Meridian Vacation Rentals Terms and Conditions

Meridian Group Gulf Coast, Inc (d/b/a Meridian Vacation Rentals) is the acting Agent and represents the Property Owner(s) of the vacation rental, that is privately owned. The Property Owner is proud of their rental property and furnishings. It is understood that the rental property is to be used, not damaged or neglected.

Guest agrees to the charges listed and acknowledges having read and understands the management policy on the following pages of this document.

1. Check-In / Check-Out:
Check-in begins at 4:00 p.m. EST on the date included in the Rental Agreement. Check-out time is 10:00 a.m. EST to ensure the property is properly cleaned prior to the arrival of the next guest. Rate adjustments cannot be made for late check-in or early departure. Late check-outs will incur a $100.00 fee, charged to the Guest’s credit card on file.

2. Pets:
Some MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS managed properties are pet-friendly and designated as such on the individual property’s webpage. If the Guest reserves a pet-friendly property, and plans to bring a pet, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS must be notified at the time of reservation and a non-refundable $100.00 plus tax per pet cleaning fee will be applied to the Rental Agreement. Any guest who brings a pet to a pet friendly home but fails to notify MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS in advance of arrival and or fails to pay the pet fee of $100 per pet plus tax the guest will be charged a non-notice pet fee of $400.00. If the Guest has an animal in a non-pet-friendly property, the Guest will need to vacate the rental property immediately and forfeit all previous payments for that particular stay. In this situation, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS will attempt to relocate the Guest to a pet-friendly property, if available. The Guest will be responsible for all incurred costs resulting from the relocation, including a pet fee, cleaning, linen, booking fee, and returning the original property to its original condition, if applicable. If a guest brings a pet into a non-pet friendly home and it does not come to MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS’s attention until after the guest leaves, there will be a non-notice pet fee charged $600.00 to the card on file.

3. Smoking:
Smoking and or vaping of any substance is prohibited in all MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties. If the Guest does smoke or vape, they can do so outdoors in designated smoking or vaping areas. Smoking or vaping on all lanais and balconies is also prohibited. Guests are responsible for discarding all smoking debris appropriately. Any residual signs of smoking or vaping indoors, on lanais or balconies or smoking debris outdoors, will incur additional charges of $1000.00 for restoration, to the Guest’s credit card on file.

4. Travel Insurance:
Upon request, you can opt for travel insurance provided by Generali Global Assistance. This insurance is non-taxable and can be added to your Rental Agreement when you make your reservation. The insurance covers only those individuals listed on the Rental Agreement. We highly recommend getting travel insurance to safeguard your rental payment, including the down payment. For any questions about travel insurance, contact Generali Global Assistance at 800-999-4018 or visit their website at www.vacationrentalinsurance.com. Please note that travel insurance is separate from the Security Deposit Waiver Fee.

5. Down Payment:
At the time of reservation, a rental deposit equal to 50% of the base rental rate or $250.00 whichever is greater, the Security Deposit Waiver fee and the Administrative Fee, will be due. The Guest is required to place a credit card on file at the time of booking to secure the reservation. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. Reservations made within 61 days of arrival require payment in full for entire reservation amount.

6. Administrative Fee:
Administrative Fee is added to each reservation at the time of booking and is not refundable.

7. Security Deposit Waiver Fee:
In lieu of collecting a refundable security deposit of $1,500, a Security Deposit Waiver fee is included in the reservation charges at the time of booking. The Security Deposit Waiver fee is non-refundable. If during the Guest’s stay, any damage occurs to real property or personal property of a unit, the damage(s) must be reported before departure to Meridian Vacation Rentals by contacting the Reservations Department at +1 (941) 867-8677. If a Guest(s) fails to report any damage to real property or personal property of a unit prior to departing, the Guest will be held responsible for the cost of replacing and or repairing damages. If the Guest does not wish to pay the Security Deposit Waiver, a $1,500 refundable security deposit will be added to the Guest’s Rental Agreement. See Security Deposit for more information.

8. Security Deposit:
Each property requires protection against damage in excess of normal wear and tear. If the Guest chooses to opt out of the non-refundable Security Deposit Waiver, a refundable $1500 Security Deposit will be added automatically to the Guest’s Rental Agreement. The security deposit will be due 60 days prior to the Guest’s arrival date. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS reserves the right to withhold the security deposit for a period of up to 15 business days after the Guest’s departure date to allow for inspection of the rental property. Under this option, if during the Guest’s stay, any damage to real or personal property of a unit as a result of the Guest’s actions, the Security Deposit will be used to cover the cost of repair or replacement of such property and any remaining monies will be refunded to the Guest within 30 business days. If damages exceed the amount paid for the Security Deposit, the Guest’s credit card on file will be charged to cover the full cost of repair or replacement and no refund will be issued.

9. Taxes:
Vacation rental properties are subject to Florida’s state and local resort tax totaling 12% (7% State and 5% Local).

10. Remaining Balance:
Remaining Balance is due 61 DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL. Forms of payment accepted are cash, check, e-check, money order, and debit/credit card. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Meridian Vacation Rentals. Wire Transfers are accepted with a charge of $50.00 per wire. If payment is not received 61 days prior to the arrival date, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS will charge your credit card on file. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS reserves the right to use your credit card to fund any unpaid fees, fines or damages to the property. Any checks submitted, regardless of date will be processed the day of receipt and any bank fees including NSF charges incurred will be the responsibility of the guest.

11. Cancellation Policy:
Payment of reservation deposit is considered to be acceptance of cancellation terms regardless of the signature status of the rental agreement. 

(a) Cancellations made by the guest 61 days or before the scheduled arrival, will receive a refund of rental deposit paid less the $249.00 cancellation fee. The Administrative Fee and the Security Deposit Waiver fee, are not refundable. 

(b) Cancellations made by the guest 60 days or less prior to scheduled arrival are subject to MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS’s ability to re-rent the accommodation. If the home is re-rented for the scheduled time of the stay, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS will issue a refund in the amount of the rate we were able to re-rent the property for less the $249.00 cancellation fee. The Administrative Fee and the Security Deposit Waiver fee, are not refundable. We do not make guarantee that we will be able to rent the property for what was paid originally, or that we will be able to find another guest to rent the property at all.

(c) There will be no refund if the property is not re-rented for the time originally scheduled. In the event of a Guest’s no-show or early departure, collected monies will NOT be refunded unless MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS can subsequently rent the property for the entire cancelled period. If MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS successfully rents the property, during your original dates of reservation or the dates after your early departure within your reservation, Meridian Vacation Rentals will refund rents collected from the new rental, up to the prorated rent collected for your reservation. All refunds will be less the $249.00 cancellation fee. The Administrative Fee and the Security Deposit Waiver fee, are not refundable. 

(d) In the event the Guest cannot fulfill the Rental Agreement, no subletting or assignment by the Guest is allowed without prior written consent from MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS.

(e)  Should MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS need to cancel the reservation for any reason, the guest shall incur no fees and all monies collected by MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS shall be refunded.

(f)  A reservation of a returning guest may be canceled by MERIDIAN VACTION RENTALS in the event the Guest(s) leaves the property in unsatisfactory condition, or causes owner to incur complaint, fines or penalties from government agencies or owners’ property association, or violates any term of this agreement. If a reservation is canceled under this section any refunds shall be given according to Cancelation Section 11. (e) of this agreement.

12. Inclement Weather:
MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner cannot be held liable for adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to inclement weather and red tide. Consequently, there is no obligation to refund rental payments in such circumstances. 

In the event of a hurricane or tropical storm posing a threat to the area, evacuation procedures will be determined and announced by the local and state authorities. If a guest voluntarily chooses to evacuate (i.e., without a mandatory evacuation order), neither MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS nor the Property Owner will provide a refund.

In the case of a Mandatory Evacuation order refunds will only be available to guests who have purchased coverage through Generali Global Assistance Travel Protection before the storm is officially named. For more details, please refer to your Travel Protection Insurance policy.

13. Construction Policy:

(a) When local authorities or property owners undertake construction activities on their properties or land, they are not obligated to notify the vacation rental company about their construction plans. They are, however, required to adhere to specific working hours, typically from 7 am to 5 pm. It's important to note that these working hours may vary depending on the local ordinances in your area.

