Short-Term Rental Agreement

01 Acceptance of Terms

By completing a reservation at Walnut Beach Luxury House (“Property”), Guest acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms of this Agreement. No physical signature is required — booking confirmation constitutes Guest’s full and binding acceptance of these terms. Guest accepts full responsibility for all members of their party and any invitees throughout the duration of the stay.

02 Agreement

This Short-Term Rental Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between the Host (Bo & Matt, “Host”) and the guest who completed the booking (“Guest”) for a temporary, non-exclusive license to occupy the Property for the stated rental period only. This Agreement does not create a tenancy, landlord-tenant relationship, or any right of continued occupancy beyond the stated dates. This Agreement is the sole governing document for the reservation.

03 Occupancy & Guests

Maximum occupancy is 6 guests total, including children and infants. Unauthorized guests beyond the agreed number are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.

The Property is for residential use only. Events, parties, or gatherings beyond the registered guest count are not permitted without prior written approval from the Host.

Guest agrees not to sublet or re-list the Property and may not allow others not listed in this booking to use the Property.

ID Verification

The primary guest is required to provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) prior to check-in. ID may be submitted by email to walnutbeachluxuryhouse@gmail.com. The door code will not be released until ID has been received and confirmed by Host.

Sleeping Arrangements

The home accommodates up to 6 guests across 3 bedrooms — one king suite and two queen bedrooms — and is prepared based on this standard configuration. Requests for alternative sleeping arrangements beyond the three bedrooms require advance approval and may be subject to an additional setup fee due to the additional bedding preparation, coordination, and turnover required.

A main-level office includes a full-size sofa bed (69” sleeping length) that may be made available upon request for guests who prefer a first-floor sleeping arrangement. Due to its length, it may not be suitable for taller adults.

The third-floor rec room is designed as a lounge and recreation space and is not configured as a standard sleeping area.

Daytime Visitors & Gatherings

Walnut Beach Luxury House is not an event venue. Due to insurance requirements, any additional daytime visitors, vendors, professional meetings, retreats, or bridal preparation activities must be disclosed and approved in advance and may be subject to an additional fee and separate daytime use agreement.

04 Payment & Fees

For direct bookings, full payment is due prior to check-in via the payment method established at booking. A $500 refundable security deposit is required for direct bookings and must be received no later than 48 hours before check-in via Stripe. The deposit will be released within 7 days of check-out, less any documented deductions.

Guests are responsible for any damage to the Property, its contents, or surrounding areas beyond normal wear and tear. Host reserves the right to apply the security deposit toward documented repair or replacement costs, and to pursue additional recovery if costs exceed the deposit amount.

For bookings made through Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms, payment and deposit policies are governed by the platform’s terms in addition to the rules outlined in this Agreement.

05 Cancellation Policy

The following cancellation policy applies to all direct bookings:

• 14+ days before check-in: 100% refund of all amounts paid.
• 7–13 days before check-in: 50% refund of the rental fee; security deposit refunded in full.
• Less than 7 days before check-in: no refund of rental fee; security deposit is non-refundable.
• All refunds are issued within 7 days of cancellation notice.

Host reserves the right to cancel a reservation at any time for documented policy violations, safety concerns, or circumstances beyond Host’s control (force majeure). In the event Host cancels, Guest will receive a full refund of all amounts paid.

06 Check-In & Check-Out

• Check-in: 4:00 PM on the arrival date.
• Check-out: 11:00 AM on the departure date.

Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and must be confirmed with the Host in advance. Unauthorized late check-out may result in an additional fee of $100 per hour.

Access to the Property is via keypad entry. Guests should not share the access code with individuals not included in the booking. To lock up at check-out, press the Yale button on the keypad.

07 House Rules

Guest agrees to comply with all house rules at all times. Violation of any rule may result in immediate termination of the stay without refund.

Shoes

Shoes must be removed at the entrance and placed in the basket or on the shoe rack provided.

Kitchen & Appliances

Always use trivets or hot pads when placing pots, pans, or any hot items on quartz countertops. All appliance manuals are located in the bottom drawer of the kitchen island.

Gas Fireplace

The fireplace is operated by the switch on the left wall next to the fireplace. Do not attempt to modify or override the gas system.

Propane Grill

Feel free to use the outdoor propane grill. Turn off the propane valve when finished and leave the grill clean (grill brush is provided). Propane refills during the stay are the responsibility of the guest.

Trash & Recycling

Trash collection is Monday mornings. If your stay includes a Sunday night, please bring the trash bin from behind the right side of the house to the curb before bed. Recyclable items may be placed loose (not bagged) in the designated recycling bin — recycling collection and curbside placement are handled by the Host.

Quiet Hours

Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM. Please be respectful of neighbors in this residential beach community. No loud music, gatherings, or disruptive activity after 10:00 PM.

No Smoking

This is a strictly non-smoking property. Smoking is prohibited inside the Property and on all outdoor decks, patios, and exterior spaces.

Violation of the no-smoking policy will result in a minimum $500 remediation fee, which Host reserves the right to pursue through applicable legal channels.

No Pets

No pets of any kind are permitted at the Property.

Towels & Linens

At check-out, please toss used towels on the floor of the primary bathroom or in the hamper in the laundry room — no need to fold or sort them. Bed linens should be left on the beds as-is.

08 Property Care & Damage

Guest agrees to care for the Property and its contents with reasonable care. Guest shall not remove, rearrange, or damage any furniture, fixtures, artwork, or equipment. Guest shall promptly notify Host of any damage or malfunction discovered upon arrival or during the stay.

The Property is privately owned. Guest shall not share the address or access information publicly (including social media) in a manner that compromises the property’s security.

09 Liability & Indemnification

Use of the Property and all amenities (including but not limited to the deck, grill, beach access, and rec room) is at Guest’s own risk. Host is not responsible for any injury, illness, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from Guest’s use of the Property.

Guest agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Host from any claims, damages, costs, or liabilities arising out of Guest’s use or occupancy of the Property, including the actions of any member of Guest’s party or invitees.

Host carries property insurance but it does not extend to Guest’s personal belongings. Guest is encouraged to obtain travel or renter’s insurance for their stay.

10 Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Any disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of New Haven County, Connecticut. In the event of a dispute, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees.

If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

11 Security Cameras

This Property has exterior security cameras as part of a standard smart home security system: front door (Ring video doorbell) and both sides of the exterior facing the street. No cameras are located inside the home or in any outdoor living or relaxation areas.

12 Commercial Photography & Filming

Commercial photography, video production, or filming of any kind is not permitted at the Property without prior written approval from Host. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Conditions of approval may include restrictions on image usage rights, written host approval of any published content, and branding credit to Walnut Beach Luxury House.

13 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Host and Guest regarding the rental of the Property. It supersedes any prior communications, representations, or agreements. This Agreement may not be modified except in writing communicated by Host.