any applicable administration costs. Refunds will be processed within 14 days of securing a replacement occupant. Refunds are not provided for cancellations due to a change of mind outside of the applicable refund windows. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Saltwater Ranch will not be held responsible for any costs or losses incurred from cancellations caused by, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, natural disasters, extreme weather events, war, strikes, theft, delays, government regulations, itinerary or schedule changes, or any circumstances beyond our control. Refund consideration inside the no-refund window applies only if the property is successfully re-booked for the same period.

Arrival and Departure:

Departure time is strictly 10am. UNAUTHORISED LATE CHECKOUTS WILL RESULT IN BOND DEDUCTIONS. Late checkout up to 12 noon is at the discretion of management and must be prearranged the night before departure and is dependent on other guests’ arrival that day but if agreed will not incur a charge. Late checkout after 12 noon is at the discretion of the management and must be prearranged the night before departure and if agreed may incur fees to be agreed upon between the guest, property owner, and agent. Upon departure the property should be left in a similar state to its condition on arrival.

In particular;

• Dishes need to be washed, properly dried and stacked away or dishwasher emptied
• BBQ Cleaned with cleaning equipment provided. A thorough clean is required to avoid additional costs.
• All rubbish removed from the property and placed into appropriate garbage bins provided. Rubbish bins must be placed to the kerb on departure. Sunday bins must be walked to the top of the drive and left there for collection Monday am. Failure to do so will incur a rubbish removal fee which will be deducted from your bond. Excess rubbish bags must be removed by the guest. Bags left beside the bins will not be collected by the collection service and will incur a $40 per bag removal fee.
• Pet Owners – We allow pets, however please check gardens and pickup anything left by your pet. The property is fenced however not enough to ensure dogs cannot escape.
• Any furniture which has been moved needs to be returned to its original location.
• Property should be left tidy
• If any or all of these items are not attended to a minimum $100 or the additional cleaning fees required to bring the property up to standard will be deducted from your credit card or be otherwise recoverable from you.

Communication: A mobile phone number must be provided and be contactable when occupying the residence 24/7 for security purposes.

Number of Guests: Should not exceed the number stated on the booking request or subsequently agreed to in writing or email. Bookings will be made for the maximum number of guests you require to stay at the property at any time regardless of the number of days your additional guests choose to reside with you. We will not breakdown the cost of the bookings based on individual days for individual guests.

Setting up Equipment: Guests are at no time permitted to erect swimming pools, inflatable play equipment, camping equipment, park caravans or such like on the property which will constitute grounds for inspection, eviction and deduction from security bond.

Noise, Parties and Behaviour: Parties and functions are strictly prohibited. The price charged is for domestic use only and not commercial. This rate does not allow for the extra wear associated with functions in terms of cleaning, rubbish removal, wear and tear, repairs etc. Use contrary to this may result in immediate cancellation of the booking, eviction, charges to the bond and no refund of booking costs. The accommodation is for registered guests only. No audible noise between 10pm to 8am and no excessive noise at any other time. Evidence of parties/use as party venue will incur bond charges. A $100 deduction will be charged with each security or caretaker callout. If after one warning for excessive noise and/or antisocial behaviour the property manager or its representative has reasonable grounds to believe that the property is being damaged, at risk, or guests and visitors are in breach of the Terms and Conditions, the property manager has the right to inspect the property, vacate the property of guests and visitors and forfeiture of the booking costs and possible bond charges will occur.

Damages, Breakages, Loss: Damages, breakages or loss to or from the property are the guest’s responsibility during their stay. Guests shall be liable for all costs and expenses incurred as a result of such damage, breakages or loss. Without prejudice to any other remedies available, Owners shall be entitled to have recourse to the security bond to cover such costs and expenses and/or debit any credit card used to make the principal payment. In addition, a $50 – $150 maintenance fee may be charged by Saltwater Ranch.

Loss: Saltwater Ranch takes no responsibility for loss of guests’ personal property during their stay or items left at properties on departure. During their stay, guests are responsible for the proper use, care, and maintenance of all items provided at the property. This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor furniture, appliances, recreational equipment, and any other amenities available for use. Guests must ensure that all items are used safely and appropriately. Any damage or loss resulting from misuse, neglect, or failure to secure items properly will be the responsibility of the guest, and repair or replacement costs may be deducted from the security deposit. If guests are unsure about how to operate or care for any item, they should refer to the provided instructions or contact us for guidance.

Insurance: It is highly recommended that all guests and visitors purchase travel insurance to protect against loss of belongings, cancellations, injury and death.

Property Descriptions: Property managers will endeavour to describe the property and its location to the best of their ability and in good faith. We do not take any responsibility for incorrect descriptions, omissions or inaccuracies and will not be held liable should the property not match your expectations.

Gardens and Maintenance: Our gardening and maintenance staff may require access to the gardens and property during your stay, we ensure these visits are kept to a minimum but are sometimes unavoidable to ensure the high standard of maintenance to the property. Should maintenance trades need to enter the property we will endeavour to give you as much notice as possible.

