Guest Terms & Conditions

Version 1.0 — May 2026

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern all short-term accommodation bookings at 4/292 Alma Road, Caulfield North VIC 3161 ("the Property"), operated by David Shafer trading as AlmaLuxe ("the Host", "we", "us", "our").

By making a booking — whether via the AlmaLuxe website, email, or phone — you ("the Guest") agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before completing your booking.

These Terms do not affect any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) or other applicable legislation.

2. The Booking

2.1 Reservation

A booking is confirmed once the Host has issued a written booking confirmation and the deposit described in clause 3.1 has been received. No binding agreement exists until both conditions are satisfied.

2.2 Eligible Guests

Bookings are accepted from adults aged 18 years or over only. The person making the booking (the "Lead Guest") is responsible for all guests staying at the Property and for ensuring all guests comply with these Terms.

2.3 Occupancy Limit

The Property accommodates a maximum of 8 guests overnight. Exceeding the stated occupancy limit is a material breach of these Terms and may result in immediate termination of the booking without refund.

2.4 Minimum Stay

A minimum stay of 4 nights applies to all bookings. Shorter stays may be available at the Host's discretion and will be confirmed in writing.

2.5 Permitted Use

The Property is let for holiday and short-term accommodation purposes only. The Guest must not use the Property for commercial events, parties, functions, photo or film shoots, or any purpose other than private residential accommodation without the Host's prior written consent.

3. Payment

3.1 Deposit

A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total booking value is required to secure the reservation. The deposit is due within 48 hours of the booking request being accepted. If the deposit is not received within this period, the Host reserves the right to release the dates.

3.2 Balance Payment

The remaining 70% of the total booking value is due no later than 30 days before the check-in date. For bookings made within 30 days of check-in, the full amount is due at the time of booking.

3.3 Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods will be confirmed at the time of booking. All amounts are quoted and payable in Australian Dollars (AUD).

3.4 Booking Fees and Taxes

All quoted rates are inclusive of GST where applicable. No additional booking fees are charged by the Host for direct bookings.

4. Security Bond / Damage Deposit

4.1 Bond Amount

A refundable security bond of AUD $1,000 is required for all bookings. The bond is due at the same time as the balance payment (clause 3.2).

4.2 Purpose of the Bond

The security bond is held as security against:

• damage to the Property, fixtures, fittings, or contents beyond reasonable wear and tear
• excessive cleaning costs if the Property is left in an unreasonably poor condition
• loss or replacement of keys, remotes, or access devices
• breach of the no-smoking, no-pets, or occupancy-limit rules (see clause 7)
• any other breach of these Terms resulting in a cost to the Host

4.3 Return of the Bond

Provided no deductions apply, the full bond will be returned within 7 business days of the departure date. The Host will notify the Guest of any intended deductions, including the reasons and amounts, within 5 business days of departure.

4.4 Deductions

The Guest is liable for damage or loss caused by the Guest or any other person the Guest permits on the Property. If deductions from the bond do not cover the full cost of damage or loss, the Guest remains liable for the outstanding balance.

5. Cancellation and Changes

5.1 Cancellation by the Guest

The following cancellation policy applies:

• More than 30 days before check-in: the deposit (30%) is forfeited; the balance (70%) will be refunded in full.
• 14–30 days before check-in: 50% of the total booking value is forfeited.
• Fewer than 14 days before check-in: the full booking amount is forfeited.

All cancellations must be made in writing to bookings@almaluxe.com.au. The cancellation date is the date the written notice is received by the Host.

The Host strongly recommends that Guests obtain travel insurance to cover cancellation costs.

5.2 Changes to Bookings

Requests to change the dates of a confirmed booking are subject to availability and the Host's agreement. Date changes are treated as a cancellation and re-booking if the new dates are more than 7 days different from the original dates. A rebooking fee of AUD $50 may apply.

5.3 Cancellation by the Host

The Host may cancel a booking in extraordinary circumstances (such as the Property becoming uninhabitable due to a natural disaster, structural damage, or a mandatory government order). In such cases, the Host will provide the earliest possible notice and refund all amounts paid, including the deposit. The Host's liability to the Guest in such circumstances is limited to the amounts paid.

6. Check-in and Check-out

• Check-in: from 3:00 pm on the arrival date.
• Check-out: by 10:00 am on the departure date.

Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request and is subject to an additional charge. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Unauthorised late check-out may result in a charge equal to one additional night's accommodation.

Check-in instructions and access details will be provided to the Lead Guest prior to arrival.

7. House Rules

The Guest agrees to observe the following rules throughout the stay:

• No smoking anywhere inside the Property or in the private courtyard. A AUD $400 cleaning fee will apply for any breach.
• No pets are permitted on the Property.
• No parties, functions, or events are permitted without the Host's prior written approval.
• Quiet hours are between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am. Please be considerate of neighbours.
• The Property must not be sublet or shared via platforms such as Airbnb, Stayz, or any similar service.
• All doors and windows should be locked when leaving the Property.
• The Property must be left in a clean and tidy condition, with all rubbish disposed of in the bins provided.

The Host reserves the right to terminate a booking immediately and without refund where a material breach of the house rules occurs.

8. Guest Responsibilities

8.1 Care of the Property

The Guest must take reasonable care of the Property and its contents throughout the stay. Any damage, accidental or otherwise, must be reported to the Host promptly by emailing bookings@almaluxe.com.au.

8.2 Lost or Damaged Items

The Guest is responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any item damaged or lost during the stay, including damage caused by third parties invited onto the Property by the Guest.

8.3 Reporting Issues

Any maintenance issues or faults discovered on arrival must be reported to the Host within 4 hours of check-in. Failure to report issues in a timely manner may affect the Guest's ability to raise a complaint later.

9. Liability

9.1 Host's Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Host's liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with a booking is limited to the total amount paid by the Guest for that booking.

The Host is not liable for:

• loss, theft, or damage to the Guest's personal belongings while at the Property
• injury, illness, or death arising from the Guest's use of the Property or its facilities
• interruptions to utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) caused by events outside the Host's reasonable control
• any loss or inconvenience arising from the actions of third parties

9.2 Guest's Indemnity

The Guest indemnifies the Host against any claim, loss, damage, or expense (including legal costs) arising from the Guest's breach of these Terms or negligent or unlawful act or omission during the stay.

9.3 Australian Consumer Law

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, warranty, right, or remedy that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable legislation.

10. Privacy

Personal information collected during the booking process (name, contact details, payment information) is used solely for the purpose of managing the booking. The Host handles personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988. Personal information will not be disclosed to third parties except where required by law or where necessary to process payment.

11. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter by direct negotiation. If the dispute cannot be resolved within 14 days of written notice, either party may refer the matter to an agreed mediator.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of Victoria.

12. Miscellaneous

• These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Host and the Guest in relation to the booking.
• If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force.
• The Host's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
• These Terms may be updated from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking applies to that booking.