Rental Terms & House Rules

By booking a stay at Thistle Britches Cabin, you agree to abide by the following Short-Term Rental Agreement. This Agreement is between Thistle Britches LLC / James Kester ("Owner/Host") and the booking Guest.

1. The Property

Property Name: Thistle Britches Cabin
Website: www.thistlebritches.com
Property Address: 2006 McCarter Dr, Sevierville, TN 37862

2. Rental Period & Financial Terms

Check-in: 4:00 PM EST | Check-out: 10:00 AM EST
Early check-ins or late check-outs must be approved in writing by the Host. Unapproved late check-outs may be subject to a fee. By completing the checkout process, the Guest agrees to the Rental Rate, Cleaning Fee, Pet Fee (if applicable), and all State and County Taxes presented during booking.

3. Maximum Occupancy & Visitors

The maximum number of overnight guests is limited to 8 persons.
Sevier County Compliance: This limit is strictly enforced and is determined by the property’s Sevier County Short-Term Rental Unit (STRU) Permit. Exceeding this occupancy limit violates county fire and life safety codes and will result in immediate eviction without a refund. No parties or events are allowed.

4. Smoky Mountain & Cabin Safety Rules

• Wildlife & Bears: Thistle Britches is located in a mountain environment. Guests must not feed wildlife. All trash MUST be placed in the designated bear-proof outdoor receptacles and secured properly. Do not leave food in vehicles.
• Fire Safety: Open fires are strictly prohibited outside of the designated fire pit. Do not leave the grill unattended. Fireworks are illegal to use at short-term rentals in Sevier County and are strictly prohibited on the property.
• Quiet Hours: Sevier County enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Please respect the neighbors.
• Smoking: This is a 100% non-smoking property. This includes the use of tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, and vapes. Smoking inside the cabin will result in the forfeiture of the entire security deposit.
• Pets: Up to 2 dogs are permitted with a pre-paid pet fee of $75 per dog. Pets must remain off furniture and be crated when left unattended.
• Late Checkouts & Storage: Guests must complete checkout by 10:00 AM. Guests may not leave belongings at the property past the designated checkout time for storage or later pickup without prior written approval.

5. Hot Tub Liability

Use of the hot tub is at the Guest's own risk. Pregnant women, children under 12, and persons with heart conditions should consult a physician before use. Do not consume alcohol while using the hot tub. Guests agree to leave the hot tub cover secured when not in active use.

6. Plumbing, Internet & Utilities

Plumbing: The cabin operates on a mountain septic system. DO NOT flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilets (no wipes, feminine products, or paper towels). Clogs caused by improper use will result in a minimum $500 plumbing charge to the Guest.
Utilities: Mountain environments occasionally experience power or internet outages. No refunds or compensation will be given for temporary utility outages or weather-related issues.

7. Falsified Bookings & Security

Any booking obtained under false pretense, including falsified names, ages, or party sizes, will be subject to forfeiture of advance payment, deposit, and/or rental money, and the party will not be permitted to check in. For security and compliance, the exterior of the property is monitored by active security cameras.

8. Cleanliness, Damages & Security Deposit

Guest accepts full financial responsibility for any damage to the property, missing items, or excessive cleaning required beyond normal wear and tear. The standard cleaning fee only covers normal turnover (laundry, vacuuming, standard sanitation). Guests agree to pay reasonable requests for reimbursement for deep cleaning caused by their stay. A pre-authorization hold may be placed on the Guest's credit card prior to arrival. If damages exceed the hold amount, the Host reserves the right to charge the payment method on file for the remaining balance.

9. Cancellation & Weather Policy

• 30 days or more prior to check-in: 100% refund.
• Between 7 and 29 days prior to check-in: 50% refund.
• Fewer than 7 days prior to check-in: No refund.

Weather & Acts of God: Guest acknowledges that the Property is located in a mountain region subject to seasonal weather (e.g., snow, ice, storms). No refunds will be provided for foreseeable weather events common to the area, nor for transportation disruptions (including flight cancellations or road closures) that prevent the Guest from reaching the Property, provided the Property itself remains habitable. Refunds will only be considered in the event of a Government-issued Mandatory Evacuation Order that legally prohibits the Guest from occupying the Property during the reserved dates. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase third-party travel insurance.

10. Liability & Indemnification

Guests agree to hold the Owner harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or injuries occurring on the property during the stay, regardless of the cause, except in cases of gross negligence by the Owner. The Owner or their designated maintenance team reserves the right to enter the property at reasonable times with notice for repairs, or without notice in the event of an emergency.

Host Contact Info

Thistle Britches LLC (James Kester)
Mailing: 8731 Laumic Dr, N Chesterfield, VA 23235
Phone: 865-919-2755 | Email: thistlebritchescabin@gmail.com