Host Terms of Service

These Host Terms of Service (“Host Terms”) supplement the general Terms of Service and apply specifically to Users who list properties on BowTel (“Hosts”). In the event of a conflict between these Host Terms and the general Terms, these Host Terms shall prevail with respect to Host-specific matters.

5.1 Becoming a Host

5.1.1 Eligibility

To list a property on BowTel, you must:

1. Have a registered BowTel account in good standing;
2. Be the legal owner of the property or have the legal authority to offer it as a short-term rental;
3. Complete the Host onboarding process, including Stripe Connect account setup for payouts;
4. Provide accurate business information, including legal name and (if applicable) business registration details.

5.1.2 Listing for Free

There is no subscription fee, listing fee, or membership cost to list a property on BowTel. BowTel's revenue is derived from Guest service fees and payment processing fees. Hosts list for free.

5.2 Listing Accuracy

5.2.1 Obligation of Accuracy

Hosts must ensure that all listing information is accurate, complete, current, and not misleading, including:

• Property type, size, and layout;
• Number of bedrooms, beds, and bathrooms;
• Amenities (only those actually available and functional);
• Photographs (must accurately represent the current condition of the property — no misleading edits, no photos from other properties);
• Location (correct address — BowTel displays only an approximate location publicly);
• Pricing (all mandatory fees must be disclosed);
• Availability (calendar must be kept up to date);
• House rules;
• Maximum occupancy.

5.2.2 Consequences of Inaccuracy

Material inaccuracies in listings may result in:

• Guest refunds charged to the Host;
• Listing suspension or removal;
• Account suspension or termination;
• Reduced visibility in search results.

5.3 Short-Term Rental Licensing and Compliance

5.3.1 Licensing Obligations

Hosts are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all licences, permits, and registrations required by their municipality, province, or territory to operate a short-term rental, including but not limited to:

• Municipal business licences;
• Short-term rental permits or registrations (e.g., City of Calgary's short-term rental licence);
• Provincial tourism accommodation registrations (where applicable);
• Strata/condominium board approvals (where applicable);
• Any other permits required by local law.

BowTel does not verify Host compliance with local regulations. Failure to comply with applicable laws is the Host's sole responsibility and may result in fines, penalties, or legal action from local authorities.

5.3.2 Licence Display

Where required by local law, Hosts must display their licence or registration number on their listing. BowTel may require Hosts in certain jurisdictions to provide their licence number as a condition of listing.

5.3.3 Platform Compliance Tools

BowTel provides compliance verification tools for supported cities. These tools are informational only and do not constitute legal advice. Hosts should consult local authorities or legal counsel to confirm their obligations.

5.4 Tax Obligations

5.4.1 Host Tax Responsibility

Hosts are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable tax obligations, including:

1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) — If your short-term rental revenue exceeds $30,000 in four consecutive calendar quarters, you must register for GST/HST. Even below this threshold, voluntary registration may be advantageous. Consult a tax professional.
2. Provincial accommodation taxes — Some provinces impose accommodation or lodging taxes. Hosts must collect and remit these taxes as required by law.
3. Municipal accommodation taxes — Some municipalities (including Calgary) impose accommodation taxes. Hosts must comply with local requirements.
4. Income tax — Rental income must be reported on your Canadian income tax return. BowTel will issue T4A slips as required by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

5.4.2 BowTel's Tax Reporting

BowTel will:

• Issue T4A information slips to Hosts where required by CRA;
• Report Host earnings to CRA as required by law;
• Collect and remit accommodation taxes on behalf of Hosts where required by law and where BowTel has elected to do so.

5.4.3 Tax Advice Disclaimer

BowTel does not provide tax advice. Hosts should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific tax obligations.

5.5 Payouts

5.5.1 Payout Method

Host payouts are processed through Stripe Connect. Hosts must maintain an active Stripe Connect account with valid bank account information to receive payouts.

