Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions

Welcome to Commongrounds!

The Terms and Conditions apply to this Short-Term Stay Agreement (“Agreement”) made between the Guest (you) and the Host, Commongrounds Cooperative, for the guest unit specified in the booking process. The guest unit and other common areas in Commongrounds shall be referred to as the “Premises.”

TERM. The Guest is granted a license to enter and occupy the Premises for the date and time specifically authorized by Commongrounds, for the fees detailed in the booking process and this agreement.

BOOKING FEES. The Guest shall pay the Host the amount as detailed during the booking process.

OWNER BOOKING. Only cooperative owners in good standing may use owner discount codes. If a non-owner uses a discount code, they will be required to either become a member (including purchase of ownership share and paying annual dues) or to pay the increased public booking fees.

COUPONS. Owner coupons are limited to one use per owner, maximum 7 nights, with July and August excluded.

PETS. The Host does not allow pets: There are no pets allowed on the Premises. If the Guest is found to have pets on the Premises, this Agreement and any Security Deposit shall be forfeited.

QUIET HOURS. Quiet hours begin at 10:00 PM each night and continue until 8am. Quiet hours consist of no music and keeping all audio at a minimum level out of respect for the surrounding residents.

OCCUPANTS. The total number of individuals staying on the Premises shall be the number authorized in your listing and booking process. If more than the authorized number of guests listed above are found on the Premises, this Agreement will be subject to termination by the Host plus a $100/guest fee.

SECURITY DEPOSIT. The Guest shall be obligated to pay a Security Deposit amount as detailed in the booking process. The Security Deposit is for the faithful performance of the Guest under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Any damages, lost item fees, or other outstanding fees will be paid by the Security Deposit before the remainder, if any, is returned to the guest in the Host’s discretion based on the Host’s determination of the cost to repair or replace damages or lost items or other fees.

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR. Be friendly, use common sense and consideration of others, and leave common areas as you found them or better. If you use a chair or sink or dish, please clean and return to its home for the next neighbor to enjoy. If you see another guest or a neighbor, say hello and offer a friendly wave and smile. When using common areas or resources, be mindful that others can hear you or may want to share use as well.

FAMILY FRIENDLY. Commongrounds is a family-friendly building and kids are welcome with their parents in common areas. If you see someone with a young child who could use help with a door or just a goofy face, please offer some support if you are able. Parents - please don’t leave kids unattended and be responsible for your kids’ interactions with others and building property.

BE KIND TO COMMON AREAS. Guest is authorized to use common areas in the building to the extent authorized by Commongrounds, and subject at all times to any rules or restrictions imposed by Commongrounds, which may change without notice at any time. Commongrounds strives to provide high-quality common areas to its residents, guests, and members, and we appreciate your help in keeping them in great shape for everyone to use. If Guest does have access to a common area, please take good care of the special community resources and leave spaces as clean or better as you find them. Please follow all posted rules for each designated space, and where appropriate reserve spaces in advance. Some legalese about common area use: Common areas may only be used for uses designated by Commongrounds and all uses will be in compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Commongrounds will place limits on the hours and times residents can use common areas, and may require reservations or other restrictions. Common areas will be designated by Commongrounds and may be updated or moved from time-to-time. Commongrounds cares about your well-being and strives to make sure your needs are met -- but is not financially liable for your personal property or that of your guests. Each resident is fully responsible for the safety of your property at all times.

GRATITUDE FOR STAFF. A huge shout out of thanks to the staff, contractors, and maintenance folks who help keep our building safe and clean for all of us to enjoy. Please tell them “thank you” when you see them and don’t hinder or prevent their work. If Commongrounds determines a Guest is rude or disrespectful to our staff, Commongrounds may terminate this Agreement. Guests will comply with all posted or verbal rules as interested by staff.

BE GREEN. Think, what would Kermit do? Your unit has its own HVAC to control the temperature in your unit. Please consider using best practices to minimize energy use in Commongrounds. Please also do not waste water, electricity, or other resources. Please do not use any equipment that exceeds the allowable, safe electric load for the plugs in your unit. And help us take care of our plants! Please do not damage or place refuse in any green spaces in the exterior or yard of the building.

PAY FOR WHAT YOU BREAK. If misuse of an appliance, fixture or other furniture or resource occurs and results in a service call, you will be billed for the cost of the service or repair. Residents will also be responsible for damage they or their guests cause to common areas, including without limit community spaces, hallways, and stairways.

LOCKOUTS. So sorry you are locked out! If someone needs to come let you in, there may be a fee of up to $75/$125 (after hours) for a service call. The service company requests payment at time of service and a photo ID will be required.

