Rules, Regulations, and Responsibilities

Property on 1st St Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 - Book Direct and Save 15% from Airbnb

1. LESSEE RESPONSIBILITIES

All occupants are required to perform "Normal" household duties that include, but are not limited to: Garbage removal, Cleaning of individual and guest dishes, Notification to Lessor of any damages or problems with the property, Locking of all doors when Lessee leaves the home. 

New In 2023: basic sheets and towels will be provided.

Occupants/Lessees are to furnish soaps, trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, and all paper products if supplies are not available (we do our best to keep it stocked - please don't steal the TP). 

2. DEPARTURE CHECKLIST

Upon departure, the Departure Checklist sent to Lessee must be completed. The security refund will be issued after the owner has verified the checklist has been completed while inspecting the property. 

3. PROMPT NOTICE OF DAMAGES

Lessee will give the Lessor prompt notice (within 24 hours) of any known defect, breakage, malfunction or damage to the structure, equipment or fixtures in or on said property.  The Lessee must call and leave a message or e-mail with the Lessor. This does not obligate Lessor to repair or correct such defect, breakage, malfunction or damage. The Lessee is responsible for any subsequent damage that is a result of non-disclosure to the Lessor.

4. TERMS OF PAYMENT

All moneys are expressed in US Dollars and are payable by personal check, electronic transfer, cashier's check, or money order. 

5. FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS

Any reservation obtained under false pretense will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit, and/or rental money, and the party will not be permitted to check-in. 

6. SECURITY DEPOSIT

The Security Deposit is held throughout the entire term of the lease as security for the faithful performance of Lessee’s obligations here under. No part of said security shall be used by Lessee for rent or any other obligation due. Lessee shall pay rent as though no security were ever made. Lessor shall within fourteen days after the termination of the lease return to the Lessee the security deposit minus deductions.

Any outstanding account balance will be deducted from the deposit. The cost of cleaning or repairs for the property will be deducted from the deposit. If Lessor has made any deductions from the security deposit, all said deductions shall be fully itemized in writing.

7. TREAT THE PREMISES WELL

Lessee agrees to take good care of the furniture, carpets, draperies, appliances and other household goods, and the personal effects of Lessor, and further agrees that he will deliver up same to Lessor in good condition at the end of the term of this lease, normal wear and tear expected.

8. SUBLETTING/ASSIGNING/OCCUPANCY: 

There shall be no subletting of the premises. The Lessee shall occupy and use the premises as a vacation rental only and not use the premises for any business, professional, unlawful or hazardous purpose. 

9. YARD MAINTENANCE

The yard maintenance is provided by the Lessor for this property. Excessive Trash (See section below) or other activities that result in prevention or increased cost of service will be assessed to the Lessee.

10. SNOW REMOVAL

During the entire term of the lease, Lessee is responsible for removal of ice and snow to use the property. 

11. PROHIBITED ACCESS

Lessees or guests are prohibited from using or going onto any roof on the property for any purpose. Lessees or Guests are also prohibited from entering or storing items in loft spaces without permanent stairways. The Lessee will receive a fine of $50 (fifty) for each occurrence of a Lessee or guest observed in any prohibited area or for evidence that the prohibited areas were accessed. The cost to inspect and to clean or repair any damage caused by such prohibited access will also be billed to the Lessee. To avoid these fees, Lessees should request that Lessor access these prohibited areas for Lessee as needed.

12. NO SMOKING, ILLEGAL DRUGS OR ACTIVITIES

Lessee agrees that he will not use nor permit the use of said premises for any illegal purposes. Lessee agrees not to use or allow Guests to use any illegal drugs in said premises. Lessee will not allow any Lessee or guest to smoke anything inside of the property including cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and the like. Lessor will evict any Lessee convicted of possession of illegal drugs at the property. Lessee understands that possession and use of any such substance is grounds for immediate eviction and forfeiture of payment. Lessee further waives any and all rights to recourse against the Lessor for enforcing this clause. 

13. QUIET ENJOYMENT and NOISE VIOLATIONS

Lessee and their guests agree not to violate quiet enjoyment and privacy of the surrounding neighbors. Lessor is not responsible for the actions of other property owners in the area, as the Lessor has no control over their actions. 

