Rental/Exchange Contract Guideline
by
Laurie Skaja
10/14/2008
To help ensure that you have the best experience possible for your home-exchange or rental, below is one example of a contract that you may use or be inspired by. Please keep in mind that this is just one form of a home-exchange/rental contract and that you are free to add further stipulations to this example or to create your own. It is always a good idea to write down and sign off on both parties’ expectations.
SabbaticalHomes.com Home-Exchange and Rental Contract
Definitions: "Owner" - the person who has legal ownership of the accommodation. "User"- the person who has right of temporary use of the accommodation for the specified period. "Owner's Agent" - person nominated by the owner to act on behalf of the owner.
We, the undersigned, agree to the following conditions with respect to the exchange or rental of accommodation.
1. The dates of exchange/rental of accommodation will be from ___/___/___ to ___/___/___.
2. The Owner agrees to pay all insurance fees (house & contents) in her/his own country.
3. The Owner will pay all land rates or property taxes, mortgage, body corporate fees, TV/Radio License, Fire, Police, Ambulance and Services Levy in her/his own country.
4. All utility fees incurred by the Owner before the exchange/rental will be paid by the Owner.
5. The house, its fittings and appliances should be left in a maintenance-free condition and in good working order at the commencement of the exchange/rental by the Owner.
6. The Owner is responsible for any costs incurred for the house, its fittings, appliances and contents that can be attributed to normal wear and tear. The User is to contact the Owner or the Owner's Agent who will authorize that the necessary repairs will be carried out. Accounts for any such costs will be forwarded to the Owner or the Owner’s Agent for payment.
7. After 24 hours notice or without notice, the User will permit the Owner or the Owner's Agent (in the event of an emergency) to enter the premises for the purpose of examining the condition of the premises, furniture and effects.
8. The User is responsible for any costs to the house, its fittings, appliances and contents that can be attributed to neglect or misuse. All items used by the User and persons admitted to the home should be left in a state of good repair at the conclusion of the exchange/rental. Broken articles should be replaced by articles of equivalent quality.
9. The User is responsible for maintaining the lawns, gardens, and pool if the Owner has specified that these tasks are required of the User.
10. The User is responsible for minor costs such as burnt out lamps (light globes, bulbs).
11. Neither home is to be sublet or rented out during the period of the exchange. Approval for long term visitors to stay in the house should be obtained from the Owner and the number of tenants who will be staying in the house should be discussed and agreed upon beforehand.
12. Both premises are to be securely locked at all times when unoccupied. This is necessary to comply with conditions of insurance.
13. Smoking is not permitted in the accommodation unless otherwise specified by the Owner.
14. At the conclusion of the exchange/rental, any unpaid accounts for which the User is responsible are to be forwarded to the User's home address.
15. Any mail delivered for the Owner is to be forwarded to the Owner's Agent at regular intervals unless otherwise directed.
16. In the event that one party returns home prior to the completion date of the exchange/rental, the following accommodation arrangements and payments have been agreed to: (Decide where the parties will live, who will be responsible for the payment of rent and the continued payment of utilities/services in the vacated premises, eg. phone rental, electricity - heating must be maintained overseas to prevent freezing of pipes, lawn maintenance etc.)
DATE_______________________________
NAME_______________________________________________________
OTHER OCCUPANTS__________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
EFFECTIVE DATE__________________ENDING DATE_____________
DATE RENT DUE __________________MONTHLY RENTAL RATE______
DEPOSIT_________________
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