The Boathouse -
Policy
SUMMER WEEKLY/WEEKEND RENTAL
POLICY
FOR
THE BOATHOUSE COTTAGE
OWNER’S INTENT TO RENT
It is intended by the owners of “The
Boathouse Cottage” that it be available for
rent to only related groups of individuals or
the like, and to groups of mature adults. The
allowable maximum number of guests is fifteen
(15) (including infants and toddlers), however
the recommended number of guests is six (6)
adults along with up to six (6) children, or ten
(10) adults with no children. It is intended
that the cottage and grounds be available and
limited to those listed on the registration
packet, not exceeding fifteen (15) people. Day
time gatherings of more than the fifteen (15)
authorized guests listed on the registration
packet may be possible with the owner’s
written consent only, and will be
handled/authorized on a, case by case, basis.
PETS
There are absolutely no pets allowed
on “The Boathouse Cottage grounds“. There
are no exceptions.
MOTORHOMES/CAMPING TRAILERS/TENTS/RV’S,
& THE LIKE
There are absolutely no motor homes,
camping trailers, tents, or the like allowed on
“The Boathouse Cottage grounds“. There are
no exceptions. It is expected that all guests
utilize cottage beds (and guest provided cribs)
to achieve sleeping accommodations.
RENTER’S INTENT TO RENTs
It is expected that the owners of “The
Boathouse Cottage” will provide, to it’s
guests, all that it is advertised to offer, to
the best of their ability. The owners of “The
Boathouse Cottage” and their employees will do
their best to ensure that this is the case. The
owners take very seriously the responsibility to
their guests to provide them with a facility
that is clean, in good condition, and in good
working order. “The Boathouse Cottage” is
the owner’s annual vacation spot, and so is
subjected to their standards as well. This helps
to ensure that “The Boathouse Cottage” is
interestingly decorated and adequately stocked
for all to enjoy. The owners cannot promise that
sometime throughout the rental season, repairs
or replacements will not be necessary during a
rental period, however, many steps have been
taken prior to the rental season and throughout
to help minimize such occurrences.
ALERGENS
“The Boathouse Cottage” is made available
to those who have problems with allergies.
Measures have been taken to minimize allergens
inside the cottage. Providing a pet free
environment is one. Others include the use of:
laminate flooring throughout the main level of
the cottage (although carpet covers two thirds
of the lower level, and also the stairs going
between the two floors), leather and vinyl
furniture (although not all), vinyl and metal
blinds for window coverings, protective
coverings on pillows and beds, plastic
indoor/out door carpet in the game room ,
low-knap throw-rugs throughout. Also, carpets,
furniture, and throw rugs are professionally
steam cleaned regularly. Many surfaces of the
interior are easy to clean and therefore are
geared toward providing a more sanitary
environment.
RENTAL SCHEDULE
MAKE A RESERVATION
Reservations are taken over the phone only.
To make a reservation a potential renter may
call (602) 799-4459.
SECURE A RESERVATION
Once a reservation is taken, a security
deposit is required to secure the reservation.
The security deposit is due, no later than, five
(5) consecutive business days starting the next
business day after the phone reservation occurs.
If the security deposit is not received by the
specified deadline date, the reservation is
canceled and the specified time period, once
again, becomes available. The amount of the
security deposit is stated in the registration
packet. Once the security deposit is received
the reservation is secured until two weeks prior
to the scheduled check-in date.
The security deposit is non-refundable.
However, there may be one exception. If the time
period in question is re-rented ( rented at the
owner’s discretion only ) at the same rate,
the deposit will be refunded. If it is rented at
a lesser rate, the difference will be deducted
from the deposit.
RENT BALANCE AND DAMAGE DEPOSIT DEADLINE
The balance of the rent along with a damage
deposit is due, no later than, two weeks prior
to the check-in date indicated on the
registration packet. A reminder letter will be
sent two weeks prior to the due date. If the
balance of the rental fee plus the damage
deposit is not received by two weeks prior to
the scheduled check-in date, the reservation is
canceled and the deposit is forfeited.
The amount of a damage deposit required for a
specific rental period is listed in the
registration packet.
WELCOME PACKET
Once the balance and damage deposit has been
received, a welcome packet will be sent
containing things such as a map, directions,
keys, boating laws, check-in card/check-out
card, etc.
CANCELLATION
The full rental fee is due, no later than, 14
days prior to check-in. The balance of the
rental fee, paid in full no later than 14 days
prior to check-in, becomes non-refundable
progressively as the scheduled rental check-in
date approaches. (The balance is referred to as
the amount of the rental fee, plus tax, minus
the security deposit.) If cancellation of the
reserved rental is desired, it must be done by
phone only, by calling (602) 799-4459. The
balance of the rental fee will be prorated by
dividing it by 14 and multiplying it by the
number of days gone by starting from the 14th
day prior to check-in. The remainder of the
balance will be refunded promptly along with the
damage deposit. The full rental fee becomes
fully non-refundable upon the day of check-in.
If check-in is never achieved, the damage
deposit will still be refunded.
