Terms and Conditions

RESERVATIONS

The contract of letting is between the Visitor and the Host. Bookings are only accepted subject to availability, to these conditions and by agreement with the Host. Abodes of Oxford (AO) reserve the right to refuse any booking or to cancel any booking already made, in which case every effort will be made to offer alternative accommodation. If none is available AO will refund any payments made by the Visitor. AO will not be liable for any other losses/damages, etc. suffered by the Visitor as a result of the property being unavailable on the day stated. We also reserve the right to change tariffs after publication should this be considered necessary. Any such changes will be made clear prior to the booking being accepted.

INITIAL PAYMENT

The initial payment shall include 30% of the total accommodation fee if booking more that 4 weeks before the arrival date, otherwise the full payment is due.

BOOKING and PAYMENT

Please complete the Booking Form on the website with the Initial payment at the time of booking. Payment can be made by all main credit or debit cards. Handling charge of 3% on credit cards and 5% for PayPal and American Express. Payment can be made by bank transfer if payment is received two weeks or more before arrival. This has to be be discussed with a member of Abodes of Oxford and confirmation of booking will be issued upon recived payment. If the chosen room(s) is unavailable, alternative accommodation will be offered; all payment will be returned to the Visitor if this is not acceptable.

BALANCE OF PAYMENT

For long-term bookings the Balance of Payment is due for the first 2 weeks prior to the arrival date and will be taken subsequently on a weekly or monthly basis dependant on preference. Payment failure for future weeks will result in loss of future reservations unless discussed prior.

CANCELLATION BY VISITOR

For all cancellation queries visit the ‘cancellation policy’ section

CANCELLATION BY THE HOST

Any cancellations made by the Host, or by Abodes of Oxford on behalf of the Host will be fully refunded in the event that suitable alternative accommodation cannot be found.

RETURNABLE SECURITY BOND

Missing or broken items, replacements or repairs must be reported without delay – NOT at the end of the stay – to the Host so that immediate correction can be made and disputes over who caused the damage can be eliminated. Visitors must pay for any damage caused and payment for the breakages or damage must provide adequate compensation. The Visitor must leave the room in the same condition as it was found. In this circumstance, effective compensation for damaged goods will be charged to the guest. Lost keys will be charged for at £50.

LIABILITY

Bookings are made on the understanding that occupancy of the room is only for the period of time agreed by AO and the Visitor. The Visitor is expected to be mindful of the fact that they are staying in the home of their host and must respect the family and property at all times. The Visitor’s right to occupy the room may be forfeited without compensation if:

• More people than specified in our description, or as stated on the Confirmation of Booking, attempt to occupy the room
• Visitor’s guests are entertained without the Host’s permission.
• The Visitor causes damage, noise, unreasonable disturbance or conduct.
• The visitor uses illegal substances or consumes alcohol (if under the age of 18) within the confines of the host family property
• Theft

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

As the accommodation is provided within a private home the visitor must make arrangements with the host at least one week before to agree on a convenient time of arrival. It is the responsibility of the visitor to arrive at the property at the agreed time. The Host should be informed of any delay or change to the previously agreed arrival time as soon as possible to ensure the host is available upon the Visitor’s arrival. In all cases, the Property must be vacated by 10.00am on the day of departure.

DAYTIME VACATION OF HOUSE

Visitors are expected to vacate the house between the hours of 8.30 and 17.00 hours during weekdays unless agreed otherwise with the host.

DESCRIPTIONS

We have compiled the information on our accommodation as accurately as possible. However, to avoid any disappointment, we advise the Visitor to verify the description with the Host immediately upon receipt of the Confirmation of Booking. AO has taken all reasonable care to ensure the quality of the Host and Accommodation reserved for Visitors and cannot be held liable for any dissatisfaction that the Visitor may have with the Host or Accommodation. AO is not responsible for the accuracy of any verbal information given by any of its employees, or by the Host. The Visitor is advised to confirm in writing to AO any verbal information imparted by AO, or by the Host, that the Visitor deems to be important. We cannot accept responsibility should the Property not conform to the Visitors own standards, should these differ from our reasonable standards. Facilities or equipment may have been withdrawn or altered, or changes may have been made outside our control, for which AO is unable to accept responsibility.

USE OF KITCHEN FACILITES

Where stated some hosts allow some use of the kitchen facilities such as microwave, kettle and toaster. Visitors who have requested the use of and paid for these facilities must ensure that the facilities are used only at times previously agreed with the host with food purchased by the visitor. Please respect that the kitchen is within a private property where the hosts need to prepare their own meals. The use of the kitchen is only for the agreed times. Food prepared must be consumed in the kitchen and not in the bedroom unless otherwise agreed with the host.

INTERNET USE

Internet or wireless use is free of charge for reasonable use. excessive use that impacts the host(s) financially will result in being charghe respective of the usual bill difference.

COMPLAINTS

In the event of a complaint regarding the accommodation, the matter should always be taken up with the Host immediately. Reasonable time must be allowed for the Host to rectify a complaint or meet any reasonable request by the Visitor. If this is not possible or satisfaction is not obtained then the Visitor or the Host should telephone our office. Unless we are completely satisfied with the nature of the complaint, an alternative can only be offered by AO with the Host’s consent. We regret that we are unable to arbitrate any complaint once you have left the Property or it is after your stated departure date.

CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL

Abodes of Oxford cannot be held responsible for problems and delays resulting from circumstances beyond their control (force majeure) e.g. strikes, postal delays, transport delays, changes to the personal circumstances of our hosts, terrorism, war etc.

STATUTORY RIGHTS

These terms and conditions do not affect your statutory rights under English Law.