Guest Rental Agreement

    Effective Date: February 6, 2025

    1. Agreement Overview

    This Guest Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is a binding contract between you ("Guest") and HelotStays governing your booking and use of short-term rental properties listed on the HelotStays platform ("Platform"). By completing a booking, you agree to all terms of this Agreement.

    HelotStays acts as a booking and management agent for property owners. HelotStays does not own the properties listed on the Platform.

    2. Lodge Compliance Exception

    If you were introduced to HelotStays through Lodge Compliance, Lodge Compliance's terms, conditions, and cancellation policies govern your booking. In such cases, this Agreement applies only to operational matters not covered by Lodge Compliance's policies.

    3. Booking Confirmation

    A booking is confirmed when you complete the reservation process and receive a confirmation from HelotStays. By completing a booking, you represent and warrant that:

    • You are at least 18 years of age.
    • You have legal authority to enter into this Agreement.
    • All information provided is accurate and complete.
    • You will comply with all applicable laws during your stay.
    • You have read and accept the property rules and cancellation policy.

    4. Guest Responsibilities

    As a guest, you agree to:

    • Use the property only for lawful purposes and in accordance with the listing description.
    • Not exceed the maximum occupancy specified in the listing.
    • Treat the property, furnishings, and amenities with care and respect.
    • Comply with all property rules, house rules, and community guidelines.
    • Report any damage, maintenance issues, or safety concerns promptly.
    • Leave the property in a reasonably clean and orderly condition.
    • Not engage in illegal activities, excessive noise, or disruptive behavior.
    • Not smoke inside the property unless expressly permitted.
    • Not bring pets unless the property is designated as pet-friendly.
    • Not sublet or assign the rental to any other party.

    5. Guest Contact

    Each property has a designated Guest Contact provided by the property owner. The Guest Contact is responsible for responding to guest inquiries and handling on-site issues during your stay. HelotStays does not act as the on-the-ground Guest Contact.

    Guest Contact information will be provided in your booking confirmation. For emergencies and urgent matters, please contact the designated Guest Contact first. For booking-related questions, you may contact HelotStays through the Platform.

    See our Guest Contact Policy for details.

    6. Payment Terms

    Full payment or the required deposit is due at the time of booking, unless otherwise specified. Payment includes:

    • Nightly rental rate for the duration of your stay.
    • Cleaning fees, if applicable.
    • Service fees charged by HelotStays.
    • Applicable taxes and government fees.
    • Security deposit, if required (refundable subject to property inspection).

    See our Payments, Fees & Payouts Policy for complete payment terms.

    7. Cancellation Policy

    Cancellation terms are defined per listing and displayed before you complete your booking. By completing a booking, you accept the applicable cancellation terms. Unless otherwise stated:

    More Than 30 Days Before Check-In

    Full refund minus non-refundable fees.

    14-30 Days Before Check-In

    Partial refund as defined on the listing.

    Within 14 Days of Check-In

    No refund.

    Non-Refundable Fees

    The following fees may be non-refundable:

    • Management fees
    • Payment processing fees
    • Cleaning fees already incurred
    • Taxes already remitted to government authorities

    8. Force Majeure

    In the event of circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, government restrictions or travel bans, declared states of emergency, or utility outages not caused by the guest or owner, HelotStays may, at its sole discretion, issue refunds or credits.

    Full refunds are not guaranteed in force majeure situations.

    9. Property Condition and Damage

    Properties are provided in a clean and functional condition as described in the listing. Upon arrival, you should inspect the property and report any pre-existing damage or issues to the Guest Contact and HelotStays within 24 hours.

    You are responsible for any damage to the property, furnishings, or amenities caused by you or your guests during your stay, beyond normal wear and tear. Repair or replacement costs may be deducted from your security deposit or charged to your payment method.

    10. HelotStays Cancellation Rights

    HelotStays may cancel your booking if:

    • The property is deemed unsafe or uninhabitable.
    • Required permits or licenses are missing or revoked.
    • Fraud or misrepresentation is suspected.
    • Payment fails or is disputed.
    • The designated Guest Contact is unavailable.
    • You violate the terms of this Agreement or property rules.

    In cases where cancellation is not due to guest fault, HelotStays will make reasonable efforts to provide alternative accommodations or issue a refund.

    11. Early Departure

    If you choose to depart before your scheduled checkout date, you will not receive a refund for unused nights unless the early departure is due to documented property issues that make the property uninhabitable.

    12. Safety and Security

    Please review our Safety & Security Policy for important safety information. Properties may have security features, including surveillance of common areas. See our Surveillance & Monitoring Policy for details.

    13. Liability and Indemnification

    HELOT STAYS IS NOT LIABLE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, THEFT, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OCCURRING DURING YOUR STAY. YOU USE THE PROPERTY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

    You agree to indemnify and hold harmless HelotStays, property owners, and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from your use of the property or violation of this Agreement.

    14. Dispute Resolution

    Any disputes arising from this Agreement or your booking shall be resolved in accordance with our Dispute Resolution & Chargebacks Policy. You agree to binding arbitration and waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits or class arbitrations.

    15. Governing Law

    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict of law principles.

    16. Modifications

    HelotStays reserves the right to modify this Agreement at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Agreement.

    17. Contact Information

    For questions about this Agreement, please contact us through the contact form on our website.