The Booking: The renter must be at least 18 years old to book accommodation at Les Rapaces. The booking is made as a consumer and the renter acknowledges that no liability can be accepted for any business losses howsoever suffered or incurred. A contract comes into existence with the party leader when the deposit has been banked and is subject to these conditions. The party leader assumes responsibility for the whole party in the compliance with these terms.

Payments: Reservations made by telephone or email will be held for 7 working days pending the receipt of the non-returnable deposit of 30 per cent. Costs for money transfers (bank fees) are to be paid by the renter. All prices quoted are per gîte per week unless otherwise stated. Because of variations in the exchange rates, the owner reserves the right to modify prices until such time as a written confirmation of booking has been issued. The outstanding balance must be paid 8 weeks before the start of the holiday. See below for details concerning payment of the Security Deposit. If the holiday falls within this 8 week period, payment must be made in full. If payment is not received on the due date or cheques not honoured, the Owners reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled by the renter and the dates will be offered to other interested parties. All deposits are non-returnable.

Security Deposit: A security deposit is required. This amount is £175 or 250 Euros for Le Hibou and £100 or £140 Euros for Le Faucon/La Buse, which must be paid at the time that the balance is paid by separate cheque. The renter is responsible to the owner for the actual costs of any breakage or damage in or to the accommodation, along with any additional costs that may result, which are caused by the renter or his/her party. The owner will refund the security deposit within 2 weeks of the end of the rental period, less any necessary deductions for such damages or extras not separately paid for, such as cleaning. If there are any damages or breakages in excess of the security deposit, the renter agrees to reimburse the owner the cost of replacement or repair. The security deposit in no way limits the renter’s liability to the owner in the event of major damage. Any substantial damage caused by the renter (his/her family/friends or invitees) or behaviour of an unacceptable type will result in immediate eviction without compensation and a claim for loss and/or damage by the owner. In this event the owner will have no further contractual obligation to the renter. It is a condition of this contract that the renter takes out adequate insurance to cover every member of his/her party. This must include good third party liability. Renters are responsible at all times for the safety and behaviour of their children.

Duration: The gite rented is shown on the Booking Form. The rental of each gîte is for the duration agreed and concludes at the end of that period. The renter has no right to remain in the property after the end of the rental.

Cancellation by Renter: The owners must be contacted as soon as possible in writing if the renter wants to cancel the booking. The booking deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances. If the owner receives notice of cancellation less than 8 weeks before the start date, the renter will be charged the full amount of the rental due unless the property can be relet at the same rate, in which case only the non-returnable deposit will be retained to cover expenses. If the property is relet at a lower rate, the reduced balance will be refunded. The renter is advised to take out insurance to cover all such eventualities as the above refund terms are non-negotiable.

Changing the date of a booking: If after a Booking Confirmation is issued, the renter wishes to alter the booking, he/she should inform the owner immediately. The owner will endeavour to accommodate the change, but this may not be possible and the normal cancellation terms will prevail.

Cancellation by Owner: Bookings are made on the understanding that the accommodation will be available for the dates specified. If due to circumstances beyond the owner’s control this is not possible, every effort will be made to offer alternative dates or alternative accommodation. Failing this, the owner will make a prompt and full refund of all money paid, and there will be no claim against the owner. Under all circumstances the owner’s limit of liability is that which has been paid for the booking. If the rental has to be terminated early by the Owners the renter will be refunded part of the booking fee based on the time remaining of the booking. No additional compensation will be payable. In the event of the booking being cancelled or altered by reason of force majeure (which includes floods, storms, riots, strikes, wars, terrorism and Acts of God) or other events outside the owner’s control the owner cannot accept liability.

Accidents, injury and personal property: The owners shall have no liability to the renter for the death or personal injury to any member of the party. The renter must take all necessary steps to safeguard their personal property. No liability is accepted by the owners in respect of damage to or loss of such property.

