Rules, Regulations, Terms, and Conditions:

NOTE: One in six travelers experiences unforeseen circumstances such as an illness, an Act of God, job demands, an accident, family death, or other events that can result in a cancelled or delayed trip and a loss of all or part of your vacation investment. You are highly encouraged to purchase travel insurance from your Online Travel Agency (OTA) in the event you need to cancel inside the 'partial refund - no refund' time-period. If you do not wish to purchase their plan, then may we suggest Travel Guard from AIG: https://www.travelguard.com/. Each OTA has slightly differing cancellation policies, so please be aware of their rules and how their travel insurances work. We follow the rules of each OTA cancellation policy and if that policy states you are not eligible for a refund, then you will not receive one. Out of compassion for events beyond your control, STRACT HQ does offer this to all guests: If we can rebook, then you will receive a full refund minus the Host fees and minus any rate discounts to get the cancellation rebooked. 

NOTE: Messaging is done primarily through email, so please ensure your email is correct and your email app is functioning on your mobile devices. Thank you!

NOTE: An electronic Guest Guide Book link will be emailed to you with tips and tricks.

SUMMARY. Here is a short summary of the Rental Agreement -- it is not all-inclusive -- just the high-level nuts and bolts:

1. Do not dump ash or coals -- use the ash buckets.

2. If you cancel, you will reimburse the Hosts for the fees they paid to arrange for your reservation.

3. Crate your dogs. No dogs on the beds or furniture.

4. Follow the hot tub rules.

5. No hunting, no firearm discharges.

6. Occupancy max is 8.

7. No smoking / vaping inside the cabin.

8. Only two (2) persons on the sleeper sofa at one time. 

9. Do not bring or park trailers in the courtyard. 

10. Please report broken items so we can replace them quickly.

11. Accidents happen, we simply ask that you reimburse the Owners if there is a significant cost.

12. Enjoy the peace and quiet!

ITEMS.

ALCOHOL: You must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol on the premises, including the complimentary wine in the wine fridge.

ASH & COALS. Guest will use the ash buckets at the fire pit for any ashes, burnt logs, or coals. Please do not dump ash, burnt logs, or coals along or outside the fence-line as you will start a forest fire and you may face criminal charges - not a fun way to spend your time off. 

ATV's / UTV's / TRAILERS. We are one of the few rentals in Fredericksburg that allows ATV's on-site so please follow these simple rules. The terrain can be very rocky and steep -- be aware that rollovers are very possible. All drivers must be legally licensed/ have the proper safety certificate and follow all Texas State motor vehicle laws including seat belt use. Do not consume alcoholic beverages and operate an ATV / UTV. All ATV's / UTV's must be used off property (except for our driveway) -- please do not tear up our property, erode grading, or run over our vegetation. The Owners are released from any liability and the Guest releases the Owners from any harm including any accidents, deaths, rollovers, or injuries while you operate your ATV / UTV. Keese Rd. has many paths to take (such as Enchanted Rock) so enjoy! 

No trailers inside the courtyard area. Drop and unload all trailers outside the courtyard in the designated area. The designated area is on the right as you get close to the courtyard gate. All our fences and gates are all custom-designed /custom-made and you will be charged full replacement costs + $150 inconvenience fee for any damages you cause with your trailer inside our courtyard area.  

You can store your ATV/ UTV under the covered barn if you would like. You can rinse of any mud / dirt off the barn slab. We have a hose on the side of the barn for your convenience. 

CANCELLATIONS. The Guest and the Host shall pay the fee amounts as detailed during the booking process for the booking fees and processing fees. If the Guest cancels, the Host will not be responsible for paying the booking, reservation, processing, and/or cancellation fees. For example, as of 2024, Airbnb, an OTA, charges the Host 3% for each reservation. These fees are not refunded back to the Host by the OTAs when a Guest cancels, so STRACT HQ will withdraw the appropriate amount from the Guest that was paid before refunding (called a Fee Reimbursement). The usual range is Airbnb Fee at 3%, to the VRBO Fee at 5%, plus the Stripe processing Fee of 2.9% + .30 cents. STRACT HQ does not charge a cancellation penalty fee, does not charge a cancellation tax, and reimburses themselves only the exact amount of Host fees in the event a Guest cancels. 

