Rental Policies and Info
RESERVATIONS
The best way to make a reservation is by calling our office. Our reservationists can answer all of your questions about any rental property and are glad to spend all the time you need to select your perfect vacation home or condo. The following is a step-by-step sequence of the best way to make a reservation. You can also book online.
VACATION HOME SHOPPING: EASY AS 1-2-3
1. Call to have a vacation rental catalog sent to you. You should have it within a few days. You can also sign up online and send us the form to request your free printed catalog. Click here to go to the form.
You can also visit our website and find our online catalog to view all properties and details.
2. Choose a designated shopper for your party. To eliminate confusion one person needs to handle all correspondence. Decide on a time frame that will suit everyone. The majority of our homes are rented on a Saturday to Saturday basis. However, we do have quite a few Sunday to Sunday rentals and some Friday to Friday rentals.
3. Select three homes that are sized and equipped to fit your party. The rental catalog and web page both do an excellent job of walking you through each home. The reservationists are familiar with all of our homes and the special features of each location.
4. Call our toll-free reservation hotline: 1-800-422-4777 or call locally: 843-237-3366. You may also want to browse the properties you like by name. Our homes are very popular so make notes on what is available for your possible vacation dates. If everything looks good, place your reservation right away by booking online or by calling our office. The reservationist will need your name and address, home and work telephone numbers, unit selection, number of people in your party and requested vacation dates.
5. YOU HAVE TEN (10) DAYS FOR YOUR INITIAL PAYMENT, SIGNED DEPOSIT REQUEST, AND GUEST LIST TO REACH OUR OFFICE IN ORDER TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION. Upon receipt, we will mail you a reservation confirmation. All checks must be from the person whose name is on the deposit request and on the reservation confirmation. IF YOU BOOK YOUR RESERVATION ONLINE, PAYMENT MUST REACH OUR OFFICE IN 24 HOURS.
IF YOU ARE MAKING A RESERVATION LESS THAN THIRTY (30) DAYS IN ADVANCE, YOU MUST SEND FULL PAYMENT BY MONEY ORDER, CERTIFIED CHECK OR CASHIER'S CHECK WITHIN 48 HOURS TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION (i.e. overnight or 2nd day air).
OR, YOU MAY CALL IN AND PAY BY CREDIT CARD: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS OF YOUR ARRIVAL DATE. RESERVATIONS ARE AUTOMATICALLY CANCELLED - DON'T DELAY!
Thirty days prior to arrival, the balance of your reservation cost is due. You will not be sent a reminder notice so please be sure to mark it on your calendar. Your reservation balance must be paid in full at least thirty (30) days prior to your check-in date. All checks must be from the person whose name is on the deposit request and the confirmation.
6. Arrive after 3 pm at The Lachicotte Company's main office: 10554-A Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. You may pick up your keys and have a great time! 3:00 pm is a firm check in time. Do not arrive early and expect to have access to your unit unless one of our reservationists calls and informs you the unit is ready early. You and your party are asked to avoid arriving early as cleaning services may be on site and mistake your group for previous renters or owners in which case they will not be in the unit and your entry into your rental unit may be delayed. You and your party must pick up the keys before arriving at the rental unit/location.
7. Upon arrival and entry to your rental unit, please notify the rental office immediately if anything is out of order. Please check the smoke detector operation. Cleaning problems can be quickly remedied. For late arrivals and Sunday check-ins, please call the RENTALS EMERGENCY PAGER NUMBER: 1-888-581-3299. Silence denotes acceptance.
WEEKEND/PARTIAL WEEK/ADDITIONAL DAYS
Most vacation properties are available to rent for less than a full week in the off-season. Full week rentals do have priority and partial week reservations cannot be made more than 10 days in advance in the off season. Damage waivers, service fees, and taxes remain the same.
2012 RESERVATIONS
A non-refundable payment of $40.00 in 2011 will serve as your reservation and will hold a week in your favorite vacation property until January 2012. If you make such a reservation, you will receive a lease agreement in December 2011 that will reflect the new rate. You will also receive a guest list and a linen order form. Simply sign a copy of the lease, fill out the guest list, complete the linen order form (if needed) and return all paperwork to our office by January 10, 2012 along with the requested advance rental payment to confirm your reservation. If we do not receive your payment by January 10, 2011, your reservation will be cancelled and your payment of $40.00 will be forfeited. This is a firm deadline-there is no grace period.
