Offbeat Website Terms & Conditions

Version: 2.0 - 26 August 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to Offbeat! These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website and services. By using our website and submitting an accommodation intent form as a guest or permitting Offbeat to present offers as a host, you agree to these Terms.

2. SUMMARY (PLAIN ENGLISH)

We’re building a new kind of booking platform. Offbeat:

  • Acts as a facilitator, not a rental agency
  • Helps you (the guest) find off-season deals by liaising directly with hosts
  • Charges a service fee (currently discounted from 12% to 6%)
  • Shares curated offers via private links

Important: Offbeat is not a party to the accommodation agreement and does not provide legal or financial advice—it just facilitates better deals for guests and hosts.

Please read below for the full details.

3. USE OF WEBSITE

3.1 Offbeat provides a platform for guests to express interest in seasonal stays and for Offbeat to return curated accommodation offers from hosts.

3.2 By submitting an intent form or using the website, you agree to receive communication from Offbeat regarding your inquiry and any related offers. You will only receive marketing communication if you explicitly opt-in.

3.3 You must be over 18 and legally able to enter into accommodation contracts.

4. ROLE OF OFFBEAT

4.1 Offbeat is not a party to any accommodation agreement between you and the host.

4.2 Offbeat facilitates connections between guests and hosts and helps communicate deal terms, but does not verify the legal enforceability of any accommodation agreement nor provide legal advice.

4.3 Offbeat is not responsible for the condition of the accommodation or any aspect of your stay beyond curating and sharing offers.

5. FEES & PAYMENTS

5.1 Offbeat charges a booking fee of 12%, discounted to 6% currently. This fee is paid by the guest at the time of booking and is noted in the offer presented.

5.2 This booking fee is non-refundable, including in the event of cancellation, unless Offbeat chooses to refund it at its discretion.

5.3 Depending on the host’s requirements, guests may also pay a security deposit and some or all of the accommodation fee at the time of booking. These amounts are either:

  • Collected by Offbeat via Stripe and passed to the host, or
  • Paid directly to the host via instructions provided by Offbeat.

5.4 Offbeat does not hold deposits as a regulated escrow agent, nor does it get involved in disputes regarding their return. That relationship is governed by the accommodation agreement between guest and host.

6. BOOKING & CONTRACTS

6.1 By clicking “Book Now” or otherwise confirming acceptance of an offer presented on Offbeat, you agree to enter into an Accommodation Agreement with the Host.

6.2 That Accommodation Agreement consists of:

  • The offer-specific commercial terms (e.g. price, dates, cancellation policy, payment schedule, deposit and inclusions), as displayed on the offer page or email
  • The Standard Accommodation Terms included in Annex A of these Terms, unless a custom agreement is explicitly presented by the Host in place of Annex A

6.3 In the event of any conflict between Annex A and the offer-specific commercial terms, the commercial terms provided in the curated offer will take precedence.

6.4 Offbeat is not a party to the Accommodation Agreement. We strongly encourage you to review both the summary and Annex A before booking and to seek independent legal advice if unsure.

6.5 Once payment is made—including Offbeat’s booking fee and any required accommodation fees or deposit—the booking is considered confirmed.

7. HOST TERMS & DISCLAIMERS

7.1 Hosts are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of all property details, including location, condition, amenities, and pricing.

7.2 Hosts agree to provide the property to the guest in the condition and with the features presented to Offbeat during the curation process.

7.3 Offbeat accepts no liability if the accommodation differs from what was advertised by the host. Disputes must be resolved directly between guest and host.

7.4 By submitting property details, pricing, and availability to Offbeat by any means (e.g., email, messaging, or forms), hosts confirm that:

  • They are legally authorised to let the property.
  • They grant Offbeat permission to present the property (including any images or links provided) to prospective guests and also on the website.
  • They accept that Offbeat may present these offers as-is and facilitate guest bookings based on pre-agreed terms.
  • They accept these Terms & Conditions in full, including this host-specific section.

7.5 The Host agrees that bookings facilitated via Offbeat are governed by the standard terms listed in Annex A of these Terms, unless they explicitly request an alternative format prior to offer presentation.

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

8.1 Offbeat will not be liable for any direct or indirect loss arising from:

  • A cancelled or failed booking
  • Disputes over deposits or property condition
  • Issues with hosts or accommodation

8.2 Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation would be unlawful.

