Terms of Service — The Cove Riverwalk Villas
Effective date: November 17, 2025
This Agreement governs direct bookings with Ironwood Holdings, Inc. DBA The Cove Riverwalk Villas ('The Cove'). By completing a booking, You (hereinafter “Guest”) accept these Terms of Service ('Terms'), our Privacy Policy, and our Property Rules (collectively, the 'Agreement').
1) Vacation Rental; Governing Law; Venue
This is a vacation rental under the North Carolina Vacation Rental Act (N.C.G.S. §42A). These Terms are governed by North Carolina law with exclusive venue in New Hanover County courts for any disputes.
This Agreement is subject to the expedited eviction procedures set forth in the Vacation Rental Act. Guest may be evicted under such procedures if Guest: (i) holds over in possession after the term has expired; (ii) commits a material breach of any provision of this Agreement (including any addendum hereto) that, according to the terms of the Agreement, result in the termination; fails to pay as required by the Agreement; or (iv) has obtained possession by fraud or misrepresentation.
This agreement also applies to all persons who enter The Cove’s property, dock, or houseboats as part of or at the invitation of a Guest, whether the booking was made directly or through a third-party platform.
The Guest agrees and acknowledges that any and all persons invited by the Guest (hereinafter “Licensee”) have been and/or will be provided a copy of these Terms and Conditions prior to invitation; and Guest further agrees to assume any and all liability incurred by The Cove, their other guests or other guest’s invitees, vendors, affiliates, agents, owners by such Licensee
Applicability to all Guests: All Guests staying at or visiting The Cove—whether booked directly or through third-party platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo—are subject to The Cove’s Property Rules, safety policies, and assumption of risk provisions. These terms apply to anyone entering or using The Cove’s docks, houseboats, or common areas. Guests acknowledge the inherent risks associated with staying aboard a floating vessel and accessing dock areas and agree to release and hold harmless The Cove, Ironwood Holdings, Inc, and their owners, and affiliates for injuries, loss, or damage to the maximum extent allowed under North Carolina law, except to the extent caused by the negligent or willful act of The Cove.
2) Water/Dock Assumption of Risk; Environmental Standards
Staying aboard a floating vessel and accessing docks involves risks such as slips, falls, and water hazards. By booking, you assume all such risks and agree to release and hold harmless The Cove from any and all liability to the maximum extent allowed by North Carolina law. No dumping of trash, oils, grease, or other materials into the water or drains; use of septic-safe toilet paper only is allowed.
3) Trust Account; Taxes
All advance payments are deposited into a regulated North Carolina trust account with [bank name and branch] in accordance with N.C.G.S. §42A-19. Applicable taxes are collected and remitted, including 4.75% NC State, 2.25% County, and 6% Room Occupancy Tax (13% total), subject to change. Guest agrees that any advance payment may be deposited in an interest-bearing trust account and any interest thereon shall accrue for the benefit of, and be paid to, The Cove (or as it directs) as it accrues and as often as is permitted by the terms of the account.
4) Payments; Cancellations
Payment: 50% due at booking; balance due 7 days before check-in. Cancellation: Full refund up to 14 days before arrival; 50% refund up to 7 days; no refund thereafter, except as otherwise may be expressly required under the Vacation Rental Act. Refunds of taxes or fees will be processed as required by law. Guest authorizes disbursements of rent in accordance with the Vacation Rental Act both prior to and upon the commencement of Guest’s occupancy.
5) Check-In / Check-Out; Extensions
Check-in: 4:00 pm. Check-out: 10:00 am. Extensions: Early check-in (guaranteed 2:00 pm) and/or late check-out (to 12:00 pm) may be requested after booking for $50 each, subject to approval and availability. Unauthorized late check-out may be charged as an additional night at the current listed rate.
6) Occupancy & Use; Property Rules
There is a maximum of 10 people on board at any time. Rental is for residential or vacation use only. Guests must follow the Property Rules in effect at the time of occupancy (Can be found at: https://thecovewilmington.com/propertyrules) which are fully incorporated herein by reference. The Property Rules are updated from time to time) and Port City Marina rules. Violations may result in termination without refund. Guest shall be responsible for ensuring that the maximum permitted occupancy is not exceeded.
7) Pets & Service Animals
Pets are permitted only in designated pet-friendly houseboats with a $75 per stay fee. Guests are responsible for any pet-related damages and excess cleaning. In non-pet units, only ADA-recognized service dogs are allowed. Emotional support animals are not service animals and are only allowed in pet-friendly units.
8) Maintenance; Temporary Outages
The Cove will maintain a fit and habitable accommodation and will use commercially reasonable efforts to repair utility, HVAC, internet, or appliance failures within a reasonable time. No refunds are provided for temporary outages while repairs are underway unless otherwise specifically required under the Vacation Rental Act.
Guest shall: (a) Keep the Property clean, safe, and sanitary; (b) Dispose of all trash properly; (c) Keep plumbing fixtures clean and use them properly; (d) Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove anything from the property; (e) Comply with all rules and local ordinances; (f) Notify The Cove immediately of any damage, malfunction, or emergency; (g) Be responsible for damages caused by Guest, occupants, or invitees.
Guest further agrees to comply with all obligation imposed by the Vacation Rental Act on Guest with respect to maintenance of the property, including, but not limited to (i) keeping the property as clean and safe as the conditions of the property permit and causing no unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the common areas and remainder of the property that Guest uses; (ii) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the property or knowingly permit any person to do so; and (iii) notifying The Cove in writing of the need of replacement of or repairs to a smoke detector, and replacing the batteries as needed. Guest agrees not to use the property for any activity or purpose that violates any criminal law or governmental regulation and may use the property for residential purposes only. Guest’s breach of any duty contained in this paragraph shall be considered material, and shall result in the termination of Guest’s rights under this Agreement.
9) Reassignment; Double Booking
The Cove may reassign a reservation to an equivalent or upgraded unit due to maintenance, emergency, or double booking. If reassignment is not feasible, The Cove will refund amounts paid, which is the Guest’s sole remedy.
10) Force Majeure
The Cove is not liable for events beyond its control such as severe weather or government actions. Where feasible, The Cove will reassign or refund per policy and in accordance with the Vacation Rental Act.
11) Credit Card Authorization; Damages
Guests authorize The Cove to charge the card on file for damage, missing items, excessive cleaning, unauthorized late check-out, or rule violations causing loss or costs.
12) Emergency Entry; Privacy
The Cove may enter without notice only for emergencies involving safety or property protection. Otherwise, reasonable verbal, email, text or other notice will be provided.
13) Indemnity; Liability Cap; Class-Action Waiver
Guests agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Cove and its affiliates, to the maximum extent allowed under North Carolina law, for claims arising from the use or occupancy of the property, except to the extent caused by the negligent or willful acts of The Cove. Liability Cap: The Cove’s total liability is limited to the total amount paid for the reservation, except where prohibited by law. Class Action Waiver: Guests agree that any claims will be brought individually.
14) Electronic Signatures; Consumer Disclosures
By agreeing electronically, you consent to the use of electronic signatures and records in accordance with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN). You may request a paper copy of this agreement by contacting The Cove at info@thecovewilmington.com. To access or retain an electronic copy, you must have an internet-enabled device capable of viewing PDF or Word files. You may withdraw consent to electronic transactions at any time by notifying The Cove in writing, but doing so may affect your ability to complete or manage a booking electronically.
15) Acceptance
Completing a booking constitutes your acknowledgement, understanding, and acceptance of these Terms, the Privacy Policy, and Property Rules.