Maximum Occupancy:  Each of our homes has an occupancy limit that is strictly enforced.  Block Island homes are served by private wells and septic systems. Overuse of these systems can cause severe damage and expense.  Please cooperate by limiting your occupancy to the stated limit for the house you select.  All children over the age of 1 year are counted as occupants.  Your guests are counted as occupants even if they only stay for a night.  Please talk with us if you have any questions about this policy.  Please also read the paragraph entitled Special Events at the end of this page.  

Reservation Deposit:  50% of the total rent, $50.00 Reservation Fee and full payment of Cancellation Insurance, if purchased, is due within two weeks of the date of the lease/contract.  The remaining rent, cleaning fee and security deposit or Accidental Rental Insurance, if chosen, is due 60 days prior to your arrival.  Payment can be made by cash or check.  We do not accept credit cards.  

Reservation Fee:  There is a $50.00 reservation fee for each reservation.  This is a one-time fee per reservation, not per week.  This fee is paid with your initial deposit. 

Lease/contract:  A contract will be created and sent to you within 24 hours of your rental booking.  We ask that you initial the first page, sign the final page and return with the amounts due as outlined on the lease/contract and outlined above in Reservation Deposit.    

Security Deposit:  A security deposit ranging from $300 to $1,500 is required and due with the remaining rent 60 days prior to your arrival.  The dates are outlined on the contract and reminders will be sent.  Your security deposit check is deposited to our account upon receipt.  The deposit is to cover damage that is above and beyond normal wear and tear and telephone charges.  You will receive a refund of your security deposit within 30 days of your departure less any applicable charges.  Please be patient because we do have to wait for bills to be submitted to us.  See the following paragraph for the ARDI option instead of paying a security deposit.

Accidental Rental Damage Insurance (ARDI):  ARDI is an insurance plan that provides coverage for accidental damages to your vacation rental property during your stay, in place of a security deposit.  Return home with vacation memories, not repair costs. When you include ARDI with your reservations, the cost and repair of covered accidental damage will be handled between the rental company and the insurance.  There are 4 levels of coverage and each home will have a minimum depending on the security deposit amount otherwise required at that property.  This coverage can be booked and paid for through Ballard Hall Real Estate.

Check In and Check Out:  Check in is 3:00 p.m. and check out is 10:00 a.m. 

Credit Cards:  All deposits are payable by check or cash.  We do not accept any credit cards.  

Cancellations:  If you find it necessary to cancel, we will make every effort to re-book your house for you.  We can only return your deposit if we are able to re-book the entire time period that you have reserved.  A cancellation fee of $200.00 will be charged for all cancellations.  

Travel Insurance:  We are offering Travel Insurance through Travel Guard.  Travel Guard's All Seasons Travel Plan can provide coverage for you and your vacation investment when the unexpected occurs.  By purchasing travel insurance, you can insure yourself for covered cancellation penalties, medical costs, as well as gain access to a wide range of traveler's assistance services. This coverage can be booked and paid for through Ballard Hall Real Estate.  To view more information on this insurance the following link will take you directly to Travel Guard www.travelguard.com/astp or feel free to call or email us for additional information.

House Cleaning:   We make sure that you move into a clean house and will have cleaning scheduled upon your departure.  There is a cleaning fee for each property.  That fee will be listed on your lease/contract. This designated amount is due 60 days prior to check-in along with your remaining rent and security deposit or ARDI, if chosen. 

Pets:  No pets are allowed with the exception of a few houses.  In order to bring a pet, written permission is required and will be so noted on your lease/contract.  The houses that do allow pets will strongly encourage that you opt for the ARDI insurance plan.  If you do not opt for the plan, the security deposit is between $1,500 and $3,000 to cover accidents etc. that can and do happen when pets come along on vacation.   

Errors and Omissions:  While we make every effort to describe our rental properties accurately, changes can and do take place.  Therefore our descriptions are subject to errors and omissions.  Listings do not constitute a guarantee of the facts stated.  

Special Events:  Special events require the permission of our rental home owners.  Special events are defined as dinners or parties or cookouts where the maximum occupancy of the home will be exceeded even for a short period of time.  Please tell us if your plans include a special event.  Large groups cannot be accommodated at any of our rental properties due to private septic system limitations. 

Ferry Reservations:  Reservations are needed to bring a car to the Island, and our advice is to book these well in advance.  For the 2012 season, Interstate Navigation will begin taking ferry reservations on January 3, 2012.  Ferry reservations must be made through Interstate Navigation.  Their phone number is 866-783-7996 or 401-783-4613.  For more details, please visit their web site, www.blockislandferry.com. 

Overnight Deliveries and Packages:  If you need to receive a package during your stay, please have them shipped by FedEx, UPS of US Post Office.  You may have small items shipped to Ballard Hall Real Estate with your name and house name in the shipping information.  We will call you when the package arrives, or you are welcome to stop by our office.  Remember that items shipped to the Post Office go to PO Box 1885, Block Island, RI  02807.  Items shipped via UPS and FedEx go to the physical address which is 123 Ocean Avenue, Block Island, RI  02807.  If you use other carriers, your items will need to be picked up at Interstate Navigation freight office.