The Lessee must supervise their guest(s) while on the premises. Noise in the home must be kept a reasonable level as not to cause a disturbance to the neighbors or general public. In no event may the maximum occupancy (as listed on this agreement) be exceeded without written consent. 

Lessee and Guests shall conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb his neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment of their premises. This property is located in a residential neighborhood. Lessees must be respectful of their neighbors and control noise output especially at night. Lessee agrees to follow the Sussex County Noise Ordinance.

In the event Lessee is found in violation of the Sussex County Noise Ordinance, the Lessor will issue a written notice to the Lessee. Lessee agrees to pay a fine of $200 to the Lessor to cover the cost of sending notices and processing paperwork through the Sussex County Zoning Department and Sussex County Court.

In accordance with the Sussex County Nuisance Ordinance, the Lessor will evict any Lessee that receives two or more Noise Ordinance convictions during the lease term.

14. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY

Maximum occupancy is the maximum number of people allowed at the property at any one time which is 16 people. This number includes all Lessees and Guests whether inside the property or on the grounds. The house is located in a residential neighborhood rented for residential use only. Neither the neighborhood nor the plumbing and parking are designed for open house parties.

15. OUTSIDE APPEARANCE

In accordance with the Sussex County Ordinance: Furniture on porches, decks or locations otherwise visible from the street or alley will be limited to waterproof outdoor furniture. Fabric covered or stuffed couches, sofas or chairs are not permitted. On the first violation, the Lessee will be given one written warning without charge. The Lessee will have 48 hours to remove or dispose of all inappropriate furniture.

16. TRASH

Lessee agrees to keep the outside of the property free of trash, litter or debris. Lessee agrees to follow the local ordinances for the disposal of garbage and recyclable items. One trash and one recycling receptacle is furnished outside the property. It is the responsibility of the Lessees to maintain these receptacles throughout the lease period. All outside trash must be stored inside trash receptacles to reduce the likelihood of animals or wind dispersing trash around the neighborhood. The receptacles must be left at the side of the road so that the waste management company will collect trash and recycling on Mondays.

Lessor will notify Lessees if bagged items or loose trash and debris are noticed outside the property. Lessees will have 24 hours to clean up all outside trash. Lessor will return after 24 hours to verify that the trash or garbage has been either removed of placed in trashcans. If uncanned trash remains, Lessor will clean any remaining trash and the Lessee will be invoiced for both the clean up and inspection times and the cost of additional trash cans. After three notices and re-inspections are given to the Lessee during the lease term, Lessor will clean up the trash without giving notice and will invoice the Lessee.

17. LESSEE AGREES TO KEEP PROPERTY CLEAN

Lessee agrees to keep the property in a clean and safe condition throughout the entire term of the lease. If the condition of the property is determined by Lessor to be unsatisfactory at any inspection or maintenance visit, all Lessees and Co-Signers will be notified by e-mail and will be given three calendar days to clean the property. Any cleaning not performed by Lessee will be done by Lessor at the Lessee’s expense. The Lessee will be billed for materials and time to both clean the property and document the condition.

18. PROPERTY DAMAGE

During the Term of the Lease the Lessee is responsible for any property damage caused by Lessee, guests or unwanted visitors. Lessee's action or inaction is the typical cause of vandalism and property damage. Any property damage caused by nature or "Act of God" will be the responsibility of the Lessor unless Lessee's action of negligence contributed to the damage.

19. PETS

The Lessor considers all non-human living entities to be pets. Pets are allowed in this property if disclosed to the Lessor prior to the stay. If an unauthorized pet has been in the property, Lessor will clean and de-flea all surfaces, furniture, and carpets at the end of the lease at Lessee’s expense.

20. MOVE-IN

The Lessees will have access to the property with all keys and rights to the house at the beginning of the lease term. There may be access given prior to the lease term to Lessees if confirmed in writing from the Lessor.

