# Terms & Conditions ## Downton Estates Management These Terms & Conditions govern all bookings made directly with Downton Estates Management. By making a reservation, the Lead Guest confirms they have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions on behalf of all guests staying at the property. --- # 1. Booking Agreement The booking contract is between the Lead Guest and Downton Estates Management acting as agent for the property owner unless otherwise stated. The Lead Guest must be at least 18 years of age and accepts responsibility for the actions of all members of their party and any authorised visitors. --- # 2. Payments Full payment must be received in accordance with the payment schedule shown at the time of booking. Failure to make payment may result in cancellation of the booking. We reserve the right to cancel any reservation where payment has not been received. --- # 3. Security Deposit Downton Estates Management reserves the right to request a refundable security deposit before arrival. The security deposit may be retained wholly or partially to cover: • Damage to the property • Missing items • Specialist cleaning • Smoking or vaping • Unauthorised pets • Additional guests • Noise complaints • Breach of these Terms • Lost keys • Lock replacement • Emergency call-outs • Excessive waste removal • Any financial loss directly resulting from the guest's actions This list is not exhaustive. --- # 4. Identification We reserve the right to request photographic identification and proof of address before check-in. Failure to provide satisfactory identification may result in cancellation without refund. --- # 5. Guest Verification Downton Estates Management reserves the right to carry out identity verification, fraud prevention checks and booking validation before releasing access details. --- # 6. Occupancy The maximum occupancy stated on the listing must never be exceeded. Only registered guests may stay overnight. Unauthorised guests constitute a breach of contract. --- # 7. House Rules Guests agree to comply with all published House Rules. Failure to do so may result in immediate termination of the booking without refund. --- # 8. Check-in & Check-out Standard Check-in: From 3:00pm Standard Check-out: By 10:00am Early arrivals or late departures are only permitted with written approval. Additional charges may apply. --- # 9. Cancellations Cancellation terms shown at the time of booking apply. Where no specific cancellation policy is stated: • More than 14 days before arrival – refund less any non-refundable payment processing or administration costs. • Within 14 days of arrival – no refund unless the dates are successfully re-let. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. --- # 10. Cancellation by Downton Estates Management We reserve the right to cancel any booking immediately where: • Fraud is suspected • Payment fails • False information has been provided • House Rules are likely to be breached • The property becomes unavailable • Circumstances beyond our control make the booking impossible Where cancellation is our responsibility, liability shall be limited to the amount paid by the guest. --- # 11. Force Majeure Downton Estates Management shall not be liable for cancellations, interruptions or losses arising from events outside our reasonable control including but not limited to: • Severe weather • Flooding • Fire • Utility failures • Government restrictions • Pandemics • Industrial action • Civil unrest • Acts of terrorism • War • Natural disasters --- # 12. Guest Behaviour Guests must behave respectfully at all times. Anti-social behaviour, excessive noise, illegal activity, violence, threats, abuse or criminal conduct will result in immediate removal without refund. Police may be contacted where appropriate. --- # 13. Smoking Smoking and vaping inside any property is strictly prohibited. Minimum charge: £250 plus all associated costs. --- # 14. Pets Only permitted where authorised before arrival. Guests remain fully responsible for all damage and cleaning costs. --- # 15. Damage Guests accept responsibility for all damage caused during their stay. Downton Estates Management may recover: • Repair costs • Replacement costs • Cleaning costs • Administration costs • Contractor costs • Professional fees • Loss of future bookings • Any other reasonably foreseeable losses --- # 16. Maintenance Should maintenance become necessary during your stay we reserve the right to enter the property at reasonable times or immediately in emergencies. No compensation shall be payable where repairs are necessary to protect the property or guest safety. --- # 17. Utilities & Internet Utilities and Wi-Fi are provided where advertised. Downton Estates Management cannot guarantee uninterrupted services and accepts no liability for interruptions beyond our control. --- # 18. Vehicles Vehicles are parked entirely at the owner's risk. Downton Estates Management accepts no responsibility for theft, damage or loss. --- # 19. Personal Property Guests are responsible for their own belongings. Items left behind may be disposed of after 14 days unless collection has been arranged. Postage and administration charges apply. --- # 20. Right of Entry Downton Estates Management reserves the right to enter the property without notice where reasonably necessary, including emergencies, maintenance, safeguarding, suspected criminal activity, breaches of these Terms or to protect persons or property. --- # 21. CCTV External CCTV may operate for security purposes only. There are never cameras inside guest accommodation. --- # 22. Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by law, Downton Estates Management shall not be liable for: • Personal injury unless caused by our negligence. • Loss or theft of personal belongings. • Travel disruption. • Weather conditions. • Third-party services. • Utility failures. • Internet outages. • Vehicle damage. • Loss of enjoyment. • Indirect or consequential losses. Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation is prohibited by UK law. --- # 23. Chargebacks Where a guest initiates an unjustified payment dispute or chargeback, Downton Estates Management reserves the right to recover: • Outstanding balances • Administration costs • Legal costs • Debt recovery fees • Interest where applicable --- # 24. Legal Costs The guest agrees to indemnify Downton Estates Management against all reasonable costs, losses, claims and legal expenses arising from any breach of these Terms & Conditions. --- # 25. Governing Law These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of England and Wales. --- # 26. Acceptance By making a booking, paying for a reservation or entering the property, the Lead Guest confirms that they have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions and agrees to ensure that every member of their party complies with them. Downton Estates Management reserves the right to amend these Terms & Conditions at any time. The version in force on the booking date shall apply to that reservation.