Student Terms and Conditions
Welcome to The HomeBridge Platform. These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for students using our platform. By registering and accessing this platform, you accept these terms and conditions in full.
Eligibility
Age Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old to use the platform independently. If you are at least 16 years old, you may use the platform with parental or guardian consent. Users aged 16 and 17 must provide a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian during the registration process. Please download the form, fill out the information, and upload it online. To access the form, Click Here.
Parental Consent: Students aged 16 and 17 must obtain explicit permission from their parents or legal guardians to use The HomeBridge platform. A signed consent form must be uploaded during registration, acknowledging the parent or guardian's understanding of the platform's policies and agreement to the student's participation, including ID verification of the parent or guardian.
Account Management for Minors: Accounts for users aged 16 and 17 must be created under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Account Registration and Responsibilities
Account Creation: You must provide accurate and complete information during the registration process, including personal details, contact information, and any required verification documents. Update your information promptly if there are any changes to ensure account accuracy.
Account Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including usernames and passwords. Notify The HomeBridge immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security. The platform is not liable for any loss or damage arising from a failure to comply with this security obligation.
Account Usage: Your account must be used only by you or, if under 18, by a parent or guardian. Account sharing is strictly prohibited. You must not use the platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose, and you must comply with all local, national, and international laws and regulations.
Termination: The HomeBridge reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms, engage in prohibited activities, or are deemed harmful to the platform or its users. You may also terminate your account by contacting The HomeBridge support team at info@thehomebridge.co.uk. Upon termination, you remain responsible for any outstanding obligations or liabilities incurred prior to account termination.
Booking and Payment Terms
Booking Confirmation: To confirm a booking, students must pay 25% of the first month’s rent plus a £45 admission fee. The £45 admission fee is non-refundable upon confirmation, while the 25% payment is refundable, credited, or non-refundable depending on the cancellation timing.
Move-In Day Payment: On the move-in day, students are required to pay the remaining 75% of the first month’s rent and a £200 security deposit. The security deposit is refundable at the end of the stay, provided there are no damages to the property.
Security Deposit Refund: If there are no damages, the security deposit is refunded within 5 days of move-out. Any damages reported by the host with documentation will result in deductions from the deposit before the remaining balance is refunded.
Property Viewing and Agreement Confirmation
If needed, a member of The HomeBridge team will accompany the student to view the property. Once the student has inspected and confirmed that the property meets their expectations, both the student and host will sign the agreement, ensuring mutual assurance. A £10 fee may apply for visits to properties at a greater distance.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellation by Students:
- 14+ Days Before Move-In: Full refund of the 25% security amount; the £45 admission fee is non-refundable.
- 7-13 Days Before Move-In: The 25% security amount is credited to the student’s account for future bookings (valid for 1 year); the £45 admission fee remains non-refundable.
- 2-6 Days Before Move-In: Both the 25% security amount and the £45 admission fee are non-refundable.
Cancellation by Hosts: If a host cancels the booking, The HomeBridge support team will assist in processing a full refund, and students are encouraged to explore other properties on the platform. Frequent host cancellations may result in penalties or account suspension.
Refund Conditions: Refunds are provided if the property is significantly misrepresented or uninhabitable. Students must supply photographic evidence and descriptions of discrepancies. Additionally, for extra assurance, a member of our team can accompany the student on a property visit, if required, to confirm the property’s condition.
House Rules: Students are required to respect and adhere to the house rules set by the host. These rules will be visible on the host’s profile, allowing students to review them before making a booking. Please ensure you are comfortable with these rules and able to follow them prior to confirming your reservation.
Damage Deposits: Security deposits cover potential damages caused by tenants and are refundable at the end of the stay if no damage is reported. Hosts must provide a detailed account of any deductions from the deposit for repairs or replacements.
No Private Deals Outside the Platform: By using The HomeBridge Platform, you agree that all transactions and bookings must be processed through the platform. Keeping the arrangement within the platform ensures that both parties are protected, offers dedicated support, and upholds a fair and transparent process for all users. The platform’s safeguards are in place to create a secure and reliable rental experience. Any attempt to bypass the platform by arranging private deals with hosts will be considered a violation of these Terms and Conditions. Such actions may result in immediate account suspension, termination, and potential legal action. This agreement serves as a legally binding contract, and any breach of this clause may lead to formal legal proceedings.
Code of Conduct
Respectful Communication: You must engage in respectful and courteous communication with other users and The HomeBridge support team. Discriminatory, abusive, or offensive language and behaviour are strictly prohibited.
Prohibited Conduct: Harassment, discrimination, and any form of abusive behaviour are strictly prohibited. You must not engage in fraudulent activities, illegal transactions, or any other prohibited behaviours as outlined in the platform’s policies. Examples of prohibited conduct include false representation of identity, offering or requesting illegal services, and using the platform or the host’s property to engage in unlawful activities.
Consequences of Misconduct: Violating the code of conduct may result in account suspension, termination, and potential legal action. The HomeBridge reserves the right to investigate and take appropriate action against any user who violates these terms.
Dispute Resolution
Platform Mediation: In case of disputes, The HomeBridge Team will act as a mediator between students and hosts to facilitate a fair resolution.
Final Arbitration: If disputes cannot be resolved through mediation, both parties agree to binding arbitration conducted by a neutral third party designated by The HomeBridge Team.
Disclaimer
The HomeBridge Platform provides a service that connects students with property hosts for rental purposes. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of listings and information provided on the platform, The HomeBridge does not guarantee or warrant the condition, suitability, or availability of any property. Property listings, including photos, descriptions, and amenities, are provided by hosts and are their responsibility. The HomeBridge is not liable for any disputes, losses, damages, or inconveniences that may arise between hosts and students. We recommend all users review property details, house rules, and terms thoroughly before making a booking. If required, a HomeBridge team member can accompany students to view properties to ensure both parties are comfortable and the property meets expectations. However, ultimate responsibility lies with users to confirm all details and terms before finalizing a booking. By using The HomeBridge Platform, you agree to these terms and acknowledge that The HomeBridge is not responsible for the actions or representations of individual hosts or students.
Acceptance of Terms
By confirming a booking on The HomeBridge platform, students agree to these Terms and Conditions and commit to complying with platform policies.