We're putting the finishing touches on our cottage booking platform and will be launching very soon! Our comprehensive terms of service are ready and available below. If you have any questions about our terms or platform, please don't hesitate to contact us.
These terms of service govern your use of our cottage booking platform as a guest booking accommodation and as a cottage owner listing property. Our platform serves as a marketplace connecting cottage owners with guests seeking vacation rentals. By accessing or using our platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms in their entirety. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you must discontinue use of our platform immediately. The English version of these terms constitutes the legally binding agreement. Translations provided in other languages are for convenience only and have no legal effect.
Definitions
"Platform" or "we" or "us" refers to the Cottage Booking Platform service and its operators. "Cottage Owner" or "Host" refers to individuals or entities who list their properties for rental on our platform. "Guest" or "you" (when booking) refers to individuals who book cottage accommodations through our platform. "User" refers collectively to both Guests and Cottage Owners. "Booking" refers to a confirmed reservation agreement between a Guest and a Cottage Owner facilitated through our platform. "Listing" refers to a cottage property advertisement created by a Cottage Owner on our platform.
Platform Role and Limitations
The Platform operates exclusively as a marketplace intermediary connecting Cottage Owners and Guests. We are not a party to any rental agreements, contracts, or transactions between Cottage Owners and Guests. We do not own, operate, manage, or control any properties listed on our platform. We do not guarantee the accuracy of listings, the quality of accommodations, or the conduct of users. The Platform assumes no liability for fraudulent, misleading, or illegal activities by Cottage Owners or any content they publish. All financial transactions occur directly between Guests and Cottage Owners - we do not hold, escrow, or guarantee payments.
Cottage Owner Responsibilities
Cottage Owners bear full responsibility for: (1) All content published on their listing pages including text, images, descriptions, pricing, availability, and house rules; (2) Ensuring all listing information is accurate, current, and not misleading or fraudulent; (3) Honoring all confirmed bookings and providing accommodations as advertised; (4) Setting appropriate house rules, cancellation policies, and pricing; (5) Ensuring their property meets all applicable safety, health, and legal standards; (6) Obtaining all necessary permits, licenses, and insurance for vacation rental operations; (7) Complying with local, regional, and national laws regarding taxation, zoning, and vacation rentals; (8) Handling all guest communications professionally and timely; (9) Resolving disputes with guests directly and in good faith; (10) Maintaining their property in good condition and as advertised.
Guest Rights and Responsibilities
As a Guest using our platform to book cottage stays, you are responsible for: (1) Providing accurate personal and contact information during booking; (2) Carefully reviewing all listing details, house rules, cancellation policies, and pricing before confirming your reservation; (3) Adhering to the maximum occupancy limits and guest policies specified by the Cottage Owner; (4) Treating the property and its contents with care and respect; (5) Following all house rules established by the Cottage Owner; (6) Complying with local laws and regulations during your stay; (7) Reporting any safety hazards, damages, or issues to the Cottage Owner immediately; (8) Paying all amounts due according to the agreed terms; (9) Leaving the property in the same condition as found. You have the right to receive accommodations as advertised and to be treated fairly by Cottage Owners, subject to the limitations outlined in these terms.
Booking Contract and Payment Processing
Upon booking confirmation, a direct contractual relationship is established between the Guest and the Cottage Owner. The Platform is not a party to this rental agreement and bears no responsibility for its performance or breach. All rental-specific terms including house rules, cancellation policies, check-in procedures, and property conditions are determined solely by the Cottage Owner. While the Platform may facilitate payment processing as a convenience, all financial obligations are directly between the Guest and Cottage Owner. The Platform does not hold funds in escrow and assumes no liability for payment disputes, refunds, or financial losses.
Individual Property Terms and Policies
Each cottage listing may contain additional specific terms, policies, restrictions, and requirements that supplement these general platform terms. These property-specific terms can be found on each cottage's individual listing page and may include: cancellation and refund policies, special booking requirements, additional fees or deposits, amenity usage guidelines, local area information and restrictions, and other property-specific conditions. By confirming a booking, you agree to be bound by both these general platform terms and all specific terms associated with that particular cottage. In case of conflict between general and property-specific terms, the property-specific terms take precedence for that booking.
Property-Specific House Rules
Each Cottage Owner establishes house rules specific to their property, which form part of the rental agreement between Guest and Cottage Owner. These rules are displayed on each cottage's listing page and typically address: check-in/check-out procedures and timing, smoking and vaping policies, pet policies and restrictions, maximum occupancy limits, noise restrictions and quiet hours, parking arrangements, use of amenities and facilities, and any property-specific guidelines. Guests are contractually bound to comply with all house rules upon booking confirmation. Violation of house rules may result in early termination of the stay without refund.
Acceptance and Legal Capacity
By accessing, browsing, or using this platform in any capacity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these terms of service and our privacy policy. You represent that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. If you are booking accommodations on behalf of others, you warrant that you have full authority to bind those individuals to these terms and assume full responsibility for their compliance. Your continued use of the platform constitutes ongoing acceptance of any updates or modifications to these terms.
Acceptable Use Policy
You may use our platform solely for legitimate vacation rental purposes in compliance with all applicable laws. You agree not to: (1) violate any local, national, or international laws or regulations; (2) engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading activities; (3) interfere with platform operations or other users' enjoyment of the service; (4) attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the platform; (5) transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code; (6) harass, abuse, or harm other users; (7) post false, inaccurate, or misleading content; (8) violate intellectual property rights; (9) circumvent security measures or payment systems; (10) use the platform for any illegal or unauthorized commercial purposes.
