Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: October 8, 2025

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the StayLonger platform and booking services. By making a reservation or listing a property with StayLonger Pty Ltd, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before proceeding with any booking or listing.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and StayLonger Pty Ltd. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you should not use our services.

1. Introduction

StayLonger operates a premium online platform connecting luxury property owners with guests seeking extended stay accommodations across Australia. These Terms apply to all users of our platform, including property hosts and guests.

By using our services, 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 Terms and our Privacy Policy
  • You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

2. Booking Process

When you make a booking through the StayLonger platform, you enter into a direct contractual relationship with the property owner (Host). StayLonger acts as a booking facilitator and is not a party to the rental agreement between Hosts and Guests.

Booking Confirmation

A booking is confirmed only when:

  • You have completed the booking form with accurate information
  • Full payment (or deposit as specified) has been received and processed
  • You have signed and returned these Terms and Conditions
  • The security deposit (if applicable) has been authorized or paid
  • You have received a written booking confirmation from StayLonger or the property owner

Access to the property cannot be granted until all requirements above are met. We reserve the right to cancel any booking where these requirements are not fulfilled.

Booking Period

Properties are leased for holiday and extended stay purposes only, strictly for the period stated in your booking confirmation. The booking period begins at the stated check-in time and ends at the stated check-out time. Early check-in or late check-out may be available by arrangement and may incur additional fees.

Guest Numbers

The number of guests must not exceed the maximum occupancy stated in the property listing. Any additional guests must be approved in advance by the property owner and may incur additional charges. Unauthorized guests may result in immediate termination of the booking without refund.

3. Payment Terms

Booking Fees and Charges

The total booking cost includes:

  • Accommodation tariff for the specified period
  • Booking fee (non-refundable)
  • Credit card surcharges (if applicable)
  • Cleaning fees (if applicable)
  • Any additional services or amenities requested

Payment Schedule

Unless otherwise specified:

  • Full payment is due at the time of booking, or
  • A deposit (typically 30-50% of total cost) is due at booking with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival
  • Booking fees and credit card surcharges are always non-refundable
  • Payment must be made in Australian Dollars (AUD)

Accepted Payment Methods

We accept payment via major credit cards, bank transfer, and other payment methods as specified during the booking process. All payments are processed securely through our trusted payment partners.

Late Payments

Failure to make payment by the due date may result in automatic cancellation of your booking and forfeiture of any deposits paid.

4. Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. However, cancellations affect our property owners and their ability to re-book their properties.

Guest Cancellations

  • More than 30 days before arrival: Full refund minus booking fee and credit card surcharges
  • Within 30 days of arrival: Forfeiture of all moneys paid unless the property is re-booked for the entire period or part thereof
  • Booking fees and surcharges: Always non-refundable regardless of cancellation timing

For partial re-bookings, refunds will be calculated on a pro-rata basis for the re-booked period only. All refunds are processed within 14 business days of cancellation.

Cancellation by StayLonger or Property Owner

In the rare event that we must cancel your booking due to unforeseen circumstances (such as property damage, emergency repairs, or other reasons beyond our control), we will:

  • Notify you as soon as possible
  • Provide a full refund of all moneys paid
  • Attempt to offer alternative accommodation where available

Our liability is limited to the refund of moneys paid. We are not responsible for any additional costs or losses incurred.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, travel disruptions, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events. We are not responsible for any losses that could have been covered by insurance.

For full details, please refer to our Cancellation Policy.

5. Property Use and Conduct

Permitted Use

The property is leased for holiday and residential purposes only. The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Commercial activities or business operations
  • Parties, events, or gatherings without prior written approval
  • Subletting or allowing unauthorized persons to use the property
  • Illegal activities of any kind
  • Activities that disturb neighbors or breach local noise regulations

House Rules

You must comply with all property-specific house rules provided in your booking confirmation or at the property. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Smoking restrictions (most properties are non-smoking)
  • Pet policies (pets are only permitted if explicitly approved)
  • Noise curfews and quiet hours
  • Parking arrangements and restrictions
  • Waste disposal and recycling requirements
  • Pool and amenity usage rules

Maintenance and Care

You are responsible for:

  • Treating the property with care and respect
  • Reporting any damage, defects, or maintenance issues immediately
  • Using all appliances and equipment in accordance with instructions provided
  • Maintaining reasonable standards of cleanliness during your stay
  • Locking all doors and windows when leaving the property

End of Stay

Before checkout, you must:

  • Leave the property in a clean and tidy condition
  • Remove all personal belongings and rubbish
  • Return all keys, access cards, and remote controls
  • Turn off all appliances (except those specified to remain on)
  • Lock all doors and windows
  • Report any damage or issues that occurred during your stay

Failure to meet these requirements may result in deductions from your security deposit.

6. Liability and Insurance

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Australian law:

  • StayLonger acts as a booking facilitator only and is not responsible for the condition, safety, or suitability of any property
  • We do not guarantee that properties will meet your expectations or be free from defects
  • We are not liable for any loss, damage, injury, or expense arising from your use of any property
  • We are not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings
  • We are not liable for any disruptions to utilities, internet, or amenities beyond our control

This limitation of liability does not exclude our liability for gross negligence, fraud, or other liability that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.

Guest Insurance

You are strongly advised to obtain:

  • Travel insurance covering cancellations, medical emergencies, and travel disruptions
  • Personal liability insurance
  • Contents insurance for your personal belongings

StayLonger and property owners are not responsible for loss or damage to guests' personal property unless caused by gross negligence.

Property Owner Insurance

Property owners are responsible for maintaining appropriate insurance for their properties, including public liability insurance and building insurance.

7. Security Deposit

A security deposit may be required for some properties to cover potential damage or additional cleaning costs.

Deposit Amount and Processing

  • The deposit amount is specified in your booking confirmation
  • Deposits are typically held via pre-authorization on your credit card or as a direct payment
  • The deposit is held for the duration of your stay plus a reasonable inspection period
  • Deposits are released within 7-14 days after checkout, subject to inspection

Deposit Deductions

The security deposit may be used to cover:

  • Damage to the property, furnishings, or equipment
  • Excessive cleaning required beyond normal standards
  • Missing or damaged items
  • Breach of house rules resulting in fines or charges
  • Excessive utility usage beyond reasonable limits
  • Late checkout fees (if not pre-arranged)

Damage Exceeding Deposit

If damage or costs exceed the security deposit, you remain liable for the additional amount. We reserve the right to pursue recovery of these costs through legal means if necessary.

8. Property Damage

You are responsible for any damage caused to the property or its contents during your stay, whether caused by you, members of your party, or your guests.

Reporting Damage

You must report any damage immediately to:

  • The property owner or property manager
  • StayLonger support team

Failure to report damage may be considered an attempt to conceal it and may affect insurance claims and deposit refunds.

Accidental Damage

We understand that accidents happen. If you accidentally damage something:

  • Report it immediately
  • Take photos of the damage
  • Do not attempt repairs without authorization
  • Cooperate with any insurance claims process

Minor accidental damage may be covered by your security deposit or the property's insurance. Deliberate damage or failure to report will be treated more seriously.

9. Property Access and Entry

Check-in and Check-out

Standard check-in and check-out times are specified in your booking confirmation. Arrangements for key collection and return will be provided prior to your arrival.

Property Owner Access

The property owner or their authorized representative reserves the right to enter the property:

  • In case of emergency
  • For scheduled maintenance or inspections (with reasonable notice)
  • To show the property to prospective guests or buyers (with reasonable notice)
  • To investigate reported issues or complaints

Except in emergencies, we will provide at least 24 hours' notice before entry.

Access Codes and Keys

You must not:

  • Share access codes, keys, or entry instructions with unauthorized persons
  • Duplicate keys or access devices
  • Change locks or access codes without permission

10. Intellectual Property

All content on the StayLonger platform, including text, images, logos, graphics, property descriptions, and photographs, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights.

Platform Content

You may not:

  • Copy, reproduce, or redistribute any content from our platform without permission
  • Use our brand name, logos, or trademarks without authorization
  • Scrape or extract data from our platform using automated tools
  • Create derivative works based on our content

User-Generated Content

By submitting content to our platform (such as property listings, reviews, or photos), you grant StayLonger a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content for marketing and operational purposes.

Photography and Media

StayLonger or property owners may photograph properties for marketing purposes. By booking, you consent to potentially being photographed if you are at the property during any professional photography sessions, and you grant permission for these images to be used for marketing purposes.

11. User Conduct

All users of the StayLonger platform must:

  • Provide accurate and truthful information
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Respect the rights and property of others
  • Not engage in fraudulent or deceptive conduct
  • Not interfere with the proper operation of the platform
  • Not use the platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose

For detailed guidelines, please see our Community Guidelines.

12. Termination

Termination by Guest

You may terminate your booking in accordance with our cancellation policy. Early departure does not entitle you to any refund unless covered by travel insurance.

Termination by StayLonger or Property Owner

We or the property owner may terminate your booking immediately without refund if you:

  • Breach these Terms and Conditions
  • Violate house rules or local laws
  • Engage in disruptive, dangerous, or illegal behavior
  • Exceed maximum occupancy without authorization
  • Cause damage to the property
  • Disturb neighbors or other guests
  • Use the property for unauthorized commercial purposes

In such cases, you must vacate the property immediately and forfeit all payments made.

Account Suspension

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate user accounts for violations of these Terms or misuse of the platform.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of our services will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria, Australia.

Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer rights under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable consumer protection legislation that cannot be excluded, restricted, or modified by agreement.

Dispute Resolution

We are committed to resolving disputes amicably. If you have a complaint or dispute:

  • Contact us first to discuss the issue
  • We will acknowledge your complaint within 7 days
  • We will investigate and respond within 30 days
  • If unresolved, you may seek mediation or other dispute resolution services

For more information, see our Dispute Resolution Policy.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Email: [email protected]

Legal Inquiries: [email protected]

Mailing Address: StayLonger Pty Ltd, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Important Notice: These Terms and Conditions form a legally binding contract. Please read them carefully and ensure you understand all provisions before making a booking. If you have any questions, contact us before proceeding.

JAsk Janice