5.5.2 Payout Schedule

For short-term bookings, payouts are released after a hold period measured from Guest check-in:

• First booking on the platform: a 7-day hold applies. This is a one-time anti-fraud window applied to the first completed payout for a Host.
• All subsequent bookings: a 2-day (48-hour) hold applies.

Once the hold elapses, BowTel releases the funds to the Host's Stripe Connect account. Bank processing times may add a further 2-5 business days before the funds appear in the Host's bank account. For long-term bookings with monthly installments, payouts corresponding to each installment are processed after each installment payment is received and cleared.

BowTel may extend the hold period for specific bookings in the circumstances described in s. 5.5.4 (Payout Holds).

5.5.3 Payout Amount

Host payouts equal the listing price (nightly rate x nights + cleaning fee) minus:

• Any Host-initiated refunds;
• Any amounts withheld for dispute resolution;
• Any adjustments for cancellations.

BowTel does not deduct a commission or platform fee from Host payouts. BowTel's revenue is collected from Guests as a platform fee added to the listing price at checkout. The fee structure depends on the length of stay and is disclosed to the Guest before booking:

• Short-term bookings (under 28 nights): a flat service fee plus a percentage processing fee, shown as two line items at Guest checkout.
• Long-term bookings (28 nights or more): a single combined platform fee (default 8% of the booking subtotal), shown as one line at Guest checkout.

Current fee rates are published in the Guest Terms and may be revised by BowTel from time to time. Hosts enrolled in a Host Program (for example, Founding Host) may have alternate Guest-facing fee structures specific to that program; the program's terms at the time of grant govern in those cases.

5.5.4 Payout Holds

BowTel may place a temporary hold on payouts in the following circumstances:

• Pending dispute investigation;
• Suspected fraud or Terms violation;
• As required by law or legal process.

5.6 Host Cancellation Obligations

5.6.1 Host-Initiated Cancellations

Hosts are expected to honour all confirmed bookings. If a Host cancels a confirmed booking:

1. The Guest receives a full refund of all amounts paid, including BowTel service fees;
2. The Host's cancellation count is recorded on their Tenant profile;
3. Repeated Host cancellations may result in:
   • Reduced listing visibility;
   • Listing suspension;
   • Financial penalties;
   • Account termination.

5.6.2 Exceptions

Host cancellations may be excused in cases of:

• Force majeure events (as defined in the Terms of Service);
• Legitimate safety concerns;
• Circumstances beyond the Host's reasonable control (subject to BowTel's review).

5.7 Property Safety Standards

Hosts must ensure their property meets the following minimum safety standards:

1. Smoke detectors — Functional smoke detectors on every floor and in or near every sleeping area;
2. Carbon monoxide detectors — Functional CO detectors where gas appliances, attached garages, or fuel-burning equipment are present;
3. Fire extinguisher — At least one accessible fire extinguisher;
4. First aid kit — A basic first aid kit available to Guests;
5. Emergency information — Emergency contact numbers and exit routes posted in a visible location;
6. Structural safety — The property must be structurally sound and free from hazards;
7. Pool/hot tub safety — Properties with pools or hot tubs must comply with applicable safety regulations and display safety rules;
8. Lock and key security — Secure locks on all exterior doors.

BowTel reserves the right to require additional safety certifications or inspections.

5.8 Insurance

5.8.1 Host Insurance Recommendation

BowTel strongly recommends that Hosts maintain:

• Homeowner's or landlord insurance with a rider for short-term rental activity;
• Commercial general liability insurance adequate to cover Guest injuries or property damage.

5.8.2 Disclaimer

BowTel does not provide insurance coverage for Hosts, Guests, or properties. Hosts are solely responsible for maintaining adequate insurance coverage.

5.9 Anti-Discrimination

Hosts must comply with the BowTel Anti-Discrimination Policy and all applicable human rights legislation, including the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Act.