Terms & Conditions.
This Short-Term Rental Agreement (the "Agreement") is made between Ranchside Retreats (the "Host") and the "Guest". The Host agrees to rent to Guest the property located at 4904 Hamburg Rd SW Lancaster OH 43130, Ohio (the "Property") for a short-term stay from [Check-in Date to [Check-out Date] under the terms below. This Agreement is intended for use with both Airbnb platform bookings and direct bookings, and is governed by the laws of Ohio. Reservation Details Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in is 4:00 PM on Check In Date or later, and check-out is by 10:00 AM on Check Out Date. Early check-in or late check-out may be possible only with prior written approval from Host and may require an additional fee. Unauthorized late check-out may result in additional charges (including a possible charge for an extra day) and will constitute a breach of this Agreement. Occupancy & Registered Guests: Occupancy of the Property is limited to the Guest and up to 2 authorized occupants listed in the booking. Maximum occupancy shall not exceed 4 persons, including children. Only those guests named in the reservation are permitted to stay overnight. No unregistered overnight guests are allowed. Occasional daytime visitors are allowed only with Host’s prior consent, and may never cause total persons on the Property to exceed the maximum occupancy. No parties or events are permitted without express Host approval. Violations of these occupancy or guest limits will be considered a material breach of this Agreement and may result in immediate termination of the stay with no refund. Minimum Age & Identification: Guest must be at least 21 years old to enter into this Agreement and rent the Property. The Guest who made the booking must be present at check-in and throughout the stay. A valid government-issued photo ID (matching the name on the reservation) is required at or before check-in. The Host may require presentation of the credit card used for booking (for direct bookings) for verification. The Guest shall not transfer or assign this reservation to any third party. No subletting of the Property is permitted under any circumstances. Property Use: The Property is to be used solely for short-term residential/lodging purposes and not for any commercial activities or unlawful purposes. Guest shall use the Property in a careful and law-abiding manner, keeping the Property clean and safe. Guest agrees not to disturb neighbors or create nuisance conditions (excessive noise, loud music, etc.) in violation of any local noise ordinances or community rules. Any violation of law or local rules (e.g., noise, occupancy) by the Guest or their invitees constitutes a breach of this Agreement. Payment Terms Rental Amount and Fees: The total rental amount for the stay which includes the base rent, $225.00 cleaning fee, and any applicable taxes (such as state sales tax and local lodging taxes). A lodging tax of 7.75% (commonly known as "bed tax") is required to be charged to every short-term rental guest in Fairfield County, and any such required taxes will be collected from the Guest in addition to the rent if not already included in the total. Host will remit all collected taxes to the proper authorities as required. No later than at check-in, Guest must also pay any other required fees or deposits if not already collected. Payment Schedule: For direct bookings payment in full is due at the time of booking to confirm the reservation. Failure to pay the remaining balance by the due date will be considered a cancellation by the Guest, and the Host may cancel the reservation at Host’s sole discretion with no refund of amounts already paid. All payments for direct bookings must be made in cleared funds (credit card or other method accepted by Host). Payments by credit card will be processed by Host and any eligible refunds will be issued to the same card or via check within a reasonable time (usually within 14 days). Cancellation Policy Guest Cancellation (Direct Bookings): If Guest wishes to cancel a direct booking, the Guest must provide written notice to Host. Refunds for cancellations of direct bookings are as follows: More than 30 days before check-in: Full refund of amounts paid, minus a cancellation fee of $10% cover processing and administrative costs. 15–30 days before check-in: 50% refund of the total rent paid. Less than 15 days before check-in: No refund is due. The above timeline may be adjusted in writing for certain peak-season or holiday bookings at Host’s discretion. No refunds will be given for early departure, late arrival, or unused nights due to Guest’s change of plans once the stay has begun. We strongly recommend Guests consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseeable cancellations or interruptions. Guest Cancellation (Platform Bookings): If the reservation was made via Airbnb or a similar platform, the cancellation policy selected on that platform will apply (e.g. Flexible, Moderate, or Strict policy as stated in the listing). Guest must initiate any cancellation through the platform, and any refunds will be issued according to the platform’s terms. Host will abide by the platform’s policy