CANDLES, INCENSE, & FIREWORKS: For your safety and the safety of all our guests, absolutely no candles or incense (no open flames) are permitted to be used inside any of our properties. Fireworks are prohibited due to the area being surrounded by a forest and grasslands. Burn / smoke damages to our rooms will result in a minimum $300.00 fee plus any smoke remediation.

CHILDREN: The Host loves children and has provided many activities for them -- board games, video games, books, movies, Legos, coloring books, outdoor games, puzzles & riddles, picnic area, lawn for playing, inflatable pools, fan sprinkler, etc. Host does not charge child occupancy fees. 

CONFETTI, PARTY-POPPERS, & OTHER MESS-MAKERS: The following items are prohibited at {{listing_listing_name_for_messaging}} due to the amount of time it takes to clean up, and the fact that no amount of cleaning removes 100% of these products. If these products are used, then you will be automatically charged an additional $185 cleaning fee to bring in two others cleaners to prepare the property in time for the next guests: 

1. Confetti (sprinkling some confetti on the island or kitchen table is fine). 

2. Cascarones. 

3. Kinetic Sand, Flarp, Squishies, or similar products.

4. Party-poppers. 

5. Playdough. 

6. Sidewalk chalk on the patios or barn slab.

7. Silly String.

8. Slime or Goop. 

DOGS. There is no dog fee or pet deposit. The Host loves dogs and they are welcome guests at The Outpost. 2 dogs of any size and breed are allowed. A request must be made in advance for more than 2 dogs. You must advise us if you are bringing any dogs so we can prepare in advance to arrive early for cleaning. If you leave the cabin to go out-and-about, then please crate your dogs. We have an extra-large and a small dog crate in the master closet. There have been instances where dogs were left in the rooms, and they caused severe damages to the doors and door jams. You will be charged full repair costs for any scratch marks on doors and door jams. Dogs are not allowed on any furniture or any beds as this can cause delays in preparing the cabin for the next guest. You will be charged an extra $300 fee to your card on file if the cleaning crew must abate excessive dog hair on furniture or beds. Please do your best not let your dog’s urinate on the lawn - it kills the grass. 

If you are bringing a disabled dog(s) and need accommodations for your dog, then please call the Owners at: 832-375-5411.

Other pets/animals such as horses, cats, rabbits, snakes, hamsters, mice, birds, etc., are not permitted on the property without the express permission with the Owners (i.e. it's the perfect place for horseback riding, but we need to work out accommodations for your equines). A $300 fee will be applied to your card on file if the cleaning crew reports that any of these animals, other than dogs, were present without permission.

DOORS, WALLS, & FURNITURE. Please do not leave the front and back doors open at the same time: It will create a wind vacuum and they will slam shut, damaging the door jams/ locks. Guests / vendors are prohibited from affixing any object to the walls, such as but not including nails, screws, hooks, tacks, pins, command strips, tape, sticky tack, mounting putty, etc.

Do not move the king or queen beds -- you will break the support struts. Do not move indoor chairs to the outside. There are extra chairs on the barn slab.

FOCE MAJEURE. In the event of any strike, insurrection, riot, unavoidable accident, civil disturbance, act of any public enemy, embargo, fire, earthquake, flood, explosion, casualty, riot, Act of God, shortage of labor, materials or supplies, pandemic, outbreak of disease or contagion, war, governmental law, regulation or restriction, or any other cause of any kind whatsoever which is beyond the reasonable control of STRACT HQ which prohibits, restricts, or makes impossible or impractical STRACT HQ’s ability to honor any booking or reservation, STRACT HQ shall be entitled, in its sole and absolute discretion, to cancel such booking or reservations, issue a partial or full refund or booking credit, or provide reasonable alternative accommodations. For the avoidance of doubt, no refund or booking credit of any nature will be issued on account of inclement weather, change of plans, bereavement, inconvenience, or any other change of circumstance or reason whatsoever, unless STRACT HQ authorizes the refund or booking credit. Guests and all other occupants of the Property shall comply with all applicable laws, including without limitation evacuation orders in the event of an emergency of any kind. As stated above, STRACT HQ will make attempts to rebook in the event of a cancellation in an effort to refund your monies.

