Terms of Service

1. About GuestEscape

GuestEscape provides an online marketplace that connects Guests with Hosts offering short-term rentals. We are not a party to the rental agreement between a Guest and a Host. Hosts are solely responsible for their listings, their properties, and their compliance with applicable laws. GuestEscape provides the technology, payment facilitation, and support that make bookings possible.

2. Eligibility & accounts

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding contract to use the Platform. You are responsible for the accuracy of your account information and for keeping your password secure. You are responsible for all activity under your account. There are three account types: Guest, Host, and Admin.

3. Bookings

When a Guest books a listing, they enter into a direct agreement with the Host, subject to the listing details, house rules, and cancellation policy shown at the time of booking. A booking is confirmed when payment is completed (for instant-book listings) or when the Host approves the request (for request-to-book listings).

4. Fees & payments

• Guests pay the total shown at checkout, which may include the nightly rate, cleaning fee, extra-guest fee, pet fee, and applicable taxes. A refundable security deposit may be held separately.
• Hosts pay a subscription fee to list on the Platform and agree to a per-booking commission that GuestEscape retains as a platform fee. Payouts are made to Hosts through Stripe Connect after a booking is confirmed.
• All payments are processed by Stripe. By transacting on the Platform, you also agree to Stripe’s terms.

5. Cancellations & refunds

Each listing displays a cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, Firm, or Strict). Refunds on Guest cancellations are calculated according to the policy in effect for that booking. Platform fees may be non-refundable. Hosts who cancel a confirmed booking may be subject to penalties.

6. Host responsibilities

• Provide accurate listings, pricing, availability, and photos, and keep calendars up to date.
• Honor confirmed bookings and provide the property and amenities as described.
• Comply with all applicable laws, taxes, permits, HOA rules, and safety requirements for short-term rentals.
• Maintain any calendar synchronization (e.g., Airbnb or VRBO) responsibly to avoid double bookings.

7. Guest responsibilities

• Provide accurate booking information and use the property only as permitted.
• Follow the Host’s house rules, occupancy limits, and check-in/check-out times.
• Leave the property in the condition it was received, ordinary wear and tear excepted.

8. User content

You retain ownership of content you submit (such as listing photos, descriptions, and reviews). By submitting content, you grant GuestEscape a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, display, and use it to operate and promote the Platform. You are responsible for having the rights to any content you post.

9. Prohibited conduct

• Circumventing the Platform to avoid fees, or transacting off-Platform for bookings initiated here.
• Posting false, misleading, infringing, or unlawful content.
• Harassing, discriminating against, or endangering other users.
• Interfering with the Platform’s security or attempting unauthorized access.

10. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind. GuestEscape does not own, manage, or control any listing and does not guarantee the accuracy of listings, the conduct of any user, or the condition or safety of any property.

11. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, GuestEscape will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, or for any disputes between Guests and Hosts. Our total liability for any claim relating to the Platform will not exceed the greater of the fees you paid to GuestEscape in the 12 months before the claim, or one hundred US dollars ($100).

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold GuestEscape harmless from claims and expenses arising out of your use of the Platform, your content, or your violation of these Terms or applicable law.

13. Termination

You may stop using the Platform at any time. We may suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms or create risk for the Platform or other users. Certain provisions survive termination, including sections on fees owed, content licenses, disclaimers, and liability.

14. Governing law & disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which GuestEscape is established, without regard to conflict-of-laws rules. Disputes will be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

15. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you and update the “Last updated” date. Continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

16. Contact us

Questions about these Terms? Email us at legal@guestescape.com.