9. DATA & PRIVACY

9.1 By using the site, you agree to Offbeat’s use of your data to manage bookings, communicate offers, and (if opted in) send marketing materials.

9.2 You can opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

10. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Note: If you are booking accommodation located outside the UK, the accommodation agreement itself may be subject to local law. Offbeat is not responsible for ensuring compliance with any non-UK regulations.

11. CONTACT US

If you have any questions, reach us at: [email protected]

Thank you for using Offbeat! Let’s make the low season your high point. 🌍

ANNEX A – STANDARD TERMS ACCOMMODATION AGREEMENT

1. PARTIES

The Host and Guest(s) are identified in the booking offer presented via Offbeat. The Host confirms they are either:

  • The legal owner of the Property and entitled to enter into this Accommodation Agreement, or
  • A representative of a company or other legal entity that owns the Property and is authorised to act on its behalf.

The Host warrants that the information provided in the offer is true and accurate.

2. USE OF PROPERTY

  • 2.1 Subject to payment of the Rent and compliance with this Accommodation Agreement, the Host grants the Guest the right to occupy and use the Property for the Duration specified in the booking offer.
  • 2.2 The Guest agrees to use the Property as short-term accommodation only.
  • 2.3 The Guest may not sublet or share the Property with individuals not named in the booking.
  • 2.4 The Guest must not smoke in the Property.
  • 2.5 No pets are allowed unless explicitly stated in the booking offer.
  • 2.6 The Guest must not use the Property in such a way as to cause a nuisance to any neighbouring property users.

3. CONDITION & CLEANING

  • 3.1 The Guest shall keep the Property clean and tidy, and in the condition in which it was received.
  • 3.2 The Guest shall report any damage or inconsistencies with the advertised condition within 24 hours of check-in.
  • 3.3 Weekly or occasional cleaning services are the responsibility of the Guest and Host to coordinate directly, where such services are included in the offer.

4. REPRESENTATIONS & CONDITION

4.1 The Host confirms that the Property is in the condition, and with the features, presented to the Guest in the images and details provided via Offbeat.

5. DEPOSIT & PAYMENTS

  • 5.1 Total Rent and the Payment Schedule are specified in the booking offer.
  • 5.2 Payment of the Rent entitles the Guest to exclusive use and access to the Property for the agreed Duration, including all utilities, Wi-Fi, furnishings, and any additional inclusions expressly stated in the booking.
  • 5.3 Rent includes tourist tax, and the Host agrees to comply with local registration requirements related to tourist stays.
  • 5.4 Any Deposits are held directly by the Host and are not managed by Offbeat.
  • 5.5 The return of any deposit (beyond rent prepayment) is subject to the Property being left in acceptable condition, as reasonably judged by the Host.

Deposit options under this Accommodation Agreement:

  • Option A: No deposit required. Guest pays only the initial rent payment(s) as noted.
  • Option B: Guest pays the final portion of the stay cost upfront as a security deposit. This amount will be applied toward rent for the final period of the stay.
  • Option C: Guest pays an additional deposit equivalent to a fixed sum agreed in the booking. This is refundable 7 days after the finish date, subject to property inspection.

6. CANCELLATION TERMS

Cancellation policies vary and are selected from the following:

  • Option A (Flexible): Full refund (excluding any non-refundable elements) if cancelled up to 14 days before check-in.
  • Option B (Moderate): 50% refund if cancelled up to 14 days before check-in; no refund after (save for any deposit).
  • Option C (Strict): No refund after booking confirmation (save for any deposit).

The applicable cancellation policy is clearly stated in the booking.

7. DURATION & EXTENSION

  • 7.1 This Accommodation Agreement shall not exceed 90 days from the start date.
  • 7.2 Extensions may be agreed directly between Host and Guest, but this Agreement shall expire automatically on the 90th day unless a new agreement is formed.

8. LEGAL DISCLAIMER & ACCEPTANCE

8.1 This Accommodation Agreement is formed when the Guest clicks “Book Now” or otherwise confirms acceptance of the offer on Offbeat.

8.2 Offbeat is not a party to this Accommodation Agreement and does not provide legal advice. Guests and Hosts are encouraged to seek independent legal counsel if they are unsure about their rights or responsibilities.