Last Updated: January 2025
Please read these terms carefully before using the Host Guest platform.
These Terms of Service ("Terms") form a legally binding agreement between you and Host Guest LLC, a company organized under the laws of the State of Georgia, USA ("Host Guest," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing, registering an account on, or using the Host Guest website, mobile application, or related services (collectively, the "Platform"), you ("you," "user," "Host," or "Guest") agree to be bound by these Terms, along with our Privacy Policy, Cancellation and Refund Policy, and any other policies referenced herein (together, the "Agreements").
If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.
Host Guest operates a cultural hosting marketplace connecting international and out-of-state students and cultural travelers ("Guests") with verified host families and individuals offering accommodations ("Hosts"). Host Guest is not a real-estate broker, landlord, insurer, or property manager. The Platform facilitates discovery, communication, and booking between Hosts and Guests, but Host Guest does not own, control, or manage any property listed.
All bookings are made directly between Hosts and Guests. By using the Platform, you acknowledge that Host Guest's role is limited to providing a safe, trusted online venue for cultural exchange and short- or medium-term stays.
By creating an account, publishing a listing, or completing a booking, you:
Host Guest may modify or update these Terms at any time. Updated versions will be posted on the Platform with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Platform after publication constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
Certain services—such as identity verification, trust badges, or payout processing—may be subject to additional rules. Those supplemental policies form part of these Terms by reference.
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles. The English version controls in the event of any translation.
Host Guest provides an online platform that facilitates cultural exchange and accommodation arrangements between independent Hosts and Guests. Host Guest is not a party to any agreement between Hosts and Guests.
Host Guest does not and cannot:
Your use of the Platform is entirely at your own risk. Hosts and Guests are fully responsible for their own actions, listings, and interactions.
Host Guest works with authorized third-party providers, including payment processors and verification partners, to enable transactions and build user trust. These providers may verify government identification, contact details, or insurance documentation on behalf of Host Guest.
Based on these verifications, informational badges may appear on user profiles, including:
Availability Notice: Some verification features and badges may be introduced gradually during Host Guest's MVP and beta testing phases. Display of badges does not imply that all users or listings have been reviewed or verified at launch.
Host Guest does not control or monitor:
While Host Guest may moderate or remove content that violates these Terms, Host Guest assumes no ongoing duty to monitor or intervene in user activity. Reports of misconduct will be reviewed at Host Guest's discretion.
Host Guest may provide general recommendations, guidance, or safety tips. Such information is for advisory purposes only and does not replace legal, financial, or insurance advice. Hosts and Guests are encouraged to seek professional advice where necessary.
For Hosts: You are solely responsible for your property, compliance with laws, and maintaining adequate insurance coverage.
For Guests: You are solely responsible for your conduct, compliance with Host rules, and cultural sensitivity during your stay.
Host Guest is not liable for any disputes, damages, or losses resulting from interactions between Hosts and Guests.
As a Host, you are solely responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations, including housing, zoning, fire safety, tax, and anti-discrimination laws. You must obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, and registrations required to lawfully offer accommodations in your jurisdiction.
Host Guest does not determine whether your hosting activity is lawful in your area. You are responsible for seeking your own professional or legal advice when needed.
Before publishing a listing or accepting a booking, all Hosts must complete identity verification through Host Guest's designated third-party verification provider. Verification may include the submission of government-issued identification, contact information, and payment validation.
Verification is required to access the Platform's hosting features. Hosts who fail or refuse to complete verification may not list properties or communicate with Guests.
Verification confirms only that the Host completed the process. It does not guarantee safety, reliability, legality, or suitability.
Hosts must provide accurate and complete information in their listings, including:
You agree not to post misleading information or omit important details that could influence a Guest's decision to book.
Hosts are encouraged to maintain valid homeowner, renter, or liability insurance that covers short-term guests.
If an incident, injury, theft, or property damage occurs, Host Guest is not responsible for reimbursement or coverage. The Host bears full responsibility for their property and activities on it.
Hosts must:
Host Guest encourages Hosts to promote cultural understanding while maintaining respectful household boundaries.
Hosts may not:
Any attempt to complete transactions outside the Platform violates these Terms and may result in account suspension or termination.
Hosts are responsible for:
Host Guest may provide communication tools to assist with resolution but is not responsible for mediating or compensating for damages.
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Host Guest, its officers, employees, and agents from any claim, liability, damage, or loss arising from your property, your conduct, or your violation of laws, regulations, or these Terms.
Hosts acknowledge that in some jurisdictions, Guests staying for 28 nights or more may acquire tenant rights under local landlord–tenant laws.
During the MVP and beta testing phases, Hosts are strongly encouraged to limit stays to less than 30 consecutive nights to avoid creating tenancy relationships. Hosts are responsible for understanding their local regulations and ensuring compliance.
