SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT & CONTRACT

Surfing Turtle Gulf Shores

This Short-Term Rental Agreement and Contract (the “Agreement”) is a legally binding contract made and effective as of [Insert Agreement Date / e.g., Today’s Date] between [Insert Owner/Host Full Name or Company] (“Owner/Host”) and [Insert Guest Full Name] (“Guest”) regarding the vacation rental property known as Surfing Turtle Gulf Shores (“Rental Property”), located at: [Insert Full Property Street Address, City, State, Zip]

This Agreement applies to the Guest’s stay at the Rental Property from [Insert Check-in Date] to [Insert Check-out Date], as well as any extended, modified, or revised stay dates. This Agreement binds all members of the Guest’s party regardless of age or affiliation (“Group”). Guest acknowledges full responsibility for communicating all terms, rules, and safety requirements of this Agreement to all occupants and permitted visitors.

OCCUPANCY & AGE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Booking Age: Guest must be at least twenty-seven (27) years of age to book and sign this Agreement. An official government-issued photo ID proving age must be uploaded through the guest portal and verified prior to check-in.

• Maximum Occupancy: The Rental Property shall not be occupied by more persons than the maximum capacity of [Insert Maximum Guest Count] stated in the booking confirmation. All overnight occupants must be registered. Day visitors are strictly limited and must not cause total property presence to exceed maximum capacity.

• No Third-Party Bookings: The booking Guest must be an active occupant staying at the Rental Property for the entire duration of the stay.

• Prohibited Groups: No fraternities, sororities, unchaperoned high school/college groups, or unauthorized event gatherings are permitted. Subletting or assignment of this Agreement is strictly prohibited.

PAYMENTS, CANCELLATIONS & FINANCIAL TERMS

• Payment Schedule: Initial payment of [Insert Initial Payment Amount or Percentage] is due at booking. The remaining balance must be paid at least [Insert Number] days prior to arrival. Owner will automatically schedule the remaining balance to be charged to the card on file [Insert Number] days prior to arrival. If automatic payment fails, Guest must promptly remit payment or face immediate cancellation with forfeiture of funds.

• Credit Card Processing: Charges and refunds will appear as [Insert Statement Descriptor Text] on credit card statements. Any refund due will be processed to the original payment card within 30 days.

• Cancellations & Non-Refundable Fees: Travel Insurance, Damage Protection, and administrative or processing fees are strictly non-refundable.

• Travel Insurance Disclaimer: Surfing Turtle Gulf Shores is not affiliated with, associated with, or an agent for any third-party travel insurance provider. We do not collect or retain insurance payments, nor are we responsible for policy coverage, claim determinations, or payouts. All travel insurance policies are independent contracts strictly between the guest and the provider. Rent refunds and stay cancellations are governed exclusively by the following policy: [Insert Specific Cancellation Policy Text Here].

SECURITY DEPOSIT & DAMAGE CHARGE AUTHORIZATION

• Security Deposit Reserve: A hold or charge in the amount of [Insert Deposit Amount] will be placed on Guest’s credit card [Insert Number] day(s) prior to arrival.

• Release & Deductions: Deposits will be released within [Insert Number] days of departure, provided no damage beyond normal wear and tear has occurred. Deductions may include, but are not limited to: excess cleaning, sand/drain remediation, trash removal, missing items, damaged physical property or grounds, or emergency service calls.

• Restoration Costs & Towel/Linen Policy: Owner is under no obligation to use the least expensive means of restoration or repair. Lost or damaged linens, towels, or bedding will be billed at two (2) times the standard replacement cost.

• Direct Billing Authorization: Guest expressly authorizes Owner/Host to charge the credit card on file for any damages, excessive cleaning fees, missing property, rule violation penalties, or administrative enforcement costs exceeding the initial deposit amount. Guest agrees to pay any remaining balance within [Insert Number] business days of notification.

HOUSE RULES, SURVEILLANCE & IMMEDIATE REMOVAL

• Strict No Pet Policy: No pets or animals of any kind are permitted in or on the Rental Property premises. Unauthorized pets will result in immediate eviction, forfeiture of all monies paid, and non-negotiable deep-cleaning fees.

• Strict No Smoking / Vaping: Smoking or vaping of any substance is strictly prohibited inside the residence, and anywhere on the property, including all outdoor areas, decks, patios, pool areas, driveways, and parking areas.

• Outdoor Security Surveillance: Outdoor security cameras are actively in use at the property to monitor entryways and exterior grounds. Tampering with, covering, disconnecting, disabling, or obstructing any security device or camera is strictly prohibited. Any camera tampering constitutes a material breach, resulting in immediate termination of occupancy, total forfeiture of funds, and a $500 security violation fee.

• Parties & Disturbances: Unlawful, offensive, or excessive noise/disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited. Quiet hours must be respected ([Insert Quiet Hours Window, e.g., 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM]).

• Immediate Eviction & Law Enforcement Action: Any breach of the duties, age restrictions, occupancy caps, camera policies, or rules in this section constitutes a material default. Guest agrees that breach results in immediate termination of occupancy without refund. Guest agrees to vacate immediately upon notice and explicitly agrees that removal may be enforced by local law enforcement officers treating unauthorized holdovers as trespassers.

PROPERTY CARE, SAND & BEACH RESTRICTION RULES

• Sand & Plumbing Preservation: Guest agrees to keep all beach sand outside the home. All sand and salt must be thoroughly rinsed off body and gear at outdoor shower stations prior to entering the residence. Sand, shells, and beach sediment shall NEVER be rinsed in indoor sinks, bathtubs, showers, floor drains, or washing machines. Gear and apparel must be brushed off outdoors prior to laundering.

• Beach Equipment: Only designated outdoor beach equipment may be taken off-site. Equipment must be returned clean, free of sand, and stored in designated storage spaces. Items left unattended on public beaches are subject to local government confiscation at Guest expense.

POOL & AMENITY RULES

As a pool is provided on the premises, Guest agrees to strict adherence to the following rules:

• NO DIVING under any circumstances.

• NO GLASS CONTAINERS or glass objects of any kind in or around the pool deck area.

• NO SURFBOARDS, BOOGIE BOARDS, SKIMBOARDS, OR HARD WATERCRAFT allowed in the pool.

• PRIVATE POOL & ADULT SUPERVISION: Guests use the pool entirely at their own risk; no lifeguard is on duty. Children under the age of 18 must be strictly supervised by an adult at all times while in, around, or near the pool area.

• Pool equipment is chemically balanced prior to entry. Misuse, contamination (soils, oils, glass, foreign soaps, or trash), or damage requiring draining/refilling will result in immediate service charges billed directly to Guest.

TRASH & UTILITIES

All household trash must be bagged and deposited in designated exterior waste bins. Guest is responsible for keeping trash bins accessible on designated pickup days ([Insert Trash Pickup Day of the Week]). Owner will make reasonable efforts to maintain continuous operation of utilities, internet, appliances, and amenities (pools), but no refunds or rate adjustments will be provided for temporary utility blackouts, equipment breakdowns, neighboring construction, weather events, or mandatory municipal/county hurricane evacuations.

RECREATIONAL RISK, INDEMNIFICATION & RELEASE OF LIABILITY

• Inherent Risk Assumption: Guest fully acknowledges that outdoor, beach, stair, deck, and water-based recreational activities (including pool usage) involve inherent risks of injury, illness, paralysis, or death. Guest assumes full responsibility for the safety and actions of all members of their Group and any permitted guests.

• Indemnification & Hold Harmless: Guest agrees to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Owner, Host, property managers, and employees from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, legal costs, or attorney fees arising out of personal injury, property damage, or theft occurring during the stay, except in cases of proven gross negligence or intentional harm directly by Owner.

• Personal Property: Guest assumes all risk for personal property brought onto the grounds. Owner bears no liability for lost, stolen, or damaged personal effects. Lost-and-found items will be returned at Guest’s expense; unclaimed items will be disposed of after 30 days.

• CHILD SAFETY DISCLAIMER: Please note that the Rental Property is NOT childproofed. Parents and legal guardians bear sole responsibility for supervising children at all times—including inside the house, on decks, balconies, yards, and around the swimming pool.

HOST ENTRY & INSPECTION

Owner or authorized representatives reserve the right to enter the Rental Property at reasonable times with advance notice for necessary maintenance, inspection, or repairs. In cases of active emergencies, suspected lease violations, or camera tampering alerts, Owner may enter immediately without prior notice.

GOVERNING LAW & SEVERABILITY

This Agreement shall be governed by and enforced strictly under the laws of the State of Alabama. Any legal dispute or court proceedings arising from this contract must be instituted solely in the county court where the Rental Property resides (Baldwin County, Alabama). In any enforcement action or court litigation, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and legal costs. If any single provision of this contract is held invalid, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full legal force.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT & ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE

By completing a booking reservation and providing an electronic signature below, Guest certifies that they are over twenty-seven (27) years of age, have read and fully understand all conditions contained herein, and explicitly agree to be bound by all terms, rules, and financial obligations of this Agreement.

• Guest Signature: __________________________________

• Date: __________________________________

• Printed Name: [Insert Guest Full Name]