DAMAGE DEPOSIT REFUND
Immediately following a rental the cottage
and grounds are inspected. Any/all damages found
upon the completion of the inspection will be
deducted from the damage deposit on hand. If the
damages exceed the amount of the deposit, the
balance will be due immediately and billed to
the person who is indicated on the registration
packet as the person who agrees to take
responsibility for the rental. If damages do not
meet or exceed the amount of the deposit, the
difference will be refunded. If no damages are
found upon the completion of the inspection, the
deposit will be fully refunded. The deposit will
be refunded in the form of a check, and sent to
the person who is indicated on the registration
packet as the person who agrees to take
responsibility for the rental. The check will be
issued and mailed within one week, although it
is usually mailed the day after the rental
ended. (If damages were found, an explanation of
the charges/deductions will be indicated in the
damage deposit refund letter.)
Damages are described to include, but are not
limited to such things as: the furniture is
found out of its original placement, bedding is
not found to be intact or is found to be
mishandled, dirty dishes are found, food and the
like is found in the frig or cupboards, trash
and debris is found about the cottage and
grounds, boats and boating gear is found
scattered about, exterior furniture is found
scattered about, keys are not returned, items of
any kind are missing, items of any kind are
found damaged, structures on property are found
damaged, dock is found damaged, landscaping
including grass, is found damaged.
RENTER‘S
RESPONSIBILITY
It is expected that the cottage and grounds
will be left in the condition in which it was
found, other than un-cleaned and supplies
depleted. It is assumed, and agreed upon that
the cottage will be kept tidy during the rental
period. It is expected that the kitchen will be
tidied up after each use (including cleaning up
spills and messes on stove top and inside oven).
CLEANING
Cleaning is included in the rental fee and is
limited to general cleaning only including
dusting/wash down of all surfaces including the
floors, vacuuming carpets/rugs, general window
cleaning, and supply restocking.
BEDDING
Bedding is provided and must be left
intact and on each bed at time of check-out. It
is unacceptable to remove bedding from beds and
leave in piles upon check-out. This would cause
a significant delay in the organized collection
of bedding and therefore would cause a delay in
preparation for the next rental. Bedding is for
indoor use only, and not to be used for beach
blankets. Protective layers found on bedding are
to be left intact for the duration of the rental
stay and upon departure. There is a $250.00
charge for the mishandling of bedding.
TOWELS
Towels are provided and must be gathered
and left in the bottom of tubs and showers upon
departure. It is not acceptable to leave
towels scattered about the cottage. Provided
towels are stark white and are for indoor,
personal use only. Renters will need to
bring beach and water activity towels (beach
towels are a necessity).
FOOD AND THE LIKE
Food/drinks/the like are to be removed from
frig, cupboards, the property, or properly
discarded upon departure. It is unacceptable
to leave food, drinks, and the like in frig,
cupboards, or on the property, or not discarded.
DISHES
Dishes are to be clean and stowed in their
original locations upon your departure. It is ok
to leave the last load of dishes, clean
and in the dish washer. It is unacceptable to
leave dirty dishes.
TRASH AND DEBRIS
All trash shall be stowed preferably out in
the three large trash bins, provided and located
in front of the garage. All trash shall be
bagged. It is unacceptable to throw loose trash
in trash bins unless it is large and dry. It is
acceptable to leave your last amount of trash
stowed in individual cottage trash cans
(bagged). It is unacceptable to leave trash or
debris of any amount scattered about the cottage
or grounds upon departure.
MAINTENANCE ACCESS
REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
“The Boathouse Cottage” grounds are
maintained in part by a hired landscape
maintenance company. Access is required weekly
in order for the grass to be properly
maintained. This schedule (once a week) is made
available at “The Boathouse Cottage”.
PERIODICALLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
“The Boathouse Cottage” grounds are
maintained in part by a hired landscaping
company. Access is required periodically in
order for the grounds to be properly maintained.
Examples of this are as follows: fertilization
of the grass, and trimming of the bushes. This
schedule (a few times a year) is not available
at “The Boathouse Cottage”. The schedule is
not set by the hired landscaping company, due to
many factors that make it impossible for them to
predict.
“The Boathouse Cottage” grounds are
maintained in part by “The Boathouse Cottage”
workers. Access is required periodically in
order for the grounds to be properly maintained.
Examples of this are as follows: spraying for
weeds, pulling weeds, and dock maintenance. This
schedule (a few times a year) is not available
at “The Boathouse Cottage”. The schedule is
not set by “The Boathouse Cottage” workers,
due to many factors that make it impossible for
them to predict.
Non Availability of Property
If, for any reason beyond the owner’s
control (I.E. fire damage, high winds, flooding,
etc.), the property is not available on the date
booked, all rent paid in advance will be
refunded in full. The renter/s shall have no
further claim against the owners.
Our Info
Brief history: Malissa grew up in Grand
Haven, Michigan and Bob grew up in nearby
Muskegon, Michigan…Much of their families
still live in the area…After moving to
Phoenix, Arizona, Malissa and Bob purchased a
vacation home back in Grand Haven, Michigan (“The
Boathouse Cottage”)…They return two to three
times each year to stay at ”The Boathouse
Cottage”, and to enjoy the area, and visit
with family and friends…Malissa and Bob extend
their cottage to weekly guests in the summer,
and have been doing so for seven years…The
cottage house-keepers and maintenance crew have
been with them for the duration…Malissa’s
dad, who lives in Grand Haven, oversees the
cottage, and assists guests when needed.
