Terms of Service

1. Overview and Acceptance of Terms
These Terms apply to direct bookings for The Old New House made through the Owner’s website. The property is owned and/or operated by Bethel LLC (“Owner”). By making payment in connection with a booking, Guest represents and warrants that Guest has read, understood, and agrees to be bound by these Terms.

2. Booking Requests and Confirmation
All booking requests are subject to Owner approval in Owner’s sole discretion. As a condition of approval, the booking guest must provide: (a) a valid, unexpired government-issued identification document, (b) the full names of all accompanying adult guests, and (c) payment of the total booking amount.

A booking shall not be deemed confirmed unless and until Owner has approved the request and the required deposit has been received. Owner reserves the right to deny any booking request at its sole discretion.

Failure to timely provide requested information or payment may result in denial or cancellation of the booking request, and any amounts paid may be retained to the extent stated elsewhere in these Terms.

3. Payment Terms

Deposit

A payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total booking amount is due at the time of booking. This initial payment is refundable in full if the booking is canceled within twenty-four (24) hours of payment or at least forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled arrival date. If canceled at least thirty (30) days prior to arrival, fifty percent (50%) of the total booking amount will be refunded. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than thirty (30) days prior to arrival, except as otherwise required by law.

4. Incidentals; Authorization to Charge
Owner does not require a separate security deposit. However, by making a booking and providing payment information, Guest authorizes Owner to charge the payment method on file for any amounts owed under these Terms.

Such charges may include, without limitation: (a) damage to the Property or its contents, (b) additional or unregistered guests, (c) unauthorized late check-out, (d) excessive cleaning or restoration costs, and (e) any other fees or charges arising from Guest’s use of the Property or violation of these Terms.

In the event Guest remains in possession of the Property beyond the approved check-out time without authorization, or fails to vacate the Property following termination of the reservation (an “Unauthorized Holdover”), Owner reserves the right to charge a fee of $395 per day, or any portion thereof, until the Property is vacated, in addition to any other remedies available to Owner.

5. Collection of Unpaid Amounts; Payment Disputes

Guest agrees to pay all amounts owed under these Terms, including unpaid booking balances, damages, extra guest or unregistered guest charges, late check-out fees, unauthorized holdover charges, excessive cleaning costs, chargeback-related costs, and any other amounts arising from Guest’s reservation, occupancy, conduct, or use of the Property. If any amount owed is not successfully charged to the payment method on file, is declined, reversed, charged back, blocked, cancelled, disputed, or otherwise cannot be processed or retained by Owner, the amount shall remain immediately due and payable by Guest. Owner may issue an invoice and demand payment. Guest agrees that unpaid amounts may be referred to a collection agency, attorney, or court of competent jurisdiction, including small claims court where applicable. Guest shall be responsible for any chargeback fees, payment processing fees, administrative costs, and reasonable costs of collection, to the extent permitted by law.

6. Guest Eligibility and Identification

The booking guest must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

The booking guest is required to provide a valid, unexpired government-issued identification document immediately following submission of a booking request. Provision of such identification is a condition of confirmation of the reservation.

The name and address reflected on the identification document, or the billing address associated with the payment method on file, may be used by Owner to verify the booking guest’s identity and primary residence.

Owner reserves the right to cancel any booking request or reservation if required identification is not provided promptly after booking, or if Owner is unable to verify the identity of the booking guest to its reasonable satisfaction.

7. Occupancy Limits and Registered Guests

The maximum number of overnight occupants permitted at the Property is six (6) persons, excluding infants under two (2) years of age.

The booking guest must provide the full names of all adult guests (age 18 and over) who will be staying at the Property. Disclosure of children is required by headcount and age only; individual names of minor children are not required.

Only those individuals identified in the reservation and approved by Owner may stay overnight at the Property. For purposes of these Terms, an “overnight guest” means any person present at the Property between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Any person not included in the reservation who is present at the Property during such hours shall be considered an “Unregistered Guest.” Guest agrees to pay an additional charge of $300 per Unregistered Guest, per night, regardless of whether the total number of occupants exceeds the maximum occupancy limit.

