Here are some suggestions to consider when formulating your own cottage rules.
COTTAGE RULES
The Cottage Rules are an addition to the terms and conditions of your cottage rental. Please review this document carefully and assure that all members of your party are familiar with the contents, particularly the conditions of rental and cleanliness guidelines. Just as you appreciated the clean and well-maintained state in which you found the cottage, we ask that you leave the cottage clean and tidy for the next guests.
Entertaining guests is very much part of cottage life; however the maximum number of persons determined for this cottage is based on the capacity of the septic system and the number of beds. Please do not exceed the maximum number of persons allowed with regard to guests. Your thoughtful consideration of your cottage neighbors' need for quiet and privacy will be appreciated.
All guests are responsible for the payment of "total charges" which include full accommodation charges plus a damage deposit of ($ XXX) upon arrival. All payments can be made by (cash, check, internet bank transfer, debit or credit card etc)
DAMAGE DEPOSIT:
Cottages collects a damage deposit to ensure compliance with the Terms & Conditions of the Rental Agreement. This deposit is held during your stay and will be reviewed on the last day of your rental. All or part of this deposit may be used for any damage, long distance telephone charges, excessive cleaning, or any other non-compliance with the Rental Agreement.
CANCELLATIONS:
Any cancellation by the guest must be forwarded in writing to Cottages within 21 days of first reservation date. If we are able to re-book the cottage for the entire period of your reservation, we will refund all monies paid by the renter, less a ($XX) cancellation fee. If we are only able to re-book a part of the original reservation period, the renter will be refunded a proportionate amount of the monies paid, less a ($XX) cancellation fee. If we are unable to re-book the property for any part of the original reservation period, then all monies paid by the renter will be forfeited to Cottages.
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT:
We have (paddleboats, canoes, rowboats and kayaks, etc.) available for all guests to use free of charge. You are responsible for providing your own life jackets and boat kits. Paddleboats are not to be used as diving platforms.
BOATING: Please notify the management if you're planning on bringing your own watercraft. There is a limited amount of dock space available. There will be an additional fee of ($XX) for boat dockage. The OPP monitor and enforce the boating regulations and it is your responsibility to have the appropriate license. Please be mindful of the effects of wakes on our shoreline and its negative impacts on natural vegetation and habitats.
FISHING: You may fish from the dock and water vessels, however please ensure all fishing hooks, lures, broken lines etc. are retrieved and not left around for unsuspecting pets and people to harm themselves.
SWIMMERS:
Rafting, floating and noodling is a common practice on the lakes and especially on smaller lakes you may find a snoozing cottager floating on their air mattress in the middle of the lake. Please alert them gently to any water vessels in their vicinity. As in the city, pedestrians have the right of way.
POWER/HEAT SOURCE:
Electrical power may be interrupted from time to time, and it may stay off a little longer than it would in the city. We suggest you bring a few flashlights for emergencies. Also, if the power does go out, remember that the water system operates on an electric pump. DO NOT RUN THE WATER WHEN THE ELECTRICITY IS OFF. We are not responsible for any damage or inconvenience caused by power failure.
OUTDOOR FIRES:
Before lighting any fire out of doors, check with the local Township office regarding fire regulations, restrictions and permits required. Do not make a large fire as nearby trees and brush can catch on fire. Fires may be lit after 9pm and must be extinguished by 1am. Before leaving the area pour water on all fires, to ensure they are completely out.
WASTE DISPOSAL:
Never leave garbage outside the cottage.. Country critters (raccoons, bears, skunks...) love garbage. Unless you wish to be visited by these friendly and hungry animals, please follow the garbage disposal instructions. Garbage must be placed in the bins or tightly covered container and taken to the roadside on (Thursday mornings prior to 8 a.m.) It is very important that all guests practice environmentally friendly procedures on the property and recycle when possible. Any garbage left at the cottage will result in a ($XX) disposal charge.
COTTAGE WATER SOURCE:
We have installed a UV chlorinated water system on the property. The water is tested on a weekly basis and safe for drinking. (Or alternately, tap water is not potable and you are responsible for obtaining your own drinking water.)
