Last updated: November 28, 2025
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using BetterSTR's platform, 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. Service Description
BetterSTR provides tools and services for short-term rental property owners and managers, including property management integrations, guidebook creation, and other related services.
3. Pricing and Fees
BetterSTR offers both free and premium services. Core guidebook features remain free of charge. Premium features (custom fonts, Google Maps, AI Chat) are available through subscription with usage-based pricing. Should we implement fees for currently free services, we will provide at least six (6) months advance notice to all users. Pricing changes for premium services will be communicated with at least six (6) months advance notice to active paying subscribers. Free trial periods and promotional offers may be modified at any time. All pricing changes will be communicated via email and posted prominently on our website.
4. User Accounts
To access certain features of the platform, you may be required to register for an account. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account information and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete information when creating your account
- Update your information as necessary to keep it accurate and current
- Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account or any other breach of security
5. User Content
You retain ownership of any content you submit to our platform. By submitting content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display your content in connection with providing our services.
6. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Use our services for any illegal purpose
- Violate any laws or regulations
- Interfere with or disrupt our services or servers
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of our services
- Use our services to transmit harmful code or malware
- Impersonate another person or entity
7. Third-Party Services
Our platform integrates with third-party services such as Hospitable.com, Google, and Meta. Your use of these third-party services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.
8. Stripe Services and Payment Processing Added November 28, 2025
BetterSTR provides payment processing services through Stripe Connect, enabling users to accept payments for additional services and products. By using our payment services, you agree to the following terms:
Processing Fees
We charge a processing fee of 7% + Stripe charges their standard fees:
- Payment processing costs (approximately 3% goes to Stripe)
- Platform maintenance and support
- Secure payment infrastructure
- Transaction monitoring and fraud prevention
Prohibited Transactions
You may not use our payment services for the following:
- Restricted Goods: No resale of age-restricted products (including alcohol) to minors or without proper licensing
- Unlicensed Events: No transactions for events or activities requiring special permits or licenses that you do not possess
- Adult Services: No transactions related to adult entertainment or services
- Illegal Activities: No transactions for any goods or services that are illegal in your jurisdiction
- Regulated Products: No sale of pharmaceuticals, controlled substances, weapons, or other regulated items
Additionally, all transactions must comply with Stripe's Prohibited and Restricted Businesses policy.
Seller Responsibilities
As a seller using our payment services, you agree to:
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction
- Provide accurate descriptions of your products and services
- Honor all sales and deliver products/services as promised
- Handle refunds and disputes in good faith
- Maintain appropriate licenses for any regulated activities
Payment Terms
Payments are processed through Stripe and subject to their standard settlement times. BetterSTR is not responsible for delays in payment processing beyond our control. All transactions are final unless both parties agree to a refund.
Chargebacks and Disputes
Sellers are fully responsible for all chargebacks and payment disputes related to their transactions. Important terms regarding chargebacks:
- Direct Resolution: Stripe will handle chargeback disputes directly with sellers. BetterSTR is not a party to these disputes.
- Seller Liability: You are responsible for all costs associated with chargebacks, including the chargeback amount and any fees imposed by Stripe.
- Platform Rights: If BetterSTR is involved in or charged for any chargeback related to your transactions, we reserve the right to debit the full amount of the chargeback plus any associated fees from your account or future payouts.
- Prevention: You agree to maintain clear communication with customers, provide accurate product/service descriptions, and promptly address customer concerns to minimize chargeback risks.
- Documentation: You must maintain appropriate records and documentation to defend against invalid chargebacks.
