Rental Policies
HOURS OF OPERATION – Reservations with Colonial Properties Cabin & Resort Rentals are available 6 days a week except New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. There will be no check-ins or check-outs on these days. We are closed on Sunday but check-ins are available. Please contact us prior to your arrival for Sunday check-in instructions.
AGE REQUIREMENT – You must be at least 25 years of age to reserve a vacation rental. We will not rent to vacationing students or singles under 25 years of age. No un-chaperoned groups. Upon check-in, we reserve the right to refuse service with monies forfeited if any discrepancies in our policies are suspected
OCCUPANCY – Over occupancy is considered a serious violation of your rental agreement and you will be asked to vacate the property immediately. Children are counted in total occupancy unless they are under the age of two. We do not charge a per person rate.
ACCOMMODATIONS – All of the vacation rentals are individually owned with Colonial Properties having NO ownership interest. Each property reflects the tastes of each owner. We cannot be held responsible for any changes made by the owners in furnishings or amenities supplied.
LIABILITY – All guests understand that they are solely responsible for any property damage, accident, death, injury to any person(s), or loss sustained by any person, including the loss of money, jewelry and other items of personal property, arising out of or in any way related to a guest’s use of the premises. Furthermore, the registered guest shall be liable for all accident claims or personal injury claims by any member of the vacationing party or guests thereof.
All guests shall inspect and be familiar with the proper use and application of all items in the vacation rental prior to using them. The guest(s) agree to indemnify and hold Colonial Properties and/or the homeowner(s) harmless from any and all claims, including those of third parties, arising out of or in any way related to a guest’s use of the premises or the items of personal property provided therein. All guests assume the risk of injury, death, or other losses related to any recreational activities or use of the premises and will hold the owner and its agents harmless with respect thereto.
DEPOSIT – A 50% deposit is required to reserve your vacation rental. We accept cashier’s checks, traveler’s checks, certified checks, personal checks, money orders and all major credit cards. The final balance is due 10 days prior to the scheduled arrival date. The final balance will be automatically charged to the Credit Card on file if no other payment arrangements have been made. If full payment is not made, the reservation will be cancelled and no monies will be refunded. Rates are subject to local and state sales tax.
REFUNDS – Colonial Properties has a no-refund policy, however, we do offer two protection options available should you wish to purchase them. See “Damage Protection Plan and Travel Protection Plan” below.
DAMAGE PROTECTION PLAN – A Damage Waiver Protection plan has been added to your reservation. The cost of such is $40. This Protection Plan covers accidental damage to the unit by you and your guests up to $3,000. Intentional damages will be pursued in a Sevier County court of law. You may opt out of this service within 10 days of the reservation date by notifying our office. If not cancelled within 10 days, the $35 is non-refundable. In the event that you opt out of the Damage Protection Plan, a $500 cash damage deposit must be left at check-in.
TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN – Trip Insurance is offered to every guest. The premium is added to the amount of the reservation and is paid at the time the reservation is made. This insurance may be cancelled within 10 days of booking date and is non-refundable after the 10 day period. Information on the trip insurance policy is provided for each guest staying with Colonial Properties. If trip insurance is not purchased the guests assumes all responsibility for cancelled reservations. NO REFUNDS ARE GIVEN FOR ANY CANCELLATIONS AT ANY TIME BY COLONIAL PROPERTIES.
CHANGES MADE TO RESERVATION – Only the guest named on the rental agreement may cancel or make changes to a reservation. We reserve the right to change the rental assignments without prior notice or liability in the event of a sale of the rental cabin, mechanical failure or other necessary reasons. If you need to make changes to your reservation (add or subtract a night, change dates, change cabins, etc.) you can do so 15 days or more prior to your scheduled reservation. If you need a change made within 14 days of your scheduled reservation, you may be able to add a night, change dates, or change your cabin depending on availability. You will not be able to subtract a night from your scheduled reservation. You may upgrade to a larger unit, subject to availability, any time prior to check-in. There will be a $30 fee for all changes made within 14 days of your reservation. No credit will be issued for unused portions of time in case of late arrival or early departure. No shows will forfeit all monies paid.
REFUNDS – Chances are the owner has equipped the property with amenities to make your stay more enjoyable. Unfortunately, we cannot refund monies or relocate guests due to any of these (TV, VCR, DVD, gas log fireplace, jetted tub, hot tub, pool table, gaming system, small appliances, etc.) not working or malfunctioning. No refunds will be made for acts of God, loss of electrical power, water, air conditioning, or cable outages. All of our properties are privately owned. Descriptions, bed sizes, amenities and names of cabins are subject to change without notice. In the event of a mechanical failure, we will make every effort to have all reported malfunctions corrected as promptly as possible.
