Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern access to and use of the Lodge platform, website, and mobile applications (together, the "Platform"), operated by Lodge ("Lodge," "we," "us," or "our"). By creating an account, listing a property, or booking a stay through the Platform, you ("User") agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

Lodge connects property owners or managers ("Hosts") with individuals seeking accommodation ("Guests"). Lodge is not a party to any rental agreement formed between a Host and a Guest — it provides the technology that enables discovery, booking, and payment.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

You must be at least 18 years old and capable of entering a binding contract under Nigerian law to create an account. By registering, you confirm that all information you provide is accurate and current, and you agree to keep it updated.

You are responsible for safeguarding your account credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us immediately at support@lodgeapp.app if you suspect unauthorised use.

Lodge may require identity verification (such as a government-issued ID) before allowing a User to list a property, complete a Booking, or withdraw funds, to help prevent fraud and comply with applicable law.

A Booking is confirmed once a Guest completes payment through the Platform and the Host accepts (or the Listing is set to instant-book). All payments are processed through Lodge's licensed third-party payment processor; Lodge does not hold Guest or Host funds directly in an account it operates.

Lodge charges a Service Fee, a percentage of the Booking total disclosed to both Host and Guest before payment is confirmed. Guest payments are held by the payment processor and released to the Host, less the Service Fee, according to the payout schedule stated in the Host dashboard, ordinarily after check-in.

Hosts are responsible for any taxes applicable to their rental income. Lodge does not provide tax advice and recommends Hosts consult a qualified professional regarding their obligations under Nigerian tax law.

Hosts must have the legal right to list and rent out the property (as owner, or with the owner's authorisation). Listings must accurately describe the property, its amenities, and any house rules; photos must reflect the property as it currently is.

Hosts are responsible for:

• Maintaining the property in a safe, habitable condition
• Honouring confirmed Bookings, except where cancellation is permitted under Section 7
• Complying with any local regulations governing short-term rentals in their area
• Responding to Guest enquiries and issues in a reasonable time

Lodge may remove a Listing or suspend a Host account for inaccurate listings, repeated cancellations, safety complaints, or violations of these Terms.

Guests agree to:

• Use the property respectfully and leave it in the condition it was received, ordinary wear and tear excepted
• Follow the house rules stated in the Listing
• Not exceed the maximum occupancy stated in the Listing
• Report damage or issues to the Host and to Lodge promptly

Guests are liable for damage they or their invitees cause to a property beyond ordinary wear and tear. Lodge reserves the right to suspend or terminate a Guest account for property damage, harassment of a Host, fraudulent payment activity, or other violations of these Terms.

Each Listing displays the cancellation policy that applies to it (e.g., flexible, moderate, strict), set by the Host within options Lodge makes available. Refund amounts are calculated according to that policy and the timing of the cancellation relative to check-in.

If a Host cancels a confirmed Booking, the Guest receives a full refund of amounts paid, and the Host may be subject to a penalty or listing suspension.

Where a Host and Guest disagree about a refund, property condition, or damage claim, both parties may submit evidence (photos, messages) through the Platform's resolution process. Lodge will review the evidence and make a determination, but Lodge is a neutral facilitator, not a court, and Users may still pursue other remedies available to them under Nigerian law.

Lodge provides a marketplace connecting Hosts and Guests. Lodge does not own, manage, or inspect Listings, and does not control the conduct of Hosts or Guests. Lodge makes no warranty regarding the accuracy of Listings, the condition of any property, or the conduct of any User.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Lodge's liability to any User arising from use of the Platform is limited to the Service Fee paid by that User on the Booking giving rise to the claim. Lodge is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of income, arising from a User's use of the Platform.

Nothing in this section limits liability that cannot be excluded under Nigerian law, including liability for fraud or wilful misconduct by Lodge.

You may close your account at any time by contacting support@lodgeapp.app, subject to completion of any active Bookings. Lodge may suspend or terminate a User's account, immediately and without notice, for violation of these Terms, fraudulent activity, safety concerns, or repeated complaints from other Users.

Sections of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination — including Section 8 (Limitation of Liability), Section 10 (Governing Law), and any outstanding payment obligations — remain in effect after your account is closed.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any dispute arising from these Terms that cannot be resolved informally shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nigeria.

Lodge may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be notified to Users through the Platform or by email at least 14 days before taking effect. Continued use of the Platform after that date constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

Questions about these Terms can be sent to support@lodgeapp.app.