Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: 22 March 2012
Last Updated: 1 April 2025
Welcome to Happy Lodgings! These Terms and Conditions govern the use of our vacation rental platform. By using our services, you agree to comply with these terms.
1. Terms and Conditions for Hosts/Owners
1.1 Eligibility & Membership
- To list a property on Happy Lodgings, hosts must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to rent their properties.
- Hosts must subscribe to a membership plan to list their accommodations on the platform.
- Membership fees are non-refundable, except where required by law.
- Happy Lodgings does not charge commissions on bookings made through the platform.
- Happy Lodgings provides a Booking Guarantee: If a host does not receive at least 55 days confirmed booking on listing, they may be eligible for a refund after one year of membership, provided they comply with all platform rules.
- Hosts may not list duplicate properties or engage in misleading advertising.
- Hosts must verify their identity and ownership of the property through the platform’s verification process.
1.2 Listing Properties
- Hosts must provide accurate and up-to-date information about their properties, including high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and a list of amenities.
- Properties must comply with local laws, zoning regulations, and safety requirements.
- Hosts are responsible for keeping their availability calendar updated to avoid double bookings or guest confusion.
- Hosts must clearly define house rules and any restrictions (e.g., no smoking, pet policies, quiet hours).
- Hosts must provide emergency contact details for guests in case of urgent issues.
- Hosts are encouraged to obtain rental insurance to cover property damage and liability claims.
1.3 Pricing & Payments
- Hosts have full control over their pricing and additional fees (e.g., cleaning fees, security deposits).
- Guests will pay the booking amount directly to the host via any agreed-upon payment method (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal, cash upon arrival).
- Happy Lodgings does not handle guest payments and is not responsible for payment disputes between hosts and guests.
- Hosts are responsible for reporting and paying any taxes on their rental income.
- Hosts must provide guests with invoices or receipts when requested.
1.4 Security Deposits & Damage Policies
- Hosts may require a security deposit, which must be clearly stated in the listing.
- The security deposit must be collected directly by the host and refunded according to the agreed-upon terms.
- Hosts must document any damages with photographic evidence before claiming part or all of the deposit.
- Disputes over security deposits should be resolved directly between the host and the guest.
1.5 Cancellations & Refunds
- Hosts must specify their cancellation policy in their listing, which will be binding for all bookings.
- Refunds, if applicable, must be handled directly between hosts and guests.
- Repeated cancellations without valid reasons may result in account suspension or loss of eligibility for the Booking Guarantee.
- In the case of force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions), hosts are encouraged to offer flexible rebooking options.
1.6 Host Responsibilities
- Provide a safe, clean, and well-maintained property.
- Ensure the property meets health and safety standards, including fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits where applicable.
- Communicate promptly and professionally with guests regarding check-in, house rules, and any issues that may arise.
- Resolve disputes fairly and in accordance with their cancellation policies.
- Comply with GDPR and other privacy laws when handling guest data.
- Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for their rental property.
- Allow guest reviews and ratings, which will be publicly visible on the platform.
1.7 Emergency Protocols
- Hosts must provide guests with emergency exit plans and safety instructions.
- Hosts must have a local emergency contact available 24/7 in case of urgent issues.
1.8 Booking Guarantee & Refund Policy
- Happy Lodgings guarantees that a host will receive at least 55 days confirmed booking confirmed booking on thelisting of their property.
- If a host does not receive booking within membership plan period, they may request a refund after one year of continuous membership.
- To be eligible, the host must:
- Keep their listing active for the full one-year period.
- Ensure their property listing is complete and accurate.
- Maintain an open availability calendar for bookings.
- Comply with all platform rules and policies.
- Refund requests must be submitted in writing to Happy Lodgings within 30 days after the one-year membership period ends.
2. Extenuating Circumstances & Force Majeure Policy
2.1 Definition of Extenuating Circumstances
Happy Lodgings recognizes that unforeseen events may impact bookings. Extenuating circumstances include, but are not limited to:
- Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc.)
- Government actions (travel bans, evacuation orders, restrictions due to war or civil unrest)
- Public health emergencies (pandemics, epidemics, quarantine restrictions)
- Serious personal emergencies (hospitalization, death of an immediate family member)
2.2 Cancellation Due to Extenuating Circumstances
- If a host or guest is unable to proceed with a booking due to one of the above circumstances, they must provide documented evidence (e.g., government notice, medical certificate).
- Hosts are encouraged to offer a flexible rebooking option before processing a refund.
- If a refund is necessary, it will be issued according to the host’s cancellation policy unless otherwise required by law.
- Happy Lodgings will review cases individually and reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that misuse this policy.
3. General Terms (Applicable to All Users)
3.1 Platform Usage
- Happy Lodgings provides a marketplace for hosts and guests but is not a party to rental agreements.
- Users must not engage in fraudulent activities, spam, or misuse the platform.
3.2 Liability & Disclaimers
- Happy Lodgings is not responsible for disputes between hosts and guests.
- We do not guarantee the accuracy of listings or the safety of properties.
- Happy Lodgings is not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses incurred during stays.
3.3 Privacy & Data Protection
- We collect and process data in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
- Users must comply with GDPR and other applicable data protection laws.
3.4 Modifications to Terms
- Happy Lodgings may update these Terms & Conditions at any time.
- Continued use of the platform after changes implies acceptance of the revised terms.
3.5 Contact Information
📧 Email: wecare@happylodgings.com
By using Happy Lodgings, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
