Get Up To 10% Off On Your First Farmhouse Booking - Use Code WELCOME10

Comprehensive Host Compliance Code

Where Every Stay Becomes a Story

(MASTER INTERMEDIARY AGREEMENT, OPERATIONAL SOP & LEGAL MANDATES)

1.1 Design Consistency & Aesthetics

Prior Update Requirement: Any changes to the wall colors, primary furniture, bedding layout, or decor of the villa must be reported and approved by the Admin beforehand. There must be zero discrepancy between the website/portal photographs and the actual look of the villa.
Hardware & Utility Audit: The Host must execute a mandatory monthly inspection of plumbing, electrical fittings, geyser functionality, and internet routers to ensure continuous premium service.

1.2 Cleanliness, Hygiene & Supply Management

Bedding & Linen Standards: Fresh, premium-grade linens, towels, and toiletries must be provided before every check-in. The quality of extra mattresses, sheets, and their covers must be premium, clean, and wrinkle-free, perfectly matching the standards of the primary beds. Any guest refund due to poor hygiene will be deducted from the Host’s payout.
Pest Control & Resource Liability: Professional pest control is mandatory as per the property's operational requirements. The Host guarantees to provide a continuous supply of all operational materials (cleaning chemicals, pool chlorine, generator fuel, cooking gas) at their own cost.

1.3 Property Turnover Protocol (Standard Checkout Workflow)

The following procedures must be systematically completed by the on-site staff post-checkout to ensure seamless readiness for the next arrival:

Fresh Turnover: Remove old bedsheets/towels and replace them with a freshly laundered, sanitized set.
Pool Filtration & Clarity: Deep clean the swimming pool, clear surface debris, and verify optimal chlorine and water balance levels.
Aroma & Ambience Hospitality: Run air purifiers inside the villa, eliminate any trapped moisture, and spray branded premium fragrances.
Sanitization: Execute deep cleaning and thorough sanitization of all washrooms and completely refill complimentary toiletries.
Stocking: Ensure fresh drinking water and welcome drinks are systematically stocked in the refrigerator.
Mandatory Digital Photo Proof: The checkout turnover workflow is marked complete only when the caretaker submits live, real-time photographs (of crisp made beds, sparkling bathrooms, clean sinks, and clear pool water) to the Almond Stay Central Operations Hub (Surat) for quality verification before the next check-in.

1.4 Continuous Power Supply & Backup Cost Mandate

Power Backup Policy (Free or Paid Status): In the event of an electricity outage or grid failure, the power backup systems (Generator/Inverter) must be activated immediately. The financial terms for running the backup system depend strictly on the pre-decided agreement between Almond Stay and the Host, as specified on the specific property profile during booking confirmation:
If Marked as Free/Inclusive: The Host or Caretaker is strictly prohibited from demanding any extra charges, fuel fees, or utility costs from the guest for running the backup system. This service is fully inclusive of the confirmed booking amount.
If Marked as Paid/Utility Tariff: Any applicable hourly running fees, fuel costs, or extra utility consumption charges must be paid directly by the guest as per the specific property profile terms shown at the time of booking.

2.1 Staff Code of Conduct & Etiquette

Professional Address: All on-site staff and caretakers must remain well-groomed and always use formal address terms like "Sir/Ma'am" when interacting with guests.
Strict Anti-Tipping Policy: Soliciting tips or extra cash from guests, whether directly or indirectly, is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of this contract.

2.2 Surveillance & No-Entry Privacy Rules

CCTV Policy: The Host is permitted to install CCTV cameras only in outside public areas (e.g., main entrance, outer garden, or boundary walls). Any form of recording or camera placement inside the villa, lounge, or bedrooms is strictly prohibited. It is a statutory mandate to disclose the exact presence of all outdoor CCTV cameras to the guest upon check-in.
No-Entry Rule: To guarantee absolute guest privacy, neither the Host nor any staff member can enter the rented villa zones during a guest's stay without explicit prior permission, except in verified life-threatening or property-damage emergencies.
Visitor Policy: The Host must clearly define and communicate rules for outside visitors, other than the primary registered guests, through the Admin Panel.

2.3 Statutory Staff Verification

Police Verification: Ensuring comprehensive police background verification of all employed on-site staff (caretakers, cooks, cleaners, security) is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the Host. The Host shall be fully liable for any misconduct, theft, or unprofessional behavior by the staff toward the guest.

3.1 Payout Penalties & Deductions Matrix

Penalties and operational costs will be adjusted and deducted directly from the Host's upcoming payouts. In case of breaches related to booking management, cleanliness, or amenity maintenance, the following strict Operational Penalty Matrix shall apply immediately:

Operational Penalty Matrix
Category / Violation IssueSpecific Failure ConditionImmediate Penalty AmountAdditional Liability / Deduction
Booking & AvailabilityWrong Calendar / Double Booking (Failure to keep the Admin Panel 100% updated and accurate)Rs. 5,000+ 100% of Actual Relocation Expenses & Payout Difference: The entire relocation cost, transport expenses, and any extra payout/rental difference required to book the new premium property will be deducted completely from the Host's account, in addition to the Rs. 5,000 fine.
Check-in ReadinessDirty Linen & Towels (Stained bedsheets, unwashed towels, or poor bedding hygiene)Rs. 500+ Full Guest Refund Value (Deducted entirely from the Host’s upcoming payout).
Check-in ReadinessDirty Swimming Pool (Water not transparent, presence of debris/leaves, or pump off)Rs. 1,000Applied instantly as a cleaning negligence charge deducted from revenue.
Amenity FailureAC / Geyser Malfunction (Basic climate control or primary water heating units broken)Rs. 1,500Standard charge per incident if not resolved within the operational window.
Amenity FailureSound System / TV / RO Not Working (Entertainment systems or drinking water filter issues)Rs. 1,000Applied Per 24 hours delay until the equipment/amenity is fully operational.
Financial RulesDirect Booking Solicitation (Attempting to take direct payments, share contacts, or bypass the platform)Rs. 15,000OR Immediate Termination of contract + absolute payout forfeiture.
Host-Initiated Booking Cancellation: Once a booking is confirmed, the Host cannot cancel the reservation arbitrarily. If the Host cancels a confirmed booking under non-emergency situations, payout deductions and penalty charges will be applied strictly as per the standard cancellation policy. The Host will be solely liable to clear the compensatory payout balances, along with bearing all alternative guest relocation expenses.
General Cleanliness: If any other part of the property (bathrooms, kitchen, common areas) is not found clean at check-in, a standard cleaning fee and guest compensation penalty will be charged.
Staff Direct Booking Collusion Rule: For the avoidance of doubt, any direct booking solicitation, lead poaching, or contact sharing done by the on-site Caretaker or Host's staff shall be legally deemed as a direct breach by the Host themselves. The Host cannot claim ignorance of staff actions. The flat penalty of Rs. 15,000 and contract termination will apply seamlessly to the Host's account.

3.2 Dual-Tier Operational Resolution Window

Critical Utilities (AC, Water, Power, Wi-Fi): If a critical amenity fails during an active stay, the Host must initiate repairs and resolve the issue within 2 to 3 hours of notification.
Non-Critical Amenities: For non-critical equipment defects (TV, Sound System), a 24-hour resolution window applies.
Deduction Rule: If the defect is not rectified within these specified timelines, any refund, discount, or stay compensation provided to the guest by Almond Stay to preserve brand reputation will be deducted entirely from the Host’s account.

3.3 Right to Offset & Multi-Property Recovery

Cross-Listing Recovery: If any financial penalty, guest refund, or property damage cost remains outstanding or unpaid by the Host for a specific property, Almond Stay Management reserves the absolute right to deduct, adjust, and recover such amounts from the payouts or active balances of any other property listed by the same Host on the platform.

3.4 Statutory Tax & GST Liability

Tax Indemnity: The Host shall be solely responsible for registering under, collecting, and depositing all applicable local municipal commercial taxes, luxury taxes, and Goods and Services Tax (GST) arising from the property rental income. Almond Stay acts strictly as an intermediary platform and handles taxes only applicable to its software service/commission fees.

