Terms of booking

Reservations made are subject to availability and confirmation of payment. To secure your reservation, payment must be made, and confirmation of availability must be received. The pricing information for each accommodation, including the reservation rates, deposit, cleaning fee, and any other applicable charges, are regularly updated and published on the respective accommodation's webpage. A security deposit is mandatory for all accommodations to cover any potential damages to the property or the surrounding area. The amount of the deposit will be held at check-in for in-person arrivals or via online for express check-in, up to 48 hours before the reservation begins. No charge will be imposed on guests, as the deposit will be retained and unavailable for use until the cancellation of the retention. Assuming there is no damage to the property during the guest's stay, the security deposit will be released after check-out using the same credit card, typically within 7 days of departure. However, if the property is found to be in a different state than when the guest arrived, the deposit will be held until payment for any necessary repairs or replacements is made. The reservation will be subject to cancellation if it is not possible to make an authorization withholding the amount of the deposit, so it is important that the guest makes sure that his credit card is valid and has sufficient funds. If it is not possible to retain the deposit, you will be notified by email or SMS and will have 12 hours to try to use another payment method. All prices include VAT at the legal rate in force.

Payment options

Payment for reservations can be made by American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit card. Guests are also subject to the special rules available in each accommodation.

Pre-check-in

As part of the pre-arrival process, guests will be requested to fill out an Accommodation Bulletin, which is a critical step in preparing for their stay. This form typically includes important information such as guest contact details, estimated time of arrival, and any special requests or requirements. Providing accurate and complete information on the Accommodation Bulletin can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free check-in process, as well as ensure that the accommodation provider is well-informed about any special needs or preferences of the guests. The Accommodation Bulletin will require guests to provide several details, including their estimated time of arrival and the total number of people who will be staying in the accommodation. This information is essential in order for the host to prepare the necessary bed linens and bath towels, and ensure a comfortable stay for all guests. Additionally, guests may be required to provide mandatory information regarding foreign and border services, such as passport or visa details, in order to comply with local laws and regulations. Providing this information accurately and promptly can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free check-in process. It is imperative that guests provide an accurate and honest count of the number of people who will be staying in the accommodation on the Accommodation Bulletin. The maximum number of guests permitted to stay in the accommodation cannot exceed the number stated on the reservation. If the number of guests present at the accommodation exceeds this limit, Second House reserves the right to request that the additional guests leave the premises without any compensation or refund of fees paid. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests and to prevent overcrowding or damage to the property. Second House cannot assume any responsibility for the incorrect or non-filling of the Accommodation Bulletin. Any attempt to alter and/or violate the original information will invalidate the Accommodation Bulletin and will be subject to cancellation of the reservation.

Cancellation policy

In the event of cancellation after the reservation has been confirmed, the subsequent charges will be applicable. a) The guest will pay 50% of the total amount of the reservation, in case of cancellation up to 15 days (30 days for bookings longer than 1 month) before check-in b) The guest will pay 100% of the total amount of the reservation, in case of cancellation less than 15 days (30 days for bookings longer than 1 month) before the check-in date. If an overbooking situation occurs (that is, simultaneous reservations in the same accommodation) in the accommodation reserved by the guest, the guest expressly acknowledges and accepts that Second House reallocates the reservation in an accommodation of the same category (in any case, ensuring that the quality of the Accommodation provided is not inferior to the accommodation booked by the Customer), without additional costs for the Guest, and without, for that reason, being entitled to any compensation from Second House.

Stay conditions

The reservation holder must be at least 18 years old and must stay in the accommodation booked for the entire stay. Guests under 18 can only be accommodated if accompanied by an adult who is the holder of the reservation. The reservation holder must provide a valid address, a telephone contact and an email address. No pets (of any race, size, or age) are allowed in Second House accommodation. Second House reserves the right to require guests to leave the accommodation without any compensation or refund of fees paid if an animal is found inside. Smoking is not permitted inside the accommodation. Under the terms of article 45 no. 1 (a) of the Convention for the Application of the Schengen Agreement, the accommodation of foreign citizens must be communicated to the foreign and border services, thereby understanding all those who are not Portuguese nationals. For the purposes of the preceding paragraph, all guests with foreign nationality must provide all information regarding their identification, up to the maximum period of the check-in date, through the Accommodation Bulletin. Guests must notify Second House of any damage to the accommodation, contents, equipment, or accessories that occurs during their stay, even if the guest considers the damage to be regular wear and tear and not their fault. If the guest does not notify Second House of such damages, can be held responsible for them.

Additional services

Second House offers several additional services to guests, such as private transfers, cleaning and laundry services, cribs. All additional services are provided upon request and are subject to confirmation of availability. Second House is not responsible for any services provided by external suppliers.

Check-in and Check-out

Unless otherwise agreed, the accommodation will be occupied on the check-in date after 4pm. Check-out is until 11:00 am and all guests must leave the accommodation by the scheduled time. Guests are kindly requested to inform the desired check-out time. The guest should NOT leave the keys in the door lock. If the guest refuses to leave, Second House reserves the right to enter the accommodation, remove their belongings, change the locks, and also take other measures that may be necessary. (The guest will be responsible for the costs of any such action). Any modifications to the check-in and check-out dates and times must be approved by Second House. On the day of check-in, Second House will provide the keys to the apartment and guests are responsible for their safekeeping. It is the responsibility of the guests to return all keys upon check-out. Additional fees will be charged for lost keys. If it is necessary to hire a locksmith service, the guest will be responsible for the total amount charged by the service provider. The service provider fee is based on complexity, materials, time spent, and other variables. Second House is not responsible for any item left inside the apartment after the guest’s departure. Any belongings found in the apartment can be returned on request. The guest is fully responsible for all expenses related to the process of returning their belongings.

