Guest Terms & Conditions
Last Updated: December 8, 2025
Table of Contents
Welcome to StayLonger! These Guest Terms and Conditions ("Guest Terms") govern your use of the StayLonger platform as a guest and your booking of extended stay accommodations. By creating an account or making a reservation, you agree to be bound by these Guest Terms.
These Guest Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (the "Guest") and StayLonger Pty Ltd ("StayLonger," "we," "us," or "our"). Please read these terms carefully before proceeding with any booking.
1. Introduction
StayLonger operates a premium online platform connecting guests with property owners for extended stay accommodations of 30 days or more. These Guest Terms apply specifically to individuals booking accommodations through our platform.
By using our services as a guest, you confirm that:
- You are at least 18 years of age and have the legal capacity to enter into contracts
- You have read and understood these Guest Terms and our Privacy Policy
- You agree to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and house rules
- All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete
- You will use the platform for personal, non-commercial purposes only
2. Eligibility & Account
Guest Eligibility
To book accommodations on StayLonger, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Provide valid government-issued identification
- Complete identity verification when required
- Have a valid payment method
- Not be on any restricted or prohibited user lists
Account Registration
Creating an account is required to make bookings. You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
- All activities that occur under your account
- Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use
- Keeping your account information accurate and up-to-date
Identity Verification
To ensure community safety, we may require identity verification including:
- Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license)
- Selfie verification
- Phone number verification
- Additional documentation as needed
Verification typically takes 1-2 business days. Bookings cannot be confirmed until verification is complete.
3. Booking Process
When you make a booking through StayLonger, you enter into a direct agreement with the property owner (Host). StayLonger facilitates the booking but is not a party to the rental agreement.
Making a Booking
To complete a booking:
- Search for properties using our filters (location, dates, guests, amenities)
- Review property details, photos, amenities, and house rules carefully
- Select your desired dates (minimum 30 nights for extended stays)
- Review the total cost including all fees and charges
- Provide accurate guest information and special requests
- Enter valid payment details
- Review and accept these Guest Terms
Booking Confirmation
A booking is confirmed when:
- The host accepts your booking request (typically within 24 hours)
- Your payment is successfully processed
- You receive a booking confirmation email from StayLonger
- Required security deposit (if applicable) is authorized
Hosts may decline booking requests at their discretion. If declined, any charges will be fully refunded within 5-7 business days.
Guest Numbers
The number of guests must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated in the property listing. Additional guests must be:
- Disclosed at the time of booking
- Approved in advance by the host
- May incur additional charges
Unauthorized guests may result in immediate booking termination without refund.
4. Payment Terms
Total Booking Cost
The total cost of your booking includes:
- Nightly rate × number of nights
- Service fee (calculated as percentage of subtotal)
- Cleaning fee (if applicable)
- Additional guest fees (if applicable)
- Pet fees (if applicable and approved)
- Applicable taxes and surcharges
All costs are displayed in Australian Dollars (AUD) before you confirm your booking. There are no hidden fees.
Payment Schedule
For extended stays (30+ nights):
- First month's rent + service fee + security deposit due at booking
- Subsequent monthly payments charged automatically 7 days before each monthly anniversary
- Final month's payment adjusted for exact number of days
- All payments processed via our secure payment partner Stripe
Accepted Payment Methods
- Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit cards
- Bank transfers (for approved bookings only)
Payment information is securely stored and encrypted. We do not store complete credit card details on our servers.
Failed Payments
If any payment fails during your stay:
- You will be notified immediately via email and SMS
- You have 48 hours to provide alternative payment
- Failure to pay may result in booking termination
- You remain liable for all payments due
5. Cancellation Policy
We understand that plans change. Our cancellation policy is designed to protect both guests and hosts while being fair to all parties.
Standard Cancellation Policy
- More than 30 days before check-in: Full refund minus service fee
- 14-30 days before check-in: 50% refund of accommodation cost (service fee non-refundable)
- Less than 14 days before check-in: No refund
- Service fees: Non-refundable in all cases
Extended Stay Cancellations
For bookings during your stay (after check-in), if you need to leave early:
- Provide at least 30 days' notice to the host and StayLonger
- You are responsible for payment for 30 days from notice date
- No refund for unused nights within the 30-day notice period
- Security deposit returned after property inspection
Host Cancellations
If a host cancels your confirmed booking:
- Full refund of all payments made
- Assistance finding alternative accommodation
- Possible compensation for inconvenience (at our discretion)
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Medical emergencies
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Travel delays
For complete details, see our Cancellation Policy.
