Terms & Conditions

Trekking Cougars Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 26.02.2025

By using Trekking Cougars (the “Platform”), you agree to these terms as a Customer (traveler) or Host (property owner/manager). These terms are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability for all users. Please read them carefully before proceeding.

1. General Terms for All Users

1.1 Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account or using the Platform, you agree to comply with these terms, our Cancellation & Refund Policy, and our Privacy Policy.

• Customers: You must thoroughly review these terms before making any booking.
• Hosts: You must familiarize yourself with these terms and the Cancellation & Refund Policy before listing your property.

Failure to adhere to these terms may result in penalties, including account suspension, financial deductions, or legal action under applicable laws.

2. Terms for Customers

2.1 Booking & Payments

• Fees: The total price includes:
  • Accommodation fees set by the Host.
  • Applicable taxes (e.g., GST).
• Payment: Payments are processed securely through a trusted third-party gateway which is Razorpay in our case.

2.2 Responsibilities

• Property Care: As a Customer, you are financially responsible for any damages caused during your stay. Hosts reserve the right to charge you directly for repairs or replacements. For example, if you accidentally break a window or damage furniture, the Host may invoice you for the repair cost.
• Compliance: You must follow the Host’s house rules, which may include restrictions like no smoking, no parties, or specific check-in/check-out timings. Violations may result in additional charges or penalties.

2.3 Cancellations & Refunds

• Refunds are governed by the Platform’s Cancellation and Refund Policy.
• If a Host cancels your booking without a valid reason, you will receive a full refund.

3. Terms for Hosts

3.1 Listing Requirements

• Authenticity:

Your property listing must provide accurate and truthful information, including:

• • Amenities (e.g., Wi-Fi, parking, air conditioning).
  • Safety features (e.g., fire extinguishers, first aid kits).
  • Property size, capacity, and layout.

Misleading or false information may lead to penalties, including partial or full deduction of earnings, account suspension, or legal action under Indian laws.

• Ownership: Only legal owners or authorized managers can list properties on the Platform. Or if you are renting a property, you must have written permission from the owner to list it.
• Registration: Properties must comply with all local laws and regulations. For instance, if your area requires permits for short-term rentals, you must obtain them before listing your property.

3.2 Booking Management

• Acceptance: Once a booking is confirmed, you are obligated to honor it. Cancelling a confirmed booking without a valid reason (e.g., natural disaster) may result in penalties, including:
  • Reimbursement of the Customer’s refund.
  • Suspension of your account.
• Service Guarantee: You must provide the services and amenities described in your listing. For example, if your listing mentions a swimming pool, it must be available and functional during the Customer’s stay.

3.3 Fees & Payouts

• Commission: Trekking Cougars charges a 9% commission on the booking total (excluding taxes, published separately).
• Withdrawals: Hosts can withdraw earnings 12 hours after the Customer’s checkout. Payouts are processed securely via bank transfer, UPI, or other approved methods.

3.4 Liability

• Damages: Hosts may charge Customers directly for damages caused during their stay. Proof of damage (e.g., photos, invoices) may be requested by the Platform.
  Example: If a customer damages furniture, you may invoice them for the repair or replacement cost.
• Misinformation: False promises or inaccurate listings may result in penalties, including partial or full deduction of earnings, account suspension, or legal action under Indian laws.

3.5 Legal Compliance

• Guest Records: Hosts are required to maintain records of Customers as per Indian laws. This includes details like names, ID proofs, and check-in/check-out times.
• Illegal Activity: Hosts must report any suspicious or illegal activities by Customers to local authorities immediately. For example, if a customer is involved in illegal activities (e.g., drug use), you must inform the police and notify Trekking Cougars.

 

4. Platform Policies

4.1 Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Uniform Policy: All Hosts and Customers must comply with the Platform’s Cancellation Policy (published separately).
• Host Penalties: Repeated cancellations by Hosts may lead to penalties, including account suspension or financial deductions.

4.2 Content Usage

• Promotions: By listing your property, you grant Trekking Cougars the right to use your listing content (photos, descriptions, etc.) for marketing purposes on platforms like Google, Instagram, Facebook, etc. Example: Your property photos may appear in Trekking Cougars ads on social media.

4.3 Dispute Resolution

• Mediation: Trekking Cougars may mediate disputes between Customers and Hosts but does not guarantee specific outcomes. Example: If a Customer claims the property was not as described, we may review evidence from both parties to reach a fair resolution.
• Legal Action: Fraudulent profiles, misleading listings, or illegal activities will face legal action under the Indian Penal Code.

 

5. Legal & Safety

5.1 Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes arising from these terms will be resolved in court.

5.2 Force Majeure

Trekking Cougars is not liable for failures or delays caused by events beyond our control, such as natural disasters, riots, pandemics, or government-imposed restrictions.

5.3 Updates to Terms

We reserve the right to update these terms periodically. Continued use of the Platform after updates implies your acceptance of the revised terms.

6. Contact & Support

For any questions, concerns, or support requests, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us:

• Customer/Host Support: support@trekkingcougars.com
• Legal Notices: Trekking Cougars, opposite Global Public School, Behlana, Chandigarh, 160003.