These Host Terms & Conditions (the "Host Terms") are a binding agreement between you ("Host," "you") and HostMeals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nink Inc. ("HostMeals," "we," "us"). They apply if you apply to host, are approved as a Host, list meals or experiences, communicate with Guests through the Platform, or host any meal arranged via HostMeals. They supplement the Platform Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings in the Platform Terms.
BY APPLYING TO HOST, CHECKING AN AGREEMENT BOX, LISTING A MEAL, OR HOSTING A GUEST ARRANGED THROUGH THE PLATFORM, YOU AGREE TO THESE HOST TERMS.
1. Independent Host; marketplace only
You are an independent individual (or, if applicable, an independent business) and not an employee, partner, joint venturer, or agent of HostMeals. HostMeals operates a marketplace Platform. We do not operate a restaurant under your listing, do not prepare food for your Guests, and do not supervise your kitchen or premises. Any agreement to host a meal is solely between you and each Guest. HostMeals is not a party to that agreement and has no obligation to provide the meal, the recipe instruction, or the premises.
2. Eligibility and account
You represent and warrant that:
- you are at least 18 and the age of majority where you live;
- information in your application and profile is true, complete, and not misleading;
- you will keep contact, availability, and listing details reasonably accurate; and
- you will not create accounts to evade suspension or misrepresent identity.
3. Legal right to host at your location (your sole responsibility)
You alone are responsible for determining whether you are legally permitted to host Guests and serve or prepare food at your address. Without limitation, you are solely responsible for compliance with:
- municipal zoning, licensing, business, and home-occupation by-laws;
- public-health and food-premises rules that may apply to your activity;
- lease, condominium, co-op, HOA, and building rules;
- landlord, mortgage, insurance, and occupancy restrictions; and
- any required permits, inspections, or registrations.
HostMeals does not investigate or warrant that hosting is allowed at your location. If hosting is prohibited or restricted where you live, you must not list or host, or you must obtain all required approvals before doing so. You agree HostMeals has no liability for fines, eviction, insurance denial, neighbour disputes, or other consequences arising from unauthorized hosting.
4. Food safety, allergens, and kitchen standards
You agree that you are solely responsible for:
- safe food sourcing, storage, preparation, cooking temperatures, and service;
- cleanliness of surfaces, utensils, and dining areas;
- disclosing major allergens and ingredients reasonably, and responding honestly when Guests ask about dietary restrictions (understanding home kitchens may involve cross-contact);
- not serving food you know to be unsafe, recalled, or illegally obtained; and
- maintaining a kitchen and premises that are reasonably safe for invited Guests.
HostMeals does not inspect kitchens, certify food handlers, or guarantee food safety. HostMeals is not liable for foodborne illness, food poisoning, allergic reaction, contamination, or any related injury or death.
5. Guests in your home; conduct and security
You decide whom to accept, house rules, and when to cancel for safety. You should exercise reasonable judgment before inviting strangers into your home. You are responsible for securing valuables and setting expectations for Guests. HostMeals does not conduct comprehensive background checks on Guests unless we expressly state otherwise in writing.
HostMeals is not liable for theft, property damage, personal injury, assault, fights, harassment, or other misconduct by Guests or anyone accompanying them, whether occurring at your premises, nearby, or in connection with a booking. You should contact emergency services when appropriate. Platform messaging is not an emergency service.
6. Insurance (your responsibility)
You must carry whatever insurance you need for inviting people into your home and cooking for them. HostMeals does not insure you or your Guests, and we do not promise that any coverage exists — unless we publish a separate written insurance or guarantee program. If a claim is made about a meal you hosted, you may not ask HostMeals to pay it through any insurance HostMeals happens to hold. Failure to carry insurance does not shift risk to HostMeals.
7. Listings, pricing, and representations
Your listings must accurately describe the meal, approximate timing, price, skill level, and what Guests should expect. You must not imply that HostMeals is the restaurant operator, employer, or guarantor of the experience. Photos must reasonably depict your food or kitchen and must not infringe third-party rights. Exact street addresses must not be published on public listing pages in violation of Platform practices.
8. Bookings, cancellations, and no-shows
When you confirm a seat request (or otherwise accept a Guest), you form a direct commitment to that Guest. Cancel only for legitimate reasons and communicate promptly. HostMeals may set Platform cancellation guidelines from time to time. HostMeals is not responsible for Guest no-shows, late arrivals, or disputes over refunds except as we facilitate under separate payment policies (if any).
9. Taxes
You are solely responsible for determining and paying any taxes, remittances, or reporting obligations arising from amounts you receive in connection with hosting.
10. Prohibited hosting
You must not:
- host while intoxicated or impaired in a way that endangers Guests;
- serve alcohol to minors or in violation of local liquor laws;
- discriminate unlawfully in accepting Guests;
- harass, threaten, or assault Guests;
- use the Platform for unlawful activity; or
- misrepresent certifications, ratings, or "restaurant" status.
11. Release of HostMeals
To the maximum extent permitted by law, you release and forever discharge HostMeals and its affiliates and personnel from any and all claims, demands, and damages of every kind arising out of or related to: (a) food you prepare or serve; (b) Guests' illness, injury, or death; (c) theft or damage to your property; (d) disputes or altercations with Guests; (e) regulatory or landlord enforcement related to hosting; and (f) any interaction originating through the Platform. This release does not waive claims that cannot be waived under applicable law.
12. Indemnification (if something goes wrong)
You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless HostMeals and its affiliates and personnel from and against any third-party claims, damages, losses, liabilities, penalties, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to: (a) your hosting, food, premises, or conduct — including a breach of the food-safety or permit rules that apply at your address; (b) your breach of these Host Terms or law; (c) injury, illness, allergic reaction, death, or property loss involving a Guest or visitor you invited; (d) allegations that you hosted without required authorization; and (e) taxes or fines assessed against you in connection with hosting.
13. Limitation of liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOSTMEALS' LIABILITY TO YOU UNDER THESE HOST TERMS IS LIMITED AS SET OUT IN THE PLATFORM TERMS (INCLUDING THE AGGREGATE CAP DESCRIBED THERE). HOSTMEALS IS NOT LIABLE FOR LOST BOOKINGS, LOST PROFITS, REPUTATIONAL HARM, OR INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
14. Suspension and termination
We may suspend or remove listings or Host status for safety, fraud, repeated cancellations, Guest complaints, legal risk, or breach of these Host Terms. You may stop hosting and request account closure subject to outstanding obligations to Guests already confirmed.
15. Governing law and disputes
These Host Terms are governed by the laws of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada. Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction provisions in the Platform Terms, including the separate rule there for business users who are not consumers.
16. Acknowledgement
You acknowledge that you have read these Host Terms, understand that HostMeals is a marketplace intermediary only, and agree that you—not HostMeals—bear responsibility for the legality of hosting at your location, the safety of your food and premises, and interactions with Guests.