What essential clauses should Australian short-term rental terms include?
Key provisions cover cancellation policies, security bond conditions, guest capacity limits, noise restrictions, pet rules (if applicable), smoking prohibitions, and waste disposal requirements. Australian listings should also include compliance with state-specific residential tenancy laws for shorter stays.
How can hosts make terms and conditions more enforceable?
Enforceability improves when:
- Terms are written in plain English without legal jargon
- Guests actively acknowledge acceptance during booking
- Important rules are reiterated in pre-arrival communications
- Clear consequences for violations are specified
- Platform-specific requirements are incorporated
How does MadeComfy ensure that guests understand the terms and conditions?
MadeComfy employs a multi-channel approach:
- Highlights critical terms during the booking process
- Sends summary bullet points with confirmation emails
- Displays key rules prominently within the property
- Provides 24/7 access to full terms via digital platforms
- Follows up with guests who violate terms before applying penalties
When should terms and conditions be updated?
Regular reviews are recommended:
- Annually to reflect legal changes
- After any significant incident highlighting policy gaps
- When modifying property features or amenities
- To align with updated platform requirements
- During seasonal shifts that attract different guest types
What's the best way to handle guests who breach terms?
Effective resolution involves:
- Documenting the breach with timestamped evidence
- Communicating politely but firmly about the violation
- Applying agreed penalties (e.g., bond deductions) consistently
- Escalating serious breaches to the booking platform
- Using incidents to refine future terms and communications