4.1 Check-In Deposit & Immediate Audit

Collection: The Host shall collect a pre-decided security deposit from the guest at the time of check-in via approved methods.
Instant Inspection: At the exact time of check-out—and prior to the guests exiting the estate gates—the Host/Caretaker must immediately inspect the entire property to identify any new asset damages.
Instant Refund: If no damage is found and all house rules have been maintained, the Host must refund the security deposit to the guest at the time of check-out itself.

4.2 Damage Reporting & Mandatory Digital Evidence

Evidence Box Rule (No Evidence, No Claim): If damage is identified, the Host must immediately show it to the guest and document the situation through high-quality, time-stamped photos and videos. No claims for property damages will be entertained without proper proof.
Admin-Driven Deductions: The Host cannot deduct any security deposit amount independently. The digital proof must be uploaded to the WhatsApp Evidence Box/portal immediately. Only the exact amount specified after assessment by Almond Stay management can be deducted from the guest.
Damage Policy Matrix: Financial liability is strictly governed by the following benchmark:
Damage Policy Matrix
Situation / Asset ConditionGuest Pays?Host Pays?
Normal Wear & Tear (Fading paint, aging furniture, old electronics)NOYES
Intentional/Negligent Damage (Broken glass, burnt upholstery, wall dents, broken switchboards)YESNO
Pre-existing Issues (Loose taps, leaking pipes, weak/faulty furniture before check-in)NOYES

5.1 Emergency Kits & Safety Signage

Mandatory Safety Gear: It is a strict operational mandate to maintain an updated, fully stocked First-Aid Kit and functional, serviced Fire Extinguishers on the property premises at all times.
Amenity Signage: The Host must place clear safety disclaimers near high-risk zones like swimming pools or open terraces (e.g., "Swim at Your Own Risk", "Child Supervision Required"). Neither the Host nor Almond Stay shall be legally liable for accidental injuries, falls, drowning, or fatalities occurring due to guest usage of these facilities. Guests use the amenities at their own risk.

5.2 Illegal Activities & Eviction Protocol

Prohibited Substances: The possession, consumption, or trade of commercial drugs, narcotics, weapons, prostitution, or unauthorized commercial activities on the property is strictly forbidden. Guests found engaging in such activities shall be solely liable.
Eviction Approval: If a guest violates house rules or engages in illegal acts, the Host must gather digital evidence, upload it to the platform, and obtain formal "Go-Ahead" operational approval from Almond Stay management before initiating a physical eviction.

5.3 Absolute Legal Disclaimer & Intermediary Interlock

Extreme Crimes Protection: Almond Stay operates strictly as an intermediary digital marketplace. The Company shall not be held responsible or legally liable for any heinous or serious statutory crimes (such as murder, rape, assault, suicide, etc.) committed on the property premises. Only the accused individuals shall bear exclusive criminal liability.
Indemnity: The Host agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Almond Stay, its directors, and employees from any third-party lawsuits, legal costs, attorney fees, or government fines arising due to the Host's operational negligence, staff misconduct, or lack of statutory trade/fire licenses.
Law Enforcement Override: If any judicial body, quasi-judicial authority, police department, or government investigation agency directs Almond Stay to cancel or withhold a confirmed booking for legal reasons, the platform shall execute the cancellation instantly without requiring any prior notice or approval from the affected Guest or Host.

5.4 STATUTORY LICENSES, GOVERNMENT PERMISSIONS & AFFIDAVITS MOP

Host’s Absolute Liability: The Host explicitly acknowledges and guarantees that the property listed on the platform is fully authorized to be used for commercial short-term rentals, leisure stays, and hospitality operations.
Government Permissions & Affidavits: Securing, maintaining, and renewing all mandatory government permissions, local municipal licenses, police NOCs, society approvals, or legal affidavits required to run a rental business is the sole, exclusive, and unshared responsibility of the Host (Property Owner).
Almond Stay Absolute Disclaimer: Almond Stay shall bear absolutely zero liability, responsibility, or financial accountability for any lack of statutory compliance, unexecuted affidavits, or missing government permits. If local authorities, government bodies, or housing societies seal the property, levy fines, or halt operations due to non-compliance, the Host shall bear 100% of the legal consequences, police matters, and must fully refund any affected bookings without deducting platform commission.

