1. Introduction
1.1 These Sofaree Host Terms (“Terms”) are a legally binding agreement between you (“Host”) and Sofaree (operated by Sofaree Digital Services) regarding your use of our platform to list property(ies) (“Listing(s)”) and host Guests.
1.2 If you are acting on behalf of a business or entity, you represent that you have authority to bind that entity to these Terms.
2. Scope
2.1 Sofaree provides a marketplace platform (“Service”) through which you may list property(ies), set prices, receive reservations, communicate with Guests, and manage related tasks via your Dashboard.
2.2 Sofaree is only a facilitator/venue; Sofaree does not become a party to the actual booking contract between you and a Guest, except to the extent required by law or as otherwise specified in Sofaree’s Payment / Fees policies.
3. Host Eligibility, Listing Types, & Application
3.1 You must be at least 18 years old (or legal age in your jurisdiction) and have legal capacity to enter binding contracts.
3.2 You must own the property or have legal authorization (e.g. as tenant, manager, or agent) to list it.
3.3 To list or claim a property, you must complete Sofaree’s Host Application process, including any required verification (identity, property ownership, documents)
3.4 You must agree to abide by all property listing requirements (photos, accurate description, eligibility) as defined by Sofaree.
4. Listing Details & Performance Standards
4.1 You are responsible for ensuring your Listing’s description, photos, amenities, rates, cancellation policy, house rules, taxes, and other details are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
4.2 You must maintain your calendar availability and update it promptly when bookings are made, cancelled, or changed.
4.3 You must respond to booking inquiries / reservation requests within a reasonable timeframe (e.g. 24 hours, or as specified by Sofaree).
4.4 You agree not to misrepresent the Property, amenities, or location, or conceal relevant restrictions or limitations.
5. Fees, Commissions & Payment Terms
5.1 Sofaree will charge a commission of 15% on each successful booking.
5.2 Payments to Hosts will be processed on a weekly basis. Hosts may request for immediate payment via the Payout Request Form, which will then be processed within the day. This will include transaction / processing fees, banking fees, & permitted deductions.
5.3 Hosts are responsible for all applicable taxes (income tax, occupancy tax, tourism tax, VAT, etc.), and must provide required tax documents when requested.
6. Payment Methods & Payment Handling
6.1 Guests must use payment systems approved by Sofaree; any third-party payment providers are subject to their terms, but you agree to abide by Sofaree’s policies in relation to payments.
6.2 If required by local law, Sofaree may facilitate collection of occupancy or lodging taxes from Guests on your behalf and remit to authorities, provided laws allow.
7. Additional Services / Listings Types (if applicable)
7.1 If Sofaree offers different listing models (e.g. subscription listing, featured listing, pay-per-booking, etc.), you will agree to additional terms related to those models.
7.2 Sofaree may offer optional, paid “Additional Services” for Hosts (e.g. boosted listings, priority support, enhanced visibility). Terms for each additional service will be disclosed when you opt in.
8. Use of Dashboards & Tools
8.1 Through your Dashboard, you will have access to tools for managing Listings, availability, bookings, communication with Guests, reviews, payments, and reporting.
8.2 Sofaree provides these tools “as is” and does not guarantee they are error-free. Sofaree may make changes, enhancements, or deprecate features.
9. Submission of Content & Reviews
9.1 By uploading content (photos, descriptions, reviews, etc.), you grant Sofaree a license to use that content (display, reproduce, modify, distribute) as necessary to operate the Service.
9.2 Guest reviews of your property are published under the Review Policy; you may respond. Reviews must comply with the Content Guidelines.
9.3 You agree not to post content that infringes intellectual property, violates privacy, or is otherwise illegal or offensive.
10. Liability and Damages
10.1 Host Responsibility for Safety
The Host is solely responsible for maintaining the property or activity location in a safe, clean, and habitable condition. The Host must ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, building, and hospitality regulations.
If a Guest or third party suffers injury, illness, or loss arising from the Host’s negligence, unsafe conditions, or failure to disclose known hazards, the Host acknowledges and accepts full responsibility and liability for such claims.
