Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Livin Stays Algarve. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website livinstaysalgarve.com and its subdomains, as well as all bookings made through our platform.

Website Operator:
Helder & Rufino, Lda.
Email: info@livinstaysalgarve.com

Property Owners:
The accommodations listed on our platform are owned by:
- Helder & Rufino, Lda. (Quinta da Capelinha)
- Nelson Manuel Martins Rufino (Villa Miramar)
- Rodrigo Manuel Rufino, Lda. (other properties)

Definitions:
- "We", "Us", "Our" refers to Livin Stays Algarve and the website operator
- "Guest", "You", "Your" refers to the person making the booking
- "Property" refers to any accommodation listed on our platform
- "Booking" refers to a confirmed reservation for a Property

By using our website or making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Age Requirement:
You must be at least 18 years of age to make a booking through our platform. By completing a booking, you confirm that you meet this age requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts.

Booking Responsibility:
The person making the booking ("Lead Guest") is responsible for:
- All guests included in the booking party
- Ensuring all guests comply with these Terms and Property house rules
- All charges, damages, and liabilities arising from the booking
- Providing accurate and truthful information during the booking process

Prohibited Uses:
Our properties may not be used for:
- Any illegal activity
- Commercial purposes without prior written consent
- Events or parties without explicit permission
- Exceeding the maximum occupancy stated for the Property

Booking Request:
A booking submitted through our website constitutes a request and is not confirmed until you receive a written confirmation email from us.

Confirmation:
Once payment is successfully processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing:
- Booking reference number
- Property details
- Check-in/check-out dates and times
- Total price breakdown
- Check-in instructions

Contract Formation:
A binding contract is formed when:
1. You submit a booking request with valid payment details
2. Payment is successfully processed
3. We send you a confirmation email

Accuracy of Information:
You must provide accurate information when making a booking, including:
- Full legal names of all guests
- Valid contact details (email and phone)
- Correct number of guests
- Any special requirements or accessibility needs

Providing false information may result in cancellation of your booking without refund.

Currency:
All prices are displayed and charged in Euros (EUR).

Price Includes:
Unless otherwise stated, the price includes:
- Accommodation for the specified dates
- Standard utilities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi)
- Bed linen and towels
- Final cleaning

Additional Charges (may apply):
- Tourist tax (Taxa Turistica) as required by local authorities
- Extra cleaning for extended stays
- Additional services or extras selected during booking
- Damages or excessive cleaning requirements

Payment Structure:

Payment Methods:
We accept secure payments via Stripe, including:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit cards

Minimum Transaction:
Minimum booking value: €0.50

Price Changes:
Prices are subject to change without notice. However, once your booking is confirmed, the price is guaranteed.

Usage Rules:
- Promo codes are subject to availability and validity periods
- Only one promo code may be applied per booking (unless stated otherwise)
- Promo codes cannot be combined with other offers unless explicitly stated
- Codes are non-transferable and have no cash value

Restrictions:
Some promo codes may have specific restrictions:
- Minimum stay requirements
- Minimum booking value
- Specific properties or date ranges
- Maximum discount caps

Invalid Codes:
We reserve the right to cancel bookings made with:
- Expired promo codes
- Fraudulently obtained codes
- Codes used in violation of their terms

If a booking is cancelled due to promo code misuse, no refund will be provided.

Property-Specific Policies:
Each property has its own cancellation policy, which will be clearly displayed during the booking process. Please review the specific terms for your chosen property before confirming your booking.

General Cancellation Terms:
- Cancellations must be made in writing via email to info@livinstaysalgarve.com
- The cancellation date is the date we receive your written request
- Refunds will be processed to the original payment method

Refund Processing:
- Approved refunds are typically processed within 5-10 business days
- Your bank may take additional time to credit your account
- Refund amounts depend on the specific property's cancellation policy

Force Majeure:
In cases of extraordinary circumstances beyond reasonable control (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, etc.):
- We will work with you to find alternative dates or properties
- If no suitable alternative is available, we may offer full or partial refunds
- Each case will be assessed individually

Cancellation by Us:
In the rare event we must cancel your booking:
- You will receive a full refund of all payments made
- We will offer alternative accommodation of equal or higher value when possible
- We are not liable for additional costs you may incur (flights, other bookings, etc.)

Standard Times:
Unless otherwise specified for your property:
- Check-in: From 3:00 PM (15:00)
- Check-out: By 11:00 AM (11:00)

Early Check-in / Late Check-out:
- Subject to availability
- May incur additional charges
- Must be requested in advance

Arrival:
- Check-in instructions will be provided in your confirmation email
- You may be required to present valid government-issued ID upon arrival
- The Lead Guest must be present at check-in

Key Collection:
Instructions for key collection or access codes will be provided before your arrival. You are responsible for the safekeeping of any keys provided.