in determining the amount of refund (if any) due to the Guest. Note that Airbnb’s own service fees might not be refundable depending on their terms. Host Cancellation: In the unlikely event that Host must cancel the booking before check-in(for example, due to property damage, emergency repairs, double-booking error, or changes in local regulations), Host will notify Guest as soon as possible and refund all payments made by Guest for the reservation. If an issue arises during the stay that makes the Property unavailable or uninhabitable (e.g., a major utility failure or storm damage), Host may relocate Guest to a comparable accommodation (if available) or refund the unused portion of the rent. This shall be Guest’s sole remedy for any such mid-stay disruptions. No additional compensation will be provided for unforeseeable events beyond Host’s control, such as power outages, appliance malfunctions, or severe weather, and no refunds will be given for minor inconveniences, provided that Host makes good-faith efforts to promptly remedy any issues within Host’s control. House Rules and Guest Obligations Guest agrees to follow these house rules and understands that violation of any of these rules is a material breach of this Agreement and may result in eviction and loss of rent and deposit: No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking is NOT permitted inside the Property under any circumstances.This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vapes, marijuana, or any other substance. If smoking outdoors, Guest must do so at least 25 feet from any doorway or window and properly dispose of all cigarette butts. Absolutely no indoor smoking – evidence of smoking (smell, ashes, burns) inside will result in a deep cleaning fee of $250.00 or actual costs, deducted from the security deposit or charged to Guest. No Pets: No pets or animals are allowed on the Property unless expressly agreed in advance in writing (or as approved via the rental platform messaging) by the Host. If Host does allow a pet, additional fees or a pet addendum may apply (including potential extra cleaning fee or pet deposit). Unapproved pets found on the Property will be grounds for immediate termination of the rental and/or a $100.00 penalty cleaning fee (in addition to any actual damages). Guests with service animals must notify Host in advance; service animals are not pets, but remain subject to Guest’s responsibility for any damage or extra cleaning. No Parties or Events: The Property is for the quiet enjoyment of registered guests only Parties, events, or gatherings that exceed the approved number of occupants are strictly prohibited without prior written permission from Host. This includes but is not limited to weddings, receptions, large family reunions, prom or graduation parties, or any event that involves amplified music or large groups. Noise must be kept to a minimum especially during quiet hours of 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM Guests shall not engage in any loud activities or create noise that disturbs neighbors or the surrounding community. The neighborhood quiet hours (11 PM – 8 AM) must be observed; violation of noise rules or any verified neighbor noise complaints or police visits will result in immediate eviction with no refund. Use of Property & Neighborhood Guest shall respect the Property and neighbors No illegal activity or drug use is permitted on the premises. Underage drinking is not allowed. The use of any fireworks, firecrackers, or other hazardous materials is prohibited on the Property. The discharge of firearms is also prohibited (except lawful self-defense or if the Host has given specific written permission for certain activities, such as controlled hunting on a ranch property – if applicable). Do not trespass onto neighboring properties and do not disturb wildlife or farm animals in the area. If the Property includes a yard, woods, or trails, Guest assumes responsibility for their own safety while exploring these areas (see Liability Waiver below). Guests shall not create any hazardous condition on the Property, and agree to keep doors and windows locked when not present to secure the home. Maintenance and Cleanliness Guest shall keep the Property in a clean and sanitary condition during the stay. All trash and refuse should be placed in the designated trash bins (and secured against wildlife if in a rural area). Do not flush anything other than toilet paper in the toilets (no feminine products, wipes, etc.), as the house may use a septic system. Avoid pouring grease or oil down the drains. If the Property has a grill or fire pit ensure it is used safely and never left unattended; fully extinguish any fire after use. Do not move or rearrange furniture without permission, and do not remove any items from the Property. The Guest shall be responsible for the cost of any professional cleaning or repairs due to misuse (e.g., clogged plumbing from improper use, stains from spills, etc.). Appliances and Utilities: Use appliances and electronics only for their intended purposes. If an appliance, HVAC, or utility is not working properly, inform the Host immediately – do not attempt to fix it yourself. The Host will address repairs as quickly as possible. No tampering with or disabling smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, Wi-Fi routers, security cameras, or any safety or monitoring devices on the Property. (Note: Host does have exterior security cameras on site; any such devices will not monitor private interior spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms. Tampering with or obstructing security/safety devices is grounds for eviction. Additional Rules: Guest agrees to comply with any specific House Rules or instructions provided by Host in the rental listing or in a separate document (such as a welcome booklet or as posted on the premises). This may include guidelines for using certain equipment (e.g., hot tub, swimming pool, sauna, fireplace, etc.), parking instructions, or community association rules. If the Property is part of a homeowner association or community with rules (provided to Guest), those rules are incorporated herein by reference and must be honored. Any fines imposed by a HOA or local authority due to Guest’s actions will be the responsibility of the Guest. Check-Out Duties: Upon departure, Guest must vacate the Property by the agreed check-out time. Before leaving, Guest agrees to (a) wash and put away used dishes, b collect and remove trash to the outside bins, (c) leave linens and towels in one place (e.g., in laundry area or as instructed), (d) turn off lights and appliances, (e) set thermostat to [specified temperature] (if instructions are given by Host), and (f) ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked. The Property should be left in a generally neat condition – normal used condition is expected, but excessive mess or trash may result in an additional cleaning fee. If Guest fails to depart on time without approval, Host reserves the right to remove Guest’s belongings and charge an extra day’s rent (and/or report Guest for trespassing). Host’s Right of Entry: Guest agrees to allow Host or Host’s representative the right to access the Property as needed during the stay to attend to necessary repairs, maintenance, or in an emergency. Host will make reasonable efforts to notify Guest in advance of any entry, except in cases of urgent necessity or if Host has a reasonable belief that the Guest is violating a material term of this Agreement (such as hosting an unauthorized party or causing damage). If Guest refuses reasonable access for required purposes, Guest will be in violation of this Agreement. In case of suspected serious violation (e.g., large unauthorized party, illegal activity, or danger to the property), Guest explicitly authorizes Host to enter the premises (with law enforcement assistance if necessary) to mitigate damage or terminate the occupancy. Security Deposit and Damage Liability Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of 20% is required for this rental. If required, the deposit (or a credit card authorization hold for the equivalent amount) must be provided at the time of booking and in all cases prior to check-in. For Airbnb bookings, any security deposit or damage coverage is handled through the Airbnb platform (the Host may make a claim for damages via Airbnb’s Resolution Center rather than collecting a cash deposit upfront). For direct bookings, the Host may charge the provided credit card or collect cash/check for the deposit, and will provide a receipt if requested. Use of Deposit: The security deposit, if collected, covers incidental damage or excessive wear-and-tear to the Property during Guest’s stay. It is not applied toward rate and cannot be used by Guest to cover any part of the rental amount. After Guest checks out and returns all keys/access devices, the Property will be inspected. Provided no deductions are needed the deposit will be released or refunded to Guest within [7-14] days after departure (or per the timeline/rules of the booking platform) either by reversing the credit card hold or by returning funds via the original payment method. Any deductions from the deposit will be documented and explained to Guest in writing. Damage Liability: Guest is responsible for any loss or damage to the Property or its contents caused by Guest or Guest’s invitees, beyond normal "wear and tear." This includes the structure, furnishings, decor, appliances, landscaping, and all provided items. Examples of chargeable damage or loss include: stains or spills requiring professional cleaning, broken furniture or decor, missing items (towels, remote controls, etc.), damage from pets (stains, scratches), damage from smoking (burns, odors), excessive cleaning required due to rule violations (trash, smoke odor, etc.), tampering with equipment, and damage to linens or towels beyond ordinary use. The Host will use the least expensive reasonably available methods for repair or restoration of damage, but Guest will be liable for the actual cost of repair or replacement necessary to restore the Property to its original condition. Additional Charges: If the security deposit is insufficient to cover damage, or if no deposit was collected, Guest agrees to pay for all reasonable repair or replacement costs. By entering this Agreement, Guest authorizes the Host to charge Guest’s credit card on file (or otherwise collect payment) for the full amount of such damages or excess costs, with an itemized bill provided. For platform bookings, Guest agrees that Host may pursue payment through the platform’s security deposit/damage policy or, if necessary, via any legal means. In addition, specific fees may be charged for certain incidents: for example, lost keys or access devices will incur a $75.00 replacement fee, and excessive cleaning (if Property is left abnormally dirty or with trash scattered) may incur a fee of $100.00 in addition to standard cleaning. If Guest leaves behind personal items and requests their return, Host may charge shipping costs plus a handling fee for mailing lost-and-found items. Damage Reporting: Guest should report any pre-existing damage or issues to Host within 2 hours of check-in (photographic evidence is recommended) to avoid responsibility for those damages. Likewise, Guest agrees to promptly notify Host of any damage or accidents that occur during the stay. Addressing issues quickly can often reduce costs and avoid disputes. Failure to report damage or concealment of damage may be taken as evidence that the damage was caused by Guest. Excessive Utility Use: (If applicable) Guest will not run HVAC with windows/doors open or otherwise misuse utilities. If there are unusually excessive utility charges resulting from Guest’s negligence (for example, leaving water running causing a high water bill), Host reserves the right to charge Guest for the excessive portion of the utility bill. Liability Waiver and Indemnification No Liability for Injuries; Assumption of Risk: The Guest and all members of Guest’s party assume all risk of injury or harm arising from use of the Property or any recreational activities on the premises. This property may include inherent hazards including, but not limited to, natural terrain, wildlife, water features, fire pits, fireplaces, decks, hot tubs, and other potential danger. By signing this Agreement, Guest voluntarily assumes all risk of harm and responsibility for the safety of themselves and their invitees. The Host shall not be liable for any personal injuries (including illness or death) suffered by Guest or Guest’s invitees during the stay, except to the extent caused by Host’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. All amenities (such as hot tub, grill, fireplace, sports equipment, etc.) are used at the Guest’s own risk. Children must be supervised at all times by an adult. Guest acknowledges that the Host would not rent the Property without this clause. Property Loss or Theft: The Host is not responsible for loss or damage to Guest’s personal belongings or vehicles. Guest’s personal property, including vehicles, is not insured by Host. Guest agrees to lock doors and secure valuables. If Guest leaves items behind, Host may assist in returning them (see Additional Charges for handling fees), but Host is not liable for items left or lost. Indemnification: Guest agrees to release, defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Host (and property owner, if different), and the Host’s agents, employees, and representatives, from any and all claims or liabilities for any injuries, illness, damage, or loss sustained by Guest or Guest’s invitees in connection with the rental or use of the Property, except those directly caused by Host’s gross negligence or intentional misconduct. This indemnification includes reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by Host in defending against any such claim. For example, Guest will indemnify Host for claims arising from Guest’s misuse of amenities, failure to supervise minors, or any negligence or unlawful acts by Guest or invitees. Guest’s obligation to indemnify Host shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Limited Liability: If, notwithstanding the foregoing waivers, Host is found liable for any damages arising out of Guest’s stay, Guest agrees that the maximum extent of Host’s liability is the amount of the rental fees paid by Guest for this booking. In no case will Host be liable for any consequential or special damages or lost profits. Guest also waives any right to seek any injunctive or equitable relief against Host, and understands that their remedies are limited to claims for monetary damages, subject to the limitations herein. Acknowledgment: Guest understands that this is a legally binding waiver and indemnity and that by signing below, Guest is giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue the Host under certain circumstances. Guest’s signature indicates full understanding and agreement with these terms. If any portion of this Liability Waiver is found invalid under law, the rest shall remain enforceable. Compliance with Laws and Local Regulations Transient Rental Use: This rental is for transient occupancy only, and is not subject to the landlord-tenant laws under Ohio law for residential premises. Guest does not obtain any rights as a tenant or a permanent resident. Ohio law (Ohio Revised Code § 5321.01) explicitly excludes transient rentals (in tourist homes, hotels, etc.) from the definition of residential