Smoking: Smoking is STRICTLY not permitted inside Saltwater ranch. The security bond may be charged should there be evidence of smoking inside; minimum $200 charge for fumigation, minimum $200 charge for collection of cigarette butts. Any damage caused by smoking will also result in extra charges.

Pool and Spa:

• The “ON ” button for the spa is located on the side the pool shed. This heats the spa and turns it off automatically after 4 hours. You should contact us immediately if you have issues or problems with the pool or spa or its equipment.
• Should the pool/spa be unusable for up to 24 hours due to routine maintenance, no compensation will be given. We endeavour to ensure that maintenance disruptions are kept to a minimum.
• Guests are responsible during their stay to ensure the water level does not drop below the filter box, this could cause irreparable damage and may result in charges to your bond.
• Never put any bubble bath, detergent, oils or dyes in the pool/spa as they stain the surface and clog the filters. Any maintenance required due to misuse will be deducted from your bond (average cost to drain and clean is $1000.00).
• Food or drink is NOT permitted in the pool area. Glass is strictly prohibited as broken glass in the pool will require the pool to be drained and cleaned resulting in approx. $1000.00 fee charged to the bond.
• Never allow pets into the pool and keep pets away from the pool area. Pets in a pool are equivalent to a large number of people being in a pool. It will immediately affect the chlorine levels and make the pool unsafe to swim in. The water will become cloudy and pool maintenance and cleaning supplies will be necessary to rebalance the level. The pool may then not be available to you or following guests during a period of time. Compensation to following guests is costly and all expenses may be deducted from your bond.
• CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES WHEN IN THE SPA AND POOL AREAS

Pets: Pets are only allowed where specific arrangements have been made prior to arrival. In

those instances –

• Please bring your own bedding and bowls for your pets.
• Pets must remain outdoors.
• We do not take responsibility for pets left in fenced gardens, you must do so at your own risk.
• Constant barking and/or howling is not acceptable. Complaints from nearby residents may result in the cancellation of the guest stay and consequently the loss of booking costs.
• Please check the front and back yards thoroughly before you leave and clean up any messes left by your pets. Failure to do so will incur additional cleaning charges.
• Any damages at the property including damage done to plants, driveways, irrigation systems, lights, hosepipes, outdoor furniture etc caused by your pets will be charged to the bond.

Variations to these conditions may only be made by prior arrangements with the owner in writing.

Chickens: There is a chicken house located towards the back of the property. Egg collection is encouraged every morning through the hatch at the back of the shed. Please ensure no chickens escape during this time.

Fireplace: Fire starters are found next to the fire and logs will be provided in the rack next to the fire. Pre chopped wood is also located along the side of the house, next to the bins, Alternatively wood can also be purchased from the local service station if required. Guests must ensure fire-screens are in place to avoid damages to the property which may incur bond charges.

WiFi and mobile phone coverage: Saltwater Ranch will be held responsible for the coverage or speed of WiFi or mobile phones in and around the property. WiFi instructions will be provided upon booking of property.

Cancellation by the property Owner: The Owners will make every effort to ensure the property is available as booked, however the Owners reserve the right to make alterations to bookings due to unforeseen circumstances. Guests will receive a full refund.

Problems and Complaints: In the event of a problem or complaint you must inform Saltwater Ranch immediately or within 24 hours of arrival so management has the opportunity to rectify the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible within reasonable time. This includes arriving to the property to find rubbish bins full or unsatisfactory cleaning. Failure to follow this procedure may hinder the ability to rectify the problem or complaint and will disallow any claim for compensation. By agreeing to these terms and conditions you acknowledge that if we are able to solve a problem within 24 hours then you are not due a refund for compensation.

Early Departure: If guests choose to depart earlier than their scheduled check-out date, no refunds will be provided for any unused nights. This policy applies regardless of the reason for early departure, including but not limited to changes in travel plans, weather conditions, or personal circumstances.

Indemnity: The Guests/occupants indemnifies the agent against any liability which may result through loss, injury, being personal or proprietary suffered by any person where any injury, damage or loss has been contributed to or caused by any act or occasion of the Guest or his agent. The agent reserves the right to be sole arbitrators in the event of a dispute. No responsibility will be taken by Saltwater Ranch for any misconception of a property where a booking has been made by email, internet, fax or telephone. We cannot be held liable for any actions of our landlords which may result in the tariff being increased prior to occupancy. We have no control over the property being altered by the landlord in any way prior to occupancy. We cannot control or be responsible for the property becoming un-available for letting prior to occupancy. We cannot control or be responsible for the property being sold prior to occupancy. In any of these instances we will endeavour to find an alternative property but cannot make any guarantees, nor can we assure you of being able to find a replacement property at short notice. Saltwater Escapes will reserve the right to retain the deposit should the guest cancel the booking and a replacement booking is not made. Saltwater Escapes reserves the right to cancel the booking at any time.