21. MOVE-OUT INSPECTION 

All Lessee cleaning must be complete and all items belonging to the Lessee will be removed from the property prior to the inspection which is scheduled for the last day of the lease. It is agreed that any items of personal property not marked by Lessee are to be considered trash and should be disposed of by the Lessor at Lessee’s expense. 

22. PLUMBING FIXTURES

Lessee shall keep all plumbing fixtures, facilities and appliances clean and shall unstop and keep clear all toilets, drains, waste pipes, garbage disposals and hair strainers thereon. Lessee agrees to keep heat in the premises during any months when outside temperatures are below freezing. If heat is not left on, Lessee is responsible for loss or damage from freezing of water pipes or plumbing fixtures unless cause is beyond Lessee's control.

23. FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES

Lessor shall under this lease provide the following fixtures and appliances: Stove with range, refrigerator, dishwasher, heat pump, hot water heater, washer and dryer. Lessor will be responsible for all repairs not due to the fault or negligence of the Lessee during this lease. Except in an emergency (situation requiring immediate remedy), the Lessee must contact Lessor for any repairs, otherwise the Lessee is entirely responsible for the cost of said repair.

24. LOCKS AND KEYS

The Lessor has keys to the property, so Lessee does not need to leave doors unlocked to permit access. 

Lessees may not add or change locks. If keys are lost for any reason by the Lessee it will be the responsibility of that Lessee to replace them at their own cost. This cost could include and is not limited to replacement costs for the key, a new lock, and new keys for other Lessees.

25. ACCESS TO PROPERTY FOR EMERGENCIES

Lessor or his agents may enter the premises in case of Emergency without the consent of the Lessee. Lessor will give written notification to Lessee that an Emergency entrance was made.

26. ACCESS TO PROPERTY FOR REPAIRS OR IMPROVEMENTS

Lessee agrees to allow full access to the property by the Lessor or subcontractors for the purpose of repair. Any repairs or maintenance requested by the Lessee will be added to the week’s repair schedule based on priority. To reduce response time, no notice will be sent for Lessee requested items. The Lessee should notify the other Lessees when making a service request. Most sub-contractors begin work early in the day and Lessees will be given at least 24 hours notice of work to be done.

27. ACCESS TO PROPERTY FOR PERIODIC INSPECTIONS

Lessor may perform periodic inspections on the property. The exact date will be confirmed with the Lessee before the inspection giving at least 48 hours notice to the Lessees. Lessor may elect to do more frequent inspections if cleaning or undisclosed damages are found to be problems during the lease term. During the periodic inspection Lessor will check plumbing, cleaning, damages, fire safety and perform heating inspections. Lessees do not need to be present, however the Lessee must prepare the property for inspection by removing all items stored under bathroom and kitchen sinks.

28. INTERNET / CABLE TELEVISION

The Lessor provides Internet on the premise, but does NOT provide cable tv. The Lessor is not liable for any interruptions, surge or failure of the Internet/Cable Company to provide continuous service.

29. NOTICES SENT BY ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)

Lessor and Lessee agree that Notice by e-mail is equivalent to written mail. Both agree to regularly check their e-mail accounts and to promptly notify all parties of the lease if their e-mail addresses change.

30. PARKING and AUTOMOBILE MAINTENANCE

Parking is limited to driveways and designated grass parking areas in front of the home.

Lessee agrees to follow all parking laws in accordance to Sussex County law and the law of the surrounding jurisdictions, including but not limited to permit parking and metered parking. All parking fees will be the responsibility of the Lessee and the Lessor will not be responsible for this service at any time.

Lessee agrees not to change oil or other fluids at the property or to store used automotive fluids at the property. Lessee agrees that all vehicles on said property will hold current tags, inspections and registration.

On the first violation, the Lessee will be given one written warning without charge and given 48 hours to clean up or remove inoperative vehicles. For the remainder of the lease term, the Lessee will be fined $100 per occurrence and given the above listed times to correct the violations.

31. SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detectors with working batteries are furnished by Lessor for the safety of the Lessee. Lessee should contact the Lessor if (s)he is unsure of the operation of these devices. It is the responsibility of the Lessee to maintain the battery (9-volt battery) of the detectors.

32. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Lessor furnishes sealed fire extinguisher(s) for the safety of the Lessees. A fire extinguisher needs replacement if the extinguisher is missing, has been discharged or if the safety seal is either broken or missing. The Lessee will be charged for each fire extinguisher needing replacement.

33. FIRE DAMAGE

If the said property shall be partially damaged by fire or other cause without the fault or neglect of the Lessee, the damage shall be repaired at Lessor’s expense. According to the extent that the property is rendered unleaseable, the rent, shall be suspended until such repairs are complete.

It is the responsibility of the Lessee to find and pay for housing during the repair period. Lessor shall have the option to terminate this lease by written notice to Lessee, and the term of the lease shall terminate on the day of such notice is given with the balance of the rent due adjusted to the date of such termination. In the event Lessee or Guest of Lessee causes the fire, Lessee will be required to pay the insurance deductible and any other expenses not covered by insurance.

34. FIRE INSURANCE AND IN THE HOME

Fire insurance on this property is limited to the structure only and does not cover the Lessees belongings. Lessee will not use fireplaces, kerosene heaters, or wood stoves on the premises. The Lessees will NOT use any fireplace in the home.  If Lessee is caught using a fireplace in person or by evidence of fire the Lessee will be responsible for the cost of a Chimney Sweep and resealing of the fireplace. Lessee will not use or keep in the dwelling any flammable, combustible or explosive materials that could increase the rate of fire insurance on the premises.

35. RENTERS INSURANCE

Renter’s Insurance is strongly recommended during the entire term of the lease. Lessee understands that the Owner’s Insurance coverage only covers the structure and does not in any way include Lessee’s personal belongings or Lessee liability.

36. PROPERTY READINESS

Lessee, Co-Signer and Lessor agree that unexpected repairs or improvements may not be complete at lease start. Lessor agrees to make every reasonable effort to have property clean and in good repair prior to occupancy. Lessee and cosigner agree that rent amounts will be paid in full. Rent will only be pro-rated if Lessee’s bedroom or the entire property cannot be inhabited.

37. PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS

Lessor rents older homes, many built prior to the turn of the century. We are constantly improving the properties but are limited by both time and money. The property may not have all new windows, cabinets, carpets, floors or other items. Lessee and Co-Signer agree that the current condition of the property meets their needs with the exception of cleaning, which will be done prior to occupancy. 

38. EVICTION OF LESSEE

In the event of a lease default by Lessee requiring eviction by Lessor, the security/damage deposit will be forfeited, and repairs for damages, cleaning fees, or any other associated expenditures shall become immediately due and payable. 

39. INCURRING DEBT

Lessee has no authority to incur any debt, make any contracts or agreements on behalf of the Lessor, Owner or said property for any work, services, utilities or materials.

40. COSTS FOR COLLECTION OF JUDGMENT

In the event that unpaid rent results in legal action, Lessee agrees that the Lessor will collect fees cover the costs associated with collections and for labor not requiring legal council. The Lessor is entitled to actual expenses and payment for time spent at the Clerical Labor rate agreed in the Lease. Within ten (10) days of full satisfaction of the judgment by the Defendant, Lessor will refund to the Defendant all unused collection costs.

41. LABOR RATE USED FOR BILLING LESSEES

Lessor agrees for the entire term of this lease to use the labor rate described below. There is a minimum of one labor hour per person plus the cost of any materials used. This rate applies to travel time and work performed by Lessor staff for repairing Lessee damage, required cleaning or other Lessee responsibilities as specified in the lease.

Supervisor: Charged for either a work leader for jobs requiring more than one, or for the service person for jobs requiring only one worker. This rate includes the truck or vehicle charge and the charge for standard tools. ($50 per hour)

Clerical: Charged for any office work required for Lessee requested lease changes, written notification of lease violations and filings for legal actions for non-payment of rent. ($50 per hour)

Laborer: Any work performed by helpers, assistants, or laborers not requiring an additional vehicle. ($50 per hour)

For any work performed by a subcontractor, Lessor will bill Lessee at the sub-contractor’s rate without any Markup.