​Last updated: 22 October 2026

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Welcome to Open Home. We manage a collection of holiday homes across Cape Town's Southern Peninsula, helping guests enjoy comfortable, memorable coastal stays.

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These Terms & Conditions govern direct accommodation bookings managed by Open Home, including bookings made through our website, written correspondence and approved payment channels.

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By making a booking or payment, you agree to these Terms & Conditions, the relevant booking confirmation and the specific house rules applicable to your accommodation. These terms are subject to applicable South African law and do not exclude any rights that cannot legally be waived.​

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1. Bookings and Guest Responsibilities

All bookings are subject to availability and written confirmation from Open Home.

The primary booking guest must be at least 21 years old and is responsible for:

• Providing accurate booking and contact information.

• Ensuring that the number of guests does not exceed the approved occupancy.

• Ensuring that all guests and visitors comply with these Terms & Conditions and the property's house rules.

• Ensuring that all payments are made by the agreed due dates.

• Communicating relevant arrival information and following the check-in and check-out instructions.

A reservation is confirmed once Open Home has issued written confirmation in accordance with the agreed booking conditions.

The primary booking guest is responsible for the conduct of guests and visitors associated with their booking, subject to applicable law.​

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2. Rates, Payments and Payment Security

The accommodation rate, payment schedule, security deposit and any agreed additional charges will be communicated during the booking process and confirmed in writing.

Guests must make payments using the payment methods and payment details authorised by Open Home.

Payments may be processed by electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card or other approved payment facilities, including third-party payment processors such as Paystack.

Guests are responsible for ensuring that payments are made correctly and on time. A payment reference, proof of payment or pending transaction does not necessarily mean that funds have cleared or that a reservation has been confirmed.

Where a payment fails, is reversed, remains outstanding or requires verification, Open Home may contact the guest to resolve the issue. Any cancellation or release of a reservation for non-payment will be handled in accordance with the booking conditions and applicable law.

Guests must not send payment to unverified accounts or unauthorised recipients. If you receive a request to change payment details, please verify it directly with Open Home using our established contact details before transferring funds.

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3. Cancellation Policy for Direct Bookings

Unless different terms have been expressly agreed in writing, the following cancellation policy applies to direct bookings made with Open Home:

• More than 30 days before arrival: 100% refund of the accommodation amount paid, less applicable cancellation and refund fees as set out below.

• 15–30 days before arrival: 50% refund of the accommodation amount paid, less applicable cancellation and refund fees as set out below.

• 14 days or fewer before arrival: No refund of the accommodation amount paid under the standard cancellation policy, subject to any rights or remedies required by applicable law.

Cancellation requests must be submitted to Open Home in writing. The date the written cancellation request is received will determine the applicable cancellation period.

If a guest wishes to shorten a stay after arrival or cancel only part of a reservation, the cancellation policy will apply to the affected nights unless Open Home agrees to a different arrangement in writing.

Where a guest does not arrive, arrives late or leaves early, the unused nights will be treated in accordance with the applicable cancellation policy and booking conditions, subject to applicable law.

For bookings made through third-party booking platforms, the cancellation and refund policy confirmed on that platform at the time of booking will apply, subject to the platform's terms and applicable law.​

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4. Cancellation, Bank Charges, Card Fees and Administration Fees

Where a cancellation or refund is processed, applicable bank charges, credit-card processing fees and reasonable administration fees may be deducted from the refund due or charged separately to the guest, as applicable.

This applies to direct bookings paid by EFT or credit card, where relevant fees have been incurred or are properly chargeable.

Such fees may include:

• Bank charges incurred in receiving, transferring or returning funds.

• Credit-card or payment-processing fees charged in connection with the original transaction or refund.

• Reasonable administration fees associated with processing a cancellation, refund or related payment adjustment.

Any fees charged will be disclosed where applicable, applied consistently with the booking agreement and limited to amounts that are lawful and recoverable. Open Home will not treat a fee as automatically payable merely because it is listed in these terms.

Where the refund due is insufficient to cover a properly chargeable fee, Open Home may invoice the guest for the outstanding amount where this is contractually agreed and legally recoverable.​

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5. Refund Processing Times

Where a refund is due, Open Home will aim to process it within seven calendar days of confirming the refund amount and any applicable deductions.

