SwiftSpot Host Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: January 1, 2025
These Host Terms of Service ("Host Terms") govern your use of SwiftSpot's platform as a Host. These Host Terms supplement and are incorporated into our general Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. By listing a parking spot or storage space on SwiftSpot, you agree to comply with these Host Terms, our general Terms of Service, and all applicable policies.
As a Host, you are an independent contractor providing parking and/or storage services through our platform. SwiftSpot facilitates connections between Hosts and Renters but is not a party to the rental agreements between you and Renters.
1. Host Eligibility and Requirements
1.1 Eligibility Criteria
To become a Host, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have the legal right to list and rent the space (parking or storage)
- Comply with all applicable local laws and regulations
- Provide accurate and complete information during registration
- Maintain a valid payment account for receiving payouts
- For Storage Spaces: ensure the space meets basic safety standards
1.2 Verification Requirements
We may require you to provide:
- Government-issued identification
- Proof of ownership or authorization to rent the space
- Property documentation as requested
- Additional verification information as deemed necessary
2. Listing Standards and Requirements
2.1 Listing Accuracy
You must ensure that all listing information is:
- Accurate, complete, and current
- Truthful and not misleading
- Regularly updated to reflect availability and changes
- Compliant with our listing guidelines
2.2 Prohibited Listings
You may not list spaces that:
- You do not own or have authorization to rent
- Are located on public streets without proper permits
- Violate local zoning laws or regulations
- Are in active construction zones or unsafe areas
- Breach lease agreements or property rules
- Are used for illegal activities
2.3 Storage Space Additional Requirements
If you list a Storage Space, you must also ensure:
- Safety: The space is free from hazards that could damage stored items or harm users
- Structural Integrity: The space has adequate protection from weather, water intrusion, and pests
- Access: Clear access instructions and any restrictions are disclosed in the listing
- Item Categories: Accurately specify what categories of items are permitted
- Security Features: Accurately describe any security measures (locks, cameras, alarms)
- Environmental Conditions: Disclose if the space is climate-controlled, ventilated, or subject to temperature extremes
- Prohibited Items: Clearly communicate what items are NOT allowed in your space
⚠️ Storage Host Liability Notice
By listing a Storage Space, you acknowledge:
- You are responsible for accurately describing the space's condition and limitations
- You may be liable for damages caused by misrepresentation of storage conditions
- You should carry appropriate liability insurance for storage operations
- SwiftSpot does not insure stored items and is not liable for loss or damage
2.4 Content Standards
All listing content must:
- Use high-quality, recent photographs
- Provide clear and detailed descriptions
- Include accurate location information
- Specify any restrictions or special requirements
- Comply with intellectual property laws
- For Storage Spaces: accurately describe dimensions, access, and environmental conditions
2.5 Listing Management Permissions
As a Host, you have the following permissions and restrictions regarding your listings:
✅ Hosts CAN:
- Disable their listing: Stop accepting new bookings while keeping the listing active
- Remove or pause the listing from public search: Hide it from renters so no new bookings can happen
- Edit spot details: Update listing information, pricing, availability, and other details (except changes that would impact existing confirmed bookings)
❌ Hosts CANNOT:
- Cancel existing bookings: Once a booking is confirmed and payment is processed, hosts cannot cancel it directly. For future bookings (2+ weeks away), hosts may submit a change request for admin review.
- Remove the spot in a way that erases obligations: You cannot delete or remove a listing if it would eliminate your obligations to fulfill existing confirmed bookings
3. Host Responsibilities and Obligations
3.1 Service Delivery
As a Host, you must:
- Honor all confirmed bookings
- Provide access to the parking spot as described
- Maintain the space in a safe and usable condition
- Respond promptly to Renter communications
- Provide clear access instructions
3.2 Communication Standards
You agree to:
- Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
- Communicate professionally and respectfully
- Provide timely updates about any changes
- Cooperate with SwiftSpot support when needed
3.3 Legal Compliance
You are responsible for:
- Complying with all applicable laws and regulations
- Obtaining necessary permits or licenses
- Meeting local zoning and safety requirements
- Adhering to property management rules
- Ensuring accessibility compliance where required
4. Booking Management and Policies
4.1 Booking Acceptance
Once you accept a booking request or it is automatically confirmed, you are contractually obligated to provide the parking spot as described. Failure to honor confirmed bookings may result in penalties or account suspension.
4.2 Cancellation Policies
As a Host, you are subject to strict cancellation policies to protect Renters. Hosts cannot cancel bookings after a renter pays. For future bookings (2+ weeks away), hosts may submit a change request through the platform for admin review.
Availability Guarantee: Hosts must ensure spot availability once a booking is confirmed.
Hosts who violate this policy may face:
- Account suspension
- Temporary de-listing
- Reduced listing visibility
- Account penalties or fees
- Permanent removal from the platform
4.3 Pricing and Availability
You have full control over your pricing and availability, but you agree to:
- Set fair and reasonable prices
- Keep availability calendars current
- Not engage in price gouging or discriminatory pricing
- Honor the prices displayed at the time of booking
5. Financial Terms
5.1 Payment Processing
All payments are processed through Stripe. You must:
- Maintain a valid Stripe account
- Provide accurate banking information
- Comply with Stripe's terms of service
- Complete any required tax documentation
5.2 Platform Fees
SwiftSpot charges a platform fee for each completed booking. This fee:
- Is disclosed in your host dashboard
- Is automatically deducted from your payout
- May vary based on booking type and location
- Is subject to change with notice
5.3 Security Deposits and Cleaning Fees
As a Host, you may set security deposits and cleaning fees subject to the following terms:
5.3.1 Security Deposits
- When Required: Security deposits may be required for bookings of 14 days or longer
- Casual/Residential Spots: $25-$50 CAD range (driveways, street parking, basic spots)
- Premium/Luxury Spots: $50-$100 CAD range (garage, gated, EV charging, luxury spots)
- Long-term Bookings (30+ days): Up to $100 CAD maximum
- Authorization Holds: Deposits are authorization holds on the renter's payment method, not immediate charges
- Hold Period: Deposits are held for up to 14 days after booking completion
- Release Requirements: Deposits are automatically released after the hold period unless damages are documented and reported with photographic evidence
- Damage Documentation: Any deductions from security deposits must be accompanied by receipts, photos, or repair estimates and approved by SwiftSpot
5.3.2 Cleaning Fees
- Purpose: Cleaning fees cover restoration of the parking spot to its original condition
- Coverage: Cleaning fees may be charged for oil drips, paint splotches, stains, debris, or any damage requiring compensation
- Standard Spots: Cleaning fees cannot exceed $100 CAD per booking
- Luxury Spots: Cleaning fees cannot exceed $300 CAD per booking due to premium service expectations
- Disclosure: All cleaning fees must be clearly disclosed in your listing before booking
- Reasonableness: Cleaning fees must be reasonable and proportional to actual cleaning costs
5.3.3 Damage and Liability
- Documentation Required: All damage reports must include photos taken before and after the rental period
- Reasonable Wear: Normal wear and tear cannot be charged to security deposits or cleaning fees
- Dispute Resolution: Disputed charges may be subject to SwiftSpot mediation or third-party arbitration
- Evidence Standards: Damage reports require clear evidence linking the damage to the renter's use
- Reporting: Damage should be reported promptly after booking completion
5.4 Payouts
Host payouts are processed according to our standard schedule:
- Typically within 1-3 business days after booking completion
- Subject to verification and fraud review
- May be delayed for security or compliance reasons
- Dependent on your payment method and bank processing times
- Security deposits are held separately and released according to the terms above
5.5 Tax Responsibilities
You are solely responsible for:
- Determining your tax obligations
- Reporting income from hosting activities, including cleaning fees
- Paying all applicable taxes
- Maintaining records for tax purposes
6. Insurance and Liability
6.1 Insurance Coverage
SwiftSpot does not provide insurance coverage for:
- Property damage to your parking or storage space
- Damage to vehicles using your space
- Loss, theft, or damage to items stored in your Storage Space
- Personal injury occurring on your property
- Theft or vandalism
- Any other losses or damages
6.2 Risk Assumption
By hosting on SwiftSpot, you acknowledge and assume all risks associated with:
- Making your space available to strangers
- Potential property damage or liability claims
- Interactions with Renters
- Compliance with local laws and regulations
- For Storage Spaces: damage or loss of Renter's stored property
6.3 Storage-Specific Liability
For Storage Space Hosts, the following additional terms apply:
- No Bailee Relationship: SwiftSpot does not act as a bailee for stored items and has no duty of care for stored property
- Host Responsibility: You are responsible for accurately describing storage conditions and any known risks
- Damage Liability: You may be liable for damages to stored items caused by conditions you failed to disclose or misrepresented
- Prohibited Items: You have the right to refuse storage of prohibited items and are not liable for confiscation of illegal items
- Abandonment: Items left beyond the booking period may be considered abandoned after 30 days and disposed of according to applicable law
6.4 Insurance Recommendations
We strongly recommend that you:
- Obtain appropriate liability insurance
- Review your existing insurance policies
- Consult with insurance professionals
- Understand your coverage limitations
- For Storage Spaces: consider commercial storage liability coverage
7. Content and Intellectual Property
7.1 Content License
By posting content on SwiftSpot, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, copy, modify, distribute, and display your content for:
- Operating and marketing our platform
- Promoting your listings
- Improving our services
- Compliance and safety purposes
7.2 Content Ownership and Rights
You represent and warrant that:
- You own or have rights to all content you post
- Your content does not infringe third-party rights
- You have permission to photograph and share images of the space
- Your content complies with applicable laws
8. Platform Policies and Enforcement
8.1 Community Standards
You must comply with our Community Guidelines, which prohibit:
- Discrimination based on protected characteristics
- Harassment or abusive behavior
- Fraudulent or misleading practices
- Circumventing platform policies
8.2 Platform Integrity
You agree not to:
- Accept payments outside the platform
- Encourage Renters to book off-platform
- Manipulate reviews or ratings
- Create multiple accounts without permission
8.3 Enforcement Actions
Violations may result in:
- Warning notices
- Listing removal or suspension
- Account restrictions or suspension
- Permanent removal from the platform
- Legal action where appropriate
9. Data and Privacy
9.1 Personal Data Handling
If you collect personal data from Renters (such as license plate numbers or surveillance footage), you must:
- Comply with applicable privacy laws
- Obtain necessary consents
- Protect data security
- Use data only for legitimate purposes
9.2 Reviews and Ratings
All reviews and ratings are the property of SwiftSpot. We may use this content for:
- Platform functionality and display
- Marketing and promotional purposes
- Quality assurance and improvement
- Trust and safety measures
10. Relationship and Status
10.1 Independent Contractor Status
You acknowledge that:
- You are an independent contractor, not an employee
- No employment relationship exists with SwiftSpot
- You are not entitled to employee benefits
- You control how you provide your services
10.2 Platform Role
SwiftSpot acts as a platform facilitator and:
- Is not a party to rental agreements between Hosts and Renters
- Does not guarantee the quality or safety of listings
- Does not control Host pricing or availability
- Provides technology and support services
11. Disclaimers and Limitations
11.1 No Guarantees
SwiftSpot makes no representations or guarantees regarding:
- The number of bookings you will receive
- Your potential earnings or income
- The behavior or reliability of Renters
- Market demand for your listing
11.2 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, SwiftSpot's liability to you is limited to the platform fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding any claim.
12. Termination
12.1 Termination by You
You may terminate your Host account at any time, subject to:
- Fulfilling existing booking obligations
- Resolving any outstanding disputes
- Completing any pending payouts
12.2 Termination by SwiftSpot
We may terminate your Host account for:
- Violation of these Host Terms or our general Terms
- Fraudulent or illegal activity
- Repeated policy violations
- Risk to platform safety or integrity
13. Updates and Modifications
We may update these Host Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through:
- Email notifications
- In-app notifications
- Platform announcements
- Updates to this page
Your continued hosting after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
14. Governing Law and Disputes
These Host Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. Any disputes will be resolved according to the dispute resolution procedures outlined in our general Terms of Service.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these Host Terms or hosting-related issues, please contact us:
SwiftSpot Inc.
Host Support: hosts@swiftspot.ca
Legal Inquiries: legal@swiftspot.ca
General Support: support@swiftspot.ca
Address: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Website: swiftspot.ca