9. Premium Guidebook Subscription Added January 19, 2025
BetterSTR offers premium guidebook features through a usage-based subscription model. By subscribing to Premium Guidebook, you agree to the following terms:
Free Core Features
Your digital guidebook platform remains 100% free forever, including:
- Unlimited guidebooks and properties
- Unlimited guests and page views
- All property management integrations
- Basic customization and branding
- Mobile-friendly responsive design
- Real-time content updates
Premium Features
Premium features that incur operational costs are available through subscription:
- Custom Fonts & Advanced Styling: Personalize your guidebook appearance with custom font selections and enhanced styling options
- Google Maps Integration: Interactive maps showing your property location and nearby points of interest
- AI Chat Assistant: 24/7 automated guest support powered by artificial intelligence
Usage-Based Pricing
Premium Guidebook uses fair, usage-based pricing:
- Cost: $0.50 per reservation you had during the previous week
- Billing Frequency: Weekly billing on Mondays for the prior week's reservations
- No Bookings = No Charge: If you have zero reservations in a week, you pay $0 for that week
- Seasonal Properties: Perfect for summer-only or winter-only properties - you only pay during active booking periods
- Free Trial: Premium guidebook features are currently provided free for 3 months; BetterSTR reserves the right to modify, reduce, or eliminate the free trial period at any time without prior notice
Payment and Billing
By subscribing to Premium Guidebook, you agree to:
- Maintain a minimum balance of $5 in your account OR have a valid payment method on file
- Automatic weekly billing based on your previous week's reservation count
- Allow BetterSTR to deduct subscription fees from your account balance
- Automatic top-up from your payment method if your balance is insufficient (if card on file)
Subscription Management
- Activation: Premium features activate immediately upon subscription
- Cancellation: You may cancel your premium subscription at any time with no penalty
- Upon Cancellation: Premium features will be disabled for public viewers; property owners can still access all features for editing purposes
- Reactivation: You may resubscribe at any time to restore premium features
- Negative Balance: If your account balance becomes negative due to insufficient funds, premium features will be automatically suspended until payment is received
Fair Use Policy
Premium features are intended for legitimate guest experience enhancement. BetterSTR reserves the right to:
- Monitor usage patterns for abuse or system manipulation
- Suspend accounts that attempt to circumvent billing through reservation manipulation
- Adjust pricing with 6 months advance notice to all active paying subscribers
- Modify or discontinue free trial periods, promotional offers, and service features at any time without prior notice
10. SMS/Mobile TXT Messaging Added November 24, 2025
BetterSTR offers SMS/Mobile TXT messaging services to help property owners communicate with their guests. By using our SMS messaging features, you agree to the following terms:
Message and Data Rates
Message and data rates may apply. Standard messaging rates from your wireless carrier may apply to messages sent and received through our service. BetterSTR is not responsible for any charges incurred from your mobile carrier. Please contact your wireless carrier for details about your messaging plan and any applicable charges.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your property settings and guest interactions:
- Automated Messages: Guests may receive up to 3 automated messages per reservation (pre-arrival, check-in day, and post-checkout)
- Property Owner Messages: Property owners may send additional messages as needed for guest communication
- Transactional Messages: Additional messages may be sent for booking confirmations, payment receipts, and important updates
- Typical Frequency: Most guests receive 1-5 messages per stay
Consent and Opt-In
By providing a mobile phone number during the booking process or through property management integrations, guests consent to receive SMS messages related to their reservation. Property owners are responsible for ensuring proper consent is obtained before sending marketing or promotional messages.
Opt-Out Information
Recipients may opt out of SMS messages at any time:
- Reply STOP: Text STOP to any message to unsubscribe from future SMS communications
- Reply HELP: Text HELP for assistance or more information
- Contact Support: Email support@betterstr.com to request removal from SMS communications
Once you opt out, you will receive a confirmation message and no further SMS messages will be sent unless you re-subscribe. Note that opting out may affect your ability to receive important reservation-related information.
Support Contact
For questions, concerns, or assistance with SMS messaging:
- Email: support@betterstr.com
- Website: betterstr.com/help
- Text HELP: Reply HELP to any SMS message for immediate assistance
Message Content
SMS messages from BetterSTR may include:
- Check-in instructions and property access information
- Links to your digital guidebook
- Important property updates and alerts
- Reservation confirmations and reminders
- Post-stay follow-ups and review requests
Privacy
Phone numbers and message content are handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We do not sell or share phone numbers with third parties for marketing purposes. Message logs may be retained for service quality and dispute resolution purposes.
11. Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to our services at any time for any reason, including but not limited to violation of these Terms. You may also terminate your account at any time.
12. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
Our services are provided "as is" without any warranties, express or implied. We do not guarantee that our services will be uninterrupted or error-free. We shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.
13. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the new Terms on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.
14. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which BetterSTR operates, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: