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Terms of Service & Master Compliance Agreement

Where Every Stay Becomes a Story

Welcome to Almond Stay https://almondstay.com. These Terms of Service, along with our Operational SOPs, Host Compliance Codes, and Guest House Rules, constitute a legally binding electronic contract between Almond Stay ("The Company"), the Registered Guest ("User"), and the Property Owner/Host ("Partner").

By accessing, browsing, listing a property, or executing a booking on this platform, you unconditionally agree to be bound by these entire terms. If you do not agree, please exit and discontinue the use of our services immediately.

The Platform: Refers to the website https://almondstay.com, mobile interfaces, admin dashboards, and automated support channels owned by Almond Stay.
Intermediary Status: In strict accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, Almond Stay operates as a digital intermediary marketplace and marketing aggregator.
Operational Control: Almond Stay facilitates discovery, digital booking coordination, revenue optimization, and customer service. The company does not directly own, operate, or structurally control the physical villas, holiday homes, or farmhouses listed.
Primary Liability: The absolute responsibility for real-time property safety, operational legality, structural maintenance, background checks of staff, and immediate check-in readiness rests solely with the respective Host/Owner.
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.

2.1 Listing Integrity & Brand Mandates

Identity Protection: Every property partnered with the platform must be listed, marketed, and structurally identified exclusively under the brand name Almond Stay. Alternate independent branding by the Host on competitor sites using our branded assets is strictly prohibited.
Calendar Transparency & Double Booking: Hosts are legally mandated to maintain a 100% accurate, real-time availability calendar on the Admin Panel. If a double-booking or calendar lag occurs due to Host negligence, a mandatory penalty of Rs. 5,000 will be levied. Additionally, 100% of the actual relocation expenses and rental payout differences required to transfer the guest to a new premium property will be deducted entirely from the Host’s account.
Direct Booking Solicitation (Anti-Poaching): Any attempt by a Host or their on-site caretaker to solicit direct payments from Almond Stay guests, share personal contact details to bypass the portal, or "poach" leads will attract an immediate fine of Rs. 15,000 OR instant contract termination along with absolute payout forfeiture.
Fraud Detection & System Verification: To facilitate advanced fraud detection, minimize chargeback disputes, and secure backend operations, Almond Stay reserves the sovereign right to selectively audit and verify customer transaction patterns, payment gateway logs, and user profile parameters as and when required. Any transaction flagged by our risk assessment algorithms as an anomaly or suspected fraud will be subjected to strict validation checks before booking finalization.

2.2 Core Operational Penalty Matrix for Hosts

Financial deductions will be made mechanically from the Host's upcoming booking payouts for verified operational failures:

Dirty Linen & Towels at Check-in: Rs. 500 penalty + Full Guest Refund Value.
Dirty Swimming Pool / Debris: Rs. 1,000 flat deduction.
Critical Appliance Malfunction (AC / Geyser): Rs. 1,500 flat charge per stay incident.
Secondary Amenity Failure (Sound System/TV/RO Filter): Rs. 1,000 applied per 24 hours delay until resolved.

2.3 Host Cancellation & Multi-Property Offset Right

Arbitrary Cancellations: Once a booking is confirmed, the Host cannot cancel the reservation except under verified Force Majeure. Violations will attract severe penal charges as per our platform policy.
Cross-Listing Offset Right: Almond Stay Management reserves the absolute legal right to deduct, adjust, and recover any outstanding penalties, guest compensation costs, or unpaid damage liabilities from the active balances or upcoming payouts of any other property listed by the same Host across the platform.

3.1 Advance Identification & Strict Age Restrictions

Mandatory ID Verification & Check-In Approval Loop : In compliance with statutory government regulations, the primary guest must digitally upload high-quality copies of original Government-approved photo IDs (such as Aadhaar Card or Passport) for a minimum of two (2) adult guests via the platform dashboard or designated support channels immediately following booking confirmation. All submitted identity credentials will undergo strict verification by the Almond Stay compliance team. The official Check-In Identity Voucher / Pass will be issued to the guest only after successful ID approval. This approved voucher must be physically or digitally presented at the estate gates during check-in; failure to complete this verification loop or produce the approved voucher will result in an automatic denial of entry and check-in forfeiture with zero refund eligibility.

Minor Couples Restriction: Almond Stay strictly enforces an age restriction policy. We do not lease or provide villa/farmhouse stays to couples where either individual is under eighteen (18) years of age.

Phishing Protection & Screen-Sharing Ban: Almond Stay employees, on-site caretakers, and system administrators will never contact a User requesting sensitive account passkeys, CVV codes, active One-Time Passwords (OTPs), or bank authorization pins. Furthermore, no platform representative is authorized to request the installation of third-party remote screen-sharing software (including but not limited to AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or similar monitoring applications). The User bears exclusive operational liability for keeping their account keys private, and the Company stands completely indemnified against any losses arising from user-end credentials leakage.

