General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

1. Contractual Partners

On the basis of these General Terms and Conditions (GTC), the contract is concluded between the customer and C&D Northern Homes AB (represented by Carola Schmidt and Daniel Schmidt, Majringen 44, 94295 Vidsel, Sweden; Corporate Identity Number / Organisationsnummer: 559508-2875), hereinafter referred to as the "Provider".

2. Subject Matter of the Contract and Mediation Activities

  • In Own Name (Rental): The subject matter of the contract is, in part, the rental of holiday accommodations in the Provider's own name. The Provider may utilize third-party service providers or the respective property owners to provide on-site services (e.g., maintenance, cleaning).

  • In Third-Party Name (Mediation/Agency): For holiday accommodations designated accordingly in the property description, the Provider acts strictly as a mediator (agent) for accommodation contracts in the name and on behalf of the respective property owner or actual landlord.

  • Legal Consequence of Mediation: For these mediated properties, the accommodation contract is concluded exclusively between the customer and the respective owner/landlord. The Provider (C&D Northern Homes AB) is not a contractual party to the lease agreement in these cases. Any claims arising from the rental relationship (e.g., property defects, compensation, refunds) must be directed by the customer straight to the respective owner/landlord. The Provider’s liability is strictly limited to the proper mediation of the accommodation.

3. Conclusion of Contract

The contract is concluded by offer and acceptance. The presentation of the houses on the website does not constitute a legally binding offer. Only the booking by the customer (online via Smoobu/booking portal, by email, or by telephone) constitutes a binding offer. The contract becomes legally binding as soon as the Provider confirms the booking in writing (booking confirmation) or a deposit has been paid.

4. Payment Terms & Currency Conversion

  • Due Date: The total invoice amount is due no later than 60 days before arrival. For bookings made less than 60 days prior to arrival, the total amount is due immediately.

  • Payment Methods: Advance bank transfer or the payment services offered via the respective booking portal.

  • Currency Conversion: The standard currency for billing is Swedish Kronor (SEK). If the customer wishes to pay in a currency other than SEK (e.g., EUR), the Provider must be informed prior to invoicing. The invoice will then be issued accordingly in the requested foreign currency. For the conversion, the current daily ECB reference rate on the date of invoicing will be applied. To cover exchange rate risks and the associated administrative effort, the Provider charges a surcharge of 3.5% on the converted amount.

  • Additional Costs and Electricity:

    • General: Unless stated otherwise in the property description, electricity costs are included in the rental price.

    • Hus Hammerstrand: Here, billing is based on individual consumption (4 SEK/kWh incl. VAT), which will be offset against the security deposit after departure.

    • Villa Hugo: Due to the specific operating model, a mandatory flat-rate electricity fee of 265 SEK per day is charged for Villa Hugo. This flat rate is not eligible for discounts and will be invoiced together with the rental price.

4b. Default of Payment and Cancellation by the Provider

  • Consequences of Delay: If the invoice amount (or the stipulated deposit) is not paid in full by the contractually agreed due date, the customer shall automatically be in default of payment without the need for a further reminder.

  • Reminder Fees, Interest, and Debt Collection: The Provider reserves the right to issue reminders and to charge reminder fees as well as statutory default interest (dröjsmålsränta) in accordance with Swedish law (Räntelag). Furthermore, the Provider is entitled to assign the outstanding claim to a debt collection agency. All resulting costs (e.g., debt collection fees, tracing fees) shall be borne entirely by the customer.

  • Provider's Right of Withdrawal: If payment is not received in full even after a reasonable deadline/reminder has been set, the Provider is entitled to withdraw from the contract.

  • Applicability of Cancellation Fees: In this event, the customer’s entitlement to the provision of the holiday accommodation or participation in the course expires completely. The Provider reserves the right to claim the cancellation fees specified under Section 7 of these GTC from the customer as compensation for damages due to non-performance.

4c. Surcharges for Services (Sunday, Holiday, and Night Work)

  • Scope of Application: For separately booked or commissioned services (e.g., additional cleaning services, on-site services, transport, or assistance services) provided at the customer's request outside of regular working hours, the Provider reserves the right to charge surcharges on the base price.

  • Night and Sunday Services: For services provided at night (between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM) or on a Sunday, a surcharge of 50% on the agreed service price will be applied.

  • Combination (Sunday Night Work): If the criteria for night work and Sunday work are met simultaneously (services provided during the nights from Saturday to Sunday and from Sunday to Monday between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM), a combined surcharge of 65% on the base price will be applied.

  • Holiday Services (Swedish "Röda dagar"): For services provided on official Swedish public holidays (so-called Röda dagar, such as Midsummer, Christmas, New Year, or Easter), a surcharge of 100% on the agreed service price will be applied.

  • Disclosure: The respective surcharges will be communicated to the customer prior to the execution of the service and will be displayed separately on the invoice.

5. Security Deposit

  • General Principle: If a security deposit is stipulated in the respective property description, it generally amounts to 2,500 SEK and serves as security for potential damage to the inventory or building. For properties where no security deposit is required according to the property description, the following deposit regulations do not apply.

  • Method of Payment: The security deposit for the property Hus Hammerstrand must be transferred in advance. For other properties subject to a deposit, the deposit may also be deposited on-site, provided this has been agreed upon in advance. If the deposit is processed on-site, a handling and service fee of 3.8% of the deposit amount will be charged. This fee is non-refundable.

  • Refund: The refund of a paid security deposit will be processed within 10 days after proper return and inspection of the holiday home to the same account from which the payment was received (minus any electricity costs or damages).

6. Arrival and Departure

  • Times: Check-in is possible from 16:00, and check-out must take place no later than 11:00. The keys are handed over contactlessly via a key lockbox at the respective rental property.

  • Condition upon Departure: Irrespective of the booked final cleaning or cleaning included in the rental price, the property must be left by the guest in a swept-clean and tidy condition. Prior to departure, the guest must ensure that:

    • used dishes, cutlery, and pots are washed and put away (or the dishwasher is emptied),

    • all food items have been removed from the refrigerator and cupboards,

    • trash has been completely and properly disposed of in accordance with the waste separation guidelines,

    • coarse dirt in the house or in the outdoor area (e.g., on the terrace) has been removed.

  • Additional Cleaning Fee: If the property is not handed over in this tidy condition and this causes verifiable additional effort for the cleaning team, the Provider reserves the right to invoice the additional cleaning costs based on actual effort (minimum, however, 1,500 SEK) separately or to offset them against the security deposit.

  • Code Despatch: The customer receives the access code for the key lockbox approx. 48 to 72 hours prior to arrival by email or via the chosen booking channel, provided that the invoice amount as well as the security deposit have been received in full by the Provider.

  • Prerequisite: Without full receipt of payment, there is no entitlement to the hand-over of the access code or to occupy the rental property.

7. Cancellation and Rebooking

A. Holiday Accommodations (Regular Rental) In the event of a withdrawal from the contract by the customer, the following cancellation fees apply to the booking of holiday accommodations:

  • Up to 61 days before arrival: Free of charge.

  • 60 to 43 days before arrival: 30% of the rental price (minimum 1,500 SEK).

  • 42 to 15 days before arrival: 60% of the rental price (minimum 1,500 SEK).

  • 14 to 8 days before arrival: 80% of the rental price (minimum 1,500 SEK).

  • From 7 days before arrival / Non-arrival: 100% of the rental price (minimum 1,500 SEK).

  • In the event of successful re-rental of the property during the booked period, the fee is reduced to an administrative flat rate of 1,500 SEK. Rebookings of holiday accommodations are possible up to 7 days before arrival against a fee of 990 SEK (subject to availability).

B. Language Travel and Courses Due to organizational lead times and the procurement of teaching materials, special conditions apply to the booking of language trips and courses:

  • Down Payment: The down payment due upon booking will not be refunded in the event of a cancellation by the customer. This serves to cover directly incurred fixed costs (e.g., binding orders for textbooks, course materials, and administrative effort).

  • From 6 weeks (42 days) before course start: In the event of a cancellation up to 6 weeks before the start of the course, 50% of the remaining course or total price will be due.

  • From 4 weeks (28 days) before course start / Non-arrival: In the event of a cancellation from 4 weeks before the start of the course or in case of non-attendance, no refund will be made; 100% of the course or total price is payable.

8. Bringing Pets

  • Registration and Approval Requirement: Bringing pets (especially dogs) is generally subject to approval and must be requested at the time of booking and confirmed in writing by the Provider. The regulations of the respective property description apply (e.g., maximum number of animals). In properties explicitly designated as "pet-free" or "suitable for allergy sufferers", bringing animals is strictly prohibited.

  • Fees: An additional fee will be charged for the increased cleaning effort per pet, the amount of which is derived from the respective property description or price list.

  • Duties of the Pet Owner:

    • The guest is responsible for ensuring that pets do not get onto beds, sofas, or other upholstered furniture.

    • The animal must not be left unattended in or at the property unless it is safely accommodated in a brought transport box and behaves quietly.

    • Pet waste on the plot and in the surrounding outdoor area of the rental property must be removed immediately and completely by the guest.

  • Liability for Damages: The guest is fully liable for all damage caused by the pet to the rental property, the inventory, or the plot (e.g., scratch marks, contamination, damage to the garden). The conclusion of an appropriate pet owner liability insurance is strongly recommended.

  • Breach of Contract: If pets are brought along without prior approval or if the above-mentioned owner obligations are violated, the Provider reserves the right to terminate the contract without notice. A refund of the rental price is excluded in this case. In addition, a flat-rate special cleaning fee of at least 2,500 SEK will be invoiced; the assertion of further damages remains reserved.

9. Waste Separation and Disposal

  • Obligation to Separate Waste: The guest is obliged to strictly separate the waste generated during the stay in accordance with the legal regulations applicable in Sweden and the specific guidelines of the respective rental property.

  • On-Site Separation System: The holiday accommodations are equipped with corresponding containers for separate disposal (usually: residual waste/Brännbart, organic waste/Matavfall, plastic, paper/cardboard, glass, and metal). Details and instructions for correct allocation can be found in the respective house or the guest folder.

  • Duties upon Departure: At the end of the holiday or check-out, the trash must be completely removed from the house by the guest and disposed of in the provided outdoor containers on the plot or at the designated municipal collection points. No residual waste or unemptied containers may be left in the house.

  • Violation and Compensation: If the waste is not separated at all, incompletely, or verifiably falsely separated, the Provider reserves the right to charge a flat rate of 1,500 SEK for the subsequent sorting or special removal, or to offset this against the security deposit. Higher costs incurred by the Provider due to fines imposed by the Swedish waste management companies for incorrect filling will be passed on to the guest one-to-one.

10. Smoking Ban, Alcohol, and Drugs

  • Strict Smoking Ban: A strict smoking ban applies in all holiday accommodations of the Provider. This applies to cigarettes, cigars, pipes as well as e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and shishas (water pipes).

  • Smoking in Outdoor Areas: Smoking is only permitted in outdoor areas (e.g., on the terrace or in the garden), provided that other guests or neighbors are not disturbed thereby. The guest is obliged to use the provided ashtrays and to completely clear away fallen ash or cigarette butts. The disposal of glowing ash or butts in the trash bins is strictly prohibited due to acute fire hazards.

  • Alcohol Consumption and House Peace: The consumption of alcohol is permitted within the framework of a standard, respectful holiday stay. Excessive alcohol consumption leading to noise disturbances, harassment of the neighborhood, or damage to property is prohibited. Holding parties and bachelor/bachelorette parties is generally not permitted in the properties.

  • Illegal Drugs and Substances: The possession, consumption, and trafficking of illegal drugs and narcotics under Swedish law (Narkotikastrafflagen) is strictly prohibited throughout the entire rental property (including outdoor areas and the plot).

  • Breach of Contract and Special Cleaning:

    • If the smoking ban is violated inside the house, a flat-rate special cleaning fee (for ozone treatment, upholstery, and curtain cleaning) of at least 5,000 SEK becomes due. The assertion of a higher actual damage remains reserved.

    • In the event of violations of the drug ban or massive noise disturbances due to alcohol abuse, the Provider is entitled to terminate the rental agreement with immediate effect without notice and to evict the guest from the house. A refund of the rental price will not be made in this case. Furthermore, the Provider reserves the right to report illegal activities to the Swedish authorities immediately.

11. Price Adjustment for Long-Term Bookings

  • Scope of Application: The Provider reserves the right to adjust the agreed total price for contracts made more than 12 months in advance (period between the day of booking and the contractually agreed start of performance or course start).

  • Reasons for an Adjustment: A price adjustment is permissible if unprevisoned changes occur after the conclusion of the contract in essential cost factors that are beyond the Provider's control. These include in particular:

    • statutorily determined taxes, duties, or municipal fees (e.g., increase in the Swedish value-added tax/Moms on accommodation services),

    • exchange rate fluctuations of more than 5% compared to the rate on the day the contract was concluded (if billed in foreign currency),

    • drastic and unpredicted increases in energy costs (electricity and heating) on the Swedish market (provided that electricity costs are included in the price according to the property description),

    • or other essential operating cost factors necessary for the provision of services.

  • Deadline and Notification: Any such price adjustment will be communicated and justified to the guest in writing (by email) no later than 3 months prior to the start of performance (arrival date or course start).

  • Customer's Right of Withdrawal: If the price increase exceeds 10% of the original total price, the customer is entitled to withdraw from the contract free of charge within 14 days after receiving the amendment notification. Payments already made will be fully refunded to the customer in this case. Further claims by the customer are excluded.

12. Transfer of Booking to Third Parties (Substitute Participants)

  • Basic Possibility: Until the start of performance (arrival day or course start), the customer may request that a third party (substitute participant) enter into the rights and obligations arising from the contract. Such a transfer must be communicated to the Provider in writing (by email).

  • Provider's Right of Objection: The Provider may object to the entry of the third party if they do not meet the special requirements of the trip/course (e.g., lack of language skills for an advanced course) or if legal regulations or official orders oppose the entry.

  • Handling Fee and Costs:

    • For the administrative effort of the change of person, the Provider charges a flat-rate handling fee of 490 SEK.

    • If a third party enters into the contract, the original customer and the substitute participant are jointly and severally liable for the total price as well as for any additional costs arising from the change (e.g., documents or materials already issued in the name of the first customer that cannot be rebooked).

13. Winter Conditions, Schnee, and Slippiness

  • Personal Responsibility in Winter: The guest acknowledges that the holiday properties are located in a region with extreme and volatile winter weather conditions. Despite regular and diligent clearing and gritting, paths, parking spaces, terraces, and outdoor stairs may temporarily be slippery, snow-covered, or difficult to walk on due to sudden snowfall, drifts, or ice formation. The use of the outdoor facilities is at the guest's own risk.

  • Disclaimer of Liability: The Provider is not liable for injuries, accidents, or property damage (e.g., to the guest's vehicle) resulting from winter-related and natural circumstances. These include, in particular, slippiness, ice, falling snow masses or icicles from the roofs (roof avalanches), as well as restricted visibility conditions.

  • Guest's Duties to Cooperate:

    • The guest is obliged to behave in a manner appropriate to the weather conditions and to always wear suitable, winter-proof footwear and appropriate clothing.

    • Vehicles must be parked in such a way that they are not in the danger zone of potential roof avalanches.

    • Extreme, acute danger spots (e.g., threatening icicles directly above the entrance area) must be reported to the Provider or the on-site contact person immediately via the known channels. Unauthorized entry into cordoned-off or visibly uncleared areas is prohibited.

14. Duty of Supervision for Children

  • General Principle: Parents and accompanying persons/legal guardians are liable for their children. The duty of supervision during the entire stay (both inside the rental property and on the entire plot and in the outdoor areas) rests exclusively with the parents or the respective accompanying persons.

  • Special Sources of Danger: Due to the nature-oriented location of the properties, explicit reference is made to potential sources of danger in the outdoor area (e.g., adjacent waters, steep slopes, falling snow masses in winter, or forestry conditions). The Provider assumes no liability whatsoever for accidents or injuries to children resulting from a violation of the duty of supervision.

15. Parking and Liability for Vehicles

  • Use of Parking Spaces: Parking of vehicles is only permitted on the designated parking areas of the respective plot. A parking space is not guarded, and no safekeeping contract is concluded by its provision.

  • Disclaimer of Liability: The Provider is not liable for damage, theft, or vandalism to vehicles parked on the property (including trailers, snowmobiles, quads, etc.) or their contents.

  • Winter Risk: Explicit reference is made once again to the risk of roof avalanches and falling icicles (see Point 13). Parking is therefore at the guest's own risk; the guest must independently check the area above their vehicle for obvious dangers from above before parking.

16. Ban on Spikes and Shoe Crampons Indoors

  • Protection of Floor Coverings: To protect the wooden and floor surfaces inside the holiday accommodations, entering the house with winter shoes equipped with metal spikes, spike strips, or separate shoe crampons (Broddar) is strictly prohibited.