5.5 MANDATORY FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT & FIRE NOC COMPLIANCE

Fire Safety Installation Mandate: The Host guarantees and legally undertakes that the property is equipped with fully functional, active, and regularly serviced Fire Extinguishers (Fire Safety Equipment) placed at visible and easily accessible critical points (including kitchens, open lounge zones, and utility areas).
Fire NOC Liability: Procuring, maintaining, and renewing a valid Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate) or compliance certification from the local Fire and Emergency Services, as per the prevailing local municipal bylaws or state laws, is the sole and absolute responsibility of the Host (Property Owner).
Complete Indemnification: Almond Stay shall bear absolutely zero liability, criminal charges, or financial accountability for any fire incidents, property damages, injuries, or legal actions arising due to the absence of active Fire Extinguishers or a valid Fire NOC. The Host explicitly agrees to fully indemnify and hold Almond Stay harmless against any third-party claims or government penalties regarding fire safety lapses.

5.6 External Commercial Services Liability (Food, Catering, DJ & Decorators)

Third-Party Vendors Disclaimer: The Host explicitly agrees that if guests onboard any external third-party service providers—including but not limited to catering services, private cooks, live decorators, DJs, or event managers—Almond Stay shall bear absolutely zero operational or legal liability for their services, actions, payments, or damages caused to the property by such vendors. The monitoring and structural verification of such vendors remain between the Host and the Guest.

6.1 Exclusive Brand Ownership & IP Rights

Absolute Ownership: The brand name "Almond Stay", its corporate logos, trademark registry, mobile application interfaces, admin panel dashboards, website source codes, and specific color palettes are the sole and exclusive Intellectual Property (IP) of the Company (Luxora Venture).
Strict Marketing & Usage Restriction: The Host and their on-site staff (including caretakers) are strictly prohibited from using the Almond Stay brand name, logo, or platform-generated photography/videography assets to promote the property independently, on personal social media handles (Instagram, Facebook), offline banners, or any competitor listing platforms.
Anti-Poaching & Customer Solicitation Ban: The Host or staff shall not use Almond Stay's branded identity to attract, invite, or solicit guests for direct offline bookings. Any unauthorized use of the brand name or media assets constitutes a criminal breach of Intellectual Property Rights, which will lead to immediate property delisting, total payout forfeiture, and a direct statutory legal lawsuit in Surat courts.
Data Download & Malware Disclaimer: While Almond Stay employs industry standard cybersecurity measures to secure its servers, any data, booking vouchers, receipts, or media downloaded from the Platform is obtained entirely at the User's or Host's own discretion and risk. Almond Stay shall bear zero liability for any data loss, hardware malware infections, or computer system damages resulting from such downloads.

7.1 Fixed Notice & Immediate Termination Rights

Standard Termination: Either party may terminate this operational agreement by providing a 90-day written notice via registered digital channels.
Immediate Termination: Almond Stay reserves the absolute right to terminate this contract and delist the property instantly, without notice, in cases where the Host attempts direct booking poaching, leaks guest data, or is found involved in illegal activities.

7.2 Governing Law & Strict Jurisdiction

This Policy constitutes an electronic record in terms of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules made thereunder. This electronic record is generated by a computer system and does not require any physical or digital signatures. In case of any legal dispute, the jurisdiction shall strictly be limited to the courts of Surat, Gujarat, India.

DIGITAL BINDING CONSENT

Ticking the "I Accept" box during login to the Admin Panel or the continued use of the Almond Stay Portal constitutes a legally binding agreement to the entirety of these Terms & Conditions, Operational SOPs, and Privacy Guidelines.

Almond Stay – Where Every Stay Becomes a Story