Advance reservations are made based on whether your selected time period is available and is approved by the vacation property owner. Should there be a conflict in your desired dates, we will notify you so you may make alternate plans. Since weekends are extremely busy, we only take advance reservations Monday through Thursday in order to have more time to assist you. Advance reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. You do not automatically have reservations for the same week the following year. Advance reservations may be made during your stay by Thursday of the week of your stay. Current rates are not applicable to next year's reservations.
RENTAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:
Upon arrival please verify that your South Carolina rental home is in proper shape and notify the rental office immediately if anything is out of order. Problems can usually be remedied quickly if the rental office is made aware of them. For late arrivals and Sunday check-ins, please call 1-888-581-3299. SILENCE DENOTES ACCEPTANCE.
METHOD OF PAYMENT
- Personal checks will be accepted up until 30 days prior to arrival.
- Payments for reservations within 30 days of arrival payments must be made by cashier's check, money order, cash or traveler's checks.
- Payment may also be made by credit card: Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
RETURNED CHECKS
Any check returned for "non-sufficient funds" or "stopped payment" will not be re-submitted. A call will be placed to you indicating full payment required by overnight delivery in the form of a money order, cashier's check or credit card. A fee of $40.00 will be charged for any returned check.
CANADIAN CHECKS
No check payable by a Canadian bank will be accepted due to the lengthy and costly collection process (up to 45 days to collect along with up to a $40.00 collection fee). Payments from Canada must be made either with credit card or by Canadian Postal Money Order or cashiers check made payable by a U.S. bank and in U.S. funds (most Canadian banks offer such checks). We appreciate the business of our Canadian friends and hope you understand the reason of this policy.
DAMAGE WAIVER
All vacation properties require a DAMAGE WAIVER which is automatically included with all rentals for your protection from accidental damages to the property. This $45.00 non-refundable protection covers all accidental damages to the property listed on your deposit request up to $500.00 that is reported before your departure. Damages exceeding the limit of $300.00 will be the responsibility of the guest who has signed the deposit request. The damage waiver does not cover or release the guest from liability for intentional misuse of furnishings or appliances, late check-outs, improper check-out procedures, unapproved early check-ins, damage to owner's property in locked closets or other areas that are secured, or to any guest's personal property or injury. The guest who signs for the property is financially responsible for damages to the property whether made by himself, his family or another guest in his party.
Any intentional misuse of property will result in rules and regulations fees charged to the credit card on file and an accounting sheet sent to the tenant.
TAXES
No taxes are included in stated rental rates. A 10% tax applies to all vacation property rentals. This is comprised of the standard 5% South Carolina sales tax plus a 5% accommodations tax. A 6% tax also applies to linen rentals.
MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY
The maximum occupancy is listed with each unit's description. This number indicates the bedding accommodations and/or the limit set by the property owner. Our vacation property rentals are rented for family vacations only. NO SORORITIES, FRATERNITIES, WEDDING RECEPTIONS, "SPRING BREAK" PARTIES, or other such groups are permitted unless revealed and pre-approved at the time of making your reservations. Wedding party rentals are allowed at Wachesaw Plantation. OVERCROWDING OR MISREPRESENTATION IS JUST CAUSE FOR IMMEDIATE EVICTION AND FORFEITURE OF ALL MONIES PAID, INCLUDING SECURITY DEPOSIT. SUB-LETTING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND GROUNDS FOR IMMEDIATE EVICTION AND FORFEITURE OF ALL MONIES PAID.
CANCELLATIONS
Should you have to cancel your reservation for any reason let us know immediately. We will attempt to re-rent your unit. If we are able to do so at the full rate, you will be returned all monies paid less a $75.00 cancellation fee. Refunds will be prorated if the unit is re-rented for less than full rate. The Lachicotte Company reserves the right to reduce the rent up to thirty days prior to check-in. If we are not successful in re-renting your vacation property, you will be liable to 50% of the rental amount plus applicable tax and service fee if cancellation is thirty days prior to check-in. Cancellations less than 30 days of check-in date are subject to forfeiture of 100% of the rent. Even a change of dates is considered a cancellation. It is recommended that you obtain travelers insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
REFUNDS
All equipment in each unit should be in working order. We will make every effort to have any problems solved as soon as possible. Due to service issues & equipment availability, there is no guarantee of a quick repair. Owner & agent shall have the right to inspect and make repairs during the rental period. Guest will be charged for any unnecessary maintenance calls. No reduction of rent, rebate, or refund will be issued for any mechanical failure of air conditioning, major or minor appliances, construction in the surrounding area, pest control, public utility interruptions, guest dissatisfaction, or for errors in print or online materials, reservation agreement or changes made by the owner in bedding, furnishings, equipment, etc. Necessary routine maintenance may cause entry to the units by the agent and vendors & must be allowed without notice.