6. Check-in & Check-out
Check-in
Standard check-in details:
- Check-in time is specified in your booking confirmation (typically 3:00 PM or later)
- Access instructions will be sent 24-48 hours before arrival
- Self check-in available at most properties
- Early check-in may be available by arrangement (additional fees may apply)
- Photo ID must be presented if meeting host in person
Check-out
Standard check-out requirements:
- Check-out time specified in booking confirmation (typically 10:00 AM)
- Remove all personal belongings and rubbish
- Leave property in clean and tidy condition
- Return all keys, access cards, and remotes
- Turn off all lights and appliances
- Lock all doors and windows
- Report any damage or issues that occurred during stay
Late check-out may be available by prior arrangement and may incur additional charges.
7. Guest Conduct & House Rules
General Conduct
As a guest, you must:
- Treat the property with care and respect
- Comply with all house rules provided by the host
- Respect neighbors and maintain reasonable noise levels
- Follow local laws, ordinances, and regulations
- Not engage in illegal activities
- Not disturb other residents or neighbors
Prohibited Activities
The following are strictly prohibited:
- Smoking indoors (unless explicitly permitted)
- Parties or events without prior written approval
- Commercial activities or photo/video shoots
- Subletting or unauthorized guests
- Illegal drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
- Activities that violate house rules or disturb neighbors
Pets
- Pets only allowed if explicitly approved by host
- Pet fees must be paid in advance
- All pets must be disclosed at booking
- Guests responsible for all pet damage
- Pets must be supervised and controlled at all times
8. Property Use
Residential Use Only
Properties are leased for residential, extended stay purposes only. You may not:
- Conduct business operations or commercial activities
- Use the property for events, parties, or gatherings without approval
- Sublet or allow unauthorized persons to stay
- Use the property in any way that violates local zoning laws
Maintenance and Reporting
You must:
- Report any damage, defects, or maintenance issues immediately
- Use all appliances and equipment according to instructions
- Not attempt repairs without host authorization
- Maintain reasonable cleanliness standards
- Report safety hazards immediately
9. Damages & Security Deposit
Security Deposit
Most properties require a security deposit to cover potential damage or additional cleaning:
- Amount specified in booking confirmation (typically $500-$2,000)
- Held via credit card pre-authorization or direct payment
- Released 7-14 days after check-out following inspection
- Deductions made only for documented damage or excessive cleaning
Guest Responsibility for Damage
You are responsible for any damage caused to the property or its contents during your stay, including damage caused by:
- You, members of your party, or guests
- Your pets (if permitted)
- Negligence or misuse of property or equipment
Reporting Damage
If you damage something:
- Report it immediately to the host and StayLonger
- Take photos of the damage
- Do not attempt unauthorized repairs
- Cooperate with any insurance claims
Prompt reporting of accidental damage is appreciated and may result in more lenient handling.
Damage Exceeding Deposit
If damage costs exceed your security deposit, you remain liable for the additional amount. We may pursue recovery through legal means if necessary.
10. Liability & Insurance
Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by Australian law:
- StayLonger acts as a booking facilitator and is not responsible for property condition or safety
- We do not guarantee properties will meet your expectations
- We are not liable for injuries, losses, or damages during your stay
- We are not responsible for loss or theft of personal belongings
- We are not liable for utility disruptions beyond our control
This limitation does not exclude liability for fraud, gross negligence, or rights under Australian Consumer Law.
Guest Insurance
You are strongly advised to obtain:
- Travel insurance covering cancellations and medical emergencies
- Personal liability insurance
- Contents insurance for personal belongings
- Renters insurance for extended stays
11. Booking Modifications
You may request modifications to your booking (dates, guest numbers, etc.) subject to:
- Host approval required for all changes
- Availability for new dates
- Price differences may apply
- Modification fees may apply for certain changes
Contact us or the host as early as possible to request modifications. Not all modification requests can be accommodated.
12. Termination
Termination by Guest
You may terminate your booking in accordance with our cancellation policy. Early departure does not entitle you to refunds unless covered by insurance.
Termination by Host or StayLonger
We or the host may terminate your booking immediately without refund if you:
- Breach these Guest Terms
- Violate house rules or local laws
- Engage in disruptive, dangerous, or illegal behavior
- Exceed maximum occupancy without authorization
- Cause significant damage to the property
- Disturb neighbors or other residents
- Provide false information
In such cases, you must vacate immediately and forfeit all payments.
Account Suspension
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account for violations of these terms, fraudulent activity, or misuse of the platform.
13. Contact Information
If you have questions about these Guest Terms and Conditions, please contact us:
Guest Support: [email protected]
Booking Assistance: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 000 000 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm AEST)
Mailing Address: StayLonger Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Important Notice: These Guest Terms and Conditions form a legally binding contract. By making a booking, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms. If you have any questions, please contact us before proceeding with your booking.