GROUP RESERVATIONS. A Group is defined as any person or party reserving five (5) or more units either in the same name or different names. A non-refundable 50% deposit is required at the time of the booking, the additional non-refundable 50% balance due will be charged to the Guest’s credit card 30 days before time of arrival. There are no additional fees for groups. 

HOST’S LIABILITY, INDEMNITY & RELEASE. The Guest and any of their guests hereby indemnify and hold harmless the Host against any and all claims of personal injury or property damage or loss arising from the use of the Premises regardless of the nature of the accident, injury, or loss. The Guest expressly recognizes that any insurance for property damage or loss which the Host may maintain on the property does not cover the personal property of Guest and that Guest should purchase their own insurance for their guests if such coverage is desired.  

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms and Conditions to the contrary, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, you and all other guests, on behalf of yourselves and your respective heirs, devisees, executors, personal representatives, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively, the “Guest Parties”), shall indemnify, defend, protect, and hold harmless STRACT HQ and the Property’s owner(s), and their respective past and present owners, shareholders, officers, directors, principals, agents, employees, representatives, affiliates, successors, assigns, heirs, devisees, personal representatives, executors, legal representatives, insurers, and all others who could be liable for the obligations of any of them (collectively, the “Manager Parties”) from and against any and all claims, causes of action, accidents, injuries, food sales and/or food resales, demands, actions, suits, proceedings, losses, judgments, damages, awards, fines, taxes, penalties, costs, expenses, obligations, and liabilities of every kind and nature whatsoever (including actual attorneys’, consultants’, and expert witness’ fees and costs at the pre-trial, trial, and appellate levels) (collectively, the “Claims”) in any manner related to, arising out of, or resulting from (i) the negligence, misconduct, or other acts and omissions of any nature whatsoever of any guests, occupants, and any other person who enters the Property during your stay, (ii) the use of the Premises by you and the other guests or any activities conducted therein, (iii) the violation of these Terms and Conditions or the failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions or applicable law by any guest. Furthermore, you and all other guests, for yourselves and on behalf of the Guest Parties, each do hereby release STRACT HQ and STRACT HQ’s past and present shareholders, officers, directors, principals, agents, employees, representatives, affiliates, successors, assigns, legal representatives, insurers, as well as the Property’s owner(s), any and all Third-Party Vendors, and all others who could be liable for the obligations of any of them, from any and all Claims in any manner related to, arising out of or resulting from your use and occupancy of the Property or receipt of the Services. The provisions of this paragraph shall survive after the conclusion of your reservation or termination of your right to occupy the Property.

HOT TUB. The following rules must be followed, and if they are not, then the hot tub will need to be completely drained by our cleaning crews and you will be charged a $100 off-cycle draining / cleaning fee, charged to the card on file: 

1. No food, animals, bleaches, soaps, bubble bath, sun block, lotions, detergents, or oils in the hot tub. These will all cause a layer of water scum and the hot tub will need to be drained. Please remove all makeup and body lotions/oils before entering the tub as well so it will stay clean and nice for everyone. Also, do not remove the floating blue ball – this is for scum control. 

2. If you leave the lid up or off after you leave the hot tub, the tub will accumulate leaves, fire pit ash, and debris, and will need to be drained. 

3. If you light the firepit, make sure the firepit screen is in place. This cuts down on ash going into the hot tub. The hot tub will need to be drained if there is ash contamination. 

4. If the weather is hot, guests often choose to lower the temperature while they are in the tub. That is fine, but you must raise the temperature when you leave as the tub cannot stay below 

98 degrees for long before bacteria begins to grow. If the temperature is below 98 degrees when the cleaning crew arrives, then the hot tub will need to be drained. 

5. Please refer to the cabin guide for more tips!

HUNTING. No hunting/no firearm discharges/no bows/ no poaching. Please protect our wildlife! Poachers will go to jail where they will become the prey... 

ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. The Guest shall use the Premises for legal purposes only. Any other such use that includes but is not limited to illicit drug use, verbal or physical abuse of any person or illegal sexual behavior shall cause immediate termination of this Agreement with no refund of pre-paid Rent. 

INSPECTION. We respect your privacy, but note that the Host has the right to inspect the Premises with prior notice as in accordance with State law. Such occurrence would be very rare and likely only in the event of such things as a natural disaster, crime situation, or a home fire. Host will always obtain permission from Guest if emergency repairs are requested or required. 

LINENS, TOWELS, RUGS, ETC. If linens are ruined by wine, coffee, juice, blood, etc., then the Guest will be charged full replacement cost to the card on file. If a child accidently wets the bed, or a spill occurs and the mattress is wetted, then you will be charged $200 for the cleaning crew to clean and dry the mattress, charged to the card on file. 

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. The Guest shall maintain the Premises in a good, clean, and ready-to-rent condition and use the Premises only in a careful and lawful manner. The Guest shall leave the Premises in a ready to rent condition at the expiration of this Agreement, defined by the Host as being immediately habitable by the next Guest. The Guest shall pay for maintenance and repairs should the Premises be left in a lesser condition. The Guest agrees that the Host shall deduct costs of said services from the card on file if Guest causes damage to the Premises or its furnishings. Host will cover the costs for minor repairs or minor broken items and the Guest will not be charged. Please report broken items so we can replace them quickly. NOTE: Please do not bring iron skillets - they will chip our farmhouse porcelain sink. You will be charged full costs to fix sink chips. Thank you.

We respect your privacy, but note that cleaners, maintenance personnel, and other third-party service providers and vendors may enter the Property during your stay (collectively, “Third-Party Vendors”) with advance notice & your permission. Third-Party Vendors may also include any contractors, vendors, or service providers at the request of any guest/ STRACT HQ to provide additional services including, without limitation, masseuses, chefs, delivery persons, etc. STRACT HQ and its employees, representatives, owners, and affiliates shall be held liable for any losses, thefts, injuries, sicknesses, illnesses, or other damages of any kind whatsoever arising out of or related to the presence of or services provided by such Third-Party Vendors, and Guests shall look solely to the Third-Party Vendor to be compensated or recover for any such losses, damages, or injuries, regardless of whether the Third-Party Vendor was hired by you or by STRACT HQ at your request. STRACT HQ assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the acts or omissions of Third-Party Vendors, and you agree to indemnify and hold STRACT HQ and its owners, principals, shareholders, employees, representatives, directors, officers, and affiliates harmless from and against any and all claims relating to or arising from the use of or interactions with Third-Party Vendors.

MOOCHERS. The following animals are regular moochers at the cabin and thus have earned a name – please take care of them. You may leave food out for them if you want to catch a glimpse, outside the fence, if you so desire. Here are their names and where they frequent the most:

1. Captain Fat Slacks: A ginormous raccoon. South-East fence. Likes tuna, bread, dog food; pretty much anything. Nocturnal.

2. Porky: A huge porcupine. Cabin deer feeder. Loves corn. Nocturnal.

3. Tod: A beatiful grey fox. East fence. Anything chicken or dog food. Diurnal

4. Beep-Beep: A pair of road runners. They roam all around the fence. They like fruits and seeds. Diurnal.

5. King Julien: A ring-tail cat: South-East fence. Prefers tuna, chicken, fruits, and berries. Nocturnal.

NON-LIABILTY FOR CERTAIN DAMAGES. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Terms and Conditions to the contrary, STRACT HQ and the Property’s owner(s), and their respective past and present owners, shareholders, officers, directors, principals, agents, employees, representatives, affiliates, successors, assigns, heirs, devisees, personal representatives, administrators, executors, legal representatives, insurers, and all others who could be liable for the obligations of any of them, shall not be liable to any Guest or other person whomsoever for any (i) injury to person, illness, sickness, drug / alcohol use, contagion, or damage to property caused or alleged to be caused by or arising out of any guest’s or other person’s occupancy, use, or activities at or within the Property or Common Areas; (ii) injury to person or property caused by the Property or Common Areas becoming out of repair, nonfunctioning, or damaged, or by any defect in or failure of equipment (including without limitation Recreational Equipment), structures, components, systems, wiring, locks, pipes, doors, or broken glass, or by the backing up of drains or by gas, water, steam, electricity, or leaking of any nature whatsoever; (iii) loss or damage that may be occasioned by or through the acts or omissions of any persons or entities whomsoever, including, without limitation, Third-Party Vendors and other service providers; (iv) lost or stolen property, equipment, money, jewelry, or other valuables or personal items left at or within the Property or in the Common Areas, regardless of whether the loss occurs when the area is locked or otherwise secured against entry; (v) damages and losses caused by theft, burglary, assault, vandalism, any other criminal act, or by fire or any other casualty whatsoever; (vi) losses, damages, costs, or expenses which occur for any reason in the event that any security system or security camera is not properly installed, monitored, maintained, or any other security device or service is not provided; (vii) damage, loss, injury, casualty, cost, expense, penalty, fine, or other loss of any nature whatsoever arising out of any Guests’ failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions; and (viii) direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages of any nature whatsoever which may arise in connection with your use of the Property or receipt of the Services. 

OCCUPANTS / EVENTS. The total maximum number of individuals staying on the Premises during the Rental Term shall be a total of eight (8) reservation Guests. If more than the authorized number of Guests are found on the Premises, this Agreement will be subject to termination by the Host and the Guest will be charged a $200 per guest per night fee, charged to the card on file. 

Guests are prohibited from hiring an outside event planner/ event coordinator, or any other event vendors, to perform event services at The Outpost, without advance permission and coordination from the Hosts.

Events of eight (8) staying guests per reservation or less are permitted without an event fee. Guests may hold weddings, parties or other events and allow more than eight (8) persons with prior arrangements with the Host. An applicable event fee will be charged. If Guest holds an unapproved event, the fee will be $10,000.00, charged to the card on file. Guest will be responsible for also obtaining an Event Liability Policy, since our insurance policy only covers up to eight (8) staying guests per reservation, and guests of the reservation Guests are not covered. Host will assist Guest in obtaining this policy, usually about ~$100 per day. If Guest will be serving alcohol, then Guest will need to obtain an additional Alcohol Liability Policy as this is also not covered in our policy. Host will also assist Guest in obtaining this policy, also usually about ~$100 per day. Host does not mark up these insurances for a profit.

PERSONS OF CONTACT. The Host can be contacted at: 

     Host’s Name: Mike & Lori Carew

     24/7 Cabin Services Hotline: 830-271-4130

     Owner Telephone: 832-375-5411 

POSSESSIONS & LOST ITEMS. Any personal items or possessions that are left on the Premises are not the responsibility of the Host. The Host shall make every reasonable effort to return the item to the Guest and the Guest agrees to pay a $20 flat fee for the cost of postage, shipping, & handling. If claims are not made within Texas State’s required time-period of 30 days, the Host shall be able to keep such items to sell, for personal use, or donated to charity.

PRICES. All prices and amenities are subject to change without notice.

QUIET HOURS. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM each night and continue until sunrise. Quiet hours consist of no extremely loud music and keeping all audio at a minimum level. Quiet hours are standard rules, they are not enforced, and the Host acknowledges that The Outpost is remote with no neighbors, so what happens at The Outpost, stays at The Outpost. 

