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Terms & Conditions

The rental agreement and policies that apply to every stay at Shawnee Forest Cabins and Woodland Cabins.

Terms & Conditions

Use & Occupancy

Occupancy limits must be followed and may not exceed the capacity stated on the website or confirmation email without prior owner approval. Guests must disclose the number of children (any person under 18). No parties, events, unauthorized guests, or unlawful or commercial use. Violations may result in immediate eviction without refund and forfeiture of all monies paid. This is a short-term rental only; no landlord-tenant relationship is created. Owner may enter the property as reasonably necessary for inspection, maintenance, repair, or emergencies.

Payment Terms & Security Deposit

Guest authorizes Owner to charge the card on file for all amounts due, including rent, security deposit, damages, fees, and violations identified after departure. If the signing guest is not the cardholder, the guest must notify the Owner in advance and the cardholder must review, sign, and authorize the charges. A deposit is collected at booking; any remaining balance is automatically charged before arrival. A security deposit is placed on the card prior to arrival and released after departure, less any deductions for cleaning, repairs, missing items, hot tub service, trash removal, or other charges. Guests remain responsible for damages exceeding the security deposit.

Cancellation Policy

Travel insurance, damage protection, and any processing or administration fees are non-refundable. Cancellations require at least 21 days notice for a refund minus $50 per cabin or 3% processing fee, whichever is greater. Stays of 7 nights or bookings of 2 or more cabins require 30 days notice. No refunds for no-shows or early departures. Credits may be issued at Owner discretion and expire in 1 year unless otherwise noted. Guests agree not to initiate chargebacks for valid charges and remain responsible for any associated legal or collection costs.

Pet Policy & Liability

Dogs are permitted only with prior written approval, payment of non-refundable pet fees, and only in designated pet-friendly cabins. Unauthorized pets incur a fee of $250 per pet and may result in immediate termination without refund. Maximum 2 dogs per cabin unless approved in writing. Owner may require an additional security deposit of up to $250 per cabin. All pets must be non-aggressive, properly trained, current on vaccinations, and on active flea and tick prevention, leashed outdoors, and crated if left unattended. Pets are prohibited on furniture and in hot tubs. Guests assume full responsibility and liability for all pets, including injury, damage, or loss, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Owner. A separate Pet Addendum may be required and, in case of conflict, controls.

Check-In & Access

Check-in is after 3:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available for a fee. Access is provided via entry code.

Smoking

No smoking (cigarettes, vaping, or cannabis) or drugs inside the property. Violations result in eviction and a $250 cleaning fee.

Property Condition & Reporting

Guests must report any issues or damage within 2 hours of check-in. Failure to report may result in the guest being held responsible. The property must be left in reasonable condition; excessive cleaning or trash will result in additional fees.

Hot Tub & Amenities

Hot tubs are serviced prior to arrival and may be drained and refilled, requiring additional time to reach a comfortable temperature. Issues must be reported within 2 hours of arrival. Use is at the guest's own risk. Introducing foreign substances (soap, shampoo, oils, sunblock, glass, or metal) results in a $250 service call charge. Pets are strictly prohibited in the hot tub; violations may result in eviction and forfeiture of all monies paid. No refunds are issued for inoperable appliances, hot tubs, mini-splits, or similar amenities, or for temporary outages including utilities, internet, power, water, flooding, snow, adjacent construction, or mandatory weather evacuations.

Rules & Safety

Excessive noise or disturbances are prohibited and may result in eviction without refund. The property may have exterior security cameras; no cameras are inside. Tampering is grounds for eviction.

Assumption of Risk & Indemnification

Guests acknowledge the property involves inherent risks, including uneven surfaces, stairs, decks, and wet or slippery conditions, and assume all risk of injury. The property is in a rural, wooded setting with wildlife, insects, and natural elements, which do not constitute grounds for refunds, relocation, or claims. Guests acknowledge other guests may have approved pets and assume all related risks. To the fullest extent permitted by law, guests agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Owner from any claims arising from use of the property.

Force Majeure & Limitation of Liability

Owner is not liable for cancellations, delays, or interruptions due to events beyond its control, including weather, natural disasters, government actions, or utility failures. Owner's total liability, if any, is limited to the total amount paid by the guest.

General Terms

Owner may reassign cabins to a comparable unit if necessary. Lost items may be returned at the guest's expense or discarded after 2 days. This Agreement is governed by Illinois law. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both parties. Small-claims disputes may be brought in the county where the property is located; all other disputes are resolved by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in that county. The parties waive any right to a jury trial and agree to bring claims only individually, not as part of any class action. Each party bears its own arbitration costs, except the arbitrator may award reasonable attorneys' fees to the prevailing party. If any provision is unenforceable, it shall be severed and the remainder shall remain in effect.

Acceptance

By booking or staying at the property, the guest confirms they have read, understood, and agreed to this Agreement and all posted policies.

Questions About These Terms?

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If anything is unclear, reach out and we'll walk you through it — then book your stay with confidence.