premises, so no landlord-tenant relationship is created. Guest must depart at the end of the approved rental period. If Guest fails to vacate the Property as scheduled, Guest will be unlawfully detaining the Property; Host may charge holdover fees and may have Guest removed as a trespasser without resort to formal eviction proceedings. Local Ordinances: Guest agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations during their stay. This includes local zoning, health, and safety ordinances that may apply to short-term rentals. For example, if the Property is located in Fairfield County, Ohio, the Host is required to collect and remit a 6% county lodging excise tax on short-term stays. The Host confirms that the property is properly registered or licensed as required by local law (such as any required short-term rental permit or lodging tax registration with the county). The Host will post any required license or permit number on the listing or on the Property as mandated. Guest agrees not to do anything that would put the Host in violation of any law or permit (for instance, Guest will honor occupancy limits, noise rules, and trash disposal regulations, as these are often conditions of short-term rental permits). Household Safety Compliance: The Property is equipped with smoke alarms and \[carbon monoxide alarms] as required by law. Guest will not tamper with these devices and will use any fire extinguishers or emergency exits appropriately if needed. If the jurisdiction requires specific safety features (e.g., pool gate alarms, etc.), Host affirms those are in place. Parking and Traffic Laws: Guest must comply with all local parking regulations. Parking is only allowed in designated areas. Do not block fire lanes, neighbor driveways, or violate any posted parking rules. If street parking is used, Guest must follow city ordinances (for example, some towns prohibit street parking overnight or on certain sides of the street on certain days). Any tickets or towing incurred by Guest are Guest’s responsibility. Neighbours and Noise Ordinances: The Guest shall be mindful of neighbors. Quiet hours and anti-nuisance laws must be observed (as noted in House Rules). Some local laws impose fines for excessive noise or other disturbances – the Guest will be responsible for any such fines caused by their party. If law enforcement or city officials are called due to Guest’s disturbance or non-compliance, it shall constitute a breach of this Agreement. Fire Code / Occupancy: Guest shall not exceed the maximum occupancy or violate any fire code regulations (no blocking exits, no over-occupancy). No tents, campers, or RVs for additional sleeping accommodation are allowed on the property without permission. No open flames (such as bonfires or campfires) except in designated fire pit areas in accordance with local fire safety rules and any burn bans in effect. Other Compliance: If the Property is subject to any Homeowners Association (HOA) or community rules (provided to Guest), Guest will comply with those as well. Any fines or penalties levied by a government authority or HOA due to Guest’s actions or negligence will be charged to Guest. For example, if Guest violates the trash disposal rules or noise ordinance and the Host is fined, Guest agrees to reimburse Host for those fines. Termination of Agreement Breach by Guest: If Guest or any member of Guest’s party violates any provision of this Agreement or any house rule, the Host shall have the right to immediately terminate Guest’s occupancy. Termination may be effected by oral or written notice to Guest, or by the appearance of law enforcement if necessary. Upon such termination, Guest agrees to vacate the Property immediately. In the event of termination due to Guest’s breach, no refund of any rental amounts, fees, or deposits will be made – Guest forfeits all monies paid Host may deduct from the security deposit (or charge Guest) any expenses resulting from the breach, including costs to re-key locks, extra cleaning, repairs, or fines. Any damage deposit held shall be forfeited in full if the breach caused significant damage or cost, without waiving the right to further damages if the deposit does not cover the loss. Examples of Material Breach: Material breaches justifying immediate termination include but are not limited to: unauthorized parties or events; exceeding occupancy limits; smoking inside; having an unapproved pet; disturbing the peace or neighbors; illegal acts on the Property; serious damage to the Property; or any violation of a no tolerance” rule stated by Host. Expedited eviction procedures may be utilized as applicable. Guest acknowledges that any police report or neighbor complaint is prima facie evidence of breach. No Tenancy Rights: Guest understands and agrees that this Agreement is not subject to landlord/tenant laws and that no formal eviction process (such as those required for long-term tenancies) will be required for Host to retake possession upon termination. If Guest fails to vacate upon termination or at the end of the rental period, Host may retake possession of the Property and have Guest’s belongings removed at Guest’s expense. Guest will be liable