Refunds will ordinarily be returned to the original payment method where reasonably possible and subject to the procedures of the relevant bank or payment provider.

Please note:

• EFT refunds may take additional time to reflect in the receiving bank account.

• Credit-card refunds may take additional time to appear on the cardholder's statement.

• International or cross-border transfers may be subject to additional processing time and bank charges.

• The time taken for funds to reflect after Open Home has initiated a refund may be outside our control.

Open Home will communicate any relevant refund amount, deductions and processing information to the guest.

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6. Security Deposits

A refundable security deposit may be required for certain properties or bookings. Where applicable, the amount and payment arrangements will be communicated before the booking is finalised.

For eligible direct bookings, security deposits are normally refunded within seven days of departure, following a property inspection and subject to justified, documented deductions.

Deductions may be made for damage, loss or other agreed charges for which the guest is responsible under the booking conditions.

If a deduction is proposed, Open Home will provide an explanation of the relevant damage, loss or cost. Where appropriate, supporting information will be provided.

If the documented costs exceed the security deposit, the guest may be invoiced for the reasonable outstanding amount, subject to the booking agreement and applicable law.

Security deposit refunds are subject to the refund-processing provisions in Section 5.​

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7. House Rules

Guests must respect the property, its contents, neighbours and surrounding community throughout their stay.

Unless property-specific rules state otherwise, the following rules apply:

• No smoking inside the property.

• No parties or events.

• Quiet hours are from 22:00 to 07:00.

• Pets are permitted only with prior written approval from Open Home or the authorised host.

• Visitors and additional guests require prior written approval.

• The primary booking guest must be at least 21 years old.

• Bachelor and bachelorette parties are not permitted.

• Only the approved number of guests may occupy the property overnight.

Additional rules may apply to individual properties, including restrictions relating to parking, swimming pools, security systems, shared spaces, estate access, braai facilities, environmental requirements and the use of equipment.

Requests for exceptions must be made in advance and approved in writing. Approval is not guaranteed, and additional charges or deposits may apply where agreed in advance.

Serious or repeated breaches may result in reasonable additional charges, termination of the stay or a request for guests to leave, subject to the booking agreement and applicable law. The relevant authorities may be contacted where necessary.​

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8. Damage, Breakages and Additional Charges

Guests are expected to take reasonable care of the property, its contents, furnishings, appliances, linen and other facilities.

Any damage, breakage or maintenance issue must be reported to Open Home as soon as reasonably possible.

Guests may be held responsible for damage or loss caused by themselves or their visitors, excluding normal wear and tear.

Additional charges may apply for:

• Lost keys, lockouts and locksmith call-outs.

• Damaged or permanently stained linen and towels.

• Broken or damaged crockery and glassware.

• Missing or damaged beach towels.

• Damage to furniture, appliances, fittings or other property.

• Damage resulting from unauthorised interference with household systems or equipment.

• Other documented losses or reasonable costs for which the guest is responsible under the booking conditions.

Charges will be assessed reasonably and based on actual damage, loss, repair or replacement costs. Any applicable security deposit deductions will be explained to the guest.

Guests must not arrange repairs, interfere with household systems or appoint third-party service providers to work on the property without prior approval, except where immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect people or prevent further damage.​

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9. Check-in and Check-out

Check-in and check-out times will be specified in the booking confirmation or pre-arrival instructions for the relevant property.

Early check-in, late check-out and extensions are subject to availability and prior written approval. Additional charges may apply where agreed.

Guests must vacate the property by the agreed departure time and follow the departure instructions provided.

Keys, remotes and access devices must be returned or secured as instructed. Lost keys, replacement access devices and locksmith call-outs may incur reasonable charges.​

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10. Guest Safety and Personal Belongings

Guests must use the property, its facilities and equipment responsibly and follow any relevant safety instructions.

Guests are responsible for taking reasonable care of their personal belongings and for the appropriate supervision of children and other members of their party.

