Complete Apartment Rental Agreement (New Zealand)

1. Payment Schedule & Credit Card Authorisation

1.1 Deposit Payment: A payment equal to 50% of the total booking value will be automatically charged to the Guest’s nominated credit card exactly seven (7) days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
1.2 Final Balance: The remaining 50% balance of the total booking value will be automatically charged to the Guest’s nominated credit card exactly two (2) days prior to the scheduled arrival date.
1.3 Payment Failure: If any scheduled payment cannot be successfully processed, the Host will notify the Guest. If full payment is not cleared within 24 hours of notification, the booking will be cancelled automatically, and any prior payments made will be strictly forfeited.

2. Cancellation & Refund Policy

2.1 Cancellations 7 Days or More Prior to Arrival: Guests may cancel their booking up to 7 days before the scheduled arrival date without penalty. Any holding deposits or funds processed prior to this window will be refunded in full.
2.2 Cancellations Between 7 and 2 Days Prior to Arrival: If a cancellation is made less than 7 days but more than 2 days prior to the scheduled arrival date, the initial 50% payment is strictly non-refundable and will be retained by the Host. The Guest will be released from the obligation to pay the final 50% balance.
2.3 Cancellations Within 2 Days of Arrival & No-Shows: If a cancellation is made within 2 days (48 hours) of the scheduled arrival date, or if the Guest fails to arrive (No-Show), the full 100% of the booking value is strictly non-refundable and will be retained by the Host.
2.4 No Refunds for Early Departure: No refunds or credits will be issued if a Guest chooses to cut their stay short or depart the apartment prior to their scheduled check-out date.

3. Unforeseen Events & Travel Insurance

3.1 Guest Disruptions: The cancellation policy applies strictly to all situations, including but not limited to medical emergencies, flight disruptions, family events, or changes in travel plans.
3.2 Travel Insurance Recommendation: The Host strongly advises all Guests to purchase comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against financial loss resulting from unexpected cancellations or travel disruptions.
3.3 Host Force Majeure: In the highly unlikely event that the apartment becomes uninhabitable due to circumstances beyond the Host’s control (e.g., natural disasters, major utility failures), the Host will notify the Guest immediately and issue a full refund of all amounts paid. The Host’s liability is strictly limited to the refund of monies received.

4. Arrival, Departure, & Access

4.1 Check-in Time: Check-in is available from 2:00 PM onwards on the scheduled day of arrival. Early check-in requests must be made in writing and are subject to availability and approval by the Host.
4.2 Check-out Time: Check-out is strictly by 10:00 AM on the scheduled day of departure. Delayed check-outs disrupt cleaning schedules.
4.3 Key and Access Instructions: Access details (such as lockbox codes or smart-lock entry) will be provided to the Guest once the final 50% payment has successfully cleared at the 2-day mark.
4.4 Lost Keys: If physical keys or access fobs are lost or not returned to the designated location upon check-out, the Guest will be liable for the full cost of replacing the keys and recoding the property's locks (minimum $150 NZD). 

5. Guest Capacity & Occupancy Limits

5.1 Maximum Occupancy: The maximum occupancy of the apartment is strictly limited to four (4) guests at any time.
5.2 Unauthorised Guests: Booking numbers must be declared accurately at the time of reservation. Allowing additional, unregistered guests to stay or visit without prior written consent from the Host constitutes a breach of contract.
5.3 Eviction and Penalties: If the maximum capacity of 4 guests is exceeded, the Host reserves the right to immediately terminate the booking without a refund. An additional fee of $100 NZD per unauthorised person, per night, may also be charged.

6. Smoking, Vaping, and Illegal Substances

6.1 Smoke-Free Property: The apartment—including all indoor spaces, balconies, patios, and common areas—is strictly 100% smoke-free and vape-free.
6.2 Remediation Fees: If evidence of smoking or vaping is found inside the property, the Guest will be charged a minimum cleaning and deodorising fee of $500 NZD, plus any costs incurred to fix smoke damage or clear fire alarms.
6.3 Illegal Substances: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances on the property is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate eviction, forfeiture of all payments, and referral to the New Zealand Police.

7. Pets & Animals

7.1 No Pets Allowed: To maintain a hypoallergenic environment, pets and animals of any kind are strictly prohibited from entering the apartment or property grounds. Certified disability support animals are permitted, provided the Host is notified prior to arrival.
7.2 Breach Policy: If an unauthorised pet is brought onto the property, the Guest will face immediate eviction with zero refund, and will be liable for all professional deep-cleaning and allergen-sanitation costs.

8. Noise, Behaviour, and Neighbourhood Standards

8.1 Quiet Hours: Guests must respect the neighbours and adhere to strict quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM daily. Noise levels must be always kept to a respectful minimum.
8.2 No Parties or Events: The apartment is a private residential space. Parties, gatherings, commercial functions, or loud social events are strictly prohibited.
8.3 Nuisance Eviction: Excessive noise, anti-social behaviour, or complaints from neighbours will result in immediate termination of the rental agreement and eviction with no refund.

9. Care of Property & Check-Out Expectations

9.1 Standard of Care: Guests are expected to keep the apartment clean, tidy, and in a good state of repair throughout their stay.
9.2 Check-Out Cleanliness: Upon check-out, Guests are expected to leave the property in a reasonable state.

9.3 Excess Cleaning Fees: Standard exit cleaning is included in your booking fee. However, if the apartment is left in an excessively dirty, stained, or neglected condition, the Guest will be billed for the additional professional cleaning hours required at a rate of $60 NZD per hour.