AGENT TERMS OF SERVICE

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1. Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account on the Lodge App, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you disagree, you must not use the service.

2. Listing Authenticity

Agents must list hostels with accurate pricing, real-time availability, and actual photos of the property. "Bait and switch" or fraudulent listings are strictly prohibited.

3. Payouts and Commissions

Escrow Service: Lodge holds the rent in escrow and only releases it to you after the student have successfully moved in or a set verification period has passed.
Remittance: After a student pays the first rent via Paystack, Lodge will deduct it’s [2%] commission and remit the balance to the Agent’s verified Nigerian bank account within [3-5] business days of move-in.
Bank Details: You are responsible for ensuring your payout bank details are accurate. Lodge is not liable for delays or losses due to incorrect information.
Commission: Lodge charges a non-refundable commission fee for every successful booking.

4.Professionalism

Agents must treat students with respect. Any report of harassment or extortion will lead to immediate removal from the platform.

5. Legal Authority

By listing a property, you warrant that you are the owner or have the express legal authority from the landlord to rent out the hostel.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLAUSE

1. Disputes Between Student and Agent

Initial Report: In the event of a dispute regarding the condition of a hostel, payment, or move-in logistics, the parties must first report the issue to Lodge Support within 24 hours of the move-in date.
Lodge Mediation: Lodge will act as a neutral mediator to resolve the issue based on the evidence provided (photos, payment receipts, chat history). Lodge’s decision regarding the release or refund of the Escrow Funds held in Paystack shall be final and binding on both parties for platform transactions.
Limitation: Lodge is not responsible for resolving disputes that occur after the initial rent has been released to the Agent.

2. Disputes Between You and Lodge

Amicable Settlement: If a dispute arises between a User (Student or Agent) and Lodge, the parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter through informal, good-faith negotiations for a period of at least 21 business days.
Mediation: If negotiations fail, the dispute shall be referred to the Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) or any recognized Multi-Door Courthouse in the state of operation for mediation under the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023.
Binding Arbitration: If mediation fails within 30 days, the dispute shall be settled by binding arbitration before a single arbitrator. The seat of arbitration shall be [Insert City, e.g., Lagos or Benin City], and the language of proceedings shall be English.
Governing Law: These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

FORCE MAJEURE CLAUSE

1. Definition of Force Majeure "Force Majeure" refers to any event beyond the reasonable control of Lodge, the Student, or the Agent, including but not limited to:

National or state-wide industrial actions (e.g., ASUU strikes).
Government-mandated university closures or lockdowns.
Natural disasters, civil unrest, or acts of terrorism.

2. Effect on Bookings

If a strike or closure occurs BEFORE move-in: Lodge may, at its discretion, hold the rent in escrow for an extended period or issue a partial refund to the student (minus administrative fees) if the student can prove they can no longer take up the accommodation due to the event.
If a strike occurs AFTER move-in: the contract between the Student and the agent remains valid. Lodge is not liable for "unused days" of rent resulting from school closures or strikes.

3. Limitation of Liability

Lodge shall not be held liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations (such as payment processing or listing updates) if such delay is a direct result of a Force Majeure event.

GENERAL DISCLAIMER

Lodge is a marketplace platform. While we provide a secure payment gateway (Paystack) and verify listings to the best of our ability, we are not the owners of the hostels. We are not liable for physical disputes, theft, or maintenance issues arising at the property after the student has moved in. These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. By using the Lodge platform, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.