Community Guidelines

Welcome to the StayLonger community! These Community Guidelines outline the standards of behavior we expect from all members of our platform. By creating an account and using StayLonger, you agree to follow these guidelines and contribute to a safe, respectful, and welcoming community for everyone.

1. Introduction

StayLonger connects hosts and guests for extended stay rentals. Our platform thrives on trust, respect, and transparency. These Community Guidelines work alongside our Terms of Service to ensure a positive experience for all users.

Whether you're listing your property as a host or booking a stay as a guest, we expect you to treat others with courtesy, honesty, and respect.

2. Core Values

The StayLonger community is built on the following core values:

Trust: Be honest, transparent, and reliable in all your interactions.
Respect: Treat others with kindness, dignity, and consideration regardless of background, identity, or beliefs.
Safety: Prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and others.
Responsibility: Take ownership of your actions and commitments.
Inclusivity: Welcome and respect people from all walks of life.

3. Guidelines for Hosts

As a host on StayLonger, you play a crucial role in providing safe, comfortable, and welcoming accommodations for guests. Please adhere to the following guidelines:

3.1 Accurate Listings

Provide accurate, truthful, and up-to-date descriptions of your property
Use recent, high-quality photos that accurately represent your space
Clearly list all amenities, features, and restrictions
Specify any potential issues or limitations (e.g., noise, stairs, ongoing construction)
Keep your calendar up-to-date to reflect accurate availability

3.2 Property Standards

Ensure your property meets all local safety, health, and building codes
Maintain your property in a clean, safe, and habitable condition
Provide essential amenities as advertised (e.g., hot water, heating, internet)
Address maintenance issues promptly and professionally
Ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are installed and functioning

3.3 Communication

Respond to guest inquiries within 24 hours
Provide clear check-in instructions well in advance
Be available to address guest questions or concerns during their stay
Communicate any changes or issues promptly and transparently
Provide local recommendations and helpful information about your area

3.4 House Rules

Clearly state your house rules in your listing
Ensure rules are reasonable and clearly communicated before booking
Apply house rules consistently and fairly to all guests
Respect guests' privacy and quiet enjoyment of your property

3.5 Non-Discrimination

Do not discriminate against guests based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, age, or any other protected characteristic
Accept or decline booking requests based solely on legitimate, non-discriminatory factors
Provide equal access and treatment to all guests

3.6 Pricing and Transparency

Set fair and transparent pricing for your property
Disclose all fees, charges, and deposits upfront
Honor confirmed bookings at the agreed-upon price
Do not request payment outside the StayLonger platform

3.7 Legal Compliance

Ensure you have the legal right to rent your property
Comply with all local laws, regulations, and homeowner association rules
Obtain any required permits, licenses, or approvals
Pay all applicable taxes related to your rental income

4. Guidelines for Guests

As a guest on StayLonger, you are expected to treat hosts' properties with care and respect. Please follow these guidelines:

4.1 Accurate Booking Information

Provide accurate information about yourself and your travel companions
Be honest about the number of guests who will occupy the property
Disclose any special needs or requirements during the booking process
Do not book a property under false pretenses

4.2 Respect for Property

Treat the property as if it were your own home
Follow all house rules specified by the host
Keep the property clean and tidy during your stay
Use all amenities and appliances responsibly
Leave the property in substantially the same condition as when you arrived (normal wear and tear excepted)
Report any damage or issues to the host immediately

4.3 Respect for Neighbors

Be considerate of neighbors and the surrounding community
Keep noise levels appropriate, especially during nighttime hours
Follow local customs, rules, and regulations
Dispose of trash and recycling properly
Respect parking rules and shared spaces

4.4 Communication

Communicate clearly and respectfully with your host
Inform your host of any changes to your arrival time or plans
Report any problems or concerns promptly
Ask questions if you're unsure about house rules or property features

4.5 Check-Out Procedures

Follow the host's check-out instructions
Leave the property by the specified check-out time
Dispose of trash and wash dishes unless otherwise instructed
Return keys or access devices as directed
Lock all doors and windows when you leave

4.6 Prohibited Activities

Do not engage in illegal activities on the property
Do not host parties or events unless explicitly authorized by the host
Do not smoke indoors unless specifically permitted
Do not bring pets unless the listing allows them
Do not use the property for commercial purposes unless authorized

5. Safety and Security

Safety is a top priority for the StayLonger community. All users should:

Verify Identity: Complete identity verification when required by StayLonger or requested by hosts/guests.
Know Emergency Procedures: Hosts should provide emergency contact information and evacuation procedures. Guests should familiarize themselves with these procedures upon arrival.
Disclose Hazards: Hosts must disclose any safety hazards or risks associated with the property (e.g., steep stairs, pool, wildlife).
Secure Personal Information: Do not share sensitive personal information (e.g., passport numbers, financial details) outside the StayLonger platform.
Report Safety Concerns: Immediately report any safety or security issues to StayLonger support.
Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn't feel right, contact StayLonger support or local authorities.

6. Communication Standards

Effective and respectful communication is essential to a positive experience on StayLonger:

Be Respectful: Use polite, professional language in all communications.
Respond Promptly: Reply to messages within 24 hours when possible.
Be Clear and Specific: Provide detailed information when asking questions or addressing concerns.
Use the Platform: Keep all booking-related communications on the StayLonger platform for security and record-keeping.
No Harassment: Do not engage in abusive, threatening, or harassing behavior.
Stay Professional: Avoid overly personal or inappropriate topics.

7. Reviews and Ratings

Reviews and ratings help build trust within the StayLonger community. When leaving reviews:

Be Honest and Fair: Provide truthful, balanced feedback based on your actual experience.
Be Constructive: Offer specific details and constructive criticism rather than vague complaints.
Be Respectful: Avoid offensive, discriminatory, or abusive language.
Stay Relevant: Focus on aspects directly related to the property or guest experience.
No Retaliation: Do not leave negative reviews in retaliation for receiving a negative review.
Review Promptly: Submit reviews within 14 days of check-out while details are fresh.

Prohibited Review Content: Reviews must not contain personal attacks, discriminatory language, spam, advertising, or content unrelated to the stay.

8. Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited on StayLonger:

Discrimination based on protected characteristics
Harassment, threats, or abusive behavior
Fraud, scams, or misrepresentation
Attempting to circumvent StayLonger fees or payment systems
Unauthorized use of another person's account
Creating multiple accounts to manipulate reviews or ratings
Posting false or misleading information
Engaging in illegal activities
Hosting unauthorized parties or events
Violating intellectual property rights
Spamming or soliciting users for other services
Interfering with the platform's functionality or security

9. Consequences of Violations

Violations of these Community Guidelines may result in the following actions:

Warning: A formal warning for minor or first-time violations.
Account Suspension: Temporary suspension of your account for serious or repeated violations.
Account Termination: Permanent removal from the platform for severe violations.
Listing Removal: Removal of listings that violate guidelines.
Booking Cancellation: Cancellation of current or future bookings.
Legal Action: Referral to law enforcement or legal proceedings for illegal activities.

StayLonger reserves the right to determine appropriate consequences based on the severity and context of violations.

10. Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a violation of these Community Guidelines, please report it to StayLonger immediately:

How to Report

Use the 'Report' button on listings, profiles, or messages
Contact our Trust and Safety team at <a href="mailto:[email protected]" class="text-primary hover:underline">[email protected]</a>
For urgent safety concerns, contact local authorities first, then notify StayLonger

What to Include

Detailed description of the incident
Names or usernames of individuals involved
Dates, times, and locations
Screenshots or other supporting evidence
Any relevant booking or listing information

All reports are reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly while respecting the privacy of all parties involved.

Building a Better Community Together: These guidelines are designed to create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for all StayLonger users. By following these standards, you contribute to a thriving community built on trust and mutual respect.

If you have questions about these Community Guidelines, please contact us at [email protected].

These Community Guidelines supplement our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Cancellation Policy. Please review all policies to understand your rights and responsibilities on StayLonger.

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