Host Agreement

1. Introduction

This Host Agreement ("Agreement") is between you ("Host") and our Platform regarding your use of our services to list and rent properties to guests. By creating a host account and listing properties, you agree to these terms.

This Agreement supplements our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, which also apply to hosts.

2. Platform Service

2.1 What We Provide

The Platform provides:

• Online marketplace to list your properties
• Booking and payment processing system
• Communication tools between hosts and guests
• Calendar and availability management
• Review and rating system
• Automated payout processing

2.2 What We Don't Provide

The Platform does NOT:

• Own, manage, or control properties
• Act as a real estate agent or property manager
• Guarantee bookings or occupancy rates
• Verify guest backgrounds or behavior
• Provide insurance (hosts must maintain their own)
• Handle property maintenance or cleaning

3. Service Fees and Payouts

3.2 Fee Calculation

3.3 When Fees Are Deducted

The service fee is automatically deducted when guest checkout occurs and your payout is processed. You will see the net amount (after fees) in your earnings dashboard.

3.4 Payout Schedule

• Booking Confirmation: Amount goes to "Pending Earnings"
• After Guest Checkout: Moves to "Available Balance" (minus 15% fee)
• Payout Processing: Automatic payout request created if balance ≥ CA$10
• Bank Transfer: Processed within 24-48 hours after checkout
• Funds Arrival: 2-5 business days depending on your bank

3.5 Minimum Payout

Automatic payouts are triggered when your available balance reaches CA$10 or more. Amounts below CA$10 will accumulate until the threshold is met.

4. Host Responsibilities

4.1 Property Listings

You must:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date property information
• Use photos that truthfully represent the property
• Disclose all relevant details (amenities, rules, limitations)
• Update availability calendar in real-time
• Set fair and transparent pricing
• Not misrepresent property condition or location

4.2 Legal Compliance

You are responsible for:

• Complying with all local, provincial, and federal laws
• Obtaining necessary permits and licenses for short-term rentals
• Following zoning regulations and building codes
• Meeting safety and health standards
• Complying with tax obligations (see section 6)
• Adhering to HOA/condo rules if applicable

4.3 Property Standards

Your property must:

• Be safe, clean, and habitable
• Match the description and photos in your listing
• Have working utilities (water, electricity, heating)
• Include all listed amenities in working condition
• Meet fire safety requirements (smoke detectors, exits)
• Be free of health hazards (mold, pests, etc.)

4.4 Guest Communication

• Respond to booking requests within 24-48 hours
• Provide check-in instructions clearly and promptly
• Be available or designate someone for guest questions
• Handle guest issues professionally and timely

4.5 Honoring Bookings

Once a booking is confirmed, you MUST honor it unless extenuating circumstances apply. Cancelling confirmed bookings may result in penalties, negative reviews, and potential account suspension.

5. Cancellation Policies

You must choose one of four cancellation policies for each property:

5.1 Guest Cancellation Requests

• Within Policy Window: Full refund processed automatically
• Outside Policy Window: Sent to you for review; you decide refund amount (0-100%)
• You must respond to cancellation requests within 48 hours
• Unreasonable denials may affect your host rating

6. Tax Obligations

6.1 Income Tax

• All rental income must be reported to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• You must report income on your annual tax return
• Platform service fees (15%) are NOT tax withholdings
• We may provide a summary of your earnings for tax purposes
• Consult a tax professional for specific guidance

6.2 GST/HST

• You may be required to charge and remit GST/HST on rentals
• GST/HST registration required if gross revenues exceed $30,000 CAD
• You are responsible for calculating and collecting applicable taxes
• Platform does not collect or remit GST/HST on your behalf

6.3 Municipal Taxes

Some municipalities require registration and payment of accommodation taxes or tourism fees. Research your local requirements and comply accordingly.

7. Insurance and Liability

7.1 Host Insurance Requirements

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE INSURANCE COVERAGE, including:

• Property insurance covering short-term rentals
• Liability insurance (minimum CA$1-2 million recommended)
• Contents insurance
• Additional riders for short-term rental activity (many homeowners policies exclude STRs)

7.2 Platform Liability

The Platform is NOT liable for:

• Property damage caused by guests
• Theft or loss of personal property
• Personal injury to guests or third parties
• Disputes with neighbors or authorities
• Lost income from cancellations
• Guest behavior or violations

7.3 Host Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Platform from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your property, your actions as a host, or guest stays at your property.

8. Prohibited Activities

As a host, you may NOT:

• List properties you don't own or have authority to rent
• Discriminate against guests based on protected characteristics
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Manipulate reviews or ratings
• Circumvent platform fees by taking payments outside the system
• Share guest information for unauthorized purposes
• Use the Platform for illegal activities
• List unsafe or uninhabitable properties

9. Payment and Banking

9.1 Bank Account Requirement

To receive payouts, you must provide valid bank account information. You certify that:

• You are the account holder or have authorization
• The account can receive electronic fund transfers (EFT/ACH)
• Information provided is accurate and up-to-date

9.2 Payout Processing

• Payouts are processed automatically after guest checkout
• Platform fee (15%) is deducted before payout
• You are responsible for any bank fees charged by your institution
• Failed payouts due to incorrect information may result in delays

9.3 Disputed Transactions

In case of payment disputes, chargebacks, or refund requests, we may withhold payouts pending resolution. You may be required to refund guests in certain circumstances.

10. Performance Standards

10.1 Response Time

• Respond to booking requests within 24-48 hours
• Answer guest messages within 24 hours
• Provide check-in details at least 24 hours before arrival

10.2 Acceptance Rate

Maintaining a reasonable acceptance rate improves your listing visibility. Frequent rejections may affect your search ranking.

10.3 Cancellation Rate

Host-initiated cancellations negatively impact your account standing. Excessive cancellations may result in penalties or account suspension.

11. Reviews and Ratings

• Guests may review your property and hosting after their stay
• You may respond to reviews publicly
• You cannot manipulate, pay for, or delete negative reviews
• Consistently low ratings may result in listing suspension
• You may review guests after their stay

12. Account Suspension & Termination

12.1 Grounds for Suspension

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate this Agreement or Terms of Service
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Receive excessive complaints or negative reviews
• Cancel multiple confirmed bookings
• Provide false or misleading information
• Fail to meet performance standards

12.2 Effect of Termination

• Your listings will be removed immediately
• Pending bookings may be cancelled (subject to guest compensation)
• Earned but unpaid amounts will be paid after pending disputes resolved
• You remain liable for any obligations incurred before termination

13. Changes to This Agreement

We may modify this Agreement from time to time. Changes will be posted with an updated date. Material changes will be communicated via email. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact Information

Questions about this Host Agreement? Contact us: