Terms And Conditions

Last updated: 17 August 2026

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all bookings made with Sofa Seagull (“we”, “us”, “our”), a family-run holiday letting company based in Seaton, Devon, for the rental of any holiday property listed on our website (each a “Property”). By making a booking with us, you (“you”, “the Lead Guest”) agree to be bound by these Terms on behalf of yourself and all members of your party.

1. About Us

Sofa Seagull Fore Street, Beer, Seaton, Devon, United Kingdom Phone: +44 1297 642652 Email: hello@sofaseagull.co.uk

We act as agents for the owners of the properties we manage, unless otherwise stated.

2. Making a Booking

2.1 The Lead Guest must be at least 18 years old and have authority to accept these Terms on behalf of everyone in the party.

2.2 A booking is only confirmed once we have received your booking request, taken payment (or a deposit, as applicable) and issued a written booking confirmation by email.

2.3 You are responsible for checking that all details on your booking confirmation (dates, property, guest numbers, pricing) are correct. Please tell us immediately if anything is wrong.

2.4 The maximum number of guests (including children and infants) permitted at each Property is stated on the property listing and must not be exceeded without our prior written agreement.

3. Payment

3.1 A deposit of 25% of the total booking cost is payable at the time of booking to secure your reservation.

3.2 The balance of the total cost is due no later than 8 weeks before your arrival date. We will contact you by email when the balance is due.

3.3 For bookings made within 8 weeks of the arrival date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

3.4 If the balance is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as cancelled by you, and the cancellation terms in Section 4 will apply.

3.5 A refundable security/damage deposit of £100–£250 (depending on the Property) may be required in addition to the rental cost. This is detailed in Section 6.

4. Cancellations

By you:

4.1 If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing (email is acceptable) as soon as possible.

4.2 Cancellation charges (calculated as a percentage of the total booking cost) apply as follows:

• More than 8 weeks before arrival: loss of deposit only (25%)
• Between 4 and 8 weeks before arrival: 50% of total cost
• Less than 4 weeks before arrival: 100% of total cost

4.3 We strongly recommend that guests take out travel/holiday cancellation insurance, as we are unable to offer refunds outside the circumstances set out in these Terms.

By us:

4.4 In the rare event that we need to cancel your booking (for example, due to circumstances beyond our control, or an issue with the Property that makes it unsuitable for occupation), we will notify you as soon as possible and offer you either: (a) an alternative property of a similar standard, where available; or (b) a full refund of all monies paid.

4.5 Our liability in the event of a cancellation by us is limited to a refund of monies paid and does not extend to any other costs or losses you may incur (e.g. travel costs), except where required by law.

5. Check-In and Check-Out

5.1 Check-in time is from 4:00pm on the day of arrival.

5.2 Check-out time is by 10:00am on the day of departure.

5.3 Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request and subject to availability; please contact us in advance.

5.4 Access details (key codes, lockbox information, etc.) will be sent to you ahead of your arrival.

6. Security/Damage Deposit

6.1 Where a security deposit is required, it will be taken at the time of booking or prior to arrival and held as security against damage, breakages, excessive cleaning requirements, or additional costs incurred during your stay.

6.2 The deposit (or the remaining balance after any deductions) will be returned within 7 days of departure, provided the Property is left in a reasonable, clean condition and there is no damage, loss, or breach of these Terms.

6.3 If damage or additional costs exceed the deposit amount, you agree to pay the excess to us within 14 days of being notified.

7. Your Responsibilities During Your Stay

7.1 You must take good care of the Property and leave it in the same condition as you found it, allowing for reasonable wear and tear.

7.2 The Property must not be used for any unlawful purpose, and you must not cause a nuisance or disturbance to neighbours.

7.3 Smoking is not permitted inside any Property unless otherwise stated on the listing.

7.4 Pets are only permitted where expressly stated on the property listing, and any pet policy (fees, restrictions) shown on that listing will apply.

7.5 You must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated for the Property.

7.6 You are responsible for the conduct of everyone in your party and any visitors you allow onto the Property.

7.7 Please report any damage, breakages, or maintenance issues to us as soon as possible during your stay, so we can address them promptly.

8. Our Responsibilities and Liability

8.1 We will use reasonable care to ensure the Property is clean, safe, and as described on our website at the start of your stay.

8.2 We are not liable for: (a) any temporary loss of services (e.g. WiFi, utilities) outside our reasonable control; (b) loss, theft, or damage to your personal belongings while at the Property, except where caused by our negligence; (c) any indirect or consequential loss.

8.3 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under English law.

8.4 We do not own the properties we manage; where we act as agents for a Property owner, certain obligations regarding the fabric, fixtures, and maintenance of the Property remain the owner’s responsibility.

9. Complaints

9.1 If you experience any problem during your stay, please contact us immediately on +44 1297 642652 or hello@sofaseagull.co.uk so we can try to resolve it while you are still at the Property.

9.2 Complaints raised only after departure, which could reasonably have been resolved during the stay had we been informed, may not be eligible for compensation.

10. Force Majeure

We will not be liable for any failure to perform, or delay in performing, our obligations where this is caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disaster, pandemic, government restrictions, or failure of utilities.

11. Photographs and Descriptions

We make every effort to ensure property descriptions, photographs, and pricing on our website are accurate at the time of publication. Minor variations in furnishings, decor, or layout may occur, and we reserve the right to correct genuine errors.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The version in force at the time you make your booking will apply to that booking.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please get in touch:

Sofa Seagull Fore Street, Beer, Seaton, Devon Phone: +44 1297 642652 Email: hello@sofaseagull.co.uk