Guests may have a limited number of daytime visitors between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., provided such visitors do not create a disturbance, violate these Terms, or cause the Property to be used in a manner inconsistent with a private residential stay. Owner reserves the right to limit or prohibit visitors at any time in its reasonable discretion.

8. House Rules and Prohibited Conduct

Guests and their visitors agree to comply with the following house rules at all times:

(a) No Smoking. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Property, including interior and exterior areas.

(b) No Pets. Pets are not permitted at the Property. Service animals are permitted as required by applicable law.

(c) Quiet Hours. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Guests agree to maintain reasonable noise levels at all times and to avoid disturbing neighbors.

(d) Parking. Parking is limited to one (1) to two (2) vehicles in the designated driveway area only. Guests shall not block the private lane or neighboring properties at any time.

(e) No Illegal Activity. Guests and visitors shall not engage in any illegal activity at the Property.

(f) No Moving Furniture. Guests may not move, rearrange, or remove furniture or furnishings without prior written permission from Owner.

(g) Food and Drink Restrictions. Eating and drinking are permitted only in designated dining areas.

(h) Shoes Inside the House. Shoes are not permitted inside the house. Guests agree to ensure that all guests and visitors remove shoes upon entry.

(i) Use Consistent with Residential Stay. The Property shall be used solely for private residential purposes. Any use inconsistent with a residential stay, including but not limited to events, parties, or commercial use, is prohibited except as otherwise expressly permitted by Owner.

Violation of any of the above rules may result in additional charges, termination of the reservation, and removal from the Property.

9. Check-In, Check-Out, and Access

Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. local time. Check-out is no later than 11:00 a.m., unless otherwise approved in advance by Owner.

Access to the Property is provided via keypad entry at both the gate and the main entrance. Access instructions, including applicable entry codes, will be provided to Guest prior to arrival, subject to completion of all booking requirements.

Guest agrees not to share access codes with any person other than registered guests and to take reasonable steps to ensure that access credentials are kept secure. Guest shall be responsible for any unauthorized access resulting from failure to safeguard such information.

Owner reserves the right to modify access credentials at any time for security purposes.

Early check-in may be permitted at Owner’s discretion but is not guaranteed unless expressly confirmed in writing.

10. Utilities, Fees, and Taxes

All standard utilities associated with normal residential use of the Property are included in the booking rate.

A cleaning fee of $200 will be applied to each reservation.

In addition, a fourteen percent (14%) Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”), as required by the City of Los Angeles, will be applied to the booking total for stays of fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days, unless an exemption applies under applicable law.

Except as otherwise expressly stated in these Terms, there are no additional recurring or standard usage-based fees. However, additional charges may apply in the event of violations of these Terms, including but not limited to unregistered guests, unauthorized late check-out, damage, excessive cleaning, or other misuse of the Property.

11. Damage, Loss, and Reimbursement

Guest is responsible for any damage to the Property or its contents caused by Guest or any of Guest’s visitors, whether intentional or accidental.

Guest shall be liable for the cost of repair or replacement of damaged, soiled, or missing items, including but not limited to furniture, fixtures, linens, towels, appliances, and other household items. This includes, without limitation, damage resulting from spills, stains, bodily fluids, smoke or other odors, misuse of appliances or plumbing, or failure to comply with house rules.

Guests agree to use plumbing systems responsibly. Only standard toilet paper and typical organic waste may be flushed. Guest shall be responsible for any damage, blockage, or service required as a result of improper use of plumbing or drainage systems.

Charges for damage or loss will be based on the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, as determined by Owner, together with an administrative fee equal to three percent (3%) of such amount to cover processing and coordination.

Guest authorizes Owner to charge the payment method on file for any such amounts. If such charges cannot be processed, Guest agrees to pay all amounts owed upon demand.

12. Cancellations and Refunds

Guest may cancel a reservation by providing written notice to Owner. Cancellation eligibility and refunds are as follows:

  • Cancellations made within twenty-four (24) hours of initial payment are eligible for a full refund.

  • Cancellations made at least forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled arrival date are eligible for a full refund.

  • Cancellations made at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled arrival date are eligible for a refund equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total booking amount.

  • No refunds will be issued for cancellations made fewer than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled arrival date, except as otherwise required by law.

Guest remains responsible for the full booking amount regardless of actual occupancy. No refunds will be issued for early departure, no-shows, or unused nights.

In the event Owner cancels a confirmed reservation, Guest shall receive a full refund of all amounts paid.

Owner shall not be liable for cancellations, delays, or interruptions caused by events beyond Owner’s reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, fire, utility outages, government actions, labor disputes, or other force majeure events. In such cases, refunds, if any, will be issued at Owner’s discretion, subject to applicable law.

13. Termination of Stay

Owner reserves the right to terminate a reservation and require immediate removal from the Property, without refund, in the event of any material violation of these Terms.

Material violations include, without limitation: (a) the presence of unregistered overnight guests, (b) hosting of parties, events, or unauthorized gatherings, (c) smoking anywhere on the Property, (d) engagement in any illegal activity, and (e) failure or refusal to pay amounts owed under these Terms, including charges for damages, fees, or other penalties.

Upon termination, Guest and all occupants must immediately vacate the Property. Any continued occupancy after termination may be treated as an Unauthorized Holdover and subject to additional charges as set forth in these Terms.

Owner reserves the right to take any actions reasonably necessary to enforce these Terms, protect the Property, prevent disturbances, address safety concerns, or respond to unlawful or threatening conduct, including contacting security, emergency services, law enforcement, or other appropriate authorities where Owner reasonably determines such action is necessary or appropriate.

14. Limitation of Liability

Guest acknowledges that use of the Property is at Guest’s own risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Owner shall not be liable for any injury, loss, or damage to Guest or any other occupant or visitor, including but not limited to personal injury, accidents, illness, loss of use, or loss, theft, or damage to personal property, arising from or related to use of the Property.

Owner shall not be liable for consequences arising from Owner’s good-faith decision to contact security, emergency services, law enforcement, or other appropriate authorities in response to suspected violations of these Terms, disturbances, safety concerns, property damage, unlawful activity, or refusal to vacate, except to the extent caused by Owner’s own willful misconduct, fraud, or violation of law.

Guest acknowledges that the Property includes features such as gated access and other residential elements, which are provided for convenience and do not guarantee security or safety. Guest agrees to take reasonable precautions at all times to protect persons and property.

Guest agrees that Owner shall not be responsible for any interruptions, failures, or conditions outside Owner’s reasonable control, including but not limited to utility outages, internet disruptions, or acts of third parties.

15. Indemnification

Guest agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Owner and its members, managers, employees, agents, and representatives from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to: (a) Guest’s use of the Property, (b) the acts or omissions of Guest or any of Guest’s visitors, or (c) any violation of these Terms.

This indemnification obligation includes any claims, losses, damages, fines, penalties, citations, costs, expenses, or liabilities arising out of or related to the conduct of Guest, any occupant, visitor, or invitee that results in or contributes to Owner contacting security, emergency services, law enforcement, or other appropriate authorities, to the extent permitted by law.

16. Privacy and Communications
Owner collects and processes personal information in connection with bookings, including but not limited to Guest’s name, identification, contact information, payment details, and guest occupancy information.

Guest agrees that Owner may communicate with Guest via email and through the Hostex messaging platform in connection with the reservation. By making a booking, Guest consents to receive electronic communications from Owner related to the reservation, including confirmations, instructions, and notices under these Terms.

The Property is equipped with exterior security cameras, including Ring cameras, for safety and monitoring purposes. Such devices are located outside the home only and are not positioned in any interior or private areas. By booking and using the Property, Guest acknowledges and consents to the presence of such recording devices.

Owner does not sell Guest personal information.

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
These Terms and any dispute arising from or related to the reservation, the Property, or Guest’s use of the Property shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.

Any dispute shall be brought in the state or federal courts located in Los Angeles County, California, unless the matter qualifies for small claims court. Either party may bring an eligible claim in small claims court in Los Angeles County, California.

Each party shall bear its own attorneys’ fees and costs, except as otherwise required by law or ordered by a court.

18. Contact Information

For all inquiries, notices, or communications regarding a reservation, Guest may contact Owner at:

Email: owner@theoldnewhouse.org

All notices under these Terms must be submitted in writing via email. Owner may communicate with Guest using the contact information provided at the time of booking.