for any holdover damages, including additional rent, costs, or fees incurred due to the delay in departure. Host’s Remedies and Legal Fees: In addition to termination, Host reserves all rights to pursue legal remedies against Guest for any losses or damages resulting from breach. This includes recovery of costs of repair, cleaning, loss of future rental income due to damage, and any attorney’s fees and costs incurred. Guest shall be responsible for reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by Host in enforcing this Agreement or in collecting damages, to the extent allowed by law. Host’s Right to Cancel for Cause: Host may also cancel the reservation prior to check-in if Guest has misrepresented any details of the reservation or Guest’s identity, or if Host reasonably believes Guest will violate the terms (for example, clear indications of intending to throw a party). In such case, any advance payments may be forfeited or refunded at Host’s discretion depending on the circumstances of the misrepresentation. Early Termination by Guest: If Guest decides to vacate the Property before the end of the rental term (except as required by law or agreed by Host), it shall be considered an early termination by Guest. In such case, no refund will be given for unused nights, and Guest remains responsible for any damage found and for returning keys. Miscellaneous Provisions Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to its conflict-of-law provisions. The parties agree that the Ohio courts have jurisdiction over any dispute arising from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, any legal action must be filed in the state courts of Fairfield Ohio (being the county in which the Property is located). Guest consents to such jurisdiction. Dispute Resolution: The parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve any disputes arising under this Agreement. If a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute may be submitted to mediation or small claims court if within applicable limits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Host retains the right to use law enforcement or judicial process to immediately remove a trespassing Guest or pursue criminal behavior without resorting to mediation. Attorney’s Fees: In any litigation or arbitration arising out of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, in addition to any other relief granted. This provision shall survive the termination of the Agreement. Entire Agreement: This Agreement (including any attached addenda or written house rules provided by Host and signed by Guest) constitutes the entire agreement between the Host and Guest with respect to the short-term rental of the Property. It supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements (whether oral or written) between the parties. No modification to this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both the Host and Guest (or, if applicable, made via acceptable electronic methods such as the rental platform’s messaging system and explicitly acknowledged as an amendment to these terms). Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions. The remainder of the Agreement will continue in full force and effect. No Waiver: The failure of Host to enforce any provision of this Agreement (or any house rule) on one or more occasions shall not be deemed a waiver of Host’s right to enforce it thereafter. No waiver by Host of any breach by Guest shall be interpreted as a waiver of any subsequent breach. All rights and remedies under this Agreement are cumulative and in addition to any rights available at law. Assignment: Guest may not assign or sublease this Agreement or the Property to any other party. Any attempted assignment or sublet by Guest without permission is void and constitutes a breach (as noted above). Host may assign this Agreement to a new owner if the Property is sold, in which case Guest will be notified and the new owner will honor all terms for existing bookings. Headings: The headings and section titles in this Agreement are for convenience and organization only and have no legal effect. Digital or Counterpart Signatures: This Agreement may be signed electronically or in counterparts, which together will constitute one and the same agreement. A signed copy transmitted by email or electronic signature service (e.g., DocuSign) shall be deemed an original. For Airbnb reservations, the Guest’s acceptance of the booking and of this Agreement (if provided via the platform or email for electronic acceptance) shall be considered equivalent to a signature. By signing below, the Guest agrees that they have read and understood all pages of this Agreement (including any attached house rules or addenda), and agree to be bound by its terms. The Host (or Host’s authorized agent) agrees to the terms of this Agreement and will make the Property available accordingly. Signatures Guest (Printed Name) _________________________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________ Date:__________________ Host/Owner (Printed Name):____________________________________________________ Signature:_____________________________________________Date:__________________