NO PARTIES OR OVERNIGHT GUESTS. Unless given permission by Commongrounds, Guests may not host parties or events on the Premises. The maximum number of guests per unit is the maximum amount of people who may visit or occupy the unit at once unless Commongrounds gives permission in writing for a larger number of day visitors.

OTHER DISALLOWED ACTIVITIES. (The “Don’t be an a$$hole” list): Please be mindful of how your use of your home affects your neighbors and the building.

No [ob]noxius Odors, Noises, or Harassment. Your fashion and hair decisions are your own, but please do not create odors or noises that will unduly offend neighbors. Also, please do not harass, annoy or endanger any other Guest nor neighbor, or their guest(s) or create any public nuisance.

No grills. Fire code does not allow grills anywhere on Commongrounds property. Take it to the beach, yo!

No Storing Stuff Outside Your Unit. Please keep the sidewalks, entrances, passages, stairways, and halls clear of trash and your property so that everyone can move freely throughout the building. This includes boots, throw rugs, and umbrellas. Please do not store bikes, kayaks, skis, or any other beacons of fun anywhere except in your unit or where designated in the building.

No Visible Signs or Awnings Without Permission. Please don’t hang signs, pictures, or advertisements where visible in common areas (or otherwise visible from the exterior) without prior written approval. No shades, awnings or other projections including air conditioners, television or radio antennas, or wiring shall be placed upon or attached to or extended from the outside walls or roof. If

No Flammables. Please do not bring into the building anything that has undue fire or safety risk, including inflammables such as gasoline, kerosene, naptha and benzene, or explosives or any other articles of an intrinsically dangerous nature. Commongrounds reserves the right to request the removal of anything that would be hazardous, unsafe, or cause our insurance to increase.

Don’t Throw Things Out the Windows. Residents shall take the necessary precautions to prevent their property from falling from windows or doors. You know, please do not throw stuff out your windows.

Don’t Walk on the Green Roof. Please do not dance, jump, cartwheel, or walk on the green roof without prior permission. The plants can’t take it!

Let Plumbing Do as Plumbing Does. The water closets, basins and other plumbing fixtures shall not be used for any other purpose than those for which they were designed; no sweeping, rubbish, rags, or other improper articles shall be thrown into any of them.

No Additional Locks or Devices. No extra locks on your doors without prior permission.

Do Not Remove Commongrounds Stuff. None of Commongrounds equipment may be removed from the building or its current location without prior permission.

No Illegal Drug use or Manufacturing or Other Illegal Conduct. This one goes without saying, but let’s just say it to be safe: no resident can unlawfully manufacture, deliver, possess with intent to deliver, or otherwise possess or use a controlled substance on the premises. In the event of violation of this rule, to the extent permitted by law, tenancy shall be terminated as soon as allowed by law.

LAUNDRY. Laundry units are located on the third and fourth floors and available for use for a fee and subject to rules and restrictions imposed by Commongrounds. Please remove your belongings immediately after using the laundry; and please leave all laundry equipment in a clean and neat condition for the use by the next person.

TRASH AND RECYCLING. Enjoy those chutes! Newspapers, cans, garbage, and other refuse must be placed in the chutes provided by Commongrounds for that purpose. No litter, ashtrays nor any other refuse shall be dumped or disposed of in any parking areas or any other common areas at the apartment community. Any large items must be carried down to the trash room on the first floor.

PUBLIC PARKING ONLY. Please note that all parking onsite at Commongrounds is public parking. Commongrounds will assist guests in reserving a spot in the Old Town Parking Deck if needed. Residents may park overnight in Commongrounds but will have to move vehicles during metered hours and no parking is guaranteed.

ENFORCEMENT. Commongrounds and its management company and any other authorized representatives are empowered to enforce these rules and regulations. All rules and regulations shall be in effect at all times. Commongrounds shall have the right to change the rules and regulations at any time with or without notice. Any posted rules or regulations are incorporated into and made a part of these terms and conditions. Any violation of of any of these rules or regulations is grounds for Commongrounds to immediately terminate the Guest’s occupancy of the unit.

SMOKING POLICY. Smoking on the Premises is prohibited in all forms, including but not limited to tobacco, marihuana, or vaping.

SUBLETTING. The guest does not have the right to sublet the Premises.

INSPECTION. The Host has the right to inspect the Premises with reasonable notice or at any time without notice upon notice of an emergency or guest violation of a term, condition, or house rule. Should the Guest violate any of the terms of this Agreement, the rental period shall be terminated immediately in accordance with State law at the Host’s option. The Guest waives all rights to process if they fail to vacate the premises upon termination of the rental period. The Guest shall vacate the Premises at the expiration time and date of this agreement.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS. The Guest shall maintain the Premises in a good, clean, and ready-to-rent condition and use the Premises only in a careful and lawful manner. The Guest shall leave the Premises in a ready to rent condition at the expiration of this Agreement, defined by the Host as being immediately habitable by the next Guest. The Guest shall pay for maintenance and repairs should the Premises be left in a lesser condition. The Guest agrees that the Host shall deduct costs of said services from any Security Deposit prior to a refund if Guest causes damage to the Premises or its furnishings.

COOKING. Guest may cook only in the specific areas set aside by Host for cooking. No open fires are allowed other than in the grill, outdoor fireplace, or in the stone hearth. The grill must remain in open area, away from trees, house, etc. All fires must be thoroughly extinguished before leaving unattended .

CLEANING. The property will be inspected and cleaned after departure. The rental fee includes laundry service for the towels and linens. Guest is required to leave the property in the same general condition that it was received in by making sure that the dishes are washed and put away, and the house is generally picked up and ready to be vacuumed, dusted and laundered.

SUBORDINATION OF GUEST STAY. This License is subordinate to any mortgage that now exists, or may be given later by Host, with respect to the Premises.

GOVERNING LAW. This License shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan. Venue for any dispute shall be proper in Grand Traverse County.

SEVERABILITY. If any portion of this License shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions shall continue to be valid and enforceable. If a court finds that any provision of this License is invalid or unenforceable, but that by limiting such provision it would become valid and enforceable, then such provision shall be deemed to be written, construed, and enforced as so limited.

WAIVER. The failure of either party to enforce any provisions of this License shall not be construed as a waiver or limitation of that party's right to subsequently enforce and compel strict compliance with every provision of this License.

BINDING EFFECT. The provisions of this License shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of both parties and their respective legal representatives, successors and assigns.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties will attempt to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement through friendly negotiations amongst the parties. If the matter is not resolved by negotiation, the parties will resolve the dispute using the below Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure. Any controversies or disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement will be submitted to mediation in accordance with any statutory rules of mediation. If mediation does not successfully resolve the dispute, then the parties may proceed to seek an alternative form of resolution in accordance with any other rights and remedies afforded to them by law.

WAIVER AND LIABILITY RELEASE. The Guest expressly recognizes that any insurance for property damage or loss which the Host may maintain on the property does not cover the personal property of Guest and that Guest should purchase their own insurance for their guests if such coverage is desired. Guest agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend Host and Host’s agents, owners, consultants, and employees from and against any and all losses, claims, liabilities, and expenses, including reasonable attorney fees, if any, which Host may suffer or incur in connection with Guest's (or the Guest’s guest or invitees) possession, use or misuse of the Premises, except Host's wilful misconduct or gross negligence. Guest further releases, waives, and discharges Host and Host’s agents, owners, consultants, and employees from liability from any and all claims, losses, damages, or liabilities Guest (or guests in Guest’s party) incurs in connection with this Agreement and any activities or experiences the Guest undertakes during their stay and/or visit at 414 E 8th St (except for those arising directly out of the Host’s wilful misconduct or gross negligence).

GUEST INSURANCE. Host does not maintain insurance coverage for Guest’s personal possessions. Guest is responsible for maintaining casualty insurance on its own property. It is recommended that travel or vacation insurance is obtained by the Guest.

ATTORNEY’S FEES. The Guest agrees to pay all reasonable costs, attorney's fees, and expenses that shall be made or incurred by the Host enforcing this agreement.

USE OF PREMISES. The Guest shall use the Premises for residential use only. The Guest is not authorized to sell products or services on the Premises or conduct any commercial activity.

ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. The Guest shall use the Premises for legal purposes only. Any other such use that includes but is not limited to illicit drug use, verbal or physical abuse of any person or illegal sexual behavior shall cause immediate termination of this Agreement with no refund of pre-paid Rent.

POSSESSIONS. Any personal items or possessions that are left on the Premises are not the responsibility of the Host. The Host shall make every reasonable effort to return the item to the Guest. If claims are not made within the State’s required time period or two (2) weeks, whichever is shorter, the Host shall be able to keep such items to sell or for personal use.

GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed and subject to the laws in Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

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These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of Commongrounds Website

By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use our website if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page.

The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person log on this website and compliant to the Company's terms and conditions. “The Company”, “Ourselves”, “We”, “Our” and “Us”, refers to our Company. “Party”, “Parties”, or “Us”, refers to both the Client and ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner for the express purpose of meeting the Client's needs in respect of provision of the Company's stated services, in accordance with and subject to, the law. Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalization and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to the same.

License - Website

Unless otherwise stated, Commongrounds and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on Commongrounds

All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access this for your own personal use subjected to restrictions set in these terms and conditions.

You must not:

Republish material
Sell, rent or sub-license material f
Reproduce, duplicate or copy material
Redistribute content

This Agreement shall begin on the date hereof.

Parts of this website offer an opportunity for users to post and exchange opinions and information in certain areas of the website. Commongrounds does not filter, edit, publish or review Comments prior to their presence on the website. Comments do not reflect the views and opinions of Commongrounds, its agents and/or affiliates. Comments reflect the views and opinions of the person who posts their views and opinions. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, Commongrounds shall not be liable for the Comments or for any liability, damages or expenses caused and/or suffered as a result of any use of and/or posting of and/or appearance of the Comments on this website.

Commongrounds reserves the right to monitor all Comments and to remove any Comments which can be considered inappropriate, offensive or causes breach of these Terms and Conditions.

You warrant and represent that:

You are entitled to post the Comments on our website and have all necessary licenses and consents to do so;
The Comments do not invade any intellectual property right, including without limitation copyright, patent or trademark of any third party;
The Comments do not contain any defamatory, libelous, offensive, indecent or otherwise unlawful material which is an invasion of privacy
The Comments will not be used to solicit or promote business or custom or present commercial activities or unlawful activity.

You hereby grant Commongrounds a non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, edit and authorize others to use, reproduce and edit any of your Comments in any and all forms, formats or media.

Hyperlinking to our Content

The following organizations may link to our Website without prior written approval:

Government agencies;
Search engines;
News organizations;
Online directory distributors may link to our Website in the same manner as they hyperlink to the Websites of other listed businesses; and
System wide Accredited Businesses except soliciting non-profit organizations, charity shopping malls, and charity fundraising groups which may not hyperlink to our Website.

These organizations may link to our home page, to publications or to other Website information so long as the link: (a) is not in any way deceptive; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and its products and/or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party's site.

We may consider and approve other link requests from the following types of organizations:

commonly-known consumer and/or business information sources;
dot.com community sites;
associations or other groups representing charities;
online directory distributors;
internet portals;
accounting, law and consulting firms; and
educational institutions and trade associations.

We will approve link requests from these organizations if we decide that: (a) the link would not make us look unfavorably to ourselves or to our accredited businesses; (b) the organization does not have any negative records with us; (c) the benefit to us from the visibility of the hyperlink compensates the absence of Commongrounds; and (d) the link is in the context of general resource information.

These organizations may link to our home page so long as the link: (a) is not in any way deceptive; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and its products or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party's site.

If you are one of the organizations listed in paragraph 2 above and are interested in linking to our website, you must inform us by sending an e-mail to Commongrounds. Please include your name, your organization name, contact information as well as the URL of your site, a list of any URLs from which you intend to link to our Website, and a list of the URLs on our site to which you would like to link. Wait 2-3 weeks for a response.

Approved organizations may hyperlink to our Website as follows:

By use of our corporate name; or
By use of the uniform resource locator being linked to; or
By use of any other description of our Website being linked to that makes sense within the context and format of content on the linking party's site.

No use of Commongrounds logo or other artwork will be allowed for linking absent a trademark license agreement.

iFrames

Without prior approval and written permission, you may not create frames around our Web Pages that alter in any way the visual presentation or appearance of our Website.

Reservation of Rights

We reserve the right to request that you remove all links or any particular link to our Website. You approve to immediately remove all links to our Website upon request. We also reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions and its linking policy at any time. By continuously linking to our Website, you agree to be bound to and follow these linking terms and conditions.

Removal of links from our website

If you find any link on our Website that is offensive for any reason, you are free to contact and inform us any moment. We will consider requests to remove links but we are not obligated to or so or to respond to you directly.

We do not ensure that the information on this website is correct, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy; nor do we promise to ensure that the website remains available or that the material on the website is kept up to date.

Disclaimer

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to our website and the use of this website. Nothing in this disclaimer will:

limit or exclude our or your liability for death or personal injury;
limit or exclude our or your liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
limit any of our or your liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or
exclude any of our or your liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.

The limitations and prohibitions of liability set in this Section and elsewhere in this disclaimer: (a) are subject to the preceding paragraph; and (b) govern all liabilities arising under the disclaimer, including liabilities arising in contract, in tort and for breach of statutory duty.

As long as the website and the information and services on the website are provided free of charge, we will not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature.