Garden City Realty Rental Policies & Guidelines

Reservations

Most reservations are weekly, Saturday to Saturday. Nightly reservations are subject to availability. Inquire with one of our Vacation Specialists for rates.

Winter Rentals: Monthly reservations are available from October through March and require a minimum one-month stay.

Planning Ahead?

While on vacation, guests may plan ahead for the following year. At Garden City Realty, owners have top booking priority, followed by the guest presently occupying the property. If a guest has not made a reservation by Noon on the day of departure, the property is then reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, call or visit the office during business hours. The standard reservation payment policy will apply. Deposits are not refundable. Full details are available in the Garden City Realty reservations lobby.

Capacity of Accommodations

Occupancy is limited to guest capacity as indicated on this Website. Garden City Realty strictly enforces this standard. Occupancy must not exceed the sleeping capacity as stated in the unit description. Exceptions can be made for infants and toddlers.

Termination of Occupancy

Garden City Realty reserves the right to terminate a rental agreement and require all guests and occupants to vacate the property immediately, without refund, for unlawful, unsafe, disorderly, threatening, or nuisance behavior; violation of applicable laws, HOA or community rules, or property rules; damage or threatened damage to the property; health, safety, fire, sanitation, or security risks; exceeding occupancy limits; unauthorized occupants or visitors; or other material violations of the Guest Agreement.

Guests remain responsible for any resulting damages, fines, charges, costs, law-enforcement involvement, relocation expenses, or other losses incurred by the property owner or Garden City Realty.

Accommodation Substitutions

Reservations may not be transferred, assigned, or subleased without prior written consent. A request to change a reservation to a different property is considered a cancellation and is subject to Garden City Realty's cancellation policy.

If your reserved accommodation becomes unavailable for rental, Garden City Realty reserves the right to substitute comparable accommodations or refund your payments without further liability. Garden City Realty is not obligated to provide substitute accommodations under all circumstances.

Check-In/Check-Out Time

Check-In: Check-in begins at 4 p.m., depending on property availability, and extends to the close of business. Although we make every attempt to ensure our properties are ready at 4 p.m., this cannot be guaranteed.

Please do not expect to check into your property upon arrival. If traveling with children, it may be beneficial for you to plan your arrival for a later time.

Some situations can cause delayed check-ins. When this happens, Garden City Realty reserves the right to withhold keys from guests until the property has been deemed ready for occupancy. Contact the office in advance at 843-652-2555 for our hours (times vary per season) or to check if your rental is ready, if after 4 p.m.

Check-out: Unless otherwise given express written consent, check-out must take place before 10 a.m. on the scheduled day of departure, as displayed as a part of this Guest Agreement. Guests checking out after the approved time will incur a fee of at least $150.

Reservations Made Within Three Days of Arrival

The following procedures apply to all reservations booked within three (3) days of arrival:
Mandatory In-Person Office Check-In: Guests must check in at the office in person, regardless of property type or key access method.
Verified Payment Method: Guests must present a valid form of payment in their own name, along with a government-issued photo ID, at check-in.
No Third-Party Check-Ins: Only the registered guest may check in. No one may check in on their behalf.
No After-Hours Check-In: Guests who book within three days of arrival must arrive before the office closes at 5:30 p.m. Guests unable to arrive before closing will be required to wait until the next business day to check in with Guest Services.
ID & Vehicle Acknowledgment Form: At check-in, guests must sign a form that records guest identification information, logs vehicle details, including a photo of the license plate, and includes a copy of the guest’s government-issued photo ID.

Payment

Deposit Policy: A reservation deposit equal to 10% of the total reservation balance is required at booking and includes travel insurance, if applicable. An installment equal to 50% of the outstanding balance is due 180 days before the scheduled arrival date. Final payment of the remaining balance is due 30 days before arrival.

For reservations made within 180 days (six months) of arrival, the initial 10% deposit and 50% installment are due at the time of booking.

If payments are not received by the applicable due date, Garden City Realty will automatically charge the credit card or bank account on file. Garden City Realty is not responsible for overdraft or over-limit fees.

Third-party reservations may be subject to full payment at the time of booking.

Accepted Forms of Payment

Garden City Realty accepts cash, personal checks, cashier's checks, bank-issued money orders, e-checks, and electronic payments with a valid credit card on file. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted.

Reservations booked with a credit card are subject to a 3% convenience fee calculated on the total amount of the reservation. Convenience fees are nonrefundable. A credit card must be used as the primary form of payment for reservations booked within 30 days of arrival.

cancellations

Cancellations: Reservations are nonrefundable unless the property is successfully rebooked for the same dates.

If a reservation is canceled and Garden City Realty successfully rebooks the same property for the same dates at the full value of the original reservation, the guest may receive up to an 80% refund of reservation payments. Travel insurance premiums and convenience fees are nonrefundable and will also be withheld, if applicable.

If the property is rebooked for the same dates at a lower rental amount, the difference in rent will be deducted from the reservation payment in addition to the 20% cancellation fee, travel insurance premium, and convenience fees, if applicable.

The standard cancellation fee is 20% of the total deposits received as of the cancellation date.

Refunds will only be issued after the property has been successfully rebooked and payment from the new reservation has been received. A request to change your reservation to a different property is considered a cancellation and is subject to this policy.

Cancellation policies may differ for reservations booked through Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), including Vrbo, Airbnb, and Booking.com.

Click here for travel insurance information. Click here to read the South Carolina Vacation Rental Act.

acts of god

In the event a reservation is interrupted or check-in is delayed due to an Act of God, including but not limited to hurricanes, tropical storms, high winds, or beach erosion, no refunds will be issued, regardless of whether a mandatory evacuation order has been issued by local governing authorities.

Travel insurance may provide protection from certain risks. Guests should contact their travel insurance provider directly for information regarding coverage.

Taxes and Additional Fees

All reservations are subject to South Carolina Sales and Accommodation Taxes. Occasionally, tax rates will change. If such a change should occur, the guest will be responsible for the difference in taxes.

Reservation Fee: A reservation fee applies to all reservations.

Lodging Fee: A fee of $1.00 per night's stay applies to all reservations.

Waiver of Security Deposit: In lieu of a refundable cash security deposit, there is a non-refundable waiver of security deposit charged for each property, excluding monthly rentals. This fee covers up to $1000.00 of any accidental, unintentional damage to the property that is reported during your stay. This does not cover any damages resulting from a violation of this agreement. For information about monthly rentals, please email [email protected] or call 843-652-2555.

Travel Insurance

Garden City Realty offers Red Sky Travel Insurance to guests. When a vacation is interrupted as a result of injury, sickness, death, mandatory evacuations, or certain other perils beyond control, this program will cover non-refundable payments and other identified costs.

Travel: Protection for covered trip cancellation/interruption, and additional travel delay expenses.
Emergency: Coverage for emergency accident and sickness medical expenses, and emergency medical evacuation.
Baggage: Insurance for delay, loss, damage, or theft of your belongings.
All the help you need: 24/7 live support and concierge services.

Travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended to help protect against unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise result in the loss of rental payments. Travel insurance is not automatically added to a reservation and will only be added with the guest's explicit permission.

Travel insurance may be added until 30 days before arrival or when making your final payment, whichever comes first.

If the policy premium is received within 21 days of the initial rental deposit, and the guest is not disabled from travel when the plan cost is paid, the Pre-Existing Condition exclusion will be waived.

For reservations booked more than 30 days before arrival, coverage may be canceled within 14 days of confirming the reservation or adding coverage to an existing reservation for a full refund of the premium paid.

Questions regarding travel insurance coverage should be directed to Red Sky Travel Insurance at 1-866-889-7409 or by visiting their Website, Sun Trip Preserver. The description of coverage for travel insurance may be viewed by clicking here. Travel insurance may be added up to 30 days before your arrival or when making your final payment, whichever comes first; however, pre-existing conditions will not be covered if it is not purchased within 21 days of making the reservation.

Click here to read the South Carolina Vacation Rental Act.

To return claims:

By mail to Claims Department at Red Sky Claims, C/O Arch Insurance Company | 1350 McCormick Road, Suite 102, Hunt Valley, MD 21031
By fax at (443) 279-2901 | By E-mail: [email protected]

For online claims, please complete the Trip Delay Claim form by clicking here.

For assistance, contact Red Sky Travel Insurance Toll-Free: (866) 889-7409.

Linens

All vacation rental homes and condos include towels and bed linens with each reservation. Therefore, there is no need to bring your own. We’ve got you covered.

Guests are responsible for Garden City Realty-provided linens and towels during their stay. If linens or towels are excessively soiled, damaged, or stolen during occupancy, the guest will be charged $250 or the replacement cost of the linen, whichever is greater.

Cleaning Policy

Cleaning supplies are not provided. Upon departure, Garden City Realty requests guests empty the refrigerator, remove all trash, and load/start the dishwasher.

Check-Out Maid Service

Check-out maid service is included with all vacation rentals.

Amenities

Garden City Realty does not guarantee the operation of air conditioning, plumbing, appliances, swimming pools, hot tubs, Wi-Fi, or other amenities included with our vacation rental properties. Refunds will not be issued in the event of a breakdown or interruption involving these amenities.

If a problem occurs during your stay, please contact Garden City Realty so the appropriate party can be notified and repairs can be addressed when possible.

Condominium amenities such as swimming pool and elevator maintenance are strictly maintained by each complex and/or its Home Owner Associations (HOA). Garden City Realty is not responsible for the upkeep and/or maintenance of amenities such as elevators, swimming pools, and/or common areas managed by the association. Should a problem occur, please contact Garden City Realty, and a representative will notify the appropriate property management company.

Damage and Liability

Aside from normal wear and tear, guests are responsible for damage to the property or its contents during their stay. Should damage occur, Garden City Realty reserves the right to charge the credit card or bank account on file.

In lieu of a refundable cash security deposit, a nonrefundable waiver of security deposit is charged for each applicable property. This fee covers up to $1,000 of non-negligent property damage reported during your stay. The waiver does not cover damage resulting from a violation of the Guest Agreement.

Do not move or rearrange items within the property. The owners provide home furnishings. If any furniture is damaged due to being moved, the renter will accept full financial responsibility. Moving furniture could result in a loss of the damage deposit.

Pest Control

The South Carolina coast is home to many pests and insects, including the Palmetto Bug or American Cockroach. All properties in our rental program are treated regularly; however, they can enter the property during your stay if you're not careful.

As tempting as it can be to open the doors to allow in the ocean breeze, Garden City Realty suggests keeping all doors and windows closed. Below are a few additional suggestions we have during your stay:

Please refrain from leaving your windows and doors open unless you have screens on them to keep pests out.
Avoid leaving food out and dirty dishes lying around. This will only attract more pests.
Turn off and drain water when not in use. Standing water will attract pests.

Parking

Parking is limited throughout our beach communities, and restrictions vary by property, community, and condominium complex. Please review the parking information included in your property's description before arrival, particularly if you are bringing multiple vehicles, a trailer, motorcycle, or golf cart.

Condominium and community parking rules are established and enforced by the applicable Homeowners Association. Parking passes, available spaces, and restrictions vary by property, and some parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Garden City Realty is not responsible for damages, fines, towing expenses, off-site vehicle storage, or other expenses incurred as a result of parking violations or restrictions.

Pets

Garden City Realty offers a selection of dog-friendly vacation properties. Unless specifically stated in the individual property description, pets are not permitted.

Guests who violate this policy will be required to provide proof of pet boarding for the remainder of their stay and will be assessed a fee of no less than $500 per pet. Guests will also forfeit any coverage provided by the waiver of security deposit and will be responsible for additional cleaning costs and any damages resulting from the presence of the pet for up to 90 days after departure.

This policy does not apply to service animals to the extent accommodation is required by applicable law. Guests requesting to bring a service animal must notify Garden City Realty in advance so the request can be evaluated under applicable legal requirements. Emotional support dogs are restricted to dog-friendly properties.

Limit two dogs per dog-friendly property only, unless otherwise specified. Garden City Realty enforces a 70-pound maximum weight limit when bringing one dog, and a 50-pound maximum weight limit per dog when bringing two.

Failure to abide by the above guidelines will result in the dog being removed from the property and boarded at the expense of the pet owner for the remainder of the reservation. Proof of such boarding will be required by Garden City Realty.

Properties advertised as Dog Friendly permit dogs in accordance with Garden City Realty's Dog-Friendly Policy. This designation does not mean that a property has been inspected, certified, or determined to be free from vegetation, landscaping, wildlife, insects, household items, or other natural or man-made conditions that could pose a risk to dogs.

Guests are responsible for supervising their dogs at all times and determining whether the property and surrounding area are appropriate for their pet's individual needs. Garden City Realty and the property owner do not represent or warrant that a dog-friendly property is free from potential hazards to pets.

Click here for more information about our dog-friendly property guest agreement.