Cleaning, sheets and towels

Accommodation will be cleaned before guests arrive. Second House basic service includes a set of towels, bed linen and some toiletries for each booking. Additional cleaning services and products, including linen and towel change, are available for an additional fee. Guests are required to maintain the accommodation as organized and clean as possible, delivering it at check-out in the best cleaning conditions. Guests are requested to dispose of their trash in the designated public trash cans and not leave it inside the accommodation, next to the door, or outside the building (where applicable).

Equipment, furniture and accommodation items

In case of any faulty equipment or uncertainty in operating any device in the accommodation, guests are advised to contact Second House. Changes to the accommodation or its contents are not permitted. All items found in the accommodation belong to the owner and should not be moved or removed from the property during the stay.

Maintenance and special requests

Any problem within the accommodation (e.g., electrical problems, equipment malfunction, water leaks) should be immediately reported to Second House by email or sms. Depending on the problem, the resolution can take up to 72 hours or more if it depends on third-party services. While respecting guest privacy, Second House reserves the right to access accommodation at any time, if necessary, for inspections, reparations, and emergencies. Extra beds and baby cots can be requested in advance but are limited to availability at the moment.

Noise, Illegal Activity, Security

According to the law, the night rest period is between 10 pm and 8 am, so guests must remain silent. Guests should not disturb the neighbours, namely when opening or closing the door of the accommodation or the door of the building where it is integrated (when applicable). Reservations for illegal or immoral activities are not accepted. The guest whose name is in the booking confirmation email will be responsible for the behaviour of the entire group and agree so agrees to avoid all illegal activity. Guests are not authorized to invade the owner’s privacy or publish something that may allow third parties to identify the property’s address or the identity of the owner (even if such information is already in the public domain). Guests are solely responsible for their own safety during their stay with Second House. Guests should listen to any instruction or explanation provided by Second House upon check-in. If a guest becomes aware of something during their stay that they believe is a health and safety risk, they should immediately inform Second House. When leaving the accommodation, guests must make sure that they leave the gas appliances turned off, the windows closed, the air conditioning, the central heating, and the lights off.

Responsibility

Second House service is legally limited to their accommodation and relationship with guests during the stay. Second House will not be liable for any occurrences outside the boundaries of the accommodation, such as cleaning and maintenance of the building, exterior noise, construction, neighbours, or any other matter not directly related to the accommodation itself. Photos and descriptions of the accommodations are produced by Second House. Minor changes in accommodation can occur in relation to the photos on the site, without compromising their general condition or amenities. Second House will not compensate guests, refund fees, or transfer guests to other accommodation based on their appearance or surroundings. It is the responsibility of the guests to ensure, before booking, that the area or neighbourhood they choose to stay in is to their liking. Second House is not responsible for any damages caused, directly or indirectly, that may occur during guests stay in the accommodation, such as personal injury, robbery, theft or criminal behaviour, losses due to fire or misconduct, etc. The same applies in relation to any deficiencies in the supply of gas, electricity, water, telephone, or internet. All robberies, thefts or any criminal behaviour must be reported by guests immediately to Second House, as well as to the competent police or judicial authorities. Second House is not responsible for potential delays, accidents, losses or changes in schedules or rates that are related to the services of our suppliers. Second House is not responsible for errors and/or omissions, false statements by third parties, disputes between a guest and a third party, or for the content of external links other than the one in which the booking was made. In the event that guests do not comply with these terms and conditions, or in the event of misconduct on the part of guests, Second House reserves the right to require them to leave the accommodation without any compensation or reimbursement of the fees paid.

Legislation and fortuitous events

This agreement is concluded between guests and Second House, which is duly authorized to arrange the rental of the accommodation. This agreement gives guests permission to occupy the accommodation during the period and in the agreed terms. Guests are not tenants of the accommodation and do not hold sole ownership of the accommodation. In the rare event that a reserved accommodation becomes unavailable due to damage caused by any circumstances not attributable to Second House, such as water or gas leaks, Second House will not be liable for the inconvenience caused, however, it will take all necessary steps to move the guest to accommodation with similar characteristics. If guests do not accept the change, the total amount (excluding costs related to the days on which the apartment was used by the guest, if applicable) will be refunded, but neither the owner nor Second House will be liable to guests for any additional amount in connection with the cancellation of the reservation. Second House will not be responsible for the possible theft of objects left in the accommodation.

Amendments and Applicable Law

Second House reserves the right to update its terms and conditions at any time as necessary. It is responsibility of the parties that use Second House service to review these terms and conditions in the event of a change before making a reservation. By agreeing to use the Second House service it is understood that the guest accepts any changes and that all parties will comply with those changes. These terms and conditions do not affect guests’ rights. These terms and conditions are subject to Portuguese law. The Portuguese Courts have exclusive jurisdiction in case of legal action relating to any accommodation reservation with Second House.