CHECK-IN/CHECK OUT – All reservations must be paid in full 10 days prior to arrival. Check-in for our guests is after 4PM. With the size and complexity of our homes, our housekeepers need every minute after check-out to ensure the cleanliness of your vacation rental. We make every effort to ensure all homes are clean and ready for occupancy after 4PM. However, during holidays and peak season, check-ins could be later. If you need to check-in after hours, please notify our rental office and we will prepare a late-arrival package for you. This package will include directions and a key code to your cabin and will be available at our office. Late check-ins must contact the office by 12PM the following morning to check the status of your paperwork. Check-out is at 11AM. If you check out later than 11AM on your scheduled check-out date you will be charged no less than $30 per hour. If your name is on the reservation, you need to be the first to arrive and check-in; plan your arrival time accordingly. We can not check the rest of the group in if the person whose name is on the reservation is not present. We are unable to release the address of the cabin anytime prior to check in for any reason. Verification of the responsible party’s state issued driver’s license or ID card and a valid major credit card must be presented at check in.
REGISTERED GUEST RESPONSIBILITY – All charges must be paid in full before access is given to the cabin. Guests hereby authorize the Agent to charge any expenses related to the repairs or cleaning of the unit beyond normal wear and tear, or related to any theft or vandalism of any property from the unit to the guest’s credit card on file. Property will be replaced at current retail value plus a $30 service fee. An inventory of the cabin is taken prior to check-in and after check-out. Upon arrival, we ask that you inspect the rental property and report any problems within 2 hours. If items are not reported within the allotted time, your credit card will be charged for any damages that are found at check- out inspection. Many of you will vacation with other couples, family members, or friends, but only one person signs the rental agreement. That person, the registered guest, is responsible for all facets of the rental agreement as outlined herein.
HOUSE PARTIES – If guests are found to be having a party in any of our units, everyone will be asked to vacate the premises. No refunds will be given. Please be mindful of your neighbors. Keep noise to a minimum. Quiet time is from 11PM until 9AM.
WHAT WE SUPPLY – When you arrive at your cabin you will notice some of the supplies that are provided, including but not limited to; paper towels, toilet paper, body lotion, shampoo, soap and trash bags. Once you have depleted the provided items, you are responsible for purchasing any additional items. All bed linens, towels, kitchenware, and utensils are inventoried upon check out. The registered guests will be charged for missing or damaged items.
CAUTION – When entering areas that are near water or moisture sources, the flooring in the region of the water source may become slippery when wet or damp. This includes but is not limited to, bathtubs, showers, sinks, indoor jetted tubs, outdoor hot tubs, and pools. All guests assume the risk of injury or death when entering these areas that contain a water or moisture source and will hold the owner and its agents harmless with respect thereto.
HOUSEKEEPING & TRASH PICK-UP – Your vacation rental was thoroughly cleaned and inspected prior to your arrival. Please call our office immediately to report any housekeeping issues. We will correct the problem as soon as possible. If you have more trash than will fit in the outside trash receptacle, we provide a dumpster off of stoplight #6 in Pigeon Forge for your convenience. Please contact the office for a map to the dumpster. If you prefer we come and pick up the trash, we will be glad to pick it up for a $25.00 charge. Colonial Properties is not responsible for trash strewn about by animals so make sure the lids are closed properly. Should you want an additional midweek cleaning, we’ll be happy to arrange it for you at your expense.
WILDLIFE & PEST CONTROL – Your vacation rental is treated once a month for insects. Unfortunately, on occasions, these creatures still find their way indoors. While we cannot refund any monies for insects, should it arise, we will take the appropriate measures to correct the problem.
In the Smoky Mountains there are a number of different animals and wildlife species you may encounter. It is imperative that you DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMALS you come in contact with. Feeding the animals directly or by not securing your trash can result in bodily injury or death.
LOCKBOXES – A lockbox/keypad has been provided for your convenience at the vacation rental. The key must be placed back in the box immediately following each use. Should an emergency arise, it is imperative that the property be accessible. If a key becomes lost or misplaced there will be a minimum charge of $250 to have the property re-keyed.
If a maintenance issue arises and we arrive at the cabin to find no key left in the lockbox and no one at the cabin, the credit card on file will be charged a $75 trip fee.
MAINTENANCE – As with any home, your vacation rental has components that break or malfunction from time to time. Our maintenance staff is here to assist you and provide timely service. Please be respectful that emergencies take precedence over non-emergency issues.
