Cepheus Getaways

LAKE HOUSE SHORT-TERM RENTAL AGREEMENT & LIABILITY WAIVER This Short-Term Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into on ____________, by and between: Owner/Manager: Phone: ________________________________ Email: _________________________________ Guest: Phone: ________________________________ Email: _________________________________ PROPERTY The property is a private lake house located at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. The property's physical address will be disclosed after booking confirmation. RENTAL TERM Check-In Date/Time: ______________________ Check-Out Date/Time: _____________________ Guests agree to vacate the property by the designated checkout time. Late departures may result in additional charges. PAYMENT & SECURITY DEPOSIT Rental fees shall be paid according to the booking platform or payment arrangement. A refundable security deposit of $500 is required. The security deposit may be used to cover damages, missing items, excessive cleaning, smoking violations, unauthorized guests, pet violations, hot tub misuse, dock damage, watercraft damage, or any breach of this Agreement. Guests remain responsible for all damages exceeding the security deposit amount. The security deposit will be refunded within seven (7) days following checkout, less any applicable deductions. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY Maximum occupancy: 13 guests. Only individuals listed on the reservation are permitted on the property. No additional guests, visitors, parties, events, or gatherings are allowed without prior written approval from the Owner/Manager. Unauthorized guests or visitors may result in immediate eviction without refund and forfeiture of the security deposit. HOUSE RULES Smoking No smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, marijuana, or any other smoking products are permitted anywhere on the property, including inside the home, porches, dock, hot tub area, driveway, or yard. Violation of this policy may result in immediate eviction without refund and forfeiture of the security deposit. Pets Only house-trained dogs are permitted with prior written approval. Dogs are not allowed on furniture, including beds, couches, and chairs. Guests must clean up after their dogs both indoors and outdoors. Any pet-related damage, excessive pet hair, odors, stains, scratching, chewing, or additional cleaning required as a result of pets will be charged to the guest. No other pets are permitted. Noise & Conduct Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM until 8:00 AM. Guests must be respectful of neighbors and refrain from excessive noise, amplified music, disruptive behavior, or activities that disturb neighboring properties. Fireworks & Hazardous Activities No fireworks, explosives, pyrotechnics, open burning, or unlawful activities are permitted on the property. Property Care Do not place food, beverages, or other items on the pool table. Guests are responsible for any damage caused to the property, furnishings, appliances, dock, hot tub, recreational equipment, or amenities during their stay. LAKE, DOCK & WATER ACTIVITY RULES Use of the lake, shoreline, dock, kayaks, paddleboards, floats, life jackets, and any recreational equipment is entirely at the guest's own risk. Children must be supervised at all times while near the water. Life jackets must be worn while using kayaks, paddleboards, or other watercraft as required by law and good safety practices. Guests are responsible for complying with all applicable Virginia boating and water safety laws. All water equipment, life jackets, and water toys must be returned to their designated storage area after use. Guests are responsible for any loss, theft, misuse, or damage to recreational equipment. Guests are fully responsible for any damage caused to any boats, jet skis, watercraft, docks, lifts, or related equipment provided by or belonging to the Owner. HOT TUB RULES The hot tub is provided as a courtesy amenity and is used entirely at the guest's own risk. Guests must follow all posted instructions and safety guidelines. Children under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult at all times while using the hot tub. No glass containers are permitted in or around the hot tub area. Guests shall not tamper with hot tub controls, pumps, filters, breakers, covers, chemicals, or equipment. Guests must immediately report any concerns regarding hot tub operation, cleanliness, water quality, temperature, or equipment condition upon arrival or immediately upon discovery. Failure to promptly report concerns may result in guests being held responsible for damages occurring during their stay. The Owner/Manager cannot guarantee uninterrupted operation of the hot tub and is not responsible for mechanical failures, maintenance issues, weather-related interruptions, power outages, or circumstances beyond their control. Temporary hot tub outages, maintenance needs, water quality adjustments, or equipment malfunctions shall not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, relocation, compensation, or reduction in rental charges. LAKE CONDITIONS DISCLAIMER Lake conditions are controlled by factors outside the Owner's control, including weather, drought, rainfall, dam operations, water levels, water quality, algae blooms, aquatic vegetation, floating debris, and other environmental conditions. The Owner/Manager makes no representation regarding lake depth, dock accessibility, swimming conditions, boating conditions, fishing conditions, or water quality during the rental period. If lake levels or environmental conditions render the dock partially or fully unusable, no refund, credit, cancellation, compensation, or reduction in rental charges shall be provided. Changes in lake conditions, weather conditions, or other natural events shall not constitute grounds for cancellation, refund, or reduction of rental charges. LIABILITY WAIVER & ASSUMPTION OF RISK Guest acknowledges that staying at a lakefront property involves inherent risks, including but not limited to: • Swimming and water-related activities • Drowning risks • Dock and shoreline use • Boating and watercraft use • Slippery surfaces • Uneven terrain • Wildlife encounters • Hot tub use • Recreational equipment use • Weather-related hazards Guest voluntarily assumes all risks associated with occupancy and use of the property. Guest agrees to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Owner/Manager from any claims, demands, lawsuits, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, or expenses arising from Guest's use of the property, except where prohibited by applicable law. Guest accepts full responsibility for the supervision and safety of all members of their party, including minors. CANCELLATIONS Cancellations made more than five (5) days before check-in will receive a full refund unless otherwise governed by the booking platform's cancellation policy. Bookings made through a third-party platform may be subject to that platform's cancellation terms. DEFAULT & REMOVAL Violation of any provision of this Agreement may result in immediate termination of the rental without refund. The Owner/Manager reserves the right to remove any guest who violates this Agreement, engages in unlawful conduct, creates a nuisance, damages property, or creates unsafe conditions. GOVERNING LAW This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. ENTIRE AGREEMENT This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or understandings. Any modification to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. SIGNATURES By signing below, Guest acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to all terms of this Agreement and Liability Waiver. Guest Signature: Printed Name: Date: Owner/Manager Signature: Date: