Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using BookAStay.homes (the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms in their entirety, you must not use our Platform.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and BookAStay.homes. Your continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of any modifications to these terms.

2. Platform Description and Role

What We Are

• ✓A technology platform facilitating connections between property hosts and guests
• ✓A payment processor providing secure escrow services
• ✓A communication facilitator through our messaging system
• ✓A booking management tool provider

What We Are NOT

• ✗Property owners or managers
• ✗Party to rental agreements between hosts and guests
• ✗Insurers or guarantors of property condition or guest behavior
• ✗Dispute resolution service or mediators
• ✗Customer service call center for property issues
• ✗Liable for any actions, omissions, or representations of hosts or guests

3. User Eligibility and Verification

All Users Must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the accuracy of account information
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws
• Not have been previously banned from the Platform

Identity Verification:

Users must complete identity verification before booking or listing properties. This includes providing government-issued identification and completing our verification process. Failure to verify identity may result in account suspension or termination.

4. Payment Terms and Escrow System

Pricing Structure:

• Accommodation Cost: Nightly rate multiplied by number of nights
• Cleaning Fee: One-time fee set by host
• Platform Service Fee: 10% of subtotal (charged to host)
• GST: 10% Australian goods and services tax (where applicable)
• Security Bond: 25% of total booking amount (refundable)

Escrow Process:

1. Guest Payment: Guest pays full booking amount plus security bond
2. Platform Hold: All funds held in secure escrow during stay
3. Host Payout: Funds released to host 48 hours after checkout (minus 10% platform fee)
4. Bond Release: Security bond returned to guest 72 hours after checkout if no damage claims

Security Bonds:

• Amount: 25% of total booking cost
• Minimum: AUD $100
• Maximum: AUD $5,000
• Purpose: Cover property damage, excessive cleaning, or violation of house rules
• Automatic Refund: Released after 72 hours if no valid claims submitted

5. Check-in and Check-out Times

Standard Times:

• Check-in: 3:00 PM
• Check-out: 11:00 AM (non-negotiable for all bookings)

Early Check-in Option:

Guests may request early check-in at 12:00 PM (midday) with the following conditions:

• Guest agrees to handle basic cleaning themselves, including replacing bed linens and pillow cases
• Guest accepts property in its current state at early check-in time
• If property is excessively dirty or uninhabitable, guest may request emergency cleaning for AUD $120
• Emergency cleaning request triggers SMS to designated cleaner and host notification
• If no cleaner available, guest receives refund for cleaning fee only - booking continues as-is
• Platform has no responsibility for cleaning availability or property condition

Important: Early check-in is optional. Guests choosing this option acknowledge they are accepting the property in its current condition and assume responsibility for basic cleaning.

6. Cancellation and Refund Policy

Clear Terms:

• No Cancellations: Once payment is processed, bookings cannot be cancelled
• No Refunds: Zero refunds under any circumstances
• No Changes: Booking dates and details cannot be modified
• No Exceptions: This applies to emergencies, illness, travel issues, or any other reason
• Use It or Lose It: If you don't use your booking, you forfeit the entire amount paid

Why This Policy?

This strict policy aligns with our No Bullshit Policy. We are a transparent, direct platform connecting hosts and guests. We don't offer dispute resolution, booking changes, or refunds. Hosts rely on your confirmed bookings. You must be absolutely certain before you book.

What IS Refundable:

• Security Bond Only: The security bond (25% of booking) is refundable if no property damage occurs
• Bond Refund Timeline: Automatically released 72 hours after checkout if no valid damage claims
• Emergency Cleaning Scenario: If you select early check-in with self-cleaning and request emergency cleaning, you may get a refund of the cleaning fee only ($120) if no cleaner is available - but your booking continues

What Is NOT Refundable:

• Accommodation costs
• Cleaning fees (except emergency cleaning scenario above)
• Service fees
• Taxes and charges
• Any part of the booking if you cancel, no-show, or don't use it

By completing a booking, you explicitly acknowledge and agree to this strict no-refund policy. There are zero exceptions. Plan accordingly.

7. User Obligations and Conduct

Guest Obligations:

• Treat property with respect and care
• Follow all house rules specified by host
• Adhere to maximum occupancy limits
• Report any damages immediately to host through platform messaging
• Communicate with host exclusively through platform messaging system
• Respect neighbors and local community standards
• Leave property in reasonable condition
• Not use property for illegal activities

Host Obligations:

• Provide accurate and complete property descriptions
• Ensure property meets all safety and habitability standards
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage
• Honor all confirmed bookings
• Respond to guest communications within 24 hours
• Declare all rental income for tax purposes
• Comply with local short-term rental regulations
• Provide property as described in listing

8. Platform Liability and Disclaimers

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY - IT LIMITS OUR LIABILITY

No Liability For:

• Property condition, safety, cleanliness, or habitability
• Accuracy of property descriptions or photos
• Host or guest conduct, actions, or omissions
• Personal injury or property damage occurring at properties
• Theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings
• Disputes between hosts and guests
• Failure of hosts or guests to fulfill obligations
• Local law compliance by hosts or guests
• Availability of emergency cleaning services
• Communication failures between parties

Maximum Liability:

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law, BookAStay.homes total liability for any claim arising from use of the Platform is limited to the platform fee paid (10% of booking amount) or AUD $100, whichever is greater. We are not liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

Use At Your Own Risk:

You acknowledge that using BookAStay.homes and booking or listing properties through our Platform is entirely at your own risk. We provide tools and payment processing, but we do not guarantee outcomes or experiences.

9. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

BookAStay.homes does not mediate or resolve disputes between hosts and guests. Parties must communicate directly through our platform messaging system to resolve issues.

For disputes involving the Platform itself (not between users), you agree to first attempt informal resolution by contacting support@bookastay.homes. If unresolved after 30 days, disputes will be governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia, and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Queensland courts.

10. Communication and Privacy

All communication between hosts and guests must occur through the Platform messaging system until booking is confirmed. This protects both parties and maintains transaction records.

Personal contact information (phone numbers, personal email addresses, home addresses) should not be shared until both parties agree. The Platform provides communication tools specifically to protect user privacy.

11. Reviews and Ratings

Both hosts and guests may leave reviews after a booking concludes. Reviews must be honest, accurate, and not contain offensive content. The Platform may remove reviews that violate our content policy but does not verify review accuracy.

12. Account Termination

BookAStay.homes reserves the right to suspend or terminate any user account for:

• Violation of these Terms of Service
• Fraudulent activity or payment disputes
• False information provided during registration
• Harassing or threatening behavior toward other users
• Illegal use of the Platform
• Failure to complete identity verification

13. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms of Service at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email to registered users. Continued use of the Platform after modifications constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

14. Intellectual Property

All content on BookAStay.homes, including logos, text, graphics, and software, is owned by BookAStay.homes or licensed to us. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without express written permission.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BookAStay.homes, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Platform or violation of these Terms.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published on the Platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and BookAStay.homes.

17. Contact Information

General Inquiries: support@bookastay.homes
Legal Matters: legal@bookastay.homes
Administration: walter@blitzy.com.au
Mailing Address: BookAStay.homes, Australia