1. Introduction
The following terms and conditions relate to the Client’s rental of an apartment through the website www.fast-apartments-milan.com which is a net portal for the rental of apartments managed by the companies of the Windows on Europe Group. The specific rental contract for the apartment assigned will be sent to the Client during the booking process. For reasons of transparency and reliability, the main conditions of such rental are listed in these Terms and Conditions that may be consulted by the Client online even before making a booking request.
2. Booking process and contract stipulation
2.1. The Client may send a booking request filling in the enquiry form available on the web site (hereinafter, the ‘Booking Request’). The Client will need to specify the area of Milan (south/north/city centre), the rental period requested, the apartment type, as well as the number of persons who will occupy the apartment.
2.2. The company (the “Company”) will promptly select an apartment (the “Apartment”) that is available in the period specified in the booking request, and that has the characteristics requested, and will send the booking form to the Client (hereinafter, the “Booking Confirmation”). Since the specific Apartment is not selected by the Client but instead assigned by the Company based on its portfolio management evaluations, the rental fee will be discounted compared to the standard prices applied by the Company. However, this implies that the Client does not have the option to ask for replacement of the apartment, and the discounted price granted will apply only for the Apartment selected by the Company.
2.3 The Booking Confirmation will state the full address of the Apartment, the period of stay, the full rental fee, extra charges (if any), the amount of the Booking Fee and the Security Deposit as well as the number of persons who may occupy the Apartment. For acceptance, the Client shall complete the form with the requested details, accept the rental contract and return the signed documents to the Company within the deadline specified by the Company. The failure to follow such instructions will make the Booking Confirmation null and void.
2.4. The booking will be considered valid by the Company only upon payment of the Booking Fee, and the Client may be asked to provide evidence of such payment.
3. Fees and payment
3.1. The Full Rental Fee quoted in the Booking Confirmation refers to the entire period of stay. Unless otherwise provided for in the Booking Confirmation, the said price shall be intended as inclusive of initial and final cleaning, electricity and gas, heating and water consumption. In case of monthly lease, the electricity and gas expenses are covered only up to a maximum amount.
The Booking Fee is a part of the Full Rental Fee and must be paid in advance by wire transfer or credit card in order to complete the booking.
The Balance is the remaining part of the Full Rental Fee, and it is due 7 days prior to arrival at the Apartment. Should the Client wish to pay by means of an Italian bank check, then the check must be delivered directly at the Company’s offices at least two business days before the check in date, along with a valid identification document (or copy of the same) and a landline telephone number. Each bank check will need the authorisation through the Centax guarantee system in order to be accepted by the Company.
The Further Costs relate to the optional services (such as maid service and internet access). Such services will be invoiced with 20% VAT.
3.2. The Client will provide for the payment of the price of the Apartment as set forth in the Booking Confirmation. For contracts with a duration exceeding one month, the fee is due in advance, at least 7 days before the beginning of the following month.
4. Security Deposit
The Client shall be required to provide a Security Deposit upon arrival as set forth in the Booking Confirmation. The amount of the Security Deposit depends on the duration of the stay:
Duration of less than 15 days: €300
Duration of 15 days or more: €1,000
There may be exceptions for some luxury apartments and/or due to the presence of pets.
5. Duration and cancellation
5.1. The duration of the contract will be indicated in the Booking Confirmation.
5.2. Should the Client cancel the reservation prior to the check in date, the Company will be entitled to retain the Booking Fee as set forth in the Booking Confirmation. In case of cancellation less than 48 hours before the check in date, the Company will be entitled to retain the Full Rental Fee.
6. Replacement of the Apartment by the Company
The Company may replace the Apartment initially assigned with another of identical or superior quality, should the Company be unable to guarantee the Client use of the Apartment due to events of force majeure or for any contingencies beyond the Company’s control.
7. Arrival and departure
7.1. The keys to the Apartment will be given on the spot to the Client by the Company’s appointee, at such location and time as agreed by prior arrangement. Check in and check out may take place between hrs 09.00 and 19.00 from Monday to Friday. Extra costs will apply for check in or check out during other hours or on weekends/holidays, and in the case of the Client’s delayed arrival. In the case of such delays, check in will not be guaranteed after hrs 22.00.
7.2. Upon handing over the keys of the Apartment, the Company may provide the Client with a form containing a brief description of the conditions of the Apartment, its appurtenances, annexed Apartment, items and facilities contained therein at that date. The Client agrees to undersign the said form, without prejudice to his right to supply in writing any observation or comment.
8. Obligations of the Client
8.1. The maximum number of people entitled to occupy the Apartment is the number set forth in the Booking Confirmation. Non-compliance with this obligation shall entail payment to the Company of a penalty equivalent to 30% of the overall price for the Apartment for each additional person. At check in the Client will need to show a valid identification document (or copy of such) for each occupant, which may also be done in advance by fax or email.
8.2 The Client will be asked to declare and guarantee that each occupant of the Apartment complies with all legal requisites and regulations regarding the presence in Italy, as specified by the law, either by being an Italian citizen or – in the case of foreign citizens – by having all the necessary visas and permits required to enter and reside in the country.