Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

• "Platform" – ZerocutStay website, mobile app, booking tools, and related services.
• "User" – Any person using the Platform (includes Guests and Hosts).
• "Guest" – A User who searches for or books accommodation.
• "Host" – A User who lists their property for bookings.
• "Booking" – A stay reservation made by a Guest through ZerocutStay.
• "Pay at Hotel" – Payment mode where the Guest pays directly at the property.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By using the Platform, you agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and applicable Indian laws including the Information Technology Act, 2000, the IT Rules 2021 (Intermediary Guidelines), and the Consumer Protection (E-commerce) Rules, 2020.

3. User Accounts

1. Users must provide accurate information while creating accounts.
2. You are responsible for your account activity and password security.
3. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.

4. Booking Model (Booking Guarantor)

1. ZerocutStay allows Guests to make confirmed reservations through the Platform.
2. Once a Guest books, the reservation is sent to the Host and treated as a confirmed booking, unless clearly stated otherwise.
3. The primary payment method on the Platform is Pay at Hotel; Guests make payment directly at the property unless the Host independently requires an advance.

5. Advance Payment Requests by Hosts

1. ZerocutStay does not collect or hold any advance payment from Guests for bookings.
2. Some Hosts may independently request advance payment to confirm high-demand dates or secure reservations.
3. Option B Policy (Your choice): ZerocutStay permits Hosts to request advance payments at their own discretion, and the decision to pay such an amount rests entirely between Host and Guest.
4. ZerocutStay does not verify, guarantee, or mediate advance payment requests.
5. If a Guest chooses to pay a Host directly, they do so at their own risk.
6. ZerocutStay is not responsible for any monetary loss, fraud, or dispute arising from advance payments made directly to Hosts.

6. Fraud Reporting & Host Misconduct

Guests can report fraudulent Listings, advance payment scams, or suspicious activity through our “Report Listing” feature or by contacting our Grievance Officer.

1. ZerocutStay will investigate complaints within a reasonable timeframe.
2. As an intermediary, ZerocutStay may remove Listings, suspend Hosts, or request verification documents if misconduct is detected.
3. ZerocutStay does not guarantee refunds for payments made outside the Platform.

7. Host Responsibilities

1. Hosts must ensure Listings are accurate, lawful, and not misleading.
2. Hosts are solely responsible for property conditions, safety, taxes, and compliance with local regulations.
3. Hosts must clearly mention any advance payment requirements in the Listing details.

8. Guest Responsibilities

1. Guests must provide accurate booking information.
2. Guests must pay the property directly upon arrival unless mutually agreed otherwise with the Host.
3. Guests must perform their own due diligence before sending any advance payment.

9. Platform Liability (Intermediary Safe Harbour)

This Platform operates as an “intermediary” under the IT Act, 2000 and IT Rules 2021.

1. ZerocutStay facilitates Listings and Bookings but does not own or control properties.
2. ZerocutStay is not liable for:
   • property issues or safety
   • overbooking or host cancellation
   • fraudulent advance payment requests
   • disputes between Guests and Hosts
3. Our liability is limited to the extent permitted under Indian law.

10. User Content & Conduct

1. Users must not post illegal, false, or harmful content.
2. ZerocutStay may remove Listings that violate laws or policies.

11. Privacy & Data Usage

Your data is processed according to our Privacy Policy and in accordance with Indian IT Act and DPDP principles.

12. Suspension & Termination

1. We may suspend accounts for fraud, illegal activity, or violation of these Terms.

13. Updates to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Updated Terms will be posted on the Platform. Continued use indicates acceptance.

14. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. All disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts across India (Pan-India jurisdiction).

Company Name (Placeholder): ZerocutStay Private Limited (Proposed)