Booking Process and Confirmations
All booking requests are subject to real-time availability and require confirmation by the respective Cottage Owner. The Platform facilitates booking requests but does not guarantee acceptance or availability. Cottage Owners retain full discretion to accept or decline booking requests in accordance with their individual policies and applicable anti-discrimination laws. Booking confirmation creates a binding agreement between Guest and Cottage Owner. Confirmed bookings cannot be modified or cancelled except in accordance with the specific cancellation policy established by the Cottage Owner. False or fraudulent booking information may result in immediate cancellation without refund and account termination.
Payment Processing and Obligations
While the Platform may facilitate payment processing as a convenience service, all payment obligations are directly between Guests and Cottage Owners. Guests are responsible for paying all amounts due as specified in their booking confirmation. Payment methods accepted and processing schedules are determined by individual Cottage Owners. The Platform does not hold payments in escrow and bears no responsibility for payment disputes, failed transactions, or unauthorized charges. Refunds, if applicable, are governed by the specific cancellation policy set by each Cottage Owner and are processed directly between the parties. All fees charged by the Platform are non-refundable unless required by consumer protection laws.
Platform Fees and Revenue
The Platform generates revenue through service fees and subscription charges to Cottage Owners. Service fees charged to Guests are clearly disclosed before booking completion. Cottage Owners pay subscription fees or commissions based on their chosen plan, as detailed in their agreement with us. All fees are non-refundable except as required by applicable consumer protection laws. Fee structures may change with appropriate notice to users.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Each Cottage Owner establishes their own cancellation and refund policy, which becomes part of the rental agreement upon booking confirmation. These policies vary by property and are clearly displayed on each cottage's listing page and during the booking process. Cancellation policies typically specify: timeframes for penalty-free cancellation, sliding scale of refund percentages based on cancellation timing, processing fees for cancellations, and conditions for exceptional circumstances. Guests are solely responsible for understanding and complying with the applicable cancellation policy. The Platform is not responsible for processing refunds or mediating cancellation disputes - all refund matters must be resolved directly between Guest and Cottage Owner.
Account Security and User Conduct
You are fully responsible for: (1) maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials; (2) all activities that occur under your account, whether authorized or unauthorized; (3) immediately notifying us of any suspected unauthorized access or security breach; (4) providing accurate, current, and complete information in your profile and bookings; (5) updating your account information to maintain its accuracy; (6) using strong, unique passwords and enabling available security features; (7) not sharing your account with others or creating multiple accounts; (8) complying with all platform rules and policies. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these responsibilities or engage in prohibited activities.
Property Damage and Insurance
Guests are fully liable for any damage, loss, or theft occurring to the property or its contents during their stay period. Cottage Owners must report damage claims within 48 hours of checkout with supporting documentation and evidence. All damage disputes and compensation claims must be resolved directly between the Guest and Cottage Owner. The Platform bears no responsibility for property damage, insurance claims, or related financial losses. Cottage Owners are strongly advised to maintain appropriate property and liability insurance coverage.
Dispute Resolution and Limitations
All disputes regarding bookings, accommodations, payments, property conditions, or service quality must be resolved directly between Guests and Cottage Owners. The Platform is not obligated to mediate, arbitrate, or resolve such disputes. We may, at our sole discretion, provide limited assistance by facilitating communication, but we assume no responsibility for dispute outcomes. For disputes involving platform functionality or policies, we reserve the right to make final determinations. Users agree that the Platform's maximum liability for any dispute or claim is limited to the service fees paid to the Platform in the six months preceding the dispute.
Data Protection and Privacy
By using our platform, you explicitly consent to the collection, processing, and sharing of necessary personal information to facilitate bookings and platform operations. This includes sharing contact details, booking information, and communication between Guests and Cottage Owners. Each party is independently responsible for complying with applicable data protection laws (including GDPR where applicable) in their handling of shared information. Our detailed privacy policy governs how we collect and use your personal data.
Comprehensive Liability Limitations
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW: The Platform operates solely as a marketplace intermediary and DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY for: property conditions, safety, quality, or suitability of any listed cottage; actions, omissions, representations, or conduct of Cottage Owners or Guests; accuracy of listing information, photos, or descriptions; personal injury, property damage, or losses occurring during stays; fraudulent, misleading, or illegal activities by users; payment disputes, refunds, or financial losses between parties; technical failures, system outages, or data breaches. OUR MAXIMUM TOTAL LIABILITY to any user for all claims arising from use of the platform is strictly limited to the lesser of: (a) the service fees paid by that user to the Platform in the six months preceding the claim, or (b) €500. WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, including lost profits, business interruption, or emotional distress, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY OR WHETHER WE WERE ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Indemnification and Hold Harmless
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Platform, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney fees and legal costs) arising from: (1) your use or misuse of the platform; (2) your violation of these terms of service; (3) your violation of any third party rights; (4) any content you submit or actions you take on the platform; (5) any rental transaction or accommodation stay; (6) any dispute between users. This indemnification obligation survives termination of these terms.
Modifications and Updates
We reserve the right to modify, update, or replace these terms of service at any time in our sole discretion. Material changes will be communicated through email notification to registered users and/or prominent notice on the platform at least 30 days before becoming effective. For non-material changes, updated terms will be posted with the "last updated" date revised. Your continued access or use of the platform after any modifications constitute acceptance of the updated terms. If you disagree with any changes, your sole remedy is to discontinue use of the platform immediately.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or disputes regarding these terms of service, please contact us through: (1) the contact form available on our platform; (2) email to the legal contact address provided on our website; or (3) postal mail to our registered business address. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5 business days. For urgent safety or security issues, please use the emergency contact methods provided on the platform.