(b) In the event that construction takes place near the Guest's rental property, either before or after a reservation is confirmed or during the Guest's stay, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience that may arise from such construction. All construction-related activities are subject to the ordinances of the island municipalities and are enforced.

14. Cleaning Fee:
(a) All MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS properties are thoroughly cleaned and maintained to meet high-quality standards, which include sanitization, vacuuming, dusting, dish washing and laundry before each Guest's stay. A cleaning fee, calculated based on the property's size and amenities, is automatically included in the reservation fee at the time of booking.

(b)  Guests are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the property during their stay. Additionally, if a Guest uses an outdoor grill, they are expected to clean it and leave it in a usable condition for the next guest.

(c) Daily housekeeping is not included in the Rental Agreement. However, upon the Guest's request, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS can arrange for this service at an additional fee. The Guest is responsible for all fees associated with daily housekeeping services and must make the payment at the time of scheduling.

(d) Upon the Guest's departure, if the property is left in a condition that necessitates excessive cleaning beyond the standard cleaning process, an additional fee, not exceeding $500, may be charged to the Guest's credit card on file. The severity of the fee will depend on the extent of cleaning required to restore the property to its original condition. This separate from the smoking policy see (3. Smoking).

15. Linens:
(a) MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS properties are provided with an appropriate supply of linens and towels, and many also include beach / pool towels for your convenience. Our properties are enrolled in a professional linen program, and a linen fee is applied accordingly.

(b) Before your check-in, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS conducts a thorough inventory of linens and towels in the property. Likewise, upon your check-out, we will perform the same inventory to ensure that all linens and towels are accounted for.

(c) In the event that there is a discrepancy or any missing linens or towels during the check-out inventory, an additional fee may be charged to the Guest's credit card on file. The amount charged will be determined based on the missing items, not exceeding $500 if necessary.

16. Keys, Parking Permits & Remote Controls:
On the day of departure, the guest is responsible for leaving any and all keys, parking permits and remotes that were in the home at check in. Failure to do so will incur a $50 Recovery Fee per key and $100 per remote, parking permit and pool FOB missing. This fee will be charged to the Guest’s credit card on file.

17. Pools, Spas & Pool Features:
Pools that are heated are kept at approximately 80 degrees. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS is not responsible for pool, spa, or pool feature malfunctions, but will do everything possible to make sure all are maintained and working properly. No credit, discount, and/or rate adjustment will be granted for pool, spa, or pool feature malfunctions, or for circumstances beyond MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS’s control. NOTE: If the ambient temperature falls below 60 degrees F for more than 5 hours, the pool heater may not function and may even switch off. Pool heaters operate ONLY when the pool pump is running. Residential pools typically run 6-8 hours per day only. If additional heat is requested by a guest, and the owner of the house agrees to allow this request, there is a $200 fee per week. This will be charged to the card MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS has on file for your reservation. Pools will be cleaned at least once per week and the schedules vary. Because there are no lifeguards, monitors, or other attendants at the pool, spa, or pool features, the Guest is expressly responsible for their own safety, as well as family members and guests, while using the pool, spa, pool features or other recreation facilities and in so using or permitting to be used, specifically waives any and all liability claims, expressed or implied, against MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS, Property Owner, or the Condominium/Homeowners Association. No Guest shall permit any person under the age of 18 to play in or around any pool, spa, pool features or other recreation facilities without providing adult supervision. Guests are specifically prohibited from playing on or around or allowing their families or guests to play on or around, decorative rock or water features that may be associated with pool/patio areas, as such features are not designed for such use and may be dangerous or unstable.

18. Occupancy:
(a)  Please remember that MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS must adhere to all city ordinances, one of them being occupancy limits. All MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties have different maximum occupancies. Large gatherings are not permitted on the premises under any circumstances. If the occupancy exceeds the property’s limitations, it will result in the Guest(s) immediate removal and cancelation of remaining reservation, and loss of all monies collected, including damage protection deposit. 

