The Legal Stuff
We require a completed guests list for all people staying in the home and signed rental agreement you will need to finalize your reservation by;
a link to our agreement which you'll need to download and send back This will require you to provide a photo ID and snap a picture and send it back to make sure you are who you say you are.
a link to provide a us guest list for the home. With a house this large we need to know whom is in the house for insurance purposes. You will not be allowed to enter the home without providing a guest list. There are no parties allowed without prior approval. There are stiff fines for this.
Please read these rules carefully. By taking possession of the rental premises and/or using our eCommerce site, You are agreeing to the following terms and conditions. You are also agreeing to these terms and conditions on behalf of all other Renters and guests. Christo Properties (“Christo”) may terminate occupancy early and impose financial penalties if a guest or invitee violates these rules. This may include eviction without reimbursement and full loss of deposit.
NOISE
Guests shall have due regard and respect for the quiet enjoyment of other guests and neighbors in the community. Guests are required to keep music and noise at a level that is inaudible outside of the rental unit. No amplified sound of any kind is allowed on the exterior or interior of the premises. No visual or audio equipment other than cell phones by be brought onto the property without written permission.
NO SMOKING
This is a NON-SMOKING unit. No smoking is allowed in the premises of tobacco or any other substance. Smoking is permitted outside in the open air and generally there are ash trays provided. Guest is responsible that the smoke does not filter back inside the rental unit. Tenant agrees to pay a $750 fee if there is any evidence or smell of smoking during tenant’s stay. Tenant understands this fee will be charged to tenant’s credit card on file. Christo shall be the sole decision maker if this so. TENANT ALSO AGREES THAT YOU CAN NOT TAKE A PICTURE OF “SMOKE SMELL” We are the final word on this and renter waives the right to mitigate this fee through any third party platform mediation. There are few worse things that you can do than stink up the house with smoke as it ruins the next guests experience and costs us a bundle to fix.
CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
Guests are welcome to drop off luggage between 11am and 4pm with prior approval. Guest may be in the property for no more than 10 minutes and storage personal belonging in an area away from cleaning staff. Early renter occupancy disrupts and distracts cleaners and so Renters on site for more than 10 minutes will be considered “early check-in” and be charged according the maximum amount for doing so without the privilege of gaining access to the property.
All guests are expected to check out @ the posted or agreed upon time. There is a 15 minute grace period at such time in Renters still are occupying the property $15/minute will be charged against the deposit until all occupants have vacated the premises.TENANT AGREES THAT OUR CLEANERS OR STAFF ARE THE FINAL WORD WHEN THE HOUSE WAS VACATED.
From time to time with special permission bags may be left on the property. Exact times may vary (generally 2pm is max). ChristoProperties, owners, and affiliated persons or entities assume no liability for baggage left in the home.
CHECK IN ISSUES AND NOTICE OF PROBLEMS
Renter agrees to notify Christo of any issues within 2 hours of check in or as soon as realized. Although rare sometimes previous Renters will hide issues and/or cleaning may have missed an item or two. Renter agrees to present Christo written notification and reasonable time to remedy any issues such as cleaning, maintenance, or general dissatisfaction before the end of their stay at the property so that a remedy may be provided. Renter agrees, Complaints "after the fact" where no opportunity to remedy was provided deserve no recompense and that negative public or semi-public commentary can significantly damage a properties credibility and marketability. If there is an issue please give us an opportunity to remedy it to meet our goal to give you the best stay possible.
NOT ADA ACCESSIBLE
Tenant understands that premise are private residents and are not handicap accessible. It is possible to get a wheelchair into the door and that door is at ground level. That does not mean that anything else in the home is ADA.
PETS
Pets are permitted in rental units only with prior written approval. There is a $150.00 per-pet fee. All pets must be leashed at all times when not in the house. All pets must be up-to-date on rabies vaccinations and all other vaccinations. Christo retains the absolute right to require the immediate removal of any pet determined to be out of control, destructive, damaging, aggressive, noisy, or otherwise disturbing the quiet enjoyment of other guests or neighbors. Pets may not be left inside or outside of the home unattended for any length of time.
Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up any/all pet refuse. Pets are not allowed on furniture at any time. Any evidence of pets on furniture or uncleaned refuse may incur additional reasonable cleaning fees. Pets specifically including but, not limited to dogs must be bathed within 24 hours of arrival to the home. Pet owner agrees that most animals have an oil which can permeate carpets or furniture and if “smelly” can be difficult or impossible to remove. If the home “smells of pet” upon exit professional cleaners may need to be called in at the pet owner's expense. Should this not remove the smells in furniture or carpet it may need to be replaced at owners expense plus labor and damages to later Renters. This specifically includes but, is not limited to cat urine. Owner agree there is no “proof” of smells and grants sole decision on such matters to cleaning staff and/or Christo. Renter agrees that smells can not be photographed and it is the sole decision of management if there is an issue.
Pet owners accept full responsibility for all pets behavior and damages. Undeclared pets previous to check-in will be $300 per pet and are held to the same standards as listed above.
DAMAGE/RESERVATION DEPOSIT
Each person who pays for the stay will be considered a “Responsible Party” and will be required to place a deposit on the property. The number of Responsible Parties may vary depending on the group. Each Responsible Party will need to affirm in writing this agreement and present a legitimate and acceptable form of photo ID previous to entering the property.
Generally reservation deposit of up to $1,500 is required but, may vary. This will be held in reserve on your credit card to ensure the amounts are available on your credit card(s). If multiple credit cards are used for the reservation, a $500 damage deposit will be held on each card. The deposit is NOT applied towards your stay; however; it is fully refundable within (14) days of departure, provided the following provisions are met. All card holders will be jointly and severally liable for any monies owed.
No damage is done to unit or its contents.
No charges are incurred due to contraband, pets, or collection of rents or services rendered during the stay.
All debris, rubbish, and discards are placed in dumpster and soiled dishes are placed in the dishwasher and cleaned.
All keys are left on the kitchen table and all doors and windows in the unit are locked at checkout.
All charges accrued during the stay are paid prior to departure.
No linens are lost or damaged.
NO early check-in or late checkout unless there is written permission by Christo.
Parking passes if any are left inside the unit upon departure.
The renter is not evicted by Christo or local law enforcement.
Christo will make best efforts to return deposits as soon the above conditions are met this is often in 3-4 days. Your financial institution may take 2 weeks or more to replace funds. This varies from institution to institution and Christo has no control over this.
Renters are responsible for the safety and security of the property during their stay. Doors and windows must remain closed and locked during sleeping hours.
Should any damage happen on the property during the Renter’s stay or between cleanings by Christo staff Renter occupying the property is 100% liable. Christo shall have sole discretion to use the security deposit(s) for any damages to the rental unit. Renter agrees to follow all dispute resolution policies as noted below.
TENANT AGREES THAT OUR CLEANERS OR STAFF ARE THE FINAL WORD WHEN IT COMES TO DAMAGES AND SHOULD DAMAGES BE ACCESSED AND NOT PAID OR REIMBURSED BY ANY THIRD PARTY PLATFORM OUR AGREEMENT SHALL SUPERSEDE AND BE LEGALLY BINDING.
ALTHOUGH RARELY USED Christo has the right to rescind this agreement or tenancy at any time for any reason. In the event this clause is exercised, there is no right to restitution or refund. Christo retains the right to remove guests as a result of damage to property, disturbance of quiet enjoyment of neighbors, or any other reasonable cause. In the event this clause is exercised, Christo has right to remove guests immediately and without a court ORDER AND THE SOLE DECISION IS THAT OF CHRISTO PROPERTIES , at the guest’s EXPENSE WHICH MAY INCLUDE LOSS OF DEPOSIT WITHOUT REFUND. This agreement supersedes any third party platform agreements or relationships and is legally binding.
