POLICIES AND RESERVATIONS

DISCLOSURE: In accordance with the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act, each guest of Mountain Laurel Realty, Inc. will receive a Vacation Rental Agreement for their review and signature. Please take the time to read the entire policy below and the Rental Agreement which will be emailed, faxed or mailed to you once you book a reservation. Your acceptance of the rental agreement means acceptance to all the items in this policy, in addition to the terms of the Rental Agreement. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

RENTAL POLICIES

ˇ         RESERVATIONS: Reservations may be made by calling 423-277-0278, by fax at 828-488-7634, or online at (reservations ).

ˇ         RATES: Rates and amenities on this website are subject to change without notice. Rates quoted are for up to the maximum number the house sleeps. Rates vary according to the season and holiday, thereby assuring vacationers the best rate possible.

ˇ         MINIMUM STAYS: A two-night minimum is required for most homes. Holidays and Peak Seasons may require three nights. Some homes are only rented by the week during peak seasons.

ˇ         ARRIVAL: Weekly bookings run Saturday - Saturday.

ˇ         CHECK-IN: Check-In time is after 3:00 PM (or as soon as your rental home has been fully inspected and prepared for your arrival). Please read your confirmation letter for after hours check-in procedures.

ˇ         CHECK-OUT: Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Upon check-out, please leave home in the same condition as when you arrived, including but not limited to, cleaning of grills, if used.  For homes with lockboxes, keys must be reinserted into the lockbox. If time allows, call Mountain Laurel’s office to inform us of your departure. ( 423-277-0278 )  Guests are asked to remove all trash, directions to local trash collection locations will be given, consolidate soiled laundry, load and start dishwasher, reset the thermostat to 55 degrees and be sure any fire in the fireplace / woodstove has been extinguished. Guests are asked to straighten and tidy rental house, wash and replace dishes ($15.00 fee will be deducted from security deposit for any dirty dishes left).  No need to clean the house completely. A cleaning person will be assigned to the home after your departure. All equipment in the unit should be in working order. Please report any problems immediately. Every effort will be made to correct the problem; we cannot refund your money due to mechanical failures, power outages, or acts of God.

ˇ         KEYS: Non-returned keys will incur a $50.00 fee per key. Each reservation will be provided with one set of keys.

ˇ         PAYMENT: A signed rental agreement and 50% of the rental is required upon booking. Balance of payment is due 21 days before arrival.

ˇ         METHODS OF PAYMENT: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards (thru Pay-Pal only) as well as personal checks or Money orders. (No debit cards).

ˇ         FAMILY GROUPS WELCOME: All rental homes are for family groups only. No sororities, fraternities, or other unmarried groups will be allowed. Should a group misrepresent themselves, they will be required to vacate the premises immediately, without refund. Likewise, our lease agreements require the leaseholder to be at least 24 years old and reside at the rental for the term of the lease.

ˇ         TAXES: All reservations are subject to a 7% State Sales Tax. and a Local Occupancy Tax of 3%.

ˇ         HANDLING/PROCESSING FEES: All bookings require a processing fee of $35.00. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid with the balance of your rent prior to check-in.

ˇ         CANCELLATIONS: Cancellation of a confirmed reservation must be received in writing for Guest’s protection. When the property is re-rented for the full period of the cancelled reservation and confirmed with full payment, a refund to guest will be issued, less $35.00 processing fee. Processing fee is non-refundable. If property is not re-rented for the full time period of the cancelled reservation all monies paid will be forfeited.  

ˇ         MAINTENANCE, REFUNDS: We make every effort to ensure all equipment is in working order at your rental home. Please report any inoperative equipment to our office promptly! Every effort will be made to have the problem corrected. Under no circumstances will there be a reduction of rent for any mechanical failure of air conditioning, dishwasher, washer, dryer, TV, VCR, DVD, Spa/Hot tub, Swimming Pool, or appliances. There are no refunds for inclement weather, including hurricanes. We have also made every effort to assure that the descriptions of our properties are correct. However, we cannot be responsible for changes made by the owner to the furnishings or equipment in the unit.

ˇ         REFUNDS: Simply stated, once you have entered into a contract to rent a property, you are binding yourself to that property for that time. There should be no expectation of compensation or relocation because you are dissatisfied with the property or something in the property isn’t working to your satisfaction. Unlike a hotel, we cannot relocate you.  As previously stated, we will make every effort to correct any malfunctions or problems encountered, but no refunds should be expected. Every effort is made to ensure all information in Agent’s advertising is accurate and complete. However, Agent cannot be held responsible for typographical errors, omissions, price changes, and other changes made by owners within the unit.

ˇ         SUBSTITUTIONS: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations if circumstances require. If at the time tenant is to begin occupancy of the property, M.L.R. and/or Owner cannot provide the premises in a fit and habitable condition, or occupancy is unavailable for some unavoidable reason, M.L.R. will make all efforts to substitute a reasonably comparable property for occupancy. In the event that M.L.R. is unable to do so, tenant’s exclusive remedy shall be a refund to tenant of all payments made.

• TRANSFERS: Refer to section on cancellations. Transfers from one home to another, or one week to another will be treated as a cancellation.  
• SECURITY DEPOSITS: All homes in our rental program require a refundable security deposit. The purpose of this deposit is to allow the owner to recover expenses incurred from obvious or malicious neglect, damages, or from additional cleaning required do to the tenant leaving the home in a dirty condition. The home will be inspected after your check-out, and the deposit remitted within 45 days from the date of departure Security deposits are held in Mountain Laurel Realty’s Escrow account at First Citizens Bank, Cherokee, NC.  This is a non-interest bearing account.

ˇ         CLEANING: To ensure our homes are always “Motel-Ready” clean, an inspection will occur after each departure by M.L.R. housekeeping.  Our housekeeping staff will remove all ashes from fireplace. Tenants are expected to perform reasonable cleaning during your stay, i.e. vacuuming, sweeping, etc. Leave furniture and other contents in original location and condition. Refer to “MLR Check-Out Instructions” posted on the refrigerator of your rental home prior to checking out. Failure to follow check-out instructions, abuse of premises, or the need for more than basic departure cleaning could result in a charge to Guest’s security deposit.

ˇ         DAMAGE/MISSING ITEMS: All breakage and damage to your rental home during your stay must be reported to our office before your departure so that we may settle the matter as soon as possible. Tenants are responsible for and are expected to assume liability for any damage to the home and its’ contents, other than normal wear and tear, during their occupancy. Houses will be inspected carefully after your departure, and your deposit will be adjusted if any damage is found.

ˇ         DRIVING CONDITIONS: Many homes are located on gravel and/or private mountainous roads. Please come prepared to drive on these roads to your rental home. If your vacation is in the winter months, you must come prepared to drive in snow and/or ice to reach your rental home. We strongly recommend tire chains and/or a 4-wheel drive vehicle, as most homes are situated on secondary roads. Please contact our office with any questions you may have about the location of the rental home you are choosing before booking your reservation. Refunds cannot be given due to bad weather.

ˇ         AMENITIES: Most homes are equipped with a central heating source such as electric heat, oil or gas furnace, or Monitor stove. Some homes also have fireplaces or wood-burning stoves that offer supplemental heat. All homes all have fully equipped full kitchens that provide refrigerator, range, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, etc. Please check the description of your home to determine other additional amenities that may be included TENANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING PAPER TOWELS, TOILET TISSUE, SOAP, DETERGENTS, STAPLES AND PERSONAL ITEMS. Don’t forget a flashlight if you are arriving or departing after dark.

ˇ         PETS: We do have some homes that allow pets. We require an additional $50 non-refundable pet fee (per pet) if a pet is brought to a home that allows pets. This allows for additional disinfecting and extermination of the home after pet visits. Bringing pets MUST be arranged at booking. In addition to all normal charges and fees, pet owners are liable for any damages caused by pets.  

ˇ         SMOKING: Smoking is NOT permitted inside homes; smoking is permitted on outside porches, decks and patios. We ask that renters dispose of cigarette butts in a clean and safe manner. If it is determined that smoking did occur inside of home, an additional fee will be charged against your damage security deposit to cover the cost of smoke removal and any damages incurred.

ˇ         ITEMS LEFT AT RENTAL HOME: Mountain Laurel Realty will not be responsible for personal items left in the homes at check-out. A minimum $10.00 service charge and mailing costs are required if you request M.L.R. to pick up and return these items to you. Any items found in units that are not claimed within 30 days will be donated to charity.

