Terms of Service

    Last updated: 14 November 2026

    1. Acceptance of Terms

    By accessing or using Hols's website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

    2. Description of Service

    Hols provides an online platform that connects holiday property owners ("Hosts") with travellers ("Guests") seeking short-term accommodation. We act as an intermediary and are not a party to any rental agreements between Hosts and Guests. Hols is a service of HOLS SA (Pty) Ltd, a private company registered in South Africa (registration number 2026/758441/07), based in Sedgefield, Western Cape, South Africa. Email: info@hols.co.za. References to "Hols", "we" or "us" in these Terms mean HOLS SA (Pty) Ltd.

    3. User Accounts

    To use certain features of our service, you must create an account. You agree to:

    • Provide accurate and complete information
    • Maintain the security of your account credentials
    • Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access
    • Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

    4. Host Responsibilities

    If you list a property on Hols, you agree to:

    • Provide accurate and truthful property descriptions
    • Maintain your property to the standards advertised
    • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
    • Have appropriate insurance coverage
    • Honour confirmed bookings
    • Pay the subscription for your chosen plan (from R329/month — see our Pricing page). Hols never takes a booking fee or commission

    5. Guest Responsibilities

    If you book a property through Hols, you agree to:

    • Treat the property with respect
    • Comply with house rules set by the Host
    • Not exceed the maximum occupancy stated
    • Report any damages promptly
    • Vacate the property by the agreed check-out time

    6. Bookings and Payments

    Booking requests require the Host's acceptance before the Guest can pay; submitting a request is not confirmation. Guest payments are processed by TradeSafe, a South African escrow payment provider, not by Hols. The Guest pays the displayed total into TradeSafe escrow. Funds are scheduled for release to the Host 24 hours after check-in, subject to cancellation, disputes and TradeSafe's terms; escrow release is not confirmation that the bank has received the payout. Hols charges no booking fee or commission and deducts no service fee from booking funds. Separate TradeSafe payment and escrow fees may apply. The Host chooses in Earnings, when setting up bank account details, whether these fees are paid by the Host, the Guest or split equally. Any Guest-paid fee is displayed before payment; any Host-paid share reduces the Host's payout. These provider fees are not Hols booking fees.

    7. Cancellations and Refunds

    Each Host chooses a cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, Strict or Non-refundable, or their own written policy), which is shown on the listing and at booking. Guests should read it before booking. Where a refund is due under that policy, it is paid back from escrow through TradeSafe to the original payment method. Nothing in these Terms limits any right you have under the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 or the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 that cannot lawfully be excluded.

    8. Security Deposits

    A Host may ask for a refundable security deposit. If so, the amount and the Host's terms for returning it are shown on the listing before you book. The deposit is between the Guest and the Host: the Host collects it, records whether it is held, awaited or returned, and must return it, less any reasonable and documented deduction for damage, after check-out. Hols does not hold security deposits.

    9. Host Subscriptions and Free Trial

    Host plan subscriptions and optional platform add-ons are billed through Paystack, not TradeSafe. Hosts pay Hols a monthly or annual subscription for their chosen plan; the optional Social Media Studio is a separate monthly recurring subscription (see Pricing). A successful Paystack card payment sets up automatic renewals with a reusable card authorisation. If the card cannot support renewals, only the paid period is covered and payment must be arranged again. New hosts get a 3-month free trial for their host plan, with no card required to start; paying early covers the first period after the trial and does not shorten it. Optional add-ons start their own paid period when purchased. Hols does not charge a card you have not added. Without payment, listings are paused, not charged. You can manage your card and cancel renewal through Paystack; paid access continues until the current period ends. TradeSafe handles accommodation booking payments, escrow, refunds and host payouts only.

    10. Prohibited Activities

    You may not use our service to:

    • Violate any laws or regulations
    • Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
    • Harass, threaten, or harm other users
    • Circumvent our payment system
    • Use the platform for illegal activities

    11. Limitation of Liability

    Hols acts as an intermediary platform and is not responsible for the conduct of Hosts or Guests. We do not guarantee the accuracy of listings or the quality of properties. Our liability is limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

    12. Dispute Resolution

    Any disputes between Hosts and Guests should first be resolved directly between the parties. Hols may, at its discretion, assist in mediating disputes but is not obligated to do so.

    13. Modifications to Terms

    We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to our website. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

    14. Governing Law

    These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

    15. Contact Us

    If you have questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us at info@hols.co.za.