(b)  There is a 10 O’clock noise ordinance on the entire island. If police are called due to noise ordinance during your stay, guest will be responsible for any fines levied for the disturbance. If MERIDIAN VACTION RENTALS receives a noise complaint on the property or an alert via property equipped noise monitoring devices, we will send one courtesy notice about noise levels. The guest shall immediately observe the quiet time ordinances. Continued noise level violations may result in the Guest needing to vacate the rental property immediately and forfeit all previous payments for that particular stay. PLEASE NOTE: Due to strict Anna Maria Island noise ordinance laws, fines can exceed $500 per confirmed violation. Please be sure to abide by the strict noise ordinance after 10pm EST

(c)  Guest agrees to abide by any rules and regulations of the Owner’s property association. A copy of these rules will be available in the unit and will be provided in advance of your stay.

19. Amenities:
All MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties are individually owned and the décor reflects that of the Property Owner. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS does its best to provide an accurate description of the individual property’s amenities but cannot be held responsible if the Guest is dissatisfied with the accommodations.

20. Maintenance:
The Guest must notify MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS of any maintenance request as soon as possible. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS will expedite repairs as quickly as possible. Some requests may require outside vendors to repair and/or replace equipment. If an outside vendor finds the equipment is not working due to Guest misuse, oversight, or negligence, the Guest will be responsible for incurred service charges. No rent adjustments will be made for circumstances beyond MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS control or for malfunction or loss of use of equipment or amenities. The Guest agrees to allow MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS employees, vendors, contractors, or subcontractor’s access to the rental property to make necessary repairs or improvements.

21. Internet Service:
Almost all MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties offer wireless high-speed internet service. However, due to various personal computer configurations, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS can only guarantee that the service is available from the provider. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS do not have the expertise to configure computers to accommodate the service. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS will do its best to assist the Guest, but will not be held responsible, or issue a refund, if the Guest is unable to use the service due to lack of ability to connect to the guest’s devices.

22. Telephone Charges & Pay per view Movies:
In all MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties equipped with a telephone, local calls are free of charge. Depending on the Property Owner’s telephone plan, free long distance may be available. Most of MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS homes have disabled the ability to purchase any pay per view movies or shows. However, if a guest does purchase any type of programming, the guest is liable for that payment. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS reserves the right to charge a guest’s credit card on file appropriately if there are any charges for such items that appear on the units’ cable bill that were incurred during the Guests stay.

23. Parking:
Most MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS rental properties have limited parking available. Therefore, recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, motor homes, trucks, trailers, etc. are not permitted without prior written approval by MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS. Some units require parking passes to avoid towing. MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS nor the property owner shall be responsible for vehicles that are towed. Parking passes must be left upon departure. Failure to leave parking permits will result in a $100.00 charge to the Guest’s credit card on file.

24. Condominium/Homeowners Associations:
The Guest shall abide by all applicable rules, restrictions, and regulations that may now, or hereafter, apply, including, but not limited to, provisions of the Condominium/Homeowners Association’s declarations, bylaws, rules, and regulations. The Guest shall not permit any disturbing noises in the building, nor interfere with the right, comfort, or convenience of other occupants of the condominium building or complex. In some rentals the Guest will not be permitted occupancy until a completed Association application is submitted and approval is obtained, for which the Guest may be required to pay a Screening Fee assessed by the Association.

25. Items Left On-Site:
Neither MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS, the Property Owner, nor the housekeepers will be held responsible for items left in a rental property. If MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS or the Property Owner is requested to retrieve, and mail items left on-site, the Guest will be responsible for any incurred fees, including shipping charges. Inquiries must be made within 5 days after departure date.

26. Substitution of Accommodations:
In the event a reserved rental property becomes unavailable due to circumstances beyond MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS’s control, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS reserves the right to substitute a comparable property at its discretion. If a similar property is not available, the reservation will be canceled. If a reservation is canceled under this section any refunds shall be given according to Cancelation Section 11. (e) of this agreement.

27. Properties for Sale:

If the property you've rented is listed for sale, occasionally a licensed real estate agent will need to show the property during, you're stay. You agree to accommodate showings with a 24-hour notice and adjust your schedule accordingly. You agree that you will not be present in the unit during showings, and that you will secure or remove all valuables prior to the showing. Rest assured; we'll do our best to schedule showings at a time that suits you. You agree to hold harmless Meridian vacation Rentals and the property owner for any loss or damages to your property during such showings.