Guests should exercise reasonable care when using stairs, balconies, swimming pools, fireplaces, braai facilities, appliances and other property features.

Open Home and the property owner will not be responsible for loss, theft, injury or damage except to the extent that liability arises under applicable law. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

Guests should report any safety concern or property defect to Open Home as soon as possible.​

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11. Property Information, Maintenance and Utilities

Open Home endeavours to ensure that property descriptions, photographs, amenities and other listing information are accurate and up to date.

Properties may occasionally undergo minor changes to décor, furnishings or equipment, provided these do not materially alter the accommodation offering represented to the guest.

Guests should confirm any essential amenity or accessibility requirement before booking.

If a maintenance issue or service interruption occurs during a stay, guests should notify Open Home promptly so that reasonable steps can be taken to investigate and resolve the matter.

South Africa may experience electricity interruptions, including loadshedding, as well as occasional interruptions to water, internet or other municipal services. Backup power, water storage and other alternative facilities vary by property and will be described where relevant.

Any material interruption affecting a confirmed stay will be handled in accordance with the booking conditions and applicable law.​

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12. Changes to Bookings

Requests to change booking dates, guest numbers or other booking details must be submitted to Open Home and are subject to availability and written approval.

Changes may affect the accommodation rate, payment schedule, security deposit or other booking conditions. Revised arrangements will be confirmed in writing.

Guests may not transfer a booking to another person or exceed the approved occupancy without prior written approval.​

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13. Cancellation by Open Home or the Property Owner

In the unlikely event that a confirmed reservation cannot be honoured by Open Home or the property owner, Open Home will contact the guest as soon as reasonably possible.

Where suitable alternative accommodation is available, Open Home may offer an alternative for the guest's consideration. Any change to the reservation will be subject to availability and agreement between the relevant parties.

If the original reservation cannot be honoured and no suitable alternative is agreed upon, amounts paid for the affected accommodation will be refunded in accordance with applicable law.

Open Home will endeavour to resolve the situation fairly and communicate the available options promptly.

Nothing in this section excludes any rights or remedies available to the guest under applicable law.​

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14. Guest Verification and Privacy

For security, booking administration and compliance purposes, guests may be asked to provide valid identification or other reasonably necessary information before arrival.

Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), where applicable.

Information will be used for legitimate purposes connected with bookings, guest verification, property security, payment administration, communication and legal obligations.

Please refer to Open Home's Privacy Policy for further information about the collection, use, storage and protection of personal information.​

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15. Third-Party Services and Payment Processing

Open Home may use third-party providers to facilitate online payments, booking administration and other services.

Payment providers, including Paystack, may process payments in accordance with their own terms, security procedures and privacy notices.

Guests should contact Open Home regarding accommodation bookings, cancellations, refunds or booking-related payment queries. Payment processing and the time taken for funds to reflect may depend on the relevant provider and financial institution.

Where a guest believes a payment has been made incorrectly or without authorisation, the guest should contact Open Home and their payment provider promptly so the matter can be investigated.

Nothing in these terms prevents a guest from exercising any rights available under applicable payment-provider rules or law.​

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16. Rates and Promotional Offers

The accommodation rate confirmed in writing at the time of booking will apply to that reservation, except where a correction is required for an obvious pricing error and the correction is handled in accordance with applicable law.

Rates and promotional offers may change from time to time. Changes to advertised rates or promotions will not automatically alter an existing confirmed booking.

Promotional offers may be subject to specific eligibility requirements, dates or booking conditions, which will be communicated when the offer is made.​

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17. Applicable Law 

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, subject to any mandatory legal protections and rights applicable to the guest or booking.

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.

Nothing in these terms is intended to exclude, restrict or waive any statutory right that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or waived.​

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18. Contact Open Home

For booking enquiries, cancellation requests, payment queries or questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact:

Open Home

Website: https://openhome.co.za

Email: info@openhome.co.za

Telephone: +27 67 735 1040​

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Acceptance of Terms

These Terms & Conditions should be read together with the relevant booking confirmation, agreed payment arrangements and property-specific house rules.

Guests are encouraged to review these terms before making payment and to retain a copy of their booking confirmation and the conditions applicable to their reservation.