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES: Please contact us to make the appropriate arrangements. Allowed RVs: Class C, Class B, and Truck Campers. No hitched or pulled RVs allowed; no large RVs allowed; and no Class A RVs allowed as there is not enough room in the parking area to maneuver these types. Pleae call us if you have a Teardrop Camper as we may be able to accomadate you. Cost is $210 per week (1 to 7 days, no prorating). Please purchase the “RV Upsell” when checking out and indicate the number of weeks you are purchasing. The RV Upsell feature is only available on the Host’s direct booking site, so please contact us if using Airbnb or VRBO so we can set up the charge. Use of this RV site without purchasing the upsell will result in an automatic $600.00 penalty fee, automatically charged to your card on file.  

SERVICES. STRACT HQ makes accommodations, offers concierge services, coordinates cleanings, and offers maintenance services to all of the properties we represent. Some Owners may opt out of our maintenance services – in such cases, STRACT HQ is not responsible for the maintenance upkeep. Except for The Outpost, all units are all privately owned and operated. 

SLEEPER SOFA. Only 2 Guests on the sleeper sofa at one time. No jumping on the sleeper sofa or sitting on edge – overloading the sleeper sofa will cause the mechanism to break and you will be charged full repair costs. Please scan the QR code under the seat cushion to watch the video before opening. 

SMOKING POLICY. Smoking and vaping on the Premises is allowed only outside. The preferred location is at the fire pit, as the sun sets, with a nice crackling fire, Montecristo in one hand, and a tasty old fashioned in the other. Please police up all cigarette / cigar butts, as well as any chewing tobacco. Do not flick stubs over the fence as this may cause a forest fire and you may face criminal charges - not a fun way to spend your time off. 

Smoking / vaping is not allowed inside. Smoking / vaping inside any property represented by STRACT HQ will result in a $300 fee, plus any additional costs for any smoke remediation, which will be billed to the credit card on file. 

SQUATTING. The Guest shall vacate the Premises at the Expiration time and date. The Guest waives all rights to due process if they fail to vacate the premises upon termination of the rental period. Normal check-out time is by 11:00 am unless extended via an upsell. REITERATION: This is Texas - squatters will not receive any due process rights from The Owners and your Constitutional / State Rights will not be observed. The Owner is a combat infantryman. He has many combat veteran friends. The law will not be involved, and squatters will quietly disappear...forever.

SUBLETTING. The guest does not have the right to sublet the Premises including unauthorized RV's or tents. Guests do not have the right to invite additional guests or vendors other than the ones listed in Upsells without permission from the Owners. If you desire to bring in an RV or tents, please contact us. If agreed, STRACT HQ will need to charge an additional amount for the RV or tent as they will fit the definition of a unit, and this amount will be agreed upon mutually between the Parties.

TRAILERS. Please do not bring or park trailers inside the courtyard. Unload and park all trailers outside the courtyard in the marked, designated area. There will be a $150 illegal trailer fee if a trailer is brought inside the courtyard.

TRASH. If the inside trash can fills up, trash may be disposed of in the blue trash can at the barn, ensuring that the racoon straps are fastened. Extra bags are available in the cabinet to the left of the dishwasher. Dog waste bags are also provided at the barn. Please do not litter at The Outpost. We do not charge trash disposal fees.

USE OF PREMISES. The Guest shall use the Premises for residential use only. The Guest is not authorized to sell products or services on the Premises or conduct any commercial activity. Advance approval must be obtained for use of The Outpost for filming, advertising, etc.

UTILITIES. The Host shall be responsible for all utilities and services to the Premises. The Outpost is self-sufficient, and there is on site propane, onsite water, and a full home generator to power utilities in case of an outage.

Thank You For Staying With Us!

Lori & Mike

STRACT HQ Property Management Company,

Managing The Outpost

832-375-5411

stracthq@gmail.com

 Copyright © STRACT HQ, LLC, The Outpost FTX, LLC, Michael J. Carew, 2021.