28. Right of Entry:

You agree that Meridian Vacation Rentals personal and its agents, emergency personal, and if applicable Cono association personal have the right of entry to the property. Rest assured Meridian Vacation Rentals will make every effort to give 24 hours’ notice prior to entry however this may not be possible every time. No notice will be given in case of emergencies.

29. Guest Property Loss or Damage / Security:

You agree to hold harmless Meridian vacation Rentals and the property owner for any loss or damages to Guest(s) personal property. 

30. First Right of Refusal:
(a) The Guest reserving a property for 28 days or more has a first right of refusal on the property they are currently renting for the following year. The Guest is fully responsible for notifying MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS of their desire to reserve the same property within five (5) days of their current arrival. However, first right of refusal is subject to Owner approval, and MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS has no control over any owner bookings that may interfere with a first right of refusal.

(b) A Guest rebooking under this section may be canceled by MERIDIAN VACTION RENTALS in the event the Guest(s) leaves the property in unsatisfactory condition, or causes owner to incur complaint, fines or penalties from government agencies or owners’ property association, or violates any term of this agreement. If a reservation is canceled under this section any refunds shall be given according to Cancelation Section 11. (e) of this agreement.

31. Indemnity:
The Guest indemnifies MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner from and against any and all liability, loss damage and expense, including reasonable attorney fees and disbursements arising from injury to persons or damage to rental property; occasioned by the failure of the Guest to comply with any provision of law or this agreement; occasioned by any willful act of omission of the Guest or any person residing in or renting Owner’s property; without exception of such acts or commissions constituting negligence or willful misconduct of MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS, its agents, servants, or contractors when acting as agent for the Property Owners as provided herein. Special risks may be involved when using pools, spas, or pool features and the Guest assumes all responsibility for themselves and their guests and for the consequences of those at risk. The Guest agrees to waive any claim whatsoever and hold harmless MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner for accidents and claims resulting from accidents, injury and or death arising from use of the rental property and any of its equipment, porches, decks, stairs, parking area, elevators, common area, pool, spas, pool features, etc. The Guest agrees to reimburse the Property Owner for any fine or penalty which may be imposed upon the Property Owner by any court or by the Condominium/Homeowners Association, and municipality by reason of any violation upon the premises through the use thereof, or fault of the Guest herein, his agents or servants.

32. Radon Gas:
Radon gas is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that, when accumulated in a building in sufficient quantities may present health risks to persons who are exposed to it over time. Levels that exceed Federal and State guidelines have been found in buildings in Florida. Additional information regarding Radon Gas and Radon testing may be obtained from the Manatee County Health Unit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdmanatee.

33. Agency Disclosure:
Pursuant to Florida Statutes Chapter 475, the Guest is hereby notified that in connection with the property rented by this firm, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS, the Agent for the Property Owner, is being compensated as such by the Property Owner. The Guest acknowledges that this written notice was given and is understood, prior to signing a Rental Agreement, in compliance with all applicable Florida Statutes.

34. Infectious Diseases:
Each rental property is cleaned before the Guest arrives. However, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner cannot guarantee that infectious viruses and diseases will be completely eliminated by cleaning, or that infectious diseases and viruses are not brought to the property during the Guest’s occupancy. The Guest agrees that MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner are not responsible for any infectious diseases or viruses contracted during the Guest’s occupancy, and the Guest agrees to hold MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner harmless from any loss, damage, or injury suffered by the Guest as a result of an infectious disease or virus which may be contracted while the Guest is staying in the property.

35. Governmental Closures:
Certain circumstances may arise where the local, state, or federal government limits, prohibits, or restricts occupancy of the rental property. Any such governmental restrictions cannot be anticipated or controlled by MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS or the Property Owner, and MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS and the Property Owner shall not be responsible for any loss or damage incurred by a Guest as a result of such governmental action. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the governmental action, MERIDIAN VACATION RENTALS may offer the Guest an opportunity to reschedule their visit to the rental property, if it is available, or another similar rental property. If the Guest elects to reschedule their visit, the rental rate will be adjusted to the greater of the rate agreed to by the Guest for the cancelled stay or the rate for the rental property for the rescheduled dates. If the Guest’s stay is not rescheduled, all payments received from the Guest will be refunded less the $249.00 cancellation fee.