Late Arrival:
If you expect to arrive outside of standard check-in hours, please inform us in advance. Additional charges may apply for late arrivals.

Property-Specific Rules:
Each property has specific house rules that will be communicated:
- In the booking confirmation
- Upon arrival at the property
- Posted within the property

General Rules (applicable to all properties):
- Maximum occupancy must not be exceeded
- Smoking is prohibited inside all properties
- Quiet hours: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM
- No parties or events without prior written approval
- Pets are only allowed where explicitly stated in the property listing

Compliance:
Failure to comply with house rules may result in:
- Immediate termination of your stay without refund
- Additional charges for cleaning or damages
- Being banned from future bookings

We reserve the right to enter the property during your stay if we have reasonable grounds to believe house rules are being violated or the property is at risk.

Care of Property:
You agree to:
- Treat the property and its contents with reasonable care
- Use all facilities, appliances, and amenities properly
- Report any damages, malfunctions, or issues immediately
- Leave the property in a reasonably clean and tidy condition
- Dispose of rubbish appropriately

Neighbours & Community:
You agree to:
- Respect neighbours and the local community
- Keep noise to acceptable levels, especially during quiet hours
- Follow local laws and regulations
- Park vehicles only in designated areas

Security:
You are responsible for:
- Securing the property when you leave (locking doors and windows)
- Safeguarding keys or access codes
- Not sharing access details with unauthorized persons
- Reporting any security concerns immediately

No Security Deposit:
We do not collect a security deposit. However, you remain fully liable for any damages caused during your stay.

Guest Liability:
You are responsible for:
- All damages to the property or its contents caused by you or your guests
- Missing items from the property
- Excessive cleaning requirements beyond normal use
- Any costs incurred due to breach of these Terms or house rules

Damage Claims:
- Damages will be assessed after checkout
- We will provide evidence of damages (photos, invoices)
- You will be contacted regarding any damage claims
- Payment for damages may be requested via the original payment method

Our Liability:
We are liable for:
- Ensuring properties are as described in the listing
- Maintaining properties in safe and habitable condition
- Addressing reported issues in a timely manner

We are NOT liable for:
- Minor discrepancies between photos/descriptions and actual property
- Temporary interruptions to utilities beyond our control
- Loss or damage to your personal belongings
- Third-party services (tours, transport, activities)
- Events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure)

Limitation of Liability:
Our maximum liability is limited to the total amount paid for your booking. This limitation does not apply to liability for death or personal injury resulting from our negligence.

Travel Insurance:
We strongly recommend that all guests obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers:
- Trip cancellation or interruption
- Medical emergencies
- Personal belongings
- Travel delays

Our Insurance:
Our properties are covered by appropriate property insurance. However, this does not cover:
- Guest personal belongings
- Guest medical expenses
- Cancellations due to guest circumstances

Disclaimer:
We are not responsible for any losses or expenses not covered by your own insurance policy.

Ownership:
All content on our website, including but not limited to:
- Text, graphics, logos, images
- Software and code
- Design and layout
- Photographs and videos

is owned by or licensed to Livin Stays Algarve and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.

Permitted Use:
You may:
- View and print content for personal, non-commercial use
- Share links to our website

Prohibited Use:
Without our prior written consent, you may not:
- Copy, reproduce, or distribute our content
- Modify or create derivative works
- Use our content for commercial purposes
- Remove any copyright or proprietary notices

Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal data.

The Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms and Conditions. By accepting these Terms, you also acknowledge and accept our Privacy Policy.

Good Faith Resolution:
In the event of any dispute, we encourage you to contact us first at info@livinstaysalgarve.com. We will make every reasonable effort to resolve issues amicably.

Mediation:
If we cannot resolve a dispute directly, you may refer the matter to:
- Portuguese Consumer Mediation Centre (Centro de Arbitragem de Conflitos de Consumo)
- Your local consumer protection authority (if you are an EU resident)

EU Online Dispute Resolution:
For EU residents, you may also use the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform:
https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr

Governing Law:
These Terms are governed by the laws of Portugal.

Jurisdiction:
Any disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Portugal.

Changes to Terms:
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website.

Notification:
- Material changes will be communicated to registered users via email
- The "Last updated" date will be revised
- Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance

Existing Bookings:
Changes to these Terms do not affect bookings already confirmed at the time of the change.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.

The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.

These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy and any property-specific terms communicated at the time of booking, constitute the entire agreement between you and Livin Stays Algarve.

No oral statements, representations, or agreements shall modify or affect these Terms unless agreed in writing by an authorized representative of Livin Stays Algarve.

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

Operator:
Helder & Rufino, Lda.

Email: info@livinstaysalgarve.com

Website: livinstaysalgarve.com

For booking-related inquiries, please include your booking reference number in your communication.