policy                                                                    
                                Downeast Rentals & Real Estate LLC
P.O. Box 1177, 50 Main Street
Blue Hill, Maine 04614
Tel. (207) 374-5444  
        www.RentalsMaine.com  
      Email:   Info@RentalsMaine.com
 



This lease is a two-part document, sent in two attachments, to be viewed as one document.  Please read both Lease Part 1 (this document) and Lease Part 2 (signature page with fees), sign and return Lease Part 2 along with required payment within the due date to secure your reservation.  This time has been reserved for you.  Should there be any changes in your plans, please let us know immediately.

Part 1:General Agreements:

Directions:Printable directions to your rental property can be found at MapQuest.com and are located on our webpage www.rentalsmaine.com. Please call if assistance is needed.

Check In/Check Out:The property will be ready for occupancy at 4:00 PM on the beginning date of the lease and must be vacated by 10:00 AM on the ending date of the lease.

Characteristics & Amenities of Property:  Renters should be aware of the nature of private, independently owned rental properties in a widely dispersed region, where hotel-type, on-site daily maintenance is not present, and where there is WIDE variation in both the condition and presentation of each property.  In addition to carefully previewing the online information about this property on our website at www.rentalsmaine.com, it is the responsibility of the Lessee to also carefully question the rental agent (via phone and/or email) to make sure the home meets the needs and desires of the Lessee.  While we make every effort to accurately describe the property (condition, proximity to the ocean, waterview, the nature and style of the interior and exterior of the home, grounds, etc.) through our website, through phone conversations, and via email conversations; vacationers/lessees alone are responsible in making their selection.  Please recognize that interpretation is an individual thing and the rental agent does not guarantee nor warrant the information describing these properties.  After our acceptance of your signed lease and payment, it is not possible for you to change to an alternative property without forfeiture and in compliance with our cancellation policy.  Be sure you have fully reviewed the information and have full confidence about your property selection before committing.

Refunds:DRR, Inc. does NOT give refunds, partial or whole, on the basis that the vacation home is not to the Lessee’s liking or fails to meet their expectations.  Please understand that at the time of arrival you will not be allowed to “trade” to an alternative property.  Should you choose to vacate the property early, even for tragic personal matters, you will not be issued a refund. Please consider purchasing travel insurance (such as through Travel Guard).

Condition/Cleanliness of Property:Your rental home is clean and prepared for your stay.  In the unlikely event that you find any deficiencies at the property regarding cleanliness or maintenance, please notify us IMMEDIATELY.  We are intent on working to address problems in an expedient manner.  In the unlikely event cleaning deficiencies are identified, a cleaner will be sent to remedy reasonable cleaning requests, but such will NOT constitute a refund of cleaning fees, nor will choosing to clean the property yourself.  As with all homes, unexpected breakages, outages or acts of nature can occur.  Please understand that we will make every effort to remedy problems at rental homes and that these unfortunate occurrences will not constitute any refund or compensation of fees except in the event that the property must be immediately vacated.  In such events the Lessor or Agent will not be liable for any restitution beyond the rental fees as stipulated in this lease, and ONLY for unused days.

Cleaning:Upon completion of the tenancy, the premises are cleaned for the listed fee.  If there is a need for extraordinary cleaning, the lessee agrees to provide additional fees at a rate of $25/hour as required, mailed to DRR within 10 days of departure.

  Damage Waiver – Damages, Missing Items, and Departure Condition:In lieu of a security deposit, we include a $45 Accidental Damage Rental Insurance fee on your reservation.  DAMAGE MUST BE REPORTED PRIOR TO CHECKOUT IN ORDER FOR THE COVERAGE TO APPLY.  OTHERWISE, UNREPORTED DAMAGES OR MISSING ITEMS WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE RENTAL GUESTS AND BILLED TO THE RENTER FOLLOWING DEPARTURE AND/OR REPORTED TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES.  This waiver DOES NOT cover negligent, willful or wanton conduct; and the renter agrees to cover the cost of any such damage beyond normal wear and tear.  Lessee will maintain this property in good condition, leaving the property orderly and with only reasonable cleaning required.