Restrictions

No Groups: Vacation rentals are intended for families or individuals of close family relation and may not be used by groups of unrelated individuals. Properties may not be used by chaperoned or unchaperoned church, college, high school, sorority/fraternity, bachelor/bachelorette, athletic, or similar groups, regardless of relation. Garden City Realty strictly prohibits using vacation rental properties to host events or parties, including weddings, receptions, and rehearsals. Misrepresentation by a guest regarding the nature of the group or use of the property will render the rental agreement null and void, and all monies will be forfeited. If you have questions regarding our No Groups Policy, please contact Garden City Realty before confirming your reservation.
Minimum Age: Garden City Realty rents exclusively to persons age 25 or older. Guests under the age of 25 will not be permitted to check into a reservation. A guest who enters into a rental agreement and is subsequently determined to be under age 25 will be considered in breach of the agreement and will not be entitled to a refund of monies paid.
Subleasing: Rental agreements may not be assigned, transferred, or subleased without prior written consent from Garden City Realty.
Charcoal Grills: Charcoal grilling is absolutely prohibited on porches and/or balconies.
Non-Smoking Properties: Smoking is not permitted in any property managed by Garden City Realty. Guests who smoke in a property will be charged a fee of no less than $1,000, plus related expenses, including but not limited to additional cleaning costs and loss of future rental income.
Inlet Harbour strictly prohibits motorcycles, fireworks, and golf carts.
Telephone/Internet: Please note that not all properties have telephones or internet service. If these amenities are necessary for your vacation needs, please verify the property includes them before making your reservation.
Other Restrictions: Some properties have restrictions regarding motorcycles, trailers, golf carts, fireworks, etc. If you plan to bring or use any of these items during your stay, please check with the property to see if it permits them before making your reservation.
Electric Vehicles & Motorhomes: Unless otherwise noted on the individual property listing, electric vehicle chargers are not provided. With the exception of golf carts, charging electric vehicles from a vacation property or running extension cords from the property to a vehicle is prohibited. RVs and motorhomes may not be connected to Garden City Realty-managed properties. Violations may result in a charge to the credit card or bank account on file.

Maintenance and Property Access

Entry: Occasionally, an employee or vendor of Garden City Realty or the Homeowners Association may need to enter a vacation rental for purposes related to the property's repair, care, or management. This may also include matters related to the sale of a property, including sales showings and home inspections. Garden City Realty and its designees maintain the right to enter the property for these purposes.
Repairs: Garden City Realty does not guarantee the operation of air conditioning, plumbing, appliances, swimming pools, hot tubs, Wi-Fi, or other amenities included with a vacation rental property. Refunds will not be issued due to the breakdown or interruption of these items.
Owner's Closet: Locked closets are reserved for the property owner's private belongings and are not included as part of the vacation rental. Accessing or disturbing an owner's closet is considered a breach of the Guest Agreement, and guests may be held responsible for lost or damaged property or items.
Lock-Out Charge: A $50.00 service charge applies to guests locked out of the property and requiring assistance after business hours.
A fee of no less than $25 will be charged for lost keys and no less than $100 for lost property or amenity access devices, including key cards, key fobs, garage door openers, and State Park passes. Charges will be applied to the credit card or bank account on file.

Third-Party Disruptions

Beach renourishment, nearby construction or property development, county, municipal, or state infrastructure work, utility repairs or upgrades, HOA maintenance projects, and similar activities are outside the control of Garden City Realty and the property owner.

These external conditions do not warrant refunds or relocation to another property.

Property For Sale

If the property you are renting is for sale, we may contact you to schedule a showing during your stay. Garden City Realty will make every effort to schedule the showing at a time convenient for you; however, we do allow our guests the right to decline.

Lost and Found

Garden City Realty is not responsible for personal items left behind at a vacation property. If an item is found and a guest requests its return, a fee of no less than $20 plus the cost of returning the item will be charged to the credit card or bank account on file.

If the 30-day donation policy is still operationally accurate, you can retain that as a final sentence:

Items not claimed within 30 days will be donated to a local charity.

That provision is on the current website but isn't addressed by the revised agreement, so I wouldn't present it as coming from Ross's revised document.

Preservation of Natural Resources

The energy and natural resources saved today belong to you, now and tomorrow. Please turn off all lights, heat, air conditioning, televisions, and turn off all water faucets when not in use. Garden City Realty is a proud community leader in the effort to conserve energy and our natural resources.

Promotional Discounts

Promotional discounts offered by Garden City Realty are valid only during the published redemption period and cannot be combined with other offers, loyalty benefits, or previously applied discounts.

Promotions apply only to reservations booked and confirmed during the designated promotional period. Reservations made before or outside the redemption period are not eligible for retroactive discounts, adjustments, substitutions, or reimbursements.

Property Information & Conditions

Garden City Realty takes reasonable steps to ensure that vacation rental properties, rates, and charges are accurately represented. Because each property is individually owned and information may be provided by multiple sources, unintentional errors or omissions may occasionally occur.

Rental rates, furnishings, equipment, and amenities are subject to change without notice. Each property reflects the individual owner's preferences, so condition and décor will vary.

If an error results in an incorrect charge, Garden City Realty reserves the right to correct the billing and collect the proper amount due.