Platform & Booking Agreement

Language Travel UK operates as an online marketplace and introduction platform. We facilitate connections between Guests seeking language immersion accommodation and Hosts offering homestay placements in the United Kingdom.

Language Travel UK is not a party to the accommodation contract between a Guest and a Host. The accommodation contract is formed directly between the Guest and the Host at the point of booking confirmation. Language Travel UK's role is limited to:

• Operating the platform through which Hosts list their services and Guests make enquiries and bookings
• Collecting payment on behalf of the Host and disbursing payouts
• Conducting identity verification and safeguarding checks on Hosts
• Providing mediation and support in the event of disputes
• Operating a 24/7 emergency support line during active stays

Language Travel UK is not a travel agent, tour operator, or package travel organiser within the meaning of the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018. We do not sell, arrange, or take responsibility for transportation, flights, or any service beyond the homestay accommodation and any optional add-ons (lessons and transfers) explicitly booked through our platform.

Where Language Travel UK does offer optional add-ons (airport transfers, in-home lessons), these are fulfilled by the Host or a third-party provider under a separate arrangement. Language Travel UK coordinates but does not directly deliver these services.

Language Travel UK conducts a verification process for all Hosts, which includes identity checks, enhanced DBS certificate review, and an in-person home inspection. However, this verification process does not constitute a guarantee of the Host's suitability, the accuracy of their listing, or the quality of their accommodation.

Language Travel UK makes no representation or warranty that a Host will perform their obligations to the standard described in the Host Family Agreement. Guests accept that they are entering into a private arrangement with a third party.

Language Travel UK charges a platform service fee on each confirmed booking. This fee covers:

• Platform operation and maintenance
• Host vetting and compliance management
• Payment processing
• Customer support and dispute mediation
• Emergency support line operation

The service fee is non-refundable in the event of a Guest-initiated cancellation. It is displayed transparently at checkout before any payment is taken.

All payments are processed securely by Stripe, a PCI-DSS compliant payment processor. Language Travel UK does not store card details. By completing a payment, you also agree to Stripe's Terms of Service.

Language Travel UK collects the full booking amount from the Guest on behalf of the Host. Host payouts (the booking amount minus the service fee) are disbursed to the Host within 5 working days of the confirmed start of the stay.

In the event of a dispute between a Guest and a Host, both parties must contact Language Travel UK at admin@languagetravel.co.uk before taking any other action. We will investigate and attempt to mediate a fair resolution within 10 working days.

Language Travel UK's decision in a dispute is final with respect to any refund or payout adjustment made through the platform. This does not affect either party's right to pursue legal remedies independently.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Language Travel UK excludes all liability for:

• Any act, omission, negligence, or breach of duty by a Host
• Personal injury, illness, or death arising from a stay (unless caused by our own negligence)
• Loss or theft of personal property during a stay
• Inaccuracies in Host listings (subject to our verification checks being carried out in good faith)
• Loss of enjoyment, indirect, or consequential loss of any kind
• Losses arising from events outside our reasonable control (force majeure), including natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, or government travel restrictions

Where Language Travel UK's liability cannot be excluded by law (for example, for death or personal injury caused by our negligence), it is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

In all other cases, Language Travel UK's total aggregate liability to any user in connection with a booking shall not exceed the total value of that booking.

Hosts grant Language Travel UK a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to display, reproduce, and promote their listing content (including photos, descriptions, and reviews) on the platform and in marketing materials for the purpose of operating the platform.

Hosts warrant that they own or have the right to use all content they submit and that it does not infringe any third-party rights.

Language Travel UK does not warrant that the platform will be available at all times without interruption. We will endeavour to provide at least 48 hours notice of planned maintenance but accept no liability for unplanned downtime.

Language Travel UK reserves the right to amend this agreement at any time. Registered users will be notified of material changes by email with at least 14 days notice. Continued use of the platform after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated agreement.

This agreement is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from it shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

For any questions about this agreement, contact us at admin@languagetravel.co.uk.