10.2 Guest Responsibility for Damage
Guests are responsible for any damage, loss, or excessive wear caused to the Host’s property, furnishings, fixtures, or contents by the Guest, their companions, or their invitees. The Host may report such damage to Sofaree within a reasonable timeframe for review and possible compensation through the platform’s mediation process, if applicable.
10.3 Security Deposits and Claims
If Sofaree facilitates the collection of a security deposit, the Host authorizes Sofaree to withhold or deduct reasonable amounts from the Guest’s payment to cover verified damage claims. The Host acknowledges that Sofaree’s involvement in such mediation is discretionary and does not constitute an assumption of liability.
10.4 Platform Disclaimer
Sofaree acts solely as an intermediary between Hosts and Guests. Sofaree is not a party to any rental or service agreement between the parties and does not inspect, verify, or warrant the condition of any property or activity offered.
Accordingly, Sofaree shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, damage, claim, or expense arising from a Guest’s stay, a Host’s property, or any interactions between the parties, whether based on negligence, contract, or otherwise.
10.5 Insurance
Hosts are strongly encouraged to maintain appropriate homeowner, landlord, or short-term rental insurance that covers property damage and guest liability during bookings. Sofaree may request proof of coverage as a condition of continued participation on the platform.
11. Termination / Suspension of Listings & Host Access
11.1 Sofaree may suspend or remove Listings or terminate host status if you breach these Terms; if listing content is misleading; or property does not comply with laws or safety requirements.
11.2 In cases of serious violations (fraud, safety risk, legal mandate), suspension may be immediate, without notice.
11.3 Sofaree will provide notice and opportunity to remedy lesser violations.
12. Host Identity & Verification
12.1 Sofaree may require you to submit documentation (ID, proof of ownership or management rights, licenses, permits) to verify your identity and listing.
12.2 You agree to cooperate in verification; failure to verify may delay approval or lead to rejection.
13. Prohibited Conduct / Property Conditions
13.1 You must comply with house rules and ensure the property is safe, clean, and meets local health & safety standards.
13.2 You may not use the property for unethical or illegal purposes.
14. Cancellation & Refund Policy
14.1 Overview
Sofaree allows Hosts to choose from standardized cancellation policy tiers. These determine the amount of refund a Guest may receive if they cancel. The policies are designed to balance Guest flexibility with Host fairness and are aligned with major industry practices.
14.2 Host Responsibility
Each Host must select a cancellation policy tier for their listing. The chosen policy governs all confirmed bookings for that listing unless updated prior to booking confirmation. Hosts are responsible for clearly disclosing the policy on their listing page.
14.3 Sofaree Cancellation Policy Tiers
14.3.1. Flexible Policy
Guests may cancel up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 24 hours before check-in will incur a charge equal to the cost of the first night, and a 100% refund for remaining nights.
Once check-in has occurred, unused nights are non-refundable.
14.3.2. Moderate Policy
Guests may cancel up to 5 days before check-in for a full refund.
Cancellations made less than 5 days before check-in will result in a charge for the first night plus 50% of remaining nights.
Once check-in has occurred, unused nights are non-refundable.
14.3.3. Strict Policy
Guests may cancel within 48 hours of booking payment & up to 7 days before check-in for a 100% refund.
Cancellations made less than 7 days before check-in will result in a charge for the first night plus 50% of remaining nights.
Once check-in has occurred, unused nights are non-refundable.
14.3.4. Non-Refundable Policy
Reservations designated as Non-Refundable are not eligible for any refund once booked.
Hosts may offer discounted rates under this policy in exchange for stricter refund conditions.
14.4 Force Majeure and Exceptional Circumstances
In cases of government travel restrictions, declared disasters, or other uncontrollable events, Sofaree may override the Host’s selected policy and issue refunds or credits under the Extenuating Circumstances Policy.
14.5 Host Cancellations
Hosts who cancel confirmed bookings without valid reason are subject to penalties, including reduced search visibility, administrative fees, or suspension. Guests will receive a full refund for any Host-initiated cancellation.
14.6 Refund Processing
Eligible refunds are processed automatically through Sofaree’s payment system. Refunds are typically issued within 7–10 business days of the cancellation date, depending on the Guest’s payment provider.
14.7 Policy Updates
Sofaree may revise the available cancellation policy tiers to ensure competitiveness and compliance. Hosts will be notified before any material changes that affect active or future reservations.
15. Extenuating Circumstances Policy
15.1 Purpose
Sofaree recognizes that unforeseen events may prevent Guests or Hosts from fulfilling bookings. This policy ensures fair handling of such cases.
15.2 Qualifying Events
Examples of events that qualify under this policy include:
Government-imposed travel restrictions or bans.
Declared natural disasters (e.g. typhoons, earthquakes, floods).
Epidemics, pandemics, or public health emergencies.
Mandatory evacuations or civil unrest making travel unsafe.
Property damage rendering the listing uninhabitable before check-in.
Verified death or serious illness of the Host, Guest, or their immediate family.
15.3 Non-Qualifying Events
These do not qualify:
Transportation disruptions not caused by a qualifying event.
Personal schedule changes or travel errors.
Weather conditions that do not make the property unsafe.
Minor maintenance issues or dissatisfaction with listing features.
15.4 Documentation
Sofaree may request proof (e.g., official notice, medical certificate, police report). Failure to provide documentation within the requested timeframe may result in denial of a refund.
15.5 Refund Handling
If a reservation qualifies, Guests may receive a full refund, regardless of the Host’s cancellation policy. Alternatively, Sofaree may offer credit or rebooking depending on the situation.
15.6 Host Obligations
Hosts must immediately notify Sofaree if their property becomes unavailable or unsafe due to an extenuating circumstance. Failure to notify may lead to penalties or suspension.
15.7 Final Determination
Sofaree retains sole discretion to determine whether an event qualifies under this policy. All such determinations are final.
16. Damage / Claims / Insurance
16.1 Hosts are responsible for property damage, guest misconduct, or losses related to their listing (excluding wear and tear).
16.2 Hosts are encouraged to maintain insurance coverage sufficient to protect against liability, property damage, personal injury.
16.3 Sofaree may facilitate a damage claims process; you must assist in investigations and cooperating with documentation where required.
17. Liability, Indemnification & Disclaimers
17.1 Hosts agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sofaree (and its affiliates) for liabilities arising out of your breach of these Terms, your property, guests, or content.
17.2 Sofaree’s responsibility is limited to what is expressly stated in these Terms; Sofaree disclaims liability for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages to the fullest extent permitted by law.
18. Taxes & Tax Compliance
18.1 Host bears responsibility for all taxes, whether imposed on Hosts or Guests, unless law requires otherwise.
18.2 Sofaree may collect and remit taxes on behalf of hosts where legally required. Hosts must provide requested documentation, tax IDs, if necessary, as part of appropriate due diligence.
19. Intellectual Property & Brand Usage
19.1 Hosts must have legal rights to all content they post (photos, trademarks, descriptions).
19.2 Hosts may not misuse Sofaree’s trademarks or branding, or attempt to falsely present affiliation beyond permitted branding (e.g. “listed on Sofaree” is fine; claiming “written or endorsed by Sofaree” is not).
20. Communications & Privacy
20.1 Hosts should use Sofaree’s messaging system for communications with Guests; information must be accurate and respectful.
20.2 Hosts handle sensitive guest data (names, contact info, payment info) in compliance with privacy laws.
21. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
21.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of Seychelles.
21.2 If any dispute arises under these Terms, notice should be given first; if unresolved, follow Sofaree’s dispute resolution process (could be arbitration or court depending on local law).
22. Amendments & Notices
22.1 Sofaree may modify these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified in advance (e.g. 30 days) via Dashboard or Email.
22.2 Continued use after such notice indicates acceptance.
23. Miscellaneous Provisions
23.1 Relationship: You are an independent contractor. Nothing here creates an employer-employee or joint venture.
23.2 Severability: If one section is invalid under applicable law, other sections remain in force.
23.3 Waiver: Failure to enforce a right does not constitute waiver.
24. Entire Agreement
24.1 These Terms, plus any host policies, payment/fee schedules, listing requirements, and any property-specific or program-specific addenda (e.g. Featured Host, Premium Listing programs) constitute the entire agreement between you and Sofaree regarding your hosting on Sofaree.