Rental agreement
Direct booking opens soon on this site. This is the agreement direct guests will sign electronically when they book, published in full so you can read it ahead of time.
Last updated October 11, 2026. If the version you sign differs from this page, the signed version controls.
This agreement is between Lightning Bug Vista Rentals LLC ("we" or "us"), which operates the vacation rental known as Lightning Bug Vista in Sevierville, Tennessee (the "Cabin"), and the person who books the stay ("you" or the "Primary Renter"). By signing this agreement when you confirm your booking, you accept these terms for yourself and everyone in your party.
1. Parties and type of agreement
1.1 You must be at least 25 years old, stay at the Cabin for the whole booking, and be responsible for everyone you bring.
1.2 This is an agreement for short-term, transient lodging. It is not a lease, does not create a tenancy, and gives you a license to use the Cabin only for the dates you booked.
2. Your stay
2.1 Dates and times. Check-in is 5:00 pm and check-out is 10:00 am on the dates in your booking confirmation. Early check-in or late check-out happens only if we agree in writing.
2.2 Occupancy. No more than 8 people may stay overnight, and only guests named on the booking. Children under 2 don't count toward the 8. Day visitors may not push the total above 8.
2.3 Vehicles. No more than 2 vehicles, parked on the paved pad.
2.4 Quiet hours. 10 pm to 8 am. No parties or events at any time.
2.5 Smoking. No smoking or vaping of any substance inside the Cabin.
3. Price and payment
3.1 Your total is shown in your booking confirmation and includes the nightly rate, the $180 cleaning fee, any pet fees and 12.75% in taxes (7% Tennessee sales tax, 2.75% local sales tax and 3% Sevier County lodging tax). Any service fee charged by the booking system is shown in your total before you pay.
3.2 You pay 50% of the total when you book and the rest 30 days before check-in. If you book within 30 days of check-in, the full total is due when you book.
3.3 If a scheduled payment fails and is not made within 48 hours of our notice, we may cancel the booking under section 4.
4. Cancellation
4.1 To cancel, tell us in writing at stay@lightningbugvista.com. Refunds depend on when we receive your notice:
| When you cancel | Refund of amounts paid |
|---|---|
| More than 30 days before check-in | 100% |
| 14 to 30 days before check-in | 50% |
| Less than 14 days before check-in | None |
4.2 Weather, road conditions, illness, travel problems, or closures of parks, attractions or roads do not change this schedule. We recommend travel insurance.
4.3 If we must cancel, or the Cabin becomes unfit to stay in before you arrive, we will refund everything you have paid. That refund is your only remedy.
5. Damage and deposit
5.1 We place a $500 refundable hold on your card for your stay.
5.2 The Cabin is inspected after you leave. We release the hold once it has been checked. If we find damage, missing items, or cleaning needs beyond normal use, we may keep all or part of the hold and will send you an itemized list with photos.
5.3 You are responsible for damage you or your party cause, including any amount beyond the hold.
6. Pets
6.1 Up to 2 pets are allowed for a fee of $75 per pet. No large or aggressive breeds.
6.2 Pets must be crated when left alone in the Cabin and kept off the furniture and beds. You are responsible for your pet's behavior and for extra cleaning or damage it causes.
6.3 Bringing a pet you did not declare is a violation of this agreement and may result in the pet fee plus extra cleaning charges.
6.4 Service animals are not pets and no pet fee applies. Please tell us before you arrive.
7. Hot tub and fires
7.1 You use the hot tub, fire pit and fire table at your own risk. Children must be supervised at all times. No glass in or around the hot tub. Anyone who is pregnant, has a heart condition or takes medication that affects body temperature should ask a doctor before using a hot tub.
7.2 Keep fires inside the stone fire pit, never leave them unattended, and put them out completely before leaving the area. Do not burn anything during a burn ban. Turn off the propane fire table when you leave the deck.
8. Driveway, weather and utilities
8.1 The driveway is short, steep and paved. In snow or ice, an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle is strongly recommended. You choose whether conditions are safe to drive.
8.2 Mountain weather can close roads, cut power or interrupt water, internet or the hot tub. These are outside our control and do not entitle you to a refund. We will work to restore service as quickly as we can.
9. Cameras
One exterior camera covers the driveway and parking area and records video and audio. There are no cameras inside the Cabin. Do not cover, move or disable it.
10. House rules
10.1 The House Rules & Policies in effect when you book are part of this agreement.
10.2 A party or event, more guests or vehicles than allowed, smoking indoors, or behavior that endangers people or property is a serious violation. We may end your stay without a refund, and you will be responsible for resulting costs.
11. Well and septic
The Cabin uses a private well and a septic system. Flush only toilet paper. You are responsible for repair costs caused by flushing anything else.
12. Liability and access
12.1 To the extent the law allows, you release Lightning Bug Vista Rentals LLC, the Cabin's owner and its property manager from claims for injury, loss or damage arising from your stay, except those caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct. You agree to indemnify us against claims caused by you or your party.
12.2 We are not responsible for personal property left at the Cabin.
12.3 We, the owner and the property manager may enter the Cabin for repairs, maintenance or emergencies, and will give notice first when it is practical.
13. Law, venue and signature
13.1 Tennessee law governs this agreement. Any dispute will be heard in the courts of Sevier County, Tennessee.
13.2 You agree to sign this agreement electronically, and your electronic signature has the same effect as a handwritten one.
13.3 This agreement, your booking confirmation and the House Rules & Policies are the whole agreement between us. If any part is unenforceable, the rest still applies.
Questions about the agreement? Email stay@lightningbugvista.com before you book.