Payments & Escrow Policy

This Payments & Escrow Policy explains how payments are collected, held, released, refunded, and managed through HostsLink.

By using HostsLink, all Property Owners and Service Providers agree to this Payments & Escrow Policy.

This policy should be read alongside:

• Terms & Conditions
• Refund & Cancellation Policy
• Privacy Policy

HostsLink uses an escrow-style payment process to provide protection for both Property Owners and Service Providers. The purpose of escrow is to:

• Ensure Property Owners have funds available before work begins.
• Reduce the risk of unpaid work.
• Reduce payment disputes.
• Create confidence for recurring and one-time jobs.
• Improve trust across the platform.

HostsLink uses trusted third-party payment providers including Stripe.

All payments are processed securely through Stripe’s payment systems.

HostsLink does not store complete payment card information.

Property Owners agree to authorise payment collection when accepting an offer through HostsLink.

When a Property Owner accepts a Service Provider’s offer:

• Payment is collected from the Property Owner.
• Funds are placed into escrow.
• The Service Provider completes the work.
• Completion proof is submitted.
• The Property Owner reviews the work.
• Funds are released following approval or automatic release.

The Service Provider does not receive payment immediately upon acceptance.

For recurring jobs:

• Payments may be collected in accordance with the recurring contract structure.
• Visit schedules may be displayed within HostsLink.
• Service Providers may be required to submit proof for each visit.
• Property Owners may review completed visits.

HostsLink reserves the right to modify recurring payment structures as the platform evolves.

To request payment release, Service Providers may be required to submit:

• Before photos
• Completion photos
• Check-in confirmation
• Check-out confirmation
• Notes relating to completed work
• Other evidence requested by HostsLink

Failure to provide sufficient proof may delay payment release.

Once completion proof is submitted:

• The Property Owner is notified.
• The Property Owner may review the proof.
• The Property Owner may approve completion.

HostsLink may provide a review period before automatic release occurs. Current review periods may be displayed within the platform and may change over time.

Where completion proof has been submitted and the Property Owner does not respond within the applicable review period, HostsLink may automatically release payment to the Service Provider. Automatic release exists to:

• Prevent unnecessary delays.
• Protect Service Providers from non-responsive users.
• Ensure fair payment processing.

Automatic release does not prevent later support investigations where appropriate.

HostsLink charges platform fees for facilitating transactions. Current fees may include:

Job Transaction Fee

HostsLink currently charges a platform fee of up to 10% of transaction value. The exact fee may be displayed during the booking process.

Subscription Fees

Service Providers may purchase subscription plans offering additional features. Subscription fees are separate from transaction fees.

HostsLink reserves the right to amend fees in the future. Users will be notified where legally required.

Service Providers may receive payouts through Stripe Connect or other approved payout systems. To receive payouts, Service Providers may be required to:

• Complete identity verification.
• Provide valid payout information.
• Comply with applicable laws.

HostsLink may delay payouts where fraud, safety concerns, or verification issues exist.

Where a payment fails:

• The job may remain inactive.
• Access details may remain restricted.
• Service commencement may be prevented.

Property Owners remain responsible for ensuring valid payment methods are available. HostsLink is not responsible for delays caused by failed payment methods.

A chargeback occurs when a payment is reversed by a card provider or financial institution. Where a chargeback occurs, HostsLink may:

• Suspend accounts.
• Restrict access.
• Request supporting evidence.
• Recover losses where permitted by law.

Fraudulent chargebacks may result in permanent account termination.

HostsLink actively monitors transactions to protect users and the platform. We may:

• Review payment activity.
• Conduct verification checks.
• Delay transactions.
• Suspend accounts.
• Request additional information.

These measures help reduce fraud and improve platform safety.

If a Property Owner disputes completed work, HostsLink may:

• Review completion proof.
• Review platform messages.
• Review timeline records.
• Request additional evidence.

HostsLink may facilitate communication between parties but is not obligated to act as a formal arbitrator. HostsLink reserves the right to determine whether escrow funds should be released, partially refunded, or otherwise handled based on available evidence.

Refunds are governed by the HostsLink Refund & Cancellation Policy. Refund decisions may consider:

• Completion proof
• Communication records
• Timing of cancellation
• Service delivery status
• Fraud indicators

Not all payments are refundable.

Service Providers are responsible for:

• Their own taxes
• VAT obligations
• National Insurance obligations
• Business registration obligations

HostsLink does not provide tax advice. Users should seek professional advice where required.

Subscription plans may automatically renew unless cancelled. Subscription benefits may include:

• Access to recurring jobs
• Recurring job credits
• Enhanced visibility
• Premium platform tools

Subscription fees are generally non-refundable unless required by law.

HostsLink may operate recurring job credit systems. Credits may:

• Be required to submit offers on recurring jobs.
• Be frozen upon acceptance of recurring work.
• Be consumed according to subscription rules.

Credit systems may change as HostsLink develops. Current subscription information is displayed within the platform.

HostsLink acts as a technology platform. HostsLink does not guarantee:

• Payment availability beyond escrow funds received.
• Service quality.
• Provider performance.
• Property Owner conduct.
• Completion of work.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, HostsLink’s liability shall be limited to the value of the relevant transaction.

HostsLink reserves the right to amend this Payments & Escrow Policy at any time.

Updated versions will be published on the platform.

Continued use of HostsLink constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

HostsLink

For payment-related enquiries: support@hostslink.com