Agency Terms and Conditions
Introduction
Welcome to The HomeBridge Platform. These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for agencies using our platform. By registering and accessing this platform, you accept these terms in full. If you disagree with any part, please do not proceed with registration.
Eligibility
Agency Requirements
Agencies must be registered businesses with valid documentation, including proof of business registration, address, and contact information.
Verification
Agencies must submit verification documents, such as business registration certificates and proof of address. The HomeBridge reserves the right to verify the provided information and conduct background checks.
Account Registration and Responsibilities
Account Creation
Agencies must provide accurate and complete information during registration and promptly update their information if any changes occur.
Account Security
Agencies are responsible for securing account credentials and must notify The HomeBridge of any unauthorized access. The platform is not liable for losses resulting from an agency's failure to maintain security.
Account Usage
Accounts must be used only by authorized representatives of the agency. Unauthorized sharing or illegal use is prohibited.
Termination
The HomeBridge may suspend or terminate accounts that violate terms or engage in harmful activities. Agencies may also terminate their accounts by contacting The HomeBridge support team, remaining liable for outstanding obligations.
Property Listings and Management
Accurate Listings
Agencies must ensure that property listings are accurate, up-to-date, and complete, including descriptions, photos, amenities, and availability. Any changes to property details must be updated promptly.
Verification of Listings
The HomeBridge may verify listings through documentation requests or on-site visits.
Maintenance, Standards, and Responsibilities
Property Standards: Agencies are responsible for ensuring that listed properties are clean, habitable, and match the descriptions provided, including all stated amenities and standards. Regular inspections and timely maintenance are required.
Accuracy of Listings: Agencies must verify that all property details are accurate. Any discrepancies between the listing and actual property condition are the agency’s responsibility to resolve with the host and student.
Issue Resolution: Agencies are responsible for managing all booking-related issues or disputes between hosts and students. If a platform-related issue arises, agencies must contact The HomeBridge support team for assistance.
Student Document Verification: Agencies are responsible for ensuring that all student documents are accurately uploaded to the platform. The HomeBridge team will conduct a final review, but the initial verification responsibility lies with the agency.
Prohibition of Private Deals: Private deals that bypass The HomeBridge Platform are strictly prohibited. Agencies found engaging in such practices will face immediate termination and legal action. By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, the agency acknowledges this policy as legally binding.
Cancellation and Refund Policy Compliance: Agencies must adhere to The HomeBridge platform’s cancellation and refund policies. The same cancellation terms apply to students or properties listed through an agency as outlined in the platform policies.
Booking and Payment Terms
Booking Process
Agencies must respond promptly to booking requests. Once confirmed, agencies are obligated to honour the reservation.
Payment Collection
The HomeBridge collects payments on behalf of agencies. Agencies must ensure that their payment details are accurate and up-to-date to receive disbursements.
Security Deposits
Agencies may require a security deposit from students, held by The HomeBridge and refunded post-stay if there are no damages or breaches of the rental agreement.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation by Agencies
Agencies must notify The HomeBridge and the student as soon as possible if a cancellation is necessary. Frequent cancellations may lead to penalties or account suspension.
Refund Conditions
Refunds are provided if the property is misrepresented or uninhabitable. Agencies must supply photographic evidence and detailed descriptions of any discrepancies.
Communication and Conduct
Respectful Communication
Agencies must engage in courteous, respectful communication with students and The HomeBridge support team. Discriminatory, abusive, or offensive behaviour is prohibited.
Prohibited Conduct
Harassment, discrimination, fraud, and illegal transactions are prohibited. Violations may result in account suspension, termination, or legal action.
Dispute Resolution
Initial Communication
Agencies should attempt to resolve disputes directly with students through open, respectful communication.
Support Assistance
If a dispute remains unresolved, agencies may contact The HomeBridge support team for guidance.
Mediation and Arbitration
The HomeBridge may provide mediation services. Unresolved disputes may escalate to binding arbitration, and agencies agree to waive participation in class actions or collective legal proceedings.
Commission Structure
Commission Rates
The HomeBridge charges a commission on each booking, with rates varying based on booking details. See Commission table at the end of this agreement.
Commission for Hosts and Agencies
Hosts can see whether a student inquiry is independent or through an agency. Commission rates are higher if students book through agencies, which aids hosts in managing their listings.
Legal Compliance and Intellectual Property
Compliance with Laws
Agencies must comply with all relevant laws, including housing, privacy, and consumer protection regulations.
Intellectual Property
The HomeBridge retains intellectual property rights to platform content. Unauthorized use of content may result in legal action.
Reporting Infringements
Agencies can report intellectual property infringements to The HomeBridge support team for investigation and appropriate action.
Changes to Terms
Modification of Terms
The HomeBridge reserves the right to modify these terms. Agencies will be notified of any changes. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms.
Conclusion
By using The HomeBridge Platform, agencies agree to comply with these terms and conditions. For questions or assistance, please contact our support team.
Disclaimer
The HomeBridge Platform serves as a digital marketplace connecting agencies, hosts, and students. While The HomeBridge strives to maintain a reliable platform, it does not guarantee rental occupancy, income, or property conditions. Agencies are responsible for verifying property standards, managing listings, and addressing issues between hosts and students. The HomeBridge is not liable for disputes, damages, or losses that may result from agency operations.
By using The HomeBridge Platform, agencies acknowledge and accept that The HomeBridge is not liable for individual agency actions, property conditions, or representations. This document serves as a legally binding agreement, and agencies agree to abide by all platform policies and instructions.
Commission Structure for Agencies
This commission structure ensures that agencies and The HomeBridge platform both profit from bookings.
Duration of Stay | Total Commission | Platform Share | Agency Share | Example Rent (£600) | Platform Earnings | Agency Earnings (P/M) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Month | 18% | 9% | 9% | £600 | £54 | £54 |
1-3 Months | 17% | 8% | 9% | £600 | £48 | £54 |
3-6 Months | 16% | 8% | 8% | £600 | £48 | £48 |
6-9 Months | 15% | 7% | 8% | £600 | £42 | £48 |
9-12 Months | 14% | 7% | 7% | £600 | £42 | £42 |
Commission Rates for Enrolling Students
Duration of Stay | Total Commission | Platform Share | Agency Share | Example Rent (£600) | Platform Earnings | Agency Earnings (P/M) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Month | 16% | 8% | 8% | £600 | £48 | £48 |
1-3 Months | 15% | 7% | 8% | £600 | £42 | £48 |
3-6 Months | 14% | 7% | 7% | £600 | £42 | £42 |
6-9 Months | 13% | 6% | 7% | £600 | £36 | £42 |
9-12 Months | 12% | 6% | 6% | £600 | £36 | £36 |
Combined Commission Rates for Listing and Enrolling
Duration of Stay | Total Commission | Platform Share | Agency Share | Example Rent (£600) | Platform Earnings | Agency Earnings (P/M) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Month | 18% | 8% | 10% | £600 | £48 | £60 |
1-3 Months | 17% | 7% | 10% | £600 | £42 | £60 |
3-6 Months | 16% | 6% | 10% | £600 | £36 | £60 |
6-9 Months | 15% | 5% | 10% | £600 | £30 | £60 |
9-12 Months | 14% | 5% | 9% | £600 | £30 | £54 |