PAYMENT
An advance payment equal to 50% of the rental rate is due at reservation. This is non-refundable. The advance payment will be applied toward the rent. Please make payments via credit card. The advance payment is not a damage deposit. The BALANCE OF RENT is due sixty (60) days prior to Renter’s arrival date.
CANCELLATIONS
The reservation and deposit are non-refundable. Cancellations, early departures, or changes that result in a shortened stay that are made less than sixty (60) days from the arrival date will result in a forfeit of the advance payment and reservation deposit and will owe the remaining balance of the reservation. Cancellations that are made greater than sixty (60) days prior to the arrival date will result in a forfeit of the advanced payment and reservation deposit, but will not be liable for the remaining unpaid balance. Christo will endeavor to mitigate Renter losses by attempting to re-rent the premises for the cancelled days. Any rental of the premises for the same days cancelled upon by the Renter will result in a refund to Renter of that pro-rata share for that day minus a 20% operations costs incurred by the rental. ALTHOUGH RARELY USED Christo has the right to rescind this agreement at any time for any reason and refund said monies.
EVICTION
Christo retains the right to remove guests as a result of damage to property, disturbance of quiet enjoyment of neighbors, violation of house rules or the booking agreement, or any other cause deemed reasonable by Christo Properties LLC. In the event this clause is exercised, Christo has right to remove guests immediately and without a court ORDER AND THE SOLE DECISION IS THAT OF CHRISTO PROPERTIES , at the guest’s EXPENSE WHICH MAY INCLUDE LOSS OF DEPOSIT and RENTAL MONIES and there is no right to restitution for the guest in any way or form.
RENTERS
Only people named to management prior to arrival may stay in the home past 12 midnight on each rented night. Any person(s) present after midnight without consent or agreement in writing and disclosure shall be considered an "overnight guest" . The number of guests shall not exceed the maximum number allowed in the premises description or deemed by management. Renters holding deposits on the property agree they are responsible for all guests and Renters and their use of social media and public commentary. Public posts not in compliance with this agreement can easily create issues that could threaten the health and safety of guests in your party, costly issues around security or rentability of the property, or endanger future guests during their stay.
VISITORS
Visitors are welcome in the home but may not stay overnight. Any person staying past midnight (12:00 am) on any day shall be considered an overnight guest and be subject to an additional charge of $150.00 per person per night unless Christo grants prior permission in writing waiving this charge.
The number of allowed visitors in the home is the {# of allowed overnight guests x .5} (e.g. a property allows 10 overnight guests x .5 = 5 visitors). Anything over this amount will be deemed a party or event. Events or parties are not allowed without prior consent from Christo. Renter agrees to a minimum fine of One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) for any unauthorized event or party . Christo may permit events if scheduled and paid for in advance of the stay. This is only done with written permission. Tenant agrees that visual confirmation by staff , owner, or neighbors is enough to charge the deposit via credit card or with the booking platform that holds the credit cards (airbnb or others).
EVENTS
From time to time events may be allowed with written permission and often at additional cost.As an incomplete sample the following actions will be considered “having an event” and should have written permission to do so:
Over the maximum number of visitors
Any visitors in the home past 12 midnight
Bringing a cater into the home
Bringing any rental item into the home such as tables, chairs, glassware, plates
Bringing sound equipment into the home
Having entertainment of any kind, DJ’s, and/or bands
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
For the safety of guests and future viability of keeping homes on the short-term rental market Renter(s) are responsible to make sure that passcodes, wifi security codes, door codes, and information not in the public knowledge about the house, its contents, or its guests, is not distributed out to the general public through personal communications (like the bartender in that dive bar you were at), social media, web postings, or the like.
RATES MAY VARY
Rates may vary from advertised price. Some such factors that may affect rate: length of stay, holidays, seasonal rates or discounts, etc. Christo endeavors to be as accurate as possible on rates and shall expediently inform Renter of any changes to advertised rates.
MINIMUM STAY
This property generally requires a three (3) night minimum stay. Longer minimum stays may be required for certain time periods. If a rental is taken for less than the minimum stay, the Renter will be charged a higher rate per night and/or the minimum number of days rate.
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE
While linens and bath towels are included in the unit, daily maid service is not included in the rental rate. Maid service is available for an additional charge. There is a one-time linen, towel, and cleaning fee charged at the start of your stay. The house is expected to be left neat, orderly, and in a similar state as when entered. Failure to do so may incur additional cleaning surcharges.
RATE CHANGES
Rates subject to change without notice.
FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS
Renters may be required to present a copy of their formal picture ID. Any reservation obtained under false pretenses will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit and/or rental money, and the party will not be permitted to check in and may be removed from the property with no reimbursement and full loss of deposit. This includes but is not limited to:
The renter of the property not being present at the time of check in
Picture ID not matching reservation information
Unregistered or undisclosed guests
PARKING
Parking may be provided at an additional cost via space or parking passes located inside the unit. Rates may vary based on unit. Renter using off-street parking must read posted signs and must display the parking pass at all times if using one. Failure to display may result in towing or ticketing of vehicle at Renter’s expense. Renter agrees to leave the parking passes inside the unit at departure. Management is not responsible for any ticketing or towing on city streets. Parking may be offered by a separate company and may not part of the airbnb or other booking platform experience.
INTERNET
Internet service is provided. You acknowledge you are responsible for all uses of the Internet. You agree not to use it for any illegal purpose, including: copyright infringement, wire fraud, etc. Any inquiries by law enforcement, government agency, or ISP may result in disclosure of your contact information based upon Christo’s sole judgment.
STORAGE AND SECURITY
It is the Renters responsibility to retain the safety of the house by locking doors, windows, and setting of the alarm when not in the immediate presence of an entrance or window. The home may be in a densely populated area and for the security and safety of the home as well as other guests. Leaving the home open and/or unlocked when not home may be grounds for eviction. Christo may retain storage and operational space in the home. These areas are not included in the use and rental of the property and are considered private property of the owner. These areas should be respected and treated as such. Actions taken to circumvent locks, security, security systems, storage cabinets, or action that access space, forbidden, locked, or restricted in any way, shape, form or marking may result in fines up to $5,000 based on the owner’s sole judgment. Furthermore, we will prosecute to the full extent of the law for criminal breaking and entering and/ or any other crime punishable by local, state, federal, or international law. Tenant agrees that any of this type of activity on the property is a minimum of $5000 and the deposit holder(s) are solely responsible for guests actions.
HOT TUB/JACUZZI
If there is a hot tub/jacuzzi on premises:
By taking possession of the property you indemnifying and holding the property owners and managers harmless for any injury in the tub to yourself or your guests. No children under the age of 12 are permitted in hot tubs at any time. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) state that becoming overheated in a hot tub is not recommended during pregnancy. When using the hot tub, remember there are certain health risks associated with this facility. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK as with any body of warm water risk of health, drowning or even death is possible especially if used in conjunction with drugs or alcohol When not using the hot tub, leave the cover on so hot tub will remain warm. DO NOT STAND OR SIT ON THE HOT TUB COVER. They will break and you will be charged for replacement. Some hot tub maintenance will be required for stays in excess of one week. The hot tub is drained and cleaned every 90 days per standard specifications.
FIREPLACES
If there is a fireplace on premises:
Do not throw any paper or other combustible materials in the fireplace other than newspaper to start the fire and follow posted instructions. Renter is liable if the house burns down or is damaged as a result of the use of the fireplace.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Christo highly recommends all Renters purchase travel insurance. Christo is not liable for and will not refund any losses caused by acts of God, act of government or any government body, acts of a common enemy, the elements, strikes or labor disputes, unforeseen mechanical failure, unforeseen structural failure, software glitch, computer failure, service interruption, or other similar or dissimilar cause.
LIABILITY
Christo is not responsible for the loss of personal belongings or valuables of the Renter or Renter’s guests. By accepting this reservation, Renter agrees to inform all guests and Renter agrees that they are expressly assuming the risk of any harm, damage, or cost arising from their use or lack of supervision of the premises and by guests and invitees on the premises. Renter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Christo from any issues or liabilities related to any person in the home during the time of stay. Renter takes full responsibility and liability for people invited into the home.
Renter acknowledges and agrees that, during the stay, neither the Christo nor his employees or agents shall be liable for claims, demands, costs, or expenses as a result of any death, personal injury, property damage, or loss which may be sustained by any guest or visitor, whether or not caused in whole or in part by the active or passive actions of the owner or his employees or agents. Renter further acknowledges and agrees to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend same against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, liens and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees) arising directly or indirectly from any such occurrences.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Except in the event that injunctive relief is sought, any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement between the parties shall first require management negotiations, as described below. If management negotiations do not resolve the dispute, the dispute shall be resolved through small claims court, if less than $5,000 is at issue, otherwise the dispute shall be resolved in binding arbitration. If injunctive relief is sought and damages exceed $5,000, then the dispute shall be resolved in superior court. Both parties agree that venue and jurisdiction are proper in King County, WA. Renter party shall pay Christo’s reasonable attorney’s fees and costs if Renter does not prevail in any legal action.
MANAGEMENT NEGOTIATION
Renter shall send a written email to res@house-in-seattle.com explaining why Renter feels they are not liable for the damages.Management will review the appeal and respond.If the amount in dispute totals less than Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00), Renter agrees that Christo retains sole discretion in the validity of damages.
If the amount in dispute exceeds Four Hundred Dollars ($400.00), Renter may file a claim in Small Claims Court in King County, WA. The non-prevailing party shall pay court filing. Christo shall hold Renter money in dispute in trust until judgment is made.
Disputes not eligible for small claims court and where injunctive relief is not sought shall submit to binding arbitration in King County, WA. Otherwise, both parties agree and submit to venue and jurisdiction in King County Superior Court, WA.
This process must be used for any and all disputes between the parties and at no time may the Renter charge-back the credit card for any charges by Christo. Should the Renter charge-back the credit card(s) for any reason what-so-ever, the Renter agrees to pay a legal filing fee of $2500 plus an additional travel fee of $2500 if out of area travel is required to collect funds AND reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. Christo may charge Renter’s credit card for these fees.
HONEST REVIEWS
Both parties agree to truthful and honest public statements that comply with this agreement and that one single false or untruthful public statement can easily be damaging to either party.
WRITTEN EXCEPTIONS
Any exceptions or modifications to any stated policy must be approved in writing by Christo.
NOTICE REGARDING OCCUPANCY
Pursuant to RCW 59.18.040(3) occupancy at the property does not create a tenancy under the Residential Landlord-Renter Act of Washington. Renter’s occupancy is that of a temporary guest and equivalent to transient lodging. Christo may enter the premises without notice, change the locks, exclude access, and store personal property if parties fail to vacate at the end of the term of this agreement or sooner in the event Christo terminates this agreement prior to the end of the term for any violation of this agreement.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held to be unenforceable by a court with jurisdiction over the parties, such provision shall be deemed to be restated to be enforceable, in a manner which reflects, as nearly as possible, the intent and economic effect of the invalid provisions in accordance with applicable law. The remainder of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I acknowledge that I have read and thoroughly reviewed the Rental Agreement & Guarantee document, to which this form is originally attached. I further acknowledge that I have read and understand all rental policies and conditions that are listed and described in the Rental Agreement & Guarantee document and this Terms and Conditions document. Renter agrees to inform all registered guests and invitees of all agreements between Christo and Renter and to be liable for any breaches of these agreements on behalf of Renter, guests, and invitees. Renter further agrees that it is important to enjoy their vacation and have a good time.