Non-Waiver/Security Deposit Alternative:  For contracts where the Damage Waiver (Accidental Insurance) is not utilized, a security deposit will be required and held for the use of fees, loss or damage by people or pets, as well as to cover fees for proper clean-up and removal of rubbish at check-out.  All security deposits will be returned within 30 days following Lessee’s departure, providing there are no withholdings.  In the event that a security deposit withholding is required, you will be notified of the cause and amount to be withheld including an additional $50 administrative fee.

Cancellations:In the event of cancellation of a rental contract, refund of the rental deposit will be made only to the extent that a tenant can be found to occupy the vacated time reserved under this contract unless the cancellation is made 90 days prior to the term of this contract, less a $150/rental week administrative fee.  For cancellations made less than 90 days prior to the rental period, we cannot guarantee that we can rebook the property or rebook it at the same rental rate stipulated in this lease.  In such cases, the Lessee will only be refunded the rental rate achieved in the replacement booking if one is found.  However, the Lessee will receive a full refund of taxes, cleaning fee and security deposit (if applicable) less the $150/rental week administrative fee.In the event that we are not successful in re-renting the property, the Lessee is responsible for full payment of the total rental amount.

Lock Box:The majority of our homes have a lock box for keys located near the main entrance of the property.The key in the lock box must be returned to the lock box after initial opening of the rental property.  An additional set of keys will be left on the dining room table or kitchen counter for your use during your stay.If the Lessee locks themselves out of a home and has failed to leave the key in the lock box; and DRR has to come and re-open the property, there will be a $30 lock-out fee charged to you to be paid within 10 days of departure, or withheld from the security deposit (if applicable).

Capacity:Lessee agrees to observe the listed maximum capacity of the home which can be found on www.rentalsmaine.com, and will not overcrowd the facility by having more persons staying at the house than is stated on the website and will not have more guests than what is listed on this lease.If the Lessee is found to be overcrowding the property or over the stated number of guests on this lease, there will be an additional fee of $200 per person charged to be paid within 10 days of departure or withheld from the security deposit (if applicable).

Personal Property:All personal property placed in the premise or the common areas of the premise or any other place on the property shall be at the sole risk of the Lessee(s) and the Lessor shall in no event be liable for the loss, destruction, theft or damage to such personal property.  The Lessor will not provide any insurance of any type for personal property of the Lessee(s).The Lessee agrees to arrange any content insurance for his or her own personal property and contents thereof, or release the Lessor of such, thus accepting solely the responsibility of protecting their own personal property.

Use of Premises:The Lessee shall use the premise as a private residence and for no other purposes.  The Lessee assures the Lessor that the tenants will observe all conditions and terms of this lease as to maintaining the premises in good order and appearance and will conduct themselves in a manner inoffensive to neighbors.  Lessee agrees not to condone, conduct or participate in any illegal activity on or near the premises.

Alterations:  Lessee will leave all pipes, wires, glass, plumbing and other equipment and fixtures in the same condition and position as at the beginning of the term of the lease (reasonable wear and tear excepted).Lessee agrees that he/she shall not paint or make any other alterations to the appearance of the property, including but not limited to: changing existing locks or adding new ones without the lessor’s written consent.  FURNISHINGS MUST REMAIN IN THE POSITION AS ON ARRIVAL.  Lessee will be charged for any alterations made to the premises and for the cost of returning the premises to the original condition.

Sublet or Assignment:  The Lessee shall not assign this lease, sublet or permit the premises or any part thereof to be used by others, without the prior written consent of the Agent/Lessors in each instance.

Laws:Renters, family and guests of renters shall not violate any city/town ordinances or state laws in or about the premises.

RVs/Tents:No recreational vehicles or tents may be occupied on the property nor may it be connected to the house for water power supply unless prior authorization is received.

Laundry:For properties where there is a washer/dryer, be aware that use of the laundry facilities are at your own risk, and you assume all risk of loss or damage to articles or things while using the laundry facilities.Upon departure (for homes where laundry facilities are available) all linens shall be kept clean EXCEPT for those used on the last night/morning of stay.A $10 fee per laundry load will be charged for excess laundry, to be paid within 10 days of departure or withheld from the security deposit (if applicable).

Trash:Our rural area does not have public trash collection.  While a few properties have private collection, many others require guests to drop their trash off at the town’s transfer station/waste facilities.Please note in Part 2 of this lease is the refuse requirement for your rental.  Be aware, for homes where guests are responsible for their own trash removal, a removal fee of $10 per bag will be billed to the renter for rubbish left on the property and is to be paid within 10 days of departure or withheld from the security deposit (if applicable).

Violating Contract:Lessee assures the Lessor that any Lessee who violates any of the terms of this lease can be immediately denied occupancy and have this lease terminated, and will willingly vacate the property as instructed.

Indemnification and Hold Harmless:Renters/Vacationers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Owner and Agents for any liabilities, theft, damage, cost or expense that arises from or is related to any claim or litigation in connection with Renters use and occupancy of the rental property, including but not limited to any claim or liability for personal injury or damage as well as theft of personal property which is made, incurred or sustained by Vacationers.  The terms “Agents and Owners” as used in this agreement shall include their heirs, successors in interest, assigns, employees, agents and representatives where context requires or permits.The terms “Renters or Vacationers, and You or Your” as used in this agreement shall include renters, heirs, successors, assigns, guests, invitees, representatives, and other persons on the rental property during renter occupancy (without regards to whether such persons have authority under this agreement to be upon the rental property) where the context requires or permits.

Pets:NO PETS ARE ALLOWED WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION.  Renters must inform the rental agent in advance if they will be bringing a pet, and this pet must be listed and accounted for on lease.  If granted permission, an additional NON-REFUNDABLE $75 fee is required, with a $25 fee for each additional pet.  It is paramount that pet owners use and ensure the utmost care regarding the property and their pet’s behavior.  Please keep your pet off the furniture or cover furniture with a sheet that the renter will launder prior to departure.  If the pet is left unattended in the property, it must be kept in a crate or similar device.  Do not let your pet harm the property by scratching at doors, screens, lawns, etc.  All droppings must be disposed of properly by bagging and disposing of them in the refuse, or if the location allows, disposing in a wooded area and not left where people would normally walk, on the lawn, within view of the premises, etc.  Pets also should not be allowed to run loose or create a disturbance to any neighbors.  The home will be meticulously inspected on guest departure.

Smoking Policy:Smoking is not permitted inside the premises at any time.  Smoking outside away from windows and doors is permitted.

Outdoor Grills:If an outdoor grill is present, it must be used and then allowed to cool down a minimum of 6 feet from the house or any porches.  No fuel for the grill is to be stored within the house.  Lessee must clean and leave the grill in the same condition as upon arrival.  DRR does not guarantee constant availability of gas for gas grills.  Should a tank become empty during your stay, the Lessee may refill the tank at the nearest supplier and submit a receipt to DRR for a full refund.

Other Fees:  Please note, a returned check will result in a $30 returned check fee to be paid IN ADVANCE of the rental period.  Requests to mail forgotten items will require a $50 fee PLUS the cost of shipping.  Such fees must be paid in advance to items being returned.

Yard Furniture/Fire Pits/Yard Issues:Please make sure yard furniture is left in position as it was upon arrival.  Do not leave any items in the yard such as collections of shells or wood, or other items that may have been collected during your stay. An added fee of $25/hour and any disposal costs will be assessed if extra time is spent by the Agent’s cleaners addressing any such issues.  Please clean up any remnants from outdoor fire pits.  If a fire pit is not already physically constructed in the yard DO NOT under any circumstances build an outdoor fire on the property.  If it is found that an outdoor fire was utilized outside a fire pit or where no fire pit is available, you will be responsible for any and all landscaping costs to return the yard to its original condition.Also note that it is a FEDERAL OFFENSE to collect and keep found lobster buoys along the shore.  These buoys are property of the fisherman.  If one is found, contact DRR for assistance in returning it to its rightful owner.

Checkout:  Lessee agrees to vacate the premises no later than 10:00 AM on the departure date.Lessee’s laundry will be washed, dried and returned to same location that it was found. All dishes, including those in dishwasher, will be clean and returned to same location found.  It is requested that the Lessee please start a load of the last used linens prior to departure.  This allows us to ensure that the property is ready for the next guest.  Lessee will return any keys to its original location as found upon arrival.  Please be sure to pack all belongings.

Important:  The above is only Part 1 of the two-part contract.  Be sure that you have also received, read, and signed Lease Part 2, also included in this mailing.  In signing and returning Part 2 of this contract, you acknowledge that you agree to all terms as outlined in both Part 1 and Part 2 of your lease.