  • Use and Violation: Spikes and shoe crampons must be removed prior to entering the living area (at the latest in the designated entrance zone/hallway). In the event of a disregard of this regulation, the guest is fully liable for the costs of repairing or replacing the damaged floor coverings (e.g., deep scratches, holes).

17. Electrical Systems, Fuses, and Technical Facilities

  • Proper Use: The technical facilities, electrical systems (e.g., heating, sauna, hot tub), and fuse boxes in the properties are regularly maintained. The guest is obliged to use these facilities exclusively for their intended purpose and with care.

  • Unauthorized Modifications: The guest is strictly prohibited from making unauthorized modifications to the technical settings of the heating system, the hot water preparation, or the central settings in the fuse box unless explicit instructions have been given by the Provider.

  • Overload and Damage: Operating self-brought, extremely high-powered electrical appliances that could lead to an overload of the power grid is not permitted. If the guest triggers a fuse or causes damage to the electrical system through improper use or overload, they must bear the costs for any necessary deployment of an electrician or the on-site service.

  • Charging EV Vehicles: Charging electric or hybrid vehicles via standard household electricity (sockets in/at the house) is strictly prohibited due to acute fire hazards from overloading. Charging is only permitted at explicitly designated and approved charging stations (billing is handled separately).

18. Mediation of Third-Party Services

  • Status as Mediator: If the Provider offers services of third parties via its website or on-site (e.g., snowmobile safaris, quad tours, dog sledding tours, guided fishing tours), the Provider acts strictly as a mediator and not as an organizer.

  • Disclaimer of Liability: The contractual partner for these activities is the respective local service provider on-site. The Provider is not liable for the proper execution of these third-party services, for personal injury or property damage occurring during these activities, or for weather-related cancellations by the organizer. The general terms and conditions of the respective executor apply.

19. Use of Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

  • Right of Use: If internet access via Wi-Fi is provided in the property, it may be used by the guest free of charge for the duration of the stay. A claim to a specific bandwidth or constant availability does not exist (in particular in the case of weather-related network failures in rural regions).

  • Ban on Illegal Use: The guest commits not to use the internet access for unlawful purposes. Downloading or sharing copyrighted content (e.g., filesharing, torrenting), accessing unlawful websites, as well as misuse for commercial purposes are strictly prohibited.

  • Indemnification: The guest indemnifies the Provider from all claims of third parties (e.g., warning letters due to copyright infringements) caused by an unlawful use of the internet connection during their stay.

20. Provider's Right of Access

  • Regular Access: The Provider, the property owner, or an authorized third party (e.g., craftsmen, cleaning team) must be granted access to the rental property after prior timely consultation or notification if this is necessary for maintenance measures, readings, or checking the property.

  • Imminent Danger (Emergency): In the event of imminent danger (e.g., threatening frost damage, burst pipe, fire alarm, acute failure of the heating system in winter), the Provider or an authorized representative is entitled to enter the holiday home at any time of the day or night, even without prior notification and in the absence of the guest.

21. Limitation of Liability for Disruptions Due to Force Majeure

The Provider assumes no liability for short-term, unpredicted failures or restrictions of the public utility infrastructure resulting from force majeure, extreme weather events, or official measures that are beyond the control of the Provider. These include, among other things, temporary failures of the power supply, water supply, mobile network, internet, or the closure of public access roads due to snow masses.

22. Liability

The Provider is liable for the contractually compliant provision of the object. In the event of a failure of the property due to force majeure or circumstances for which the Provider is not responsible, the Provider may offer an equivalent replacement property or withdraw from the contract free of charge (full refund of payments already made). Further claims by the customer are excluded.

23. Right of Withdrawal

A right of withdrawal does not exist in accordance with the Swedish Distance Contracts Act (2 kap. 11 § 12p Lag om distansavtal) as well as under European consumer law, as these are services in the field of accommodation for a specifically determined date or period.

24. Data Protection

The Provider processes personal data for contract execution in accordance with the GDPR and the Swedish Dataskyddslagen. Details can be found in the separate privacy policy on the Provider's website.

25. Final Provisions

  • Language: The contractual language is German.

  • Law: The law of the country of Sweden applies. Mandatory consumer protection rights of the customer's country of residence remain unaffected hereby.

  • Jurisdiction: The registered office of the Provider (Luleå/Älvsbyn, Sweden) is agreed upon as the place of jurisdiction, provided this is legally permissible.

  • Severability Clause: Should a provision of this contract be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected thereby.