CHECK IN IS BETWEEN 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM [other times, see LATE CHECK-IN below]
Office hours are 8 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm peak season, 9 am - 4 pm off season; closed Sundays.
PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE VACATION PROPERTY BEFORE CHECK IN. Weekends are extremely busy. If people or cars are seen at the rental property it will delay cleaning, house inspection and any necessary repairs and thus also delay check-in time.
A fee of $25.00 per half hour may be charged to guests arriving on the vacation property site prior to their given check-in time. Keep in mind that it is difficult for us to prepare every rental property between 10 am and 3 pm.
The guest who has made the reservation is responsible for informing his family members or other guests in his party of the above check-in and check-out times. The Lachicotte Company staff will do its best to notify the contact person in each rental party if his rental property is available beforehand.
To avoid spoilage of food while waiting for 3 pm check-in time, renters are discouraged from bringing perishable food with them.Please do not bring perishable food with you if you arrive early. If traveling with children, please make plans for your family until your 3:00 pm check-in.
All Wachesaw Plantation key packets will be picked up at Wachesaw Plantation Security gate. Remember to bring lock box instructions that are on the reservation confirmation if renters are arriving after 5:00 p.m.
MANAGEMENT
All rental houses and condominiums are privately owned and are managed by The Lachicotte Company. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone and will not be responsible for accidents or injury to guests or for loss of money or valuables of any kind. There will be no refunds because of renters' dissatisfaction with the home's décor, for any malfunction of equipment, or for errors in the rental materials either in print or online. All fees, descriptions and availability are subject to change without notice.
SUBSTITUTION
We reserve the right to substitute comparable accommodations without notice or liability should the unit be out of order.
LATE CHECK-IN/EARLY CHECK-OUT
Our office has a late check-in lock box. If you arrive late, check the lock box located to the right of the doors of The Lachicotte Company. You will be receiving instructions to this box with your confirmation. If you are going to be arriving after 5:00 pm, please remember to bring these instructions. In the box you will find an envelope with your name which will include the keys to the unit you have rented. If you ordered linen, they will be delivered to the property prior to your arrival. You must be paid in full for us to leave the keys in the lock box. After arriving, if you have any problems, please call our emergency number at 1-888-581-3299. If you leave early in the morning, simply drop your keys in the key drop also located to the right of The Lachicotte Company doors.
SUNDAY CHECK-IN
All guests checking in on Sunday may pick up their keys after 3:00 pm from the lock box.
CHECK-OUT 10:00 A. M. ---- NO EXCEPTIONS
You and your party should vacate the rental unit and property, and turn the keys into The Lachicotte Company by 10:00 A. M. There will be a charge of $25.00 per half hour for late check-out.
CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
Please leave all rented bath and bed linen in a neat pile in the kitchen floor; put dishes-including pots and pans-in the dishwasher and turn it on, being careful not to overload it; do not leave food in dishes within the refrigerator; re-make all beds with bedspreads; if you have extra food that you think the maids might use, please leave it in the refrigerator; dispose of all bait for fishing or crabbing; remove all garbage from every room and take it to the appropriate outside containers; clean up any trash from under the house and dock areas including broken beach chairs, toys, fishing or crabbing equipment; check for all of your personal belongings.
FURNISHINGS
Please do not take property from the houses to the beach or rearrange furniture inside or outside the homes. If any furnishings have been rearranged during your stay and are not placed back in their proper place, there will be a $50.00 fee. Premises are to be in the same condition and arrangement as when occupancy began.
"FORGET ME" LIST
All of our South Carolina vacation rental properties vary in amenities and are decorated to each owner's individual taste. All of our properties provide the following for at least the maximum occupancy: adequate furniture, blankets, pillows, mattress pads, bedspreads, vacuum cleaner, plunger, mop, broom and dust pan.
"FORGET ME NOT" LIST
Remember to bring these items for your stay:
Bed Linen (unless ordered in advance), Bath and Kitchen Towels (unless ordered), Beach Towels, Food, Staples, Condiments, Special Cooking Utensils and Equipment, Baby Equipment and Beach Equipment (unless ordered with our Advance Services), Personal Toiletries, Paper Products and Cleaning Supplies, Cameras, Alarm Clock, Flashlights, Music Players, Batteries, Small grill, Sunglasses & Sunscreen, Golf Equipment, Medication, Good Things to Read, Cash or Traveler's Checks. Also remember to have your mail and newspapers held.
Linen and bed making are included with select rentals. Please check the property online at www.lachicotte.com or look over your contract to see if your property includes this service.
KITCHENS
All kitchens are adequately stocked for everyday meal preparation and serving. You can expect to find the following items for at least the maximum occupancy: coffee maker, toaster, dishes, glasses, coffee mugs, flatware, serving dishes, pots, pans, and cooking utensils. Some cottages provide extra kitchen equipment while others do not. Extra kitchen items are provided based on owner's preferences, not according to the size, location or the price of the rental unit. Special plans? Bring your own: blender, food processor, extra large pots, etc.
MAIL AND MESSAGES
All mail and messages will be held for you at the front desk at The Lachicotte Company. If you are having mail sent to you, please be sure to tell the sender to include your name and rental unit number on the envelope. Mail sent via US Postal Service should be sent to 10554-A Ocean Highway,
Pawleys Island, SC 29585. It is your responsibility to check for any correspondence. For UPS and Fed-Ex deliveries, they can be sent to the address of the home or condo you are staying in. Fax service is available at UPS (843)237-7951.
TELEPHONES
All vacation rental units are equipped with telephones. We do not guarantee computer lines or hook-ups. Most telephones are equipped with restricted dialing which means all long distance calls will automatically ring to an operator who will request a method of charge from you (i.e. credit card or
collect). IN NO EVENT SHOULD YOU CHARGE A CALL TO A UNIT PHONE. Should you do so, a collection fee of $10.00 plus the cost of the call will be billed to you. Some units have wireless internet. For those using dial up, the local access numbers are as follows: AOL 843-545-0714, Earthlink 843-545-5613, Verizon 843-545-5613. All other access numbers are "long distance" calls. Myrtle Beach is a long distance charge, Georgetown is a local call. You will be charged for all calls to any "non-local" internet connection number.
TELEVISIONS
All rental units are equipped with a TV and most have VCRs or DVD players. Due to service times on Pawleys Island, there is no guarantee that appliances will be repaired quickly. No refunds will be given due to electronic equipment being under repair.
AIR CONDITIONING
DUE TO THE SERVICE PROBLEMS AND EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY, THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THE A/C UNITS WILL BE REPAIRED QUICKLY. ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS SHOULD BE KEPT CLOSED TO INSURE PROPER FUNCTION OF A/C UNIT(s).
ALL RENTALS ARE NO SMOKING UNITS
Rental unit owners have selected to designate their units as no-smoking units. Such units have a no-smoking symbol. Any tenant of the unit violating that request will cause the entire party to be evicted with no refund of any kind. Should traces of smoke be detected by our cleaning/checking personnel, there will be a fee charged to the renter. Smoking includes all kinds of lighted material to be inhaled, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc.
FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE
This agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with laws of the State of South Carolina. This agreement shall be treated as though it were executed in the county of Georgetown, State of South Carolina, and were to have been performed in the county of Georgetown, State of South Carolina. Any action relating to the agreement shall only be instituted and prosecuted in courts in Georgetown County, South Carolina. Lessee/Tenant specifically consents to such jurisdiction and to extraterritorial service of process.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
LINEN
No unit is supplied with linen. Each unit is supplied with blankets, pillows, mattress pads and bedspreads.Linen may be rented.
TRASH PICK-UP
Our beaches are serviced by an automated trash pick-up system. Renter must place all trash within the large cans at the renter's unit the night before each pick-up day. Trash not placed in these cans will not be picked up and renter will be held liable for a clean-up fee.
RECYCLING
All Pawleys Island rental units have recycling containers and will be picked up curbside on Wednesdays. Clear plastic bags should be in the home to collect recyclable materials to go in the "recycle only" containers and taken to the curb.
Materials to Recycle: all cans,and all plastics including plastic grocery bags, all cardboard, newspaper, office paper, magazines, etc. The only NON-RECYCLABLE ITEMS are glass or styrofoam products.
MOTOR HOMES
Motor homes may not be plugged into electrical outlets nor parked at any vacation rental property nor used for accommodations at any time.
PARKING
Parking is only allowed in driveways. Violators will be ticketed.
ACCESS TO BEACH
Please use marked public walkways or other obvious paths over dunes. Walking on the dunes is prohibited.
FIREWORKS
Fireworks are illegal on all vacation property, including the beach. Violators are subject to local prosecution.
SEA TURTLES
The loggerhead sea turtle is South Carolina's state reptile. This reptile is protected by state and federal laws. From May 1 to October 31, these sea turtles come to nest on our beaches. During this time it is strongly suggested that beachfront lights are turned off after 10:00 pm to avoid disturbing the
nesting process.
GRILLS
Grilling is prohibited on decks, porches, and beach walkways.
SCREENED DOORS
Be sure to latch all storm/screened doors. The high winds on the island will easily tear them off if they are left open.
EMERGENCY
"911" service is available for medical, fire and water rescue emergencies. For rental needs after hours, please call our emergency beeper number at 1-888-581-3299 and listen for instructions.
FIREPLACES
Fireplaces may only be used in the off season. Some homeowners do not want their fireplaces used. Firewood is not provided.
WHIRLPOOL TUBS
Whirlpool tubs are serviced prior to each check-in. Excessive sand, dirt or suntan oil found in the tub will necessitate up to a $50.00 cleaning fee. Please enjoy the tubs, but be responsible. Follow rules posted in the rental units.
LOCKED CLOSETS
Many owners have personal belongings locked in a closet for their convenience. These areas are off limits to renters and are not part of the rental agreement.
KEYS TO UNIT
Non-returned keys will incur a $35.00 fee per key. Each reservation will be provided with two sets of keys. Both sets must be turned in upon check-out at 10:00 am. For after-hour delivery of keys, there will be a $50.00 fee & the renter must meet a Lachicotte employee at the office to pick up the keys.
ITEMS LEFT IN UNIT
The Lachicotte Company will not be responsible for any personal items left in our vacation rental properties. Items that renters request to be returned will be taken to UPS. You will need to call and give them a credit card number for shipping/handling charges. If the renter requests staff to go to the unit & retrieve an item the renter has left there, the renter will incur a $25.00 charge.
LOST AND FOUND
Items left behind will be placed in our "lost and found" for a period of 10 days. After that period of time has expired, items will be donated to charity.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is being offered by CSA Travel Protection. We highly recommend this coverage for renters due to unforeseen circumstances and hurricanes. Please note that there are no refunds due to a hurricane or death. The insurance premium will be billed on renter's initial deposit agreement.
For more detailed information, please call CSA Travel at 1-866-298-6846.
HURRICANES
When hurricanes threaten our coast, it is imperative that you adhere to instructions of The Lachicotte Company and local authorities. When time permits, each vacation rental unit will receive a call of what to do. The Lachicotte Company's policies are as follows:
When a hurricane watch is issued, you should begin preparation for possible evacuation. The Lachicotte Company will monitor the storm along with local authorities and The National Hurricane Center. When probability of a hit becomes likely to our beaches, the Governor of South Carolina will issue a mandatory evacuation. Evacuation is required whenever a mandatory evacuation is issued by Georgetown County officials. Police will direct traffic to the quickest and safest evacuation route. Prior to leaving the property, complete the "Hurricane Preparation Checklist" which includes:
• Mandatory evacuation within 2 hours and returning keys to The Lachicotte Company.
• Tightly lock and secure all windows.
• Put outside trash cans in shower/storage area.
• Unplug all appliances, TVs, stereos, etc.
• Close all blinds.
• Lock all doors and tightly latch the screen door (if applicable).
• Remove all personal belongings from the rental property.
Your help in completing this preparation is needed and is greatly appreciated by the property owner and by The Lachicotte Company. Upon leaving the island, you may either stay at a motel inland or return home. Keep in mind that the first people to evacuate will get the closest motel rooms and avoid traffic tie-ups. After the storm passes, you may call our office or local authorities to see if you may return. If so, we're glad to have you come back and enjoy the rest of you vacation. During periods of evacuation, you may call The Lachicotte Company main office at 1-800-422-4777 for frequent updates of storm information. You must pick up your keys at the office if you are allowed to return. There will be no refunds given due to storm evacuation. Whether you own property, run a business, or rent a unit on the South Carolina coast, the threat of a hurricane is always present; we all must be
prepared for this risk.
RENTAL HOMES FOR SALE
In the event the home you are renting is on the market, you will be informed of potential showings with next-day notification. These showings may occur any day between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. While the showings are necessary and mandatory, we will try our best not to cause you and your party any inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Although every precaution has been taken, this information may contain errors. The Lachicotte Company reserves the right to make necessary changes or corrections that may be in place after the posting of this information has already occurred. Please check with the office upon reservation to receive updates as well check online at http://www.lachicotte.com.