Arrival and Departure: The property will be available from 16:00 pm on the day of arrival until 10:00 am on the day of departure. Changeover days are on Saturday unless otherwise agreed. If the renter is unable to arrive at a reasonable time or wishes to leave before 08:00 am, please notify the owner beforehand. If arrival is at an unreasonable hour without notification and access to the property is not possible, the owner cannot be held responsible for any cost incurred for alternative overnight accommodation. The owner is entitled to refuse to hand over to the renter or to repossess the accommodation is they reasonably believe that any damage is likely to be caused by the renter or his/her party, or can repossess the accommodation if damage has been caused. If the renter wishes to depart before 8am arrangements will need to be made for the return of the door key. If the renter or any person in his/her party falls ill on holiday or for any reason has to return early, the owner cannot be held responsible for any additional cost nor can part of the rental be refunded.

During the rental: You may not carry out any form of trade or business from the property, nor may you sub-let any part of the buildings. The cottages are situated in a quiet residential hamlet and the renter must pay due consideration to the neighbours and avoid excessive late-night noise, particularly outside. Contravention of these rules is treated as cancellation by the renter and the term concerning cancellation will apply.

Smoking: Smoking is not allowed inside the cottages. The renter is responsible for removing all cigarette butts from outside areas.

Linen and towels: Linen is included in the rental. Towels can be hired from the owners provided advance notification is given. The price is 5 Euros per person, which includes a pool towel, bath towel and hand towel. Payment must be made in cash on arrival. Towels must be returned on the day of departure.

Utilities: The rental charge is inclusive of water, electricity and gas. Heating, if necessary, will be charged at £30 or 45 Euros per week.

Cleaning: The gite is prepared and checked for the renter before arrival. The renter is responsible for ensuring that the gîte is left in the same clean condition as it was found. The following basic level of cleanliness is required on departure: Cooker and oven clean and fat-free; floors swept or vacuumed; crockery and cutlery washed/dried and put away; toilets and bathrooms cleaned; carpets vacuumed; obvious spills and stains removed; barbeque clean and fat-free; bins throughout the house emptied and bottles and papers taken to the recycling centre in Sarrazac. If the renter prefers not to clean before departure the owner offers a cleaning service for a supplement of 50 Euros for Hibou or 40 Euros for Buse/Faucon. This supplement will be systematically deducted from the security deposit should the property not be cleaned and tidied before departure.

Capacity: If the number of people exceeds the maximum number agreed at the establishment of this contract, the owners reserve the right to refuse the extra guests. In this case the renter will be considered to have brought about the break or change to the contract and no compensation will be payable. The renter may not invite guests to Les Rapaces without prior approval of the owners.

Swimming Pool: The pool is unsupervised and, therefore, guests use it at their own risk. Please see separate safety rules for its use.

Children: There is no staff at Les Rapaces. Therefore, the renter is wholly responsible for ensuring that children no matter what age are supervised properly at all times and do not cause a nuisance to other renters or neighbours. In particular children are not allowed into the swimming pool area unless accompanied by a responsible adult. The renter agrees that they are responsible for any damage caused by their children.

Pets: Pets are not allowed at Les Rapaces.

Maintenance: As with any property there are times when access to the gites or swimming pool for maintenance or repairs is necessary. Disruption will be kept to an absolute minimum and the owners will try to ensure that the renter has prior warning.

Problems: If a problem arises the renter is responsible for notifying the owner immediately so that it may be resolved. No complaint will be entertained unless it is raised with the owner personally before the property is vacated and confirmed in writing within 7 days of the end of the rental. Under no circumstances shall the owner’s liability to the Client exceed the amount paid to the owner for the rental period.

Disclaimer: The owners make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the property description. All information is given in good faith and believed to be correct. Furthermore, they do not accept liability for happenings outside their reasonable control, such as breakdown of domestic appliances, plumbing, wiring, pest invasion, damage resulting from exceptional weather or loss, injury or accident however caused. The use of the property and its amenities are entirely at the renter’s/users’ risk. The renter and his/her party leave belongings at the property at their own risk.