3.2 Property Usage: Normal Stays vs. Celebrations

Event Payout Mandate: Standard platform reservations are strictly for residential leisure stays. Guests are strictly prohibited from organizing commercial parties, grand gatherings, or events unless they have formally declared it and paid the specific, pre-approved celebration/event payout charges.
Strict Home Rules & 100% Compliance: Specific property regulations regarding Pets, Non-Vegetarian food, and localized estate structures are governed by individual home rules. If a property explicitly states that pets, non-veg items, or certain behaviors are NOT allowed, this rule is 100% absolute and binding. Violations will lead to immediate booking cancellation/eviction without refund.

3.3 Security Deposit Handling, Deep Cleaning & Utensil Penalty

Check-In Deposit: Guests must pay a pre-decided refundable security deposit to the Host/Caretaker upon arrival.
Instant Checkout Audit: Upon checkout and prior to the guests exiting the estate gates, a joint physical inspection of the property assets must be done.
Hygiene & Utensils Deductions: Guests stand legally bound to leave footwear at the designated entrance if required by property profile. If a guest leaves the property exceptionally messy, trashed, or heavily soiled, an Extra Deep Cleaning Charge will be levied. Additionally, if the kitchen utensils, dishes, and cooking pots are left unwashed at checkout, a separate Kitchen Cleaning Payout Penalty will be mechanically deducted from the deposit.
Evidence Protocol: If damage or extreme mess is detected, the Host cannot make independent deductions. High-quality, time-stamped digital proof must be immediately uploaded to the Almond Stay portal. Deductions will be processed strictly based on the matrix approved by Almond Stay management.
Technical Short-Charging Settlement: In cases where a technical glitch, payment interface downtime, or system routing failure results in the short-charging of a transaction value, booking tariff, statutory convenience fee, or local taxes, Almond Stay reserves the absolute right to claim, deduct, or adjust the remaining balance from the User prior to check-in. If the User refuses to clear the verified short-charged gap balance before the utilization date, the platform maintains the complete liberty to instantly terminate the booking session.

3.4 DND / NCPR Super-Rule (WhatsApp & Call Protection)

Transactional Communication Consent & TRAI Indemnity: By registering an account or initiating a transaction, the User explicitly and unconditionally authorizes Almond Stay’s team, system bots, and automated WhatsApp Business APIs to send booking confirmations, refund status, itinerary changes, or reminders. This explicit consent shall permanently supersede any preferences set by the User under the National Customer Preference Register (NCPR/DND). The User agrees to indemnify Almond Stay against any losses or government/TRAI penalties arising from erroneous spam complaints filed by the User.

4.1 Guest Cancellations & Refund Locks

Tax & Processing Deductions: All guest-initiated cancellations are strictly governed by our standard slab policy. All mandatory platform processing fees and applicable taxes will be permanently cut from the booking value before any refund payout is disbursed.
7-Day Processing Cycle: Eligible balances after policy deductions will be automatically credited to the user within 7 working days.
Original Payment Mode Lock: All refunds will strictly be routed back to the same original payment mode (Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI wallet) from which the booking transaction was initiated. No cash or alternate account requests are valid.
Early Checkout & No-Shows: No refunds or proportional discounts will be issued if a guest chooses to check out early before their scheduled departure date. If a guest fails to check-in on the scheduled date without written notice ("No-Show"), the entire booking value stands permanently forfeited.
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.
Prohibition of Third-Party/Private Payouts: All financial transactions, booking deposits, and security allocations must be executed strictly and exclusively through the official payment gateways or designated corporate bank accounts registered directly in the legal name of Luxora Venture or its authorized brand Almond Stay. Neither the Company nor its representatives shall ever request a User to transfer funds to a private individual's account or digital wallet. The Company explicitly disclaims all liabilities for any financial leakage, asset loss, or unconfirmed reservations resulting from money transfers initiated by the User to any unauthorized third-party account.

4.2 Natural Disasters Exemption

Stay Credit Framework: In the event of a genuine, verified emergency or Act of God—including but not limited to Cyclones, Severe Floods, Earthquakes, or Regional Natural Crises—where property access becomes physically impossible or dangerous, no cash refunds will be processed. Instead, the guest will be issued a Next-Time Stay Credit of equivalent value for the same property, subject to seasonal calendar alignment.

5.1 Statutory Prohibitions & Seizure Rules

Gujarat State Liquor Ban: Gujarat is legally a dry state. The possession, consumption, trade, or distribution of alcohol, liquor, or prohibited spirits within the villa, farmhouse, or premises is strictly banned.
Zero Tolerance for Gambling: Playing cards, table betting, or any form of "Juha" (illegal gambling) is completely forbidden.
Eviction Seizure: Any guest found violating state laws or engaging in drug abuse will face immediate eviction by the Host/Local Police. In such events, the booking revenue will be 100% non-refundable, and the entire security deposit will be permanently forfeited.
Zero Tolerance for Abusive & Belligerent Communication: Users are strictly barred from communicating with Almond Stay support agents, corporate representatives, or on-site staff using language that is abusive, threatening, coercive, vulgar, sexually explicit, or otherwise contrary to applicable legal codes. If a User is found engaging in targeted harassment, extortion tactics, or defamatory behavior against any employee or operational associate, the Company maintains the absolute liberty to instantly terminate the active booking sessions without a refund, permanently block the user profile, and initiate criminal proceedings under relevant local stats.

5.2 Extreme Crimes & Safety Disclaimers

Heinous Crimes Disclaimer: Almond Stay and the Property Host bear absolutely zero liability or responsibility for extreme statutory crimes (including but not limited to Murder, Rape, Severe Physical Assault, or Suicide) occurring on the property premises. Exclusive criminal and civil liability shall rest entirely upon the accused individuals under the Indian Penal Code.
Amenity Risk (Pool/Terrace): Swimming pools, open balconies, and outer lawn zones are used by guests entirely at their own personal risk. Neither the Host nor Almond Stay shall be legally liable for accidental injuries, slips, falls, drowning, or fatalities occurring on the premises.

5.3 Data Sovereignty & Intellectual Property

Exclusive Brand Rights: The trademark "Almond Stay", company logos, software interfaces, digital photography assets, and customer review content are the exclusive Intellectual Property of the Company.
Data Privacy Protection: Any guest data generated through the platform belongs solely to the Company. Unauthorized extraction or usage of this data by the Host or staff for private marketing databases will result in structural delisting and legal prosecution under the Data Protection laws of India.

5.4 Host Statutory Licences & Fire NOC Compliance

Government Permissions & Affidavits: Securing and renewing all mandatory government permissions, local municipal licenses, police NOCs, or legal affidavits/agreements required to run a short-term rental business is the sole, exclusive responsibility of the Host. Almond Stay bears zero responsibility for missing permits or unexecuted affidavits.

Fire Safety Gear & NOC: The Host guarantees that the property is equipped with active, serviced Fire Extinguishers and holds a valid Fire NOC as per municipal bylaws. Almond Stay bears zero operational or criminal liability for fire safety lapses.

5.5 Guest Kitchen Utility, External Service Rules & Club House Restrictions

External Commercial Services Restriction: Guests are strictly prohibited from bringing external third-party catering teams, private cooks, live decorators, or DJs without explicit prior written permission from the Almond Stay Admin Panel. Unauthorized vendors will be denied entry at the gates.
Limited Kitchen Utility & No-Cook Policy: Kitchen infrastructure is provided strictly for preparing light refreshments (Maggi, Tea, Coffee, baby food). Heavy commercial cooking is not permitted. Any extra utility charges (Gas/Generator fuel) specific to a remote listing must be borne directly by the guest as per listing terms.
Club House Access: If a property features club house or shared community pool access, guests stand 100% bound to follow their operational timings, pricing structures, and internal food restrictions.

6.1 Continuous Power Backup 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.
Guest Cooperation: In both scenarios, guests are highly requested to support energy optimization by turning off air conditioners and heavy electrical appliances when leaving the rooms or common areas.

6.2 Automated Post-Stay Feedback Consent (Review Rights)

Customer Feedback Authorization: The User authorizes Almond Stay and its quality verification teams to contact them via email, phone calls, WhatsApp, or SMS post-checkout to collect stay reviews and feedback. Any text, feedback, or rating submitted by the user may be utilized publicly by the company for brand improvement and marketing purposes.

6.3 Governing Law & Strict Legal Jurisdiction

Statutory Interlock: This Electronic User Agreement is generated by a computer system and does not require any physical or digital signatures under the Information Technology Act, 2000. In case of any unavoidable statutory dispute, arbitration, or litigation arising out of or in connection with Almond Stay's platform operations, the jurisdiction shall strictly and exclusively be limited to the courts of Surat, Gujarat, India.

Ticking the "I Accept" checkbox during user registration, executing a host login on the Admin Panel, or processing a successful transaction on the Almond Stay Portal constitutes an unconditional, legally binding agreement to the entirety of these Master Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policies, and Operational Guidelines.

Almond Stay – Where Every Stay Becomes a Story