Holiday House and Flat Online Bookings
Renting out holiday properties can be a profitable business. However, as with all lettings, it is essential that the terms of a holidaymaker’s occupation are clearly set out. This will minimise rental voids, reduce the scope for disputes and ensure that the owner gets the property back at the time and in the condition he requires.
This subfolder contains documents that can be placed on a holiday rentals website or in a brochure. A contract is formed by the customer submitting a Booking Form and the owner sending the Confirmation Letter. The relevant set of Terms and Conditions is incorporated in the contract. This will often by a more convenient way of operating than printing off a Tenancy Agreement for both parties to sign.
These Holiday House and Flat Online Bookings documents can be used for houses, cottages, flats and apartments. They are drafted using plain English.
Holiday House and Flat Online Bookings is part of Property. Just £38.50 + VAT provides unlimited downloads from Property for 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a holiday booking made through my website actually become a contract? +
The customer submits a booking form and you send a confirmation letter, and that exchange forms the contract, incorporating your terms and conditions, with no need to print and sign a tenancy agreement. It is often more convenient than signed paperwork. The online bookings folder provides the terms, booking form and confirmation letter for houses, cottages, flats and apartments.
Do my website booking terms have to be fair and clear to guests? +
Yes. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires terms in consumer contracts to be transparent and fair, and an unfair term, for example an unclear or excessive cancellation charge, is not binding on the guest. Key terms should be visible before booking, not buried. The template terms are drafted to be fair and to sit within consumer law.
What must I tell customers before they book online? +
Give the key information clearly before the booking: the total price, what is included, the dates, your cancellation and deposit rules and your contact details. Consumer law on distance contracts requires clear pre contract information, and dated accommodation is exempt from the automatic 14 day cancellation right, so your terms carry the weight. The booking documents are built to present this.
Can a guest who booked online cancel and demand their money back? +
Not automatically. Accommodation booked for set dates is exempt from the 14 day cancellation right in the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, so refunds depend on your cancellation terms, which must themselves be fair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. A clear, fair cancellation policy protects both sides. The confirmation letter and terms set out the position.