ˇ         LINENS: Most all homes provide sheets and towels with your rental.

ˇ         MAID SERVICE: In addition to regular cleaning before and after your stay, we are pleased to offer you the convenience of mid-week cleanings & trash removal during your stay. Our cleaning service cost varies with the size of the home (plus tax). Call our office for details and arrangements.

ˇ         AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION: Guests are provided with after hour telephone numbers for emergency assistance needed. These numbers are located on the “Directions to Your Rental Home” and on the “Welcome to M.L.R.” located on the refrigerator of your rental home.

ˇ         TELEPHONES/LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS: Some owners graciously provide telephones for your convenience and safety. Please do not abuse this privilege by charging long distance calls to the home telephone. There will be a $25 collection fee added to any calls charged to an owner. Most of the home phones have a phone block and require you to use your credit card to access long distance. Long distance access is not guaranteed.

ˇ         FIREPLACES: A number of our cabins offer the use of fireplaces in the home. Be advised that M.L.R. does not provide wood for wood-burning fireplaces at any time. A select few of our homeowners will, at times, offer a complimentary supply of wood. Gas fireplaces are meant for use in the months of January thru April and October through December.

ˇ         GRILLS: Most homes provide either a gas or charcoal grill. Grilling is only permitted in units that provide grills and in an area away from the home. Propane refills for gas grills as well as charcoal are tenant’s responsibility. Grills must be cleaned before tenant check-out to avoid security deposit charge.

ˇ         TV USAGE: Television station availability will be dependent upon whatever each owner has established as a basic level of service in the case of either the satellite or cable provider. Pay-per-view selections are not available. No adjustments to TV service will be made.

ˇ         AREA GROWTH: New construction is a part of the mountains of North Carolina. If your rental home is near new construction, please be understanding. We will attempt to contact the contractor concerning noise, start times, etc., if necessary, but no refunds or moves can be made.

ˇ         HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE HOMES: If someone in your party has special requirements, please call our office to determine which home or homes may be best suited for your needs.

ˇ         USE OF PROPERTY: Unit may not be used for any activity which violates local, state, or federal laws, NC insurance rules and regulations, or subdivision restrictions.

ˇ         VEHICLES: No motor homes, campers, or tents are allowed at rental homes. Be advised that the parking at our rental properties is never more than the number of bedrooms in the property. If more than 2 cars are arriving at the home, please ask in advance about parking arrangements. Park only in designated areas. No parking allowed on grass. Absolutely no ATV’s or 4-wheelers are allowed.

ˇ         HUNTING & FISHING: No hunting or shooting of firearms is allowed on any property. Additionally, no horses allowed on property.

ˇ         FIREWORKS: No fireworks of any kind allow on vacation home premises.

ˇ         OPEN FIRES: No open fires are permitted except in designate campfire pit. Tenant is fully responsible for campfire while in use and must make sure to extinguish it.

ˇ         ENTRY: From time to time, it may be necessary to enter the home during reasonable hours for any purpose connected with the repair, care or management of the property. In addition, a few of our homes are listed “For Sale” and you may be called regarding showings during your stay.

ˇ         UNIT FOR SALE: In the event that the property you are renting is on the market for sale, we may find the need to show the property during your visit. We will make every effort to schedule the showing at a convenient time and not interrupt your vacation. Should a unit go off the market with future rentals, all guests will be notified according to the NC Vacation Rental Act of 1/1/2000. The staff of Mountain Laurel Realty will do their best to find a comparable property.

ˇ         EXTENDED STAYS: For vacationers wishing to stay in our beautiful Carolina Mountains for a period of one month or more, many of our homes are available at a discounted rate. Please contact a M.L.R. staff member for more details.

ˇ         DISCLOSURES: All monies received by agent will be held in a non-interest bearing trust account with First Citizens Bank of NC, a federally insured institution. Please be aware that Mountain Laurel Realty, We reserve the right to substitute comparable accommodations without notice or liability should the unit be out of order. Mountain Laurel Realty will not be responsible for any accidents occurring on or because of rental property. Every effort has been made to assure that all descriptions, prices, and locations are accurate. However, descriptions, prices, and locations can change without notice. Mountain Laurel Realty will not be responsible for errors or changes made by printing errors, homeowners, or even nature.

Call us today, Phone and address information, or use our Online Information Request form for more information.

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