Terms of Service

1. Overview

PrivatePads ("the Platform", "we", "us") is an online marketplace that connects independent workers ("Guests") with property owners ("Hosts") offering discreet, short-term rental accommodation. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Platform.

By creating an account or using PrivatePads, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

To use PrivatePads you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be legally permitted to enter into binding contracts
• Provide accurate and truthful information during registration
• Comply with all applicable local, national, and international laws

3. Account responsibilities

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. You must:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Keep your password secure and not share it with others
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account
• Not create multiple accounts or accounts on behalf of another person

4. Single-occupancy rule

All properties listed on PrivatePads are strictly single-occupancy. This means only one independent worker may occupy a property at any given time. This rule exists for the safety, privacy, and legal compliance of all users.

Hosts must not permit multiple workers to use a property simultaneously. Guests must not sub-let, share, or otherwise allow other workers to use the property during their booking period. Violation of this rule will result in immediate account termination.

5. Host obligations

As a Host, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date listing descriptions, including photos and amenities
• Ensure the property is safe, clean, and habitable
• Comply with all local housing, safety, and rental regulations
• Enforce the single-occupancy rule at your property
• Respond to booking requests and Guest communications in a timely manner
• Not discriminate against Guests in violation of applicable law

6. Guest obligations

As a Guest, you agree to:

• Use the property only as described in the listing and for its intended purpose
• Not sub-let, share, or transfer your booking to another person
• Treat the property with care and report any damage promptly
• Comply with the single-occupancy rule at all times
• Vacate the property by the agreed check-out time
• Not engage in any illegal activity on the premises

7. Bookings & payments

Bookings are made through the Platform and are subject to Host approval. Once a booking is confirmed, it constitutes a binding agreement between the Guest and the Host.

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. PrivatePads does not store your full payment card details. The total booking amount includes the nightly rate and any cleaning fees.

Hosts receive payouts after Guest check-in, minus a 5% platform commission. Refunds are handled in accordance with the applicable cancellation policy.

8. Cancellation policies

Each listing specifies one of three cancellation policies set by the Host:

• Flexible — full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before check-in
• Moderate — full refund if cancelled at least 5 days before check-in
• Strict — 50% refund if cancelled at least 7 days before check-in; no refund after that

The applicable cancellation policy is displayed on each listing page before you book. PrivatePads reserves the right to override cancellation policies in exceptional circumstances (e.g. safety concerns, fraudulent listings).

9. Platform role

PrivatePads is a marketplace that facilitates connections between Hosts and Guests. We are not a party to any rental agreement between users. We do not own, manage, or control the properties listed on the Platform.

We do not guarantee the accuracy of listings, the quality of properties, or the conduct of any user. Users interact with each other at their own risk.

10. Content & listings

By posting content on PrivatePads (including listing descriptions, photos, and reviews), you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, display, and distribute that content in connection with the Platform.

We reserve the right to remove or modify any content that violates these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy, without prior notice.

11. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, PrivatePads shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or goodwill.

Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount of fees you have paid to PrivatePads in the twelve months preceding the claim.

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately.

You may delete your account at any time through your account settings. Any pending bookings must be resolved before account deletion.

13. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. When we make material changes, we will notify you via email or a prominent notice on the Platform. Your continued use of PrivatePads after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at legal@privatepads.com.