Booking: Terms and Conditions

Guest Terms and Conditions for Booking on our Website

By completing a booking on our website (the “Platform”), you agree to the following terms and conditions. These terms outline your rights and obligations as a guest when booking a short-term rental property through the Platform.

1. Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years old to book a property on the Platform.
• You agree to provide accurate and truthful information when creating an account and making bookings, including your full name, email address, and
  payment details.
• You represent and warrant that you have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.

2. Booking Process

• By booking a property, you are making an offer to the host to rent their property for the dates specified. The booking is not confirmed until you receive a booking confirmation from the Platform or the host.
• The details of your booking, including the dates, pricing, and any other relevant terms, will be provided during the booking process. You are responsible for reviewing this information and confirming that it meets your needs.
• You are required to provide accurate payment information at the time of booking. Your booking will not be confirmed until payment is successfully processed.

3. Payment and Fees

• You agree to pay the total price for your booking, which includes the rental fee, taxes, and any additional fees (e.g., service fees, cleaning fees, damage deposit).
• Payment will be processed via the Platform’s designated payment gateway. The Platform accepts various forms of payment, including credit/debit cards and other supported payment methods.
• Payments are typically processed at the time of booking or, in some cases, upon confirmation by the host. The Platform may hold the payment in escrow until the booking is completed.

4. Additional Charges and Liability

Guests agree to cover any additional costs incurred during their stay that fall outside the standard booking fees. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Damage to the property, furnishings, or appliances caused during the stay
• Excessive cleaning required due to misuse or breach of house rules
• Unauthorized guests beyond the number declared at the time of booking
• Missing items or tampering with security or smart devices
• Violations of house rules, including smoking, pet restrictions, or noise complaints

In the event such charges are incurred, the guest will be notified in writing and payment must be made within 7 calendar days of notice.
Failure to pay within the specified timeframe may result in the application of interest at 2% per month (24% per annum) on the outstanding amount until full payment is received. The host or platform also reserves the right to recover the amount through the original payment method, initiate debt recovery, or take legal action if necessary.

5. Cancellations and Refunds

• You agree to abide by the host’s cancellation policy, which may vary by listing. Cancellation policies may include flexible, moderate, strict, or other variations.
• If you cancel a booking, your refund eligibility will depend on the host’s cancellation policy. Please review the policy before confirming your booking.
• The payment gateway fees are non-refundable, even if you cancel your booking.
• In certain circumstances (e.g., host cancellation or force majeure events), you may be entitled to a full or partial refund. Please refer to the Platform’s Refund Policy for more details.

6. Guest Conduct

• You agree to behave in a responsible and respectful manner during your stay at the property.
• You must follow the house rules set by the host, which may include guidelines on noise, pets, smoking, and other aspects of the property.
• You are responsible for ensuring that you and any guests you bring with you abide by these rules during your stay.
• You are responsible for any damage, theft, or excessive mess to the property or its contents that occurs during your stay, whether caused by you or by others in your party. Charges may apply for repair, replacement, or extra cleaning due to damages or policy violations.
• A security deposit may be required before check-in and will be returned after a post-stay inspection, if no damage is found.

7. Property Access

• You will receive access details (such as check-in instructions) directly from the host after your booking is confirmed.
• You agree to respect the host’s property and privacy during your stay. You are not permitted to access areas of the property that are not designated for guest use.
• You are expected to follow the check-in and check-out times as specified by the host. Failure to do so may result in additional charges.

8. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to engage in any of the following activities during your stay:

• Illegal Activities: Engaging in any criminal activities or violating local laws, including drug use, vandalism, or any other unlawful conduct.
• Hosting Events or Parties: Hosting events, parties, or gatherings without the host’s prior consent.
• Disturbing the Peace: Causing disruptions or noise disturbances that affect neighbours or other tenants.
• Subletting: Renting the property to other individuals or subletting the accommodation without prior consent from the host.

9. Responsibility for Safety and Personal Belongings

• You are responsible for ensuring your own safety and the safety of others in your party during your stay.
• The Platform is not responsible for accidents, injuries, or losses that occur during your stay. You should ensure that the property is safe and suitable for your needs.
• You are responsible for securing your personal belongings during your stay. The Platform and the host are not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to your personal property.

10. Insurance

• You are encouraged to obtain appropriate travel insurance to cover potential risks associated with your booking, such as cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings.
• The Platform does not provide insurance coverage for guests or their belongings.

11. Reviews and Ratings

• After your stay, you may be invited to leave a review of the property and your experience. Reviews are subject to the Platform’s Review Guidelines.
• You agree that your review will be truthful and not defamatory, discriminatory, or harmful to the host or other users of the Platform.

12. Guest Verification

• For the safety of all guests and hosts, we may require identity verification prior to confirming your booking.
• This may include government-issued ID, a verified phone number or email, and confirmation of payment details.
• Failure to complete verification may result in cancellation of the reservation.

13. Long-Term Stays

• Bookings longer than [e.g., 28 days] may require additional guest screening and agreement to a separate rental contract.
• Housekeeping services for long stays can be arranged upon request (fees may apply).
• Utility usage may be monitored and capped—details will be provided before confirming long-term stays.

14. Platform Rights

• The Platform reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms and Conditions or engage in illegal, fraudulent, or harmful activities.
• The Platform may also remove or modify any content or listings that violate its policies, including misleading property descriptions, offensive language, or illegal activities.

15. Limitation of Liability

• The Platform is not responsible for any personal injury, property damage, loss, or theft that occurs during your stay.
• The Platform does not guarantee the accuracy of the property listing or the host’s representation of the property.
• The Platform is not liable for any failure to perform its obligations due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to force majeure events (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions).

16. Privacy and Data Protection

• By booking a property on the Platform, you agree to the collection and processing of your personal data as outlined in the Platform’s Privacy Policy.
• Your contact information may be shared with the host for the purpose of facilitating communication and check-in/check-out procedures.

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of New Zealand.
• In the event of a dispute, you agree to attempt to resolve the issue with the host or through the Platform’s support services. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may seek resolution through arbitration or the courts of New Zealand.

18. Amendments to Terms

• The Platform reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. You will be notified of significant changes, and continued use of the Platform constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.