Limited Rental Damage Waiver Addendum
Addendum to Short-Term Vacation Rental Agreement
THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT A CONTRACT OF INSURANCE. This Addendum sets forth the terms of a contractual waiver program offered directly by Akers Ellis Rentals to guests. It is not underwritten by an insurance company and is not regulated as an insurance product.
SECTION 1 — DEFINITIONS
As used in this Addendum, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:
"Agreement" means the Short-Term Vacation Rental Agreement, including all addenda, to which this Addendum is attached and incorporated.
"Authorized Amenities" means fixtures, furnishings, appliances, and personal property located within and forming part of the Rental Unit and expressly listed in the Agreement as amenities available to Guest during the Stay. Authorized Amenities do not include equipment or property rented separately from a third-party vendor (including but not limited to boats, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, bicycles, golf carts, electric vehicles, or watercraft), common area facilities, shared resort amenities, or property belonging to neighboring units or owners.
"Check-In" means the date and time Guest is authorized by Akers Ellis Rentals to access the Rental Unit, as stated in the Agreement.
"Check-Out" means the date and time Guest is required to vacate and surrender the Rental Unit, as stated in the Agreement.
"Eligible Damage" means unintentional, accidental physical damage to the Authorized Amenities within the Rental Unit, arising from Guest activities during the contracted Stay, reported to Akers Ellis Rentals prior to Check-Out, and determined by Akers Ellis Rentals in its sole discretion to qualify for as applicable to the Waiver under this Addendum.
"Guest" means the individual whose name appears on the Agreement and all other authorized occupants and invitees present at the Rental Unit during the Stay.
"Akers Ellis Rentals" means the property management company acting as manager of the Rental Unit on behalf of the property owner.
"Rental Unit" means the specific residential dwelling unit identified in the Agreement, unit premises, including interior spaces, and Authorized Amenities therein. The Rental Unit does not include common areas, grounds, shared facilities, adjacent units, or exterior structures not exclusively assigned to the reservation.
"Stay" means the period commencing at Check-In and terminating at Check-Out or upon Guest’s departure from the Rental Unit, whichever occurs first.
"Waiver Fee" means the non-refundable fee charged to Guest as a condition of the Rental Agreement, the payment of which activates the Limited Rental Damage Waiver under this Addendum.
SECTION 2 — LIMITED DAMAGE WAIVER PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Limited Rental Damage Waiver (the “Waiver”) is a contractual program offered by Akers Ellis Rentals directly to Guest. Subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and dollar limits set forth in this Addendum, the Waiver constitutes Akers Ellis Rentals’s agreement to waive Guest’s obligation to reimburse Akers Ellis Rentals for specified costs associated with Eligible Damage to the Rental Unit that arise during the contracted Stay.
The Waiver is not a contract of insurance. The Waiver is not intended to replace, and does not substitute for, any insurance policy including but not limited to rental property insurance, liability insurance, or accident insurance.
The Limited Rental Damage Waiver is not travel insurance and provides no protection for trip cancellation, interruption, or delay; expenses incurred due to weather or natural events; missed or canceled transportation; medical or emergency expenses; or baggage lost, damaged, or delayed in transit. Guests seeking protection against travel risks may purchase a separate travel insurance policy.
The Waiver provides no protection for loss of, damage to, or theft of Guest’s personal property, whether inside or outside the Rental Unit.
Akers Ellis Rentals is not a licensed insurance agency and recommends that you consult a licensed insurance professional to discuss your insurance coverage needs.
SECTION 3 — LIMITED DAMAGE WAIVER FEE AND LIMIT TIERS
The Waiver under this Addendum is activated upon Akers Ellis Rentals’s receipt of the applicable Waiver Fee and Guest’s Check-In to the Rental Unit. Subject to all conditions, exclusions, and limitations herein, Akers Ellis Rentals will waive Guest’s contractual obligation to reimburse Akers Ellis Rentals for Eligible Damages up to the Waiver Limit applicable to the Rental Unit as set forth below.
Waiver Fee Schedule
The Waiver Fee and Waiver Limit specified are determined by the size or classification of the Rental Unit, as designated by Akers Ellis Rentals at the time of reservation.
Tier 1 — 1-2 Bedroom Units: Waiver Fee: $59 (non-refundable) | Wavier Limit: $1,500
Tier 2 — 3-4 Bedroom Units: Waiver Fee: $99 (non-refundable) | Waiver Limit: $2,500
Tier 3 — 5-6 Bedroom Units: Waiver Fee: $149 (non-refundable) | Waiver Limit: $3.750
Tier 4 — 7+ Bedroom Units: Waiver Fee: $199 (non-refundable) | Waiver Limit: $5,000
The Waiver Fee is mandatory and non-refundable. The Waiver Fee shall not be applied toward any damages owed by Guest and shall not be offset against any other amount due under the Agreement.
The Waiver Limit is the maximum aggregate amount that Akers Ellis Rentals will waive per reservation for all Eligible Damage occurring during the contracted Stay, regardless of the number of incidents or items damaged. Any costs related to damage in excess of the applicable Waiver Limit remain the sole financial responsibility of Guest.
SECTION 4 — CONDITIONS OF WAIVER
The Waiver applies subject to all of the following conditions, each of which must be satisfied:
• The Waiver Fee for the applicable tier has been paid in full at or before Check-In.
• The damage occurred during the period of the contracted Stay.
• Guest reports the damage to Akers Ellis Rentals prior to Check-Out, regardless of whether Guest believes the damage is minor or pre-existing. Failure to report damage before Check-Out voids the Waiver with respect to damages, and Guest remains solely responsible for all associated costs per the terms of the Agreement.
• The damage is to the Authorized Amenities within the Rental Unit, as defined in Section 1.
• Guest cooperates fully with Akers Ellis Rentals’s assessment and investigation of the damage, including providing a description of how the damage occurred, photographs if available, and any other information reasonably requested by Akers Ellis Rentals.
• Guest has not otherwise violated any material provision of the Agreement.
Akers Ellis Rentals shall have the sole, final, and non-reviewable authority to consider any relevant evidence determine: (a) whether damage qualifies as Eligible Damage under this Addendum; (b) the nature and extent of any damage; (c) the reasonable cost of repair or replacement; and (d) whether any exclusion applies. Akers Ellis Rentals’s determination shall be final and binding on Guest.
There is no Guest financial responsibility for damages directly caused by weather events, natural disasters, flood, lava flow, volcanic eruption, Acts of God, or other external phenomena of nature.
SECTION 5 — TERM OF WAIVER; TERMINATION
The Waiver commences at Check-In on the booked arrival date, provided that the Waiver Fee has been received. The Waiver automatically and immediately terminates upon the earlier of:
• The scheduled Check-Out date and time as stated in the Agreement; or
• Guest’s actual departure from and surrender of the Rental Unit.
The Waiver does not apply after the Stay has terminated. Any damage discovered by Akers Ellis Rentals or reported by anyone in the after Check-Out inspection will be treated as the sole financial responsibility of Guest and will not be eligible for Waiver.
SECTION 6 — EXCLUSIONS
The following are expressly excluded from this Waiver and remain the sole financial responsibility of Guest:
6.1 Malicious, Reckless, or Criminal Conduct
• Damage resulting from gross negligence, wanton or reckless disregard for the property, or conduct that a reasonable person would recognize as creating an unreasonable risk of damage.
• Damage arising from criminal activity, vandalism, or malicious destruction of property.
6.2 Post-Check-Out; Outside the Stay
• Damages discovered after Check-Out that was not reported by Guest prior to departure.
6.3 Unauthorized Pets and Animals
• Any damage, soiling, staining, odor remediation, or deep cleaning arising from a pet or animal brought to the Rental Unit by Guest, unless the Rental Unit is designated as pet-friendly in the Agreement and the applicable pet fee(s) (if any) are paid.
• Separate pet fees may apply at pet-friendly properties and do not constitute payment for or replacement of the Waiver.
6.4 Linens, Towels, and Consumable Supplies
• Damage to, staining of, or loss of linens, towels, bedding, or consumable items provided in the Rental Unit.
• Unauthorized removal of linens, towels, or other property from the Rental Unit.
6.5 Furniture Relocation and Structural Alterations
• Damage or costs associated with staff time required to restore furniture to its original configuration which result from Guest’s rearrangement, movement, or removal of furniture or fixtures without prior written approval from Akers Ellis Rentals.
6.6 Excessive Cleaning
• Additional cleaning charges required beyond the standard departure clean due to the condition in which Guest left the Rental Unit, including but not limited to excessive food waste, bodily fluids, odors, deep stains or debris.
6.7 Smoking
• Any cleaning, restoration, or remediation cost arising from smoking of any substance (tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, or otherwise) inside the Rental Unit or in areas where smoking is prohibited.
6.8 Theft and Missing Property
• Theft unless Guest files a valid police report identifying the stolen Authorized Amenity property and approximate timeframe and provides a copy of the police report to Akers Ellis Rentals with damage report.
• Any Authorized Amenity present in the Rental Unit at Check-In that is missing or unaccounted for at Check-Out. Guest bears the burden of demonstrating the property was not removed or lost during the Stay. Akers Ellis Rentals reserves the right to charge Guest for reasonable replacement cost for any unaccounted for or missing Authorized Amenities.
6.9 Guest’s Personal Property
• Loss of, damage to, or theft of Guest’s personal belongings, luggage, clothing, equipment, vehicles, or any other property owned or brought to the Rental Unit by Guest.
6.10 Common Areas and External Property
• Damage to common areas, shared amenities, or any other area outside the Rental Unit premises including but not limited to building exteriors, grounds, hallways, elevators, pools, and parking areas.
• Damage to neighboring units or property belonging to other guests, owners, or third parties.
6.11 Separately Rented or Third-Party Equipment
• Damage to any equipment, vehicle, or recreational item that is not an Authorized Amenity of the Rental Unit specified in the Agreement, including but not limited to boats, kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, bicycles, golf carts, electric vehicles, scooters, or watercraft rented through a third party.
• Damage to or loss of any equipment provided by a third-party vendor under a separate rental agreement with Guest.
6.12 Structural and Mechanical Systems
• Structural damage caused by Guest - including damages to framing, roof, floors (other than surface finishes), plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
o However, pre-existing defects, equipment malfunctions, and system failures not caused by Guest's conduct are neither applied to this Waiver nor charged to Guest. Where causation is disputed, Akers Ellis Rentals must demonstrate that Guest's conduct proximately caused the structural or mechanical system damage before any charge will be assessed.
6.13 HOA Fines and Third-Party Assessments
• Any fines, assessments, penalties, or charges levied against Akers Ellis Rentals or the property owner by a homeowners association, condominium association, municipality, or other governing authority as a result of Guest’s conduct or violations.
SECTION 7 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.1 Incorporation. This Addendum is incorporated into and made a part of the Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Addendum and the Agreement, the terms of this Addendum shall control with respect to matters of the Limited Damage Waiver program.
7.2 Non-Waiver. Akers Ellis Rentals’s election to apply or not apply the Waiver in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver of Akers Ellis Rentals’s right to enforce Guest’s obligations in any other instance.
7.3 Severability. If any provision of this Addendum is found to be invalid, unenforceable, or contrary to applicable law, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remainder of this Addendum shall remain in full force and effect.
7.4 Modification. No modification of this Addendum shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized representative of Akers Ellis Rentals.
7.5 Governing Law. This Addendum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Rental Unit is located.
Disclosures
SHVR Affiliation Disclosure
Akers Ellis Rentals is a wholly owned affiliate of Stakeholders VR (SHVR), a company dedicated to best-in-class vacation rental brands, superior local operations, and a genuine commitment to exceptional guest and owner experiences. SHVR's portfolio of property managers operates independently under their respective local brands while sharing common standards for quality, transparency, and guest care.
Damage Programs — Scope & Limitations
Attention Homeowners: the Akers Ellis Rentals Limited Rental Damage Waiver portion of our rental agreement is limited in scope. The waiver removes the guest's obligation for specified guest-caused damages at or arising from the premises of the rented unit during your contracted short-term rental stay. The Limited Rental Damage Waiver by Akers Ellis Rentals does not include comprehensive property insurance, homeowner's insurance, liability insurance, travel protection or any other form of insurance for the property owner or guest. Property owners are encouraged to consult a licensed insurance professional to ensure adequate coverage across all applicable categories, including but not limited to: short-term rental property insurance, homeowner's or dwelling insurance, and general liability insurance. For an overview of coverage types relevant to short-term vacation rental properties, please see our Short-Term Rental Insurance Guide.
Limited Rental Damage Waiver — Not Insurance
Attention Guests: the Limited Rental Damage Waiver is a contractual program offered by Akers Ellis Rentals directly to guests. It is a waiver of guest's obligation to pay for specified repairs and replacement of damaged property to the rental unit property during a contracted stay at the rental property, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and dollar limits set forth in the rental agreement. The Limited Rental Damage Waiver is not insurance, is not underwritten by an insurance company, and is not regulated as an insurance product. It is not intended to replace, and does not substitute for, any insurance policy held or required by the property owner. Final determination of whether damages apply under the waiver rests solely with Akers Ellis Rentals. Guests should review the rental agreement for complete terms and conditions.
