1. Assume the Best Intent: We are hosts because we enjoy creating positive spaces. And like you, other guests are here to relax and enjoy themselves. A little kindness goes a long way!
2. Treat Talking Water with the care you give your own home.
3. No smoking indoors or within 25 feet of doors/windows. Please use the outdoor yellow bins for cigarette butts.
4. Guest policy: Only the number of guests in your reservation should spend the night. Let us know about any additional guests (within capacity).
5. Parties & noise: Gatherings should be approved of by hosts beforehand and should stay low-key. Quiet hours are 11 PM–8 AM EST.
6. Doors & codes: Lock doors when away, and don’t share the access code with anyone other than agreed-upon guests.
7. Pets: Approved pets only, fees paid, crated when unattended, and no pets in Blackbird Cabin. Maintain control over & pickup after your pet.
8. Respect our belongings: Damages or missing items may incur a fee unless we’ve agreed otherwise. Report any issues upon arrival.
9. Leave No Trace.
10. Check-in begins by 4pm EST (3pm CST). If we are ready any earlier, we will communicate this via message. Check-out/cleaning begins by 11am EST (10am CST).

Thank you for choosing Talking Water Nature Retreat!

LEGALITIES:

1. TERM: The term of occupancy is strictly for the number of nights outlined in the confirmed booking/reservation.

2. RENT: The reservation total, applicable fees and security deposit shall be paid in full prior to the check-in time on the arrival date. Bookings/reservations not paid in full by the check-in time on the arrival date shall be deemed null and void and all deposits will be forfeited by the Guest.

3. LIMITED OCCUPANCY: Maximum occupancy is limited to the number of individuals listed on the pre-arrival form. If Host concludes that this policy has been breached, Host reserves the right to expel the entire party with no refund.

4. NON-DISTURBANCE CLAUSE: Guest and their guests shall not disturb, annoy, endanger (fireworks) or inconvenience neighbors, or use the premises for any unlawful purposes.

5. CARE OF PREMISES/DAMAGES: Violation of these or any of the House Rules constitutes grounds for automatic eviction plus forfeit of deposit and all booking/reservation cost if violated. Guest agrees to pay Host for any damages to the property, grounds, furnishings, household items, or facilities caused by Guest during its occupancy. This will include payment of any additional cleaning charges incurred due to Guest’s occupancy.

6. HOST’S RIGHTS: Guest agrees that if the conditions and limitations set forth herein are not met, Host shall have the right to cancel this agreement and may enter the Property, either by statutory proceedings or by force, to inspect the Property and ensure that Guest has vacated the Property. All monies paid by Guest shall be forfeited as liquidated damages.

7. INDEMNITY CLAUSE: Guest hereby agrees to Indemnify and hold Host harmless from all claims, including those of third parties, arising out of or in any way related to Guest’s use of Property or the items of personal property provided therein. Guest assumes all risk of injury or other losses relating to any recreational activities, including use of firepits and hiking trails on the Property and will hold Host harmless with respect thereto.

8. NO SUBLETTING: Guest may not sublet or assign this Agreement for all or any part of the premises under any circumstances.

9. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: The Property is reserved with the Host’s furniture and household furnishings. Host shall not be responsible for providing additional furnishings or equipment not presently available in Property. Guest will report any maintenance issues immediately to the Host. Host will make every effort to repair and/or replace any equipment that is not working properly, but cannot guarantee that all equipment will be in good operating order at all times and rate adjustments or refund will not be made for equipment or appliance failures.

10. CANCELLATIONS: Any canceled reservations are to follow the refund policies of their booking platform. Reservations created on the Talking Water/Hostfully web platform are eligible for refund 30 days prior to the beginning of the reservation date.

11. PARKING: All cars must park in designated spots. The following parking spaces are available:

Chickadee: 3-5 unmarked spaces in front of cabin

Whippoorwill: 2 marked spaces in front of cabin

Goldfinch: 2 marked spaces in front of cabin

Blackbird: 2 marked spaces in front of cabin

Talking Water Nature Retreat (TWNR) personnel: 2 marked spaces beside the pavilion & 2 marked spaces beside the office

Any additional parking options must be coordinated with and approved by a Talking Water employee.

Guest and Host, by signing this Rental Agreement, acknowledge that they will comply with the terms of this agreement, and each assumes the responsibility for the obligations set forth herein. Guest acknowledges receipt of the House Rules. Guest acknowledges that they have read, accept, and agree to the terms set forth.