Damage Policy

Every Athena gown is a couture piece made with premium fabrics and delicate craftsmanship. By renting a dress locally or online, you agree to return it and all accessories in the same condition as received, allowing only for normal, minor wear from use.

Ordinary wear and tear includes light dust, sand, small leaves caught in the fabric, minor loose threads, or faint watermarks that do not permanently alter the gown. These are expected and covered by your rental fee. Anything beyond this is considered damage. Damage includes rips, tears, holes, broken zippers or corset loops, missing embellishments, severe staining, burn marks, stretching of the fabric, or loss of accessories such as belts, corset strings, petticoats, dress cases, and original hangers. Broken zippers on dress cases require a full case replacement.

A $300 CAD refundable damage deposit is required for all rentals. This is refunded within 24 hours of the dress being returned and inspected, provided no damage is found and all accessories are returned. Substitute or replacement items are not accepted — only the original accessories must be returned. If repairable damage is present, the cost of repairs or replacement will be deducted from your deposit.

Standard professional cleaning is included in every rental. However, if a gown is returned with heavy staining, mud, or water damage that requires additional cleaning, a $150 + HST fee will be charged. Clients are not permitted to attempt their own cleaning, spot treatment, or alterations.

If a gown is returned in such poor condition that it cannot reasonably be repaired, or if it is lost or stolen, it will be considered a total loss. In this case, the renter agrees to cover the full replacement value of $4,000 CAD for the gown. Accessories also carry specific replacement values: corset strings ($20), petticoats ($50), belts ($75), original hangers ($10), and dress cases ($100).

To protect the gown, several rules apply universally. Dresses may not be worn in lakes, oceans, pools, fountains, or rain. They may not be exposed to smoke bombs, sparklers, cigarettes, or open flames. Burn or smoke damage will automatically be treated as a total loss. Dresses may not be altered, ironed, or washed, and steaming may only be done carefully from a distance of at least 40 cm. Safety pins can be used but must be handled with care — any damage caused will be charged.

All clients must inspect their gown immediately upon receiving it. Local clients have two hours after pickup to report any pre-existing concerns, while online rental clients must provide photo proof the same day their dress arrives. If no report is made, the gown is considered received in good condition.

The gown and accessories must be returned on time. Local late returns are charged $50 per hour, while Canada-wide and US rentals incur a $150 per day late fee. If a gown is not returned and no communication is made, it will be reported as stolen.

This policy is in place to ensure gowns remain in excellent condition for every client, while protecting both the renter and Athena Dress Rental.