Host Guest is not a landlord or party to any tenancy that may arise from an extended stay.
Before booking accommodations, messaging a Host, or using the Platform, all Guests must complete identity verification through Host Guest's designated third-party verification provider.
Verification may include submission of government-issued identification, contact confirmation, and payment method validation.
Verification is a condition of access to the Platform. Guests who do not complete verification cannot book, message Hosts, or make payments.
Verification confirms only that a Guest completed the process. It does not guarantee safety, reliability, or suitability.
Guests must provide truthful and complete information when creating an account, submitting inquiries, or making bookings.
You agree to:
Guests must follow all rules, restrictions, and cultural guidelines set by the Host, including:
Failure to comply may result in immediate cancellation of the booking, loss of access to the Platform, and liability for damages.
Guests must behave responsibly and respectfully while using the Platform or staying in a Host's property. You may not:
Host Guest promotes mutual respect and cultural understanding. Guests are expected to uphold that standard at all times.
Guests are financially responsible for any property damage, loss, or injury they cause to the Host, the property, or third parties.
If a dispute arises, the Guest and Host must first attempt to resolve it directly. Host Guest may provide communication tools or documentation but is not obligated to mediate or reimburse losses.
Guests agree to honor all booking terms and payment requirements. Payments are processed securely through Host Guest's authorized payment processor.
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Host Guest, its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, losses, or liabilities arising from:
Guests understand that stays of 28 nights or more may be subject to landlord–tenant laws in certain jurisdictions.
During the MVP and beta testing phases, Guests are encouraged to book stays of fewer than 30 consecutive nights to avoid unintended tenancy relationships. Host Guest is not a landlord or party to any tenancy.
All users, including both Hosts and Guests, must complete identity verification through Host Guest's designated third-party verification provider before accessing the core functions of the Platform.
Verification may include the submission of:
Verification confirms only that a user completed the process. It does not represent a guarantee of truthfulness, reliability, or lawful conduct. Users remain fully responsible for their actions before, during, and after verification.
Hosts who upload proof of valid household or liability insurance may receive a Peace of Mind Badge after their documentation is reviewed for formality by a third-party verification partner.
Hosts and Guests who complete identity verification successfully will receive a Verified Identity Badge on their profile.
The Superhost Badge may be awarded to Hosts who meet activity and performance standards determined by Host Guest. Criteria may include responsiveness, positive reviews, consistency, and overall hosting quality.
Hosts may choose to display Cultural and Lifestyle Badges that represent household preferences or values such as:
These badges are self-selected and not verified by Host Guest. They are intended to help Guests understand the home environment and cultural expectations before booking. Guests are responsible for reviewing and respecting these preferences.
To ensure stability during MVP and beta phases, Host Guest will introduce verification and badge features gradually. Not all users, listings, or regions will have access to every badge or verification service at launch.
Host Guest will communicate any new verification tools or updates directly through the Platform as they become available. Display of a badge does not imply that all users have been reviewed or verified.
All badges, including Peace of Mind, Verified Identity, Superhost, and Cultural or Lifestyle badges, are informational only. They do not represent:
Users are solely responsible for making informed decisions and exercising caution when booking or hosting.
Host Guest may suspend, remove, or deny badges at its discretion if:
All payments on the Platform are handled through authorized third-party payment processors, such as Stripe Connect Express, which manage transactions between Guests and Hosts. By using the Platform, you agree to comply with the terms and privacy policies of these providers.
Host Guest does not store or process credit-card or banking information directly. All financial data and transfers occur securely through the payment processor's system.
Host Guest is not responsible for any errors, delays, chargebacks, or disputes arising from the third-party payment process.
Guests agree to pay all booking fees, deposits, and taxes shown at checkout. Payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise specified.
During the MVP and beta testing phases:
Failure to provide valid payment information or to complete payment may result in cancellation or account suspension.
Hosts will receive payouts through Stripe Connect Express or another authorized processor.
Host Guest reserves the right to adjust its fee structure with prior notice to users. Continued use of the Platform after any change constitutes acceptance of the revised rates.
Hosts are solely responsible for determining and fulfilling any tax obligations that result from hosting, including income, occupancy, and local lodging taxes.
Where required by law, Host Guest may collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of Hosts or Guests. In such cases, tax handling details will appear during checkout.
Host Guest does not provide tax advice. Each user is responsible for consulting a qualified professional regarding tax obligations.
Guests must review and accept the cancellation and refund policy displayed at the time of booking.
If a chargeback or reversal occurs, Host Guest reserves the right to recover owed amounts by:
Hosts and Guests must cooperate with Host Guest and its payment processor to resolve payment disputes in good faith.
All transactions occur in the currency shown at checkout. Exchange rates are determined by third-party providers and may change without notice. Host Guest is not responsible for any differences between estimated and actual conversion rates.
Host Guest is founded on trust, cultural respect, and safety. While the Platform facilitates connections between Hosts and Guests, safety is a shared responsibility.
By using the Platform, you agree to:
Host Guest may provide safety resources or reminders, but such materials are advisory only and do not replace each user's personal responsibility for safe conduct and compliance.
Host Guest promotes cultural exchange between Hosts and Guests from different backgrounds. To create respectful and inclusive experiences:
Failure to respect cultural or household boundaries may lead to suspension or termination of your account.
Host Guest is committed to fairness and equality. Discrimination or harassment of any kind is prohibited.
Users may not refuse service or treatment based on: race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or any other status protected by law.
Violations of this policy may result in immediate account termination and permanent removal from the Platform.
All users agree not to engage in:
Users who violate these standards may be suspended or permanently removed.
To maintain a trusted community, Hosts and Guests agree to:
Reviews that are defamatory, discriminatory, or unrelated to an actual stay may be removed at Host Guest's discretion.
Host Guest reserves the right to investigate, suspend, or terminate any account that violates these safety or community standards.
Host Guest may also:
Host Guest is not required to mediate disputes but may provide tools or communication support when appropriate.
Hosts and Guests may post, upload, or share content on the Platform, including property descriptions, photos, videos, reviews, biographies, or cultural information ("User Content").
By submitting User Content, you grant Host Guest a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable, and transferable license to use, reproduce, modify, display, and distribute such content in connection with operating, promoting, and improving the Platform.
You represent and warrant that:
You may not post or share content that is:
Host Guest may remove or restrict any content that violates these Terms or harms the community, at its discretion.
Hosts and Guests can leave reviews or feedback about their experiences. Reviews must be honest, fair, and relevant to actual stays or interactions.
Host Guest collects and processes personal information as described in its Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference into these Terms.
By using the Platform, you consent to Host Guest's collection and use of your information for purposes such as:
Host Guest may share limited information with Hosts, Guests, or third-party service providers only as necessary to facilitate bookings, verification, or payments.
All communication between Hosts and Guests must take place through the Platform's secure messaging system until a booking is confirmed.
Host Guest employs reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect user data. However, no system is entirely secure.
By using the Platform, you acknowledge that Host Guest cannot guarantee absolute security of your data. Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
In the event of a data breach or security incident, Host Guest will follow all applicable notification requirements under Georgia and federal law.
Users agree not to engage in any of the following activities while using the Platform:
Host Guest reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts involved in any prohibited activity.
You may not:
These restrictions protect the integrity and reliability of the Platform for all users.
The Platform may only be used for lawful hosting and booking activities. You may not:
Any use of the Platform outside its intended purpose may result in immediate suspension or termination.
Users are strictly prohibited from arranging or completing transactions outside the Platform, including booking renewals, payment transfers, or stay extensions.
Off-platform transactions undermine trust and violate these Terms. Host Guest reserves the right to:
This rule ensures fair and transparent operation for all Hosts and Guests.
If Host Guest determines that a user has engaged in prohibited activity, Host Guest may:
All decisions under this section are made at Host Guest's sole discretion.
The Host Guest Platform, including all content, features, and services, is provided as is and as available without any warranties or guarantees of any kind, whether express or implied.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Host Guest disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to:
Your use of the Platform is entirely at your own risk.
You acknowledge that Host Guest:
All accommodations and experiences are provided directly by independent Hosts, and all agreements are between Hosts and Guests.
Host Guest is not an insurer or guarantor. The Platform does not provide insurance coverage for Hosts, Guests, or any property.
Badges such as the Peace of Mind Badge or Verified Identity Badge are informational only. They do not represent or imply any guarantee, validation, or endorsement by Host Guest.
Host Guest does not guarantee the safety, legality, or suitability of any Host, Guest, or property.
While Host Guest requires identity verification through third-party providers, it does not guarantee or independently verify the accuracy of those results.
Host Guest does not conduct criminal background checks or direct property inspections. All users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and exercising caution.
Hosts and Guests interact with one another at their own risk. Host Guest cannot control or monitor user behavior outside the Platform.
By using the Platform, you release Host Guest from all claims, damages, or disputes arising from your interactions with other users, including injuries, losses, or disagreements occurring during or after a booking.
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Host Guest LLC, including its officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents, shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages.
This includes, without limitation:
This limitation applies to all legal theories, including contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise, even if Host Guest has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
In no event shall Host Guest's total aggregate liability to any user exceed the greater of:
This limitation applies regardless of the cause or number of claims brought.
The limitations set forth in this section reflect a fair and reasonable allocation of risk between you and Host Guest. Without such limitations, the Platform could not be offered at its current cost or availability.
The above limitations shall not apply in cases where such exclusions are prohibited by law. In jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion of certain damages, Host Guest's liability shall be limited to the minimum amount permitted by applicable law.
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Host Guest LLC, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees and legal costs) arising out of or related to:
This obligation applies to both Hosts and Guests.
Host Guest reserves the right, at its own expense, to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification. If that occurs, you agree to cooperate fully with Host Guest in the defense of any such claim.
You may not settle or resolve any claim that involves Host Guest without Host Guest's prior written consent.
Your indemnification obligations survive:
Host Guest may, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, suspend, deactivate, limit, or permanently terminate your account and access to the Platform if:
Host Guest is not liable to you or any third party for suspension or termination of your account.
You may close or deactivate your Host Guest account at any time by following the account closure process available in your profile settings.
Account closure does not relieve you of any obligations incurred before termination, including payment of fees, indemnification, or resolution of disputes.
Upon termination or suspension:
The following sections survive termination:
These provisions continue to apply even after account closure or Platform deactivation.
These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, United States, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
Before starting any formal action, you agree to first contact Host Guest at [email protected] to attempt to resolve the dispute informally.
Host Guest will review and respond in good faith within thirty (30) days. Both parties agree to make reasonable efforts to reach a resolution before pursuing arbitration or legal proceedings.
If a dispute cannot be resolved informally, it shall be submitted to binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Commercial Arbitration Rules.
This section applies to all disputes or claims arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, or your relationship with Host Guest, whether based in contract, tort, statute, or otherwise.
By agreeing to arbitration, you waive the right to a trial by jury in any proceeding related to these Terms or your use of the Platform.
You agree that any dispute will be conducted only on an individual basis. You waive the right to participate in a class, collective, or representative action against Host Guest.
Host Guest may seek temporary or permanent injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction in Georgia to prevent misuse of the Platform, protect intellectual property, or preserve the safety and integrity of its community.
Any claim or cause of action arising out of or relating to these Terms must be filed within one (1) year after the event giving rise to the claim. Claims not filed within this period are permanently barred.
Host Guest reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, amend, or update these Terms, as well as any supplemental policies, including the Privacy Policy, Cancellation and Refund Policy, and Badge Criteria, at any time.
When material changes are made, Host Guest will:
Your continued use of the Platform after any modification becomes effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
Unless otherwise stated, modifications take effect immediately upon posting. In some cases, Host Guest may specify a later effective date.
It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. If you do not agree with any revised Terms, you must stop using the Platform and close your account.
These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Cancellation and Refund Policy, Badge Criteria, and any other supplemental documents incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and Host Guest LLC regarding your use of the Platform.
They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or communications, whether written or oral.
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Failure by Host Guest to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision unless acknowledged in writing by Host Guest.
You may not assign, transfer, or delegate your rights or obligations under these Terms without prior written consent from Host Guest.
Host Guest may assign or transfer these Terms, in whole or in part, without restriction and without prior notice to users.
These Terms are written and interpreted in English. In the event of any difference between the English version and a translated version, the English version will control.
Host Guest shall not be held responsible for any delay or failure in performance caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, strikes, pandemics, government orders, power outages, or internet disruptions.
Section titles and headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or enforceability of these Terms.
This Cancellation and Refund Policy governs all booking cancellations and refunds made through the Host Guest platform. It applies to both Guests and Hosts and forms part of the binding Host Guest Agreements, alongside these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.
Host Guest acts solely as a marketplace platform facilitating bookings and payments between Hosts and Guests. Refunds are processed through Stripe Connect Express and are subject to Stripe's applicable processing fees and timelines.
Host Guest's service fees are non-refundable, unless otherwise required by law.
Hosts are expected to honor confirmed bookings. If a Host cancels:
Hosts who cancel repeatedly may be permanently removed from the Platform.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond a user's control, including but not limited to:
Host Guest may override the Host's cancellation policy and issue a refund or credit at its sole discretion. Documentation may be required.
Refunds, when applicable, will be:
If partial refunds apply (per Host policy), service fees remain non-refundable.
Guests who fail to show up without canceling are not eligible for any refund.
If a Guest believes they are entitled to a refund not received, they must submit a claim within 72 hours of check-in through the Host Guest support system.
Cleaning fees and additional charges set by Hosts are refundable only if the booking is canceled before check-in.
If any transaction or arrangement occurs off-platform, Host Guest will not provide refunds, protections, or dispute resolution.
This Cancellation and Refund Policy may be updated periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or notice on the Platform. The updated Policy will include a revised "Effective Date."
For questions or refund-related requests, contact:
© 2025 Host Guest, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]