Terms and Conditions of Rental

Last Updated: June 2026

Welcome to Buzzards Bay Rentals, LLC. Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully before finalizing your booking. By making a payment or confirming a reservation, you (the “Guest”) agree to comply with and be bound by these terms.

1. Booking, Payments, and Fees

• Reservation Deposit: To secure your booking, a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is required at the time of booking, 100% if reservations are made with 14 of arrival date.
• Final Payment: The remaining balance, including tax and security deposits, is due 14 days prior to your arrival date. Failure to pay the balance on time may result in the cancellation of your reservation without a refund of the initial deposit.
• Taxes: All bookings are subject to state and local short-term lodging taxes required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the local municipality.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

• See our cancellation and refund policy page. Click here.

3. Check-In and Check-Out

• Check-In Time: After 3:00 PM EST. Early check-in is not permitted unless explicitly approved in writing.
• Check-Out Time: Before 10:00 AM EST. Late check-outs disrupt our cleaning schedules and will incur a fee of [e.g., $50 per half hour] unless prior arrangements have been made.
• Property Condition upon Departure: Guests are expected to leave the property in a tidy condition. This includes placing all trash in designated outdoor bins, loading and starting the dishwasher, and locking all doors and windows.

4. Occupancy, Events, and Rules

• Maximum Occupancy: The maximum number of guests is strictly limited to the number stated in the property listing (typically 4 to 6 guests depending on the specific cottage). Exceeding this limit at any time violates local zoning laws and is grounds for immediate eviction without refund.
• No Parties or Events: Large parties, weddings, or commercial filming are strictly prohibited.
• Quiet Hours: Out of respect for local coastal neighborhoods, quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

5. Pets and Smoking

• Smoking: All Buzzards Bay Rentals properties are 100% strictly non-smoking (including e-cigarettes and cannabis). Smoking inside the property or on decks will result in an immediate forfeiture of the security deposit and a commercial deep-cleaning fee.
• Pets: Pets are permitted only in designated “Pet-Friendly” properties and must be declared at the time of booking. Guests are responsible for cleaning up all pet waste. Unapproved pets will result in immediate eviction.

6. Coastal Environment & Property Maintenance

• Septic Systems: Many coastal properties in the Buzzards Bay area operate on private septic systems. Guests must not flush anything other than toilet paper. Feminine products, wipes (even “flushable” ones), and grease will clog the system and guests will be held liable for repair costs.
• Trash and Wildlife: Coastal birds and wildlife are highly active. All trash must be securely placed inside the provided outdoor barrels with the lids tightly closed.

7. Liability, Damage, and Right of Entry

• Damages: Guests agree to keep the property, furniture, and amenities in good repair. Any damages or broken items must be reported immediately. The Guest authorizes Buzzards Bay Rentals to charge the credit card on file for any damages exceeding normal wear and tear.
• Liability: Buzzards Bay Rentals and the property owners assume no liability for injuries, accidents, illnesses, or loss of personal property that occur during the stay, including any incidents involving the ocean, beaches, or docks.
• Right of Entry: Buzzards Bay Rentals or authorized maintenance personnel reserve the right to enter the premises at any reasonable time to conduct necessary repairs or investigate complaints.

8. Governing Law

These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Any disputes arising from this agreement shall be handled in the appropriate court system local to the rental property.