1Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the StudentStay website, mobile application, or related services (collectively, the "Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform. Continued use of the Platform constitutes ongoing acceptance of any updates to these Terms.
2Definitions
- "Company," "we," "us," "our" refers to StudentStay.
- "User," "you" refers to any person accessing or using the Platform, including students, guests, and property owners.
- "Property" refers to any student accommodation, room, or unit listed or booked through the Platform.
- "Landlord" / "Host" refers to the owner, manager, or authorized representative of a Property.
- "Booking" refers to a confirmed reservation of a Property made through the Platform.
3Eligibility
To use the Platform, you must be at least 18 years of age, or the age of majority in your jurisdiction, unless you provide verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian. You must be able to form a legally binding contract. You may be required to provide proof of enrollment or student status at a recognized educational institution as part of the booking or verification process.
4User Accounts
You must create an account to make a Booking. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information and to keep it up to date. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.
5Booking Process
A Booking is only confirmed once you receive written confirmation from us (via email or the Platform) and, where applicable, any required deposit or payment has been received. Listings, availability, and pricing are subject to change without notice until a Booking is confirmed. It is your responsibility to review all Property details, dates, and terms before confirming a Booking.
6Pricing and Payment
All prices are displayed in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive/exclusive of applicable taxes and fees as indicated at checkout. Accepted payment methods are listed on the Platform. Payment must be made in full or according to any installment plan agreed to at the time of Booking. Failure to make timely payment may result in cancellation of your Booking and forfeiture of any non-refundable amounts.
7Deposits and Damages
A security deposit of R100 may be required at the time of Booking. Deposits are held to cover damages, unpaid charges, or breaches of house rules and will be returned within [X] days after check-out, less any deductions, along with an itemized statement of any deductions made.
8Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation requests must be submitted through the Platform. Refund eligibility depends on how far in advance of the check-in date the cancellation is made, as outlined in the applicable rate plan. No-shows and late cancellations may result in forfeiture of the full Booking amount. We reserve the right to cancel a Booking due to unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be provided unless otherwise stated.
9Check-In and Check-Out
Standard check-in and check-out times are specified on the Property listing. Valid government-issued identification and proof of Booking are required at check-in. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to availability and may incur additional fees.
10Length of Stay and Amendments
Bookings are made for the duration specified at the time of reservation. Requests to extend or shorten a stay must be submitted in advance and are subject to availability and applicable fees. Early termination of a Booking does not guarantee a refund for the unused portion unless required by law or expressly agreed in writing.
11House Rules and Responsibilities
Users agree to comply with all house rules, building policies, and applicable laws while staying at a Property. This includes restrictions on noise, guests, smoking, pets, and subletting where applicable. You are responsible for any damage caused by you or your guests during your stay, beyond normal wear and tear.
12Property Owners and Listings
Landlords and property managers are solely responsible for the accuracy of their listings, including pricing, availability, photographs, amenities, and compliance with local housing regulations. StudentStay facilitates connections between students and Landlords but is not a party to the lease or accommodation agreement unless expressly stated. Disputes regarding the Property itself should first be addressed directly with the Landlord, with the Platform available to assist in mediation where possible.
13Acceptable Use and Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to: use the Platform for any unlawful purpose; submit false, misleading, or fraudulent information; interfere with the security or functionality of the Platform; harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users or staff; or use the Platform to circumvent Booking fees by arranging off-platform transactions. Violation of this section may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account.
14User Content and Reviews
If the Platform allows you to submit reviews, photos, or other content, you grant StudentStay a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, reproduce, and display that content in connection with the Platform. Reviews must be honest, based on genuine experience, and free of abusive, defamatory, or unlawful material. We reserve the right to remove content that violates these Terms.
15Intellectual Property
All content on the Platform, including logos, text, graphics, and software, is the property of StudentStay or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works from any part of the Platform without prior written consent.
16Privacy and Data Protection
Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including POPIA and, where applicable, GDPR. By using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described therein.
17Third-Party Links and Services
The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services, including payment processors and mapping tools. We do not control and are not responsible for the content, policies, or practices of any third-party sites. Use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their respective terms.
18Insurance
We strongly recommend that Users obtain appropriate personal property, liability, and/or renter's insurance for the duration of their stay. StudentStay is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings.
19Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, StudentStay shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform or any Property, including but not limited to loss of data, loss of accommodation, or personal injury, except where such liability cannot be excluded by law. Our total liability for any claim arising from these Terms shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the relevant Booking.
20Disclaimer of Warranties
The Platform and all listings are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or completely secure.
21Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless StudentStay, its officers, employees, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of these Terms, misuse of the Platform, or violation of any law or third-party right.
22Force Majeure
We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance resulting from causes beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, government action, labor disputes, or utility failures.
23Termination
We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without notice, for conduct that violates these Terms or is otherwise harmful to other users, the Company, or third parties. You may also close your account at any time by contacting us. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination (including liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution) will remain in effect.
24Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising from these Terms or use of the Platform shall first be attempted to be resolved informally. If unresolved, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa, or resolved through binding arbitration if specified by the Company.
25Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform or email prior to taking effect. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.