POWER OUTAGES – Sometimes in the mountains we experience power outages. If you are staying in a cabin when the power goes out and it is on a well, you will not have water until the power comes back on. A well requires electricity to work. Having an extra gallon or 2 of water on hand is always a good idea. You can at least have something to drink and wash your hands. Flushing the toilet also requires water. Being prepared can make all the difference in the world. If you do experience a power outage during your stay, contact the Sevier County Electric System at 865-774-6300 to report the problem and obtain more information.
MOUNTAIN ROADS – We do not guarantee any road surface conditions. Most roads in our area are well maintained, but they are curvy and steep. Some units may have gravel driveways or roads. While these roads are routinely maintained, they may be bumpy at times. In the late fall, winter, and early spring it is not uncommon to occasionally have hazardous road conditions. It is strongly recommended that all guests during these seasons have four-wheel drive and/or chains. Winter road conditions and maintenance are not guaranteed. We do not refund due to road conditions. You are responsible for your transportation. We cannot provide transportation nor are we responsible for any towing charges you may incur during your stay. If the weather permits you from leaving on your scheduled check out day, you will be responsible for the additional night(s) rent.
POOLS & HOT TUBS – Please consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns regarding use of hot tubs, pools, spas, saunas, and the like. Hot tubs are cleaned between each guests stay. If you would like the hot tub cleaned again during your stay, there will be a $30 charge for us to clean and sanitize the tub. If any items such as soaps, bath products, food, alcohol, etc. are found in the hot tub, the guest will be charged $150. Any damage to the hot tub cover will result in a $400 charge. We cannot be responsible for the opening and closing of subdivision pools. Use all pools and hot tubs with extreme caution and at your own risk.
PETS – Pets are not allowed in most cabins. However, some allow DOGS ONLY up to 25 pounds. Absolutely NO other animals are allowed. A non-refundable pet fee of $50 (for each dog / limit – 2 dogs) will be charged to aid in cleaning/fumigation expenses. This charge does not cover any damages to cabin or excess cleanup in the form of carpet cleaning or spraying. If a dog sheds excessively, leaves behind fleas or damages to the property, you will be responsible for the cost of cleaning, spraying, repair or replacement. Determination will be within 7 days of check-out. No pets are allowed without Agent’s approval and pet fee paid in advance. Any unauthorized pet on premise shall result in automatic forfeiture of all monies paid, immediate eviction without refund, and a fine of no less than $200. Please do not jeopardize your vacation. It is mandatory that dogs left alone in cabin be crated. City ordinance prohibits pets being walked without a leash.
FIREPLACES – Gas fireplaces are on from October 1-April 30. Gas logs are not to be rearranged for any reason. Occasionally these fireplaces need repairs and we do not offer any refunds or relocations for them being out of order.
SMOKING – No smoking inside. Outside or on the deck is permitted. A cleaning fee of $150-$750 will be assessed for any deviation.
TELEPHONES – All rental homes are equipped with 911 service for your convenience and safety. All homes have blocks for direct long distance calls unless otherwise specified. Bring your calling card, credit card, or cell phone.
DEPARTURE – All good things must unfortunately come to an end. Check-out time is promptly at 11AM. Guests checking out late will be charged $30 per hour. There are no refunds for early departure. Guests understand and agree that they will perform the following housekeeping duties before vacating the property:
- Place all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and run cleaning cycle or wash by hand.
- Place all used towels, hand towels and washcloths in the main floor bathroom tub.
- Dispose of ALL food and drinks from cabinets and the refrigerator.
- Gather ALL garbage and place in the outside trash receptacles.
- Secure the cabin by locking ALL doors and windows.
- If cabin has a lock-box, ensure the key is secured inside the lock-box before departing.
LOST AND FOUND – We make every effort to locate and return lost items, but will not be responsible for things you left that we don’t find! When you leave something behind, call Colonial Properties and we will alert housekeeping of the missing item. If found we will have it shipped to you at your expense. Lost and found items unclaimed after thirty days will be turned over to local charities.
EMERGENCIES – For personal injury, fire, severe illness, or any other life threatening emergency call 911 immediately. After hour EMERGENCIES (i.e. no heat, no water, etc.) call (865) 963-5698. THIS NUMBER IS TO BE USED FOR REPORTING EMERGENCIES ONLY.
Non-emergencies (i.e. no TV, malfunction of fireplace or hot tub, etc.) call and leave message at (865) 365-0240. Messages are checked each morning.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18 and Title 62, Chapter 13, Section 62-13-104(b)(3), Subdivision (D)(i), Colonial Properties, Inc. discloses the following as policy:
“All advance rent deposits, damage deposits and balance of rent due are deposited into a bank escrow clearing account. These deposits are considered income to Colonial Properties, Inc. upon receipt and may be used immediately. Any refund considerations are expensed from the general books of Colonial Properties, Inc. on a case by case basis.”