Host Accomodation Charter

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This charter sets out the key responsibilities and commitments on the Host and the Guest
Hosting is an opportunity for a mutually rewarding experience that can sometimes lead to life long friendships.
Hosting is a private arrangement between the host and the guest.
Various Voices 2009 will facilitate the introduction of hosts to guests but takes no further responsibility.
The Charter guidelines are suggestions to help to make hosting as trouble free as possible by setting a clear framework for the relationship between the host(s) and guest(s).

The Host's responsibilities:

To welcome and make the guest(s)' stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible.
To ensure that the guest(s) have full instructions on how to find the accommodation or to meet them at some prearranged location.
To provide accommodation fully in accordance with the description given to the guest(s).
To provide clean bedding and a clean and tidy environment.
To provide breakfast where this is the agreed arrangement.
To clearly explain the rules of the house (e.g. regarding smoking, locking up, noise, pets etc)
To ensure the guest(s) have a key to access their accommodation unless someone is always on hand to let them in.
To respect the privacy of the guest.
To act as an ambassador for London?s LGBT community by respecting and celebrating difference.

The Guest's responsibilities:

To respect the host's property and cause no damage.
To behave in a respectful manner to the host and adhere to the rules of the house.
To respect the host's privacy and to keep noise to a minimum especially late at night.
Not to bring food and drink into the accommodation without the explicit prior agreement of the host.
Not to invite friends or guests without the explicit prior agreement of the host.
To leave the host's premises in the same condition as found on arrival.
To be conscious that this is someone's home and not a hotel.
To respect the sensibilities of London's LGBT community.
To repay the host's hospitality with a gift.

We would suggest a discretionary monetary gift according to the following scale:

Grade A accommodation = £ 30 per person per night
Grade B accommodation = £ 20 per person per night
Grade C accommodation = £ 10 per person per night

(This is a private arrangement at the discretion of the guest and by agreement with the host)

Classification of accommodation (self assessed)

The accommodation offered should meet the stated criteria in full.

Grade A

Single, double or twin bed in private room at least 8 sq m with a window.
En suite or nearby private bath or shower and toilet.
Room has a wardrobe/closet for hanging clothes.
Breakfast is supplied.
Accommodation is located within 30 minutes of South Bank Centre door to door using public transport.

Grade B

Single, double or twin bed in private room at least 6 sq m with a window.
Shared bath or shower and toilet.
Breakfast is supplied.
Accommodation is located within 45 minutes of South Bank Centre door to door using public transport.

Grade C

Single or double bed which may be a sofa or mattress in the living room or attic room.
The room may be shared with others.
Shared bath or shower and toilet.
Accommodation is located within 1 hour of South Bank Centre door to door using public transport.

Various Voices London Ltd Legal Disclaimer

Various Voices London Ltd does not inspect, recommend or endorse any accommodation and takes no responsibility or accept any legal liability for any losses or damages pertaining to the description, experience or behaviour of any of the accommodation, the host(s) or the guest(s). We cannot mediate or enter into any correspondence over any issues pertaining to Host Housing. This is a private arrangement and all issues should be negotiated and agreed between the parties involved. It is the responsibility of the host(s) and guest(s) to ensure they have all the relevant insurance in place to mitigate any loss and we accept no responsibility or liability for any charges, costs or claims made by any party in respect of Hosted Accommodation facilitated by or arranged by or for Various Voices London.