BATHROOM/SEPTIC SYSTEM:
Like most cottages our cottages operates on a septic system. The septic system is a very sensitive, and integral, part of cottage life. The basic rule is; do not put anything down the toilet other than natural waste and toilet paper (and be conservative with the paper). Use one ply paper whenever possible. No paper towels, Kleenex, tampons, pads, matches, hair, grease, strong chemicals, etc. These are guaranteed to back up the system and believe me, you do not want that to happen. The septic bed (identified outdoors as the large flat/level open section of the cottage lot) can be easily damaged by excessive weight. Do not drive over or park any vehicles in this area. Septic systems have a maximum capacity with regard to use (i.e., number of persons, washrooms, laundry, etc.) Please observe and respect the maximum number of persons determined for your cottage.
BARBECUE:
A gas barbecue is provided; please notify us if the tank needs to be refilled. Please do not burn any foreign materials (wood) in the barbecue if it is a gas/propane type. Barbecue grill should be cleaned /brushed after each use. After each use, turn off both the BBQ "On/Off" valve and the tank valve.
ALCOHOL AND FOOD:
We ask that you do not bring glass out of your cottage/deck. There is no glass allowed on docks and fire pit area. This ensures that our property remain barefoot friendly for our guests. Partying and consumption of alcohol is a part of our cottage experience, however, cottage communities are very tight knit and neighbors look out for one another. Out of respect for other cottage owners please be respectful in terms of noise level and standard boating and water regulations. No loud parties or noise after 11:00. This is very much appreciated.
SMOKING: All cottages are non-smoking. There will be an additional ($XXX) fee deducted from your damage deposit if there is evidence that the guests have been smoking inside the cottage.
TELEVISION:
We have (Star Choice/Bell/Rabbit Ears, etc)..... just for the rainy days of course.
COMMUNITY NOTES:
Please respect that you are also a part of a cottage community. Your consideration of our place in that community will be appreciated - no loud parties or noise after 11:00 P.M., and observe normal boating and water guidelines, etc.
TELEPHONE:
Long distance calls must be charged to another number or charged to a credit card. Any long distance charges billed during the period of your occupancy will be re-billed to you or deducted from the security/damage deposit. A $20.00 administrative charge will be levied if the long distance charges must be re-billed or deducted from the security deposit.
PETS:
All pets must be pre-arranged before arriving. Guests may be asked to leave if pets are not arranged before arrival. This includes all pets (rabbits, birds, fish, turtles, cats, hamsters, etc.) We welcome all well-behaved pets. Pets must be leashed at all times and all owners must clean up after their own pets. Continuous barking will not be tolerated; guests may be asked to leave if bad pet behavior persists, any damages will be taken from your security deposit.
GUESTS:
All guests must be approved prior to their arrival in order to ensure that the cottage is not over capacity.
NOTES ON INSECTS, LOCAL WILDLIFE:
Insects and wildlife are very much part of cottage country. To discourage these pests endeavor to keep exterior doors closed at all times. Please do not place poison within the cottage as other guests may have young children or pets that could get into it and become very ill.
CHECK OUT TIME:
Your adherence to the check out time of 10:00 a.m. will be appreciated, in order to allow time for cottage maintenance and preparation for the next cottage guests.
PROPERTY OF COTTAGES:
We ask that all original property be in place before departing. This includes all dishes, pots, pans, cutlery, glasses, cups, outdoor furniture and bbq's.
CLEANING:
Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration in leaving the cottage (inside and out) thoroughly clean and tidy, as it was for your arrival. Cleaning equipment and supplies normally used have been provided to make your task as easy as possible. It is required that the cottage be left thoroughly clean and tidy. If the property requires additional cleaning following your departure appropriate deductions will be made from your security/damage deposit).
GENERAL:
( ) Check all windows, make sure they are closed and locked, close drapes.
( ) Check all doors and make sure they are locked. Return keys.
( ) Make sure all garbage cans have been emptied and garbage removed
( ) Clean out fridge thoroghly
( ) Check dvd player for left over discs
( ) Don't leave behind beer cases or pop empties please.
( ) Turn down all thermostats.
( ) Check for personal belongings indoors and out (all rooms, drawers, under beds, waterfront, etc.)
( ) Please notify the management if there's anything that's not working properly in the cottage.