Terms of Service

Effective Date: May 24, 2024

Version: 1.4

Welcome to BēKIN, a unique and innovative vacation rental advertising platform designed to streamline the process of booking and managing properties in Fire Island Pines. These Terms of Service govern your use of the BēKIN website (www.bekin.io) and the services offered through it. By accessing or using the BēKIN platform, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

Brokerage Information:

• BēKinType: Licensed Real Estate Broker
• License Number: 10491212788
• Address: 2495 Montauk Highway, Unit A, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
• Phone: 631-597-8600

This version of the Terms of Service reflects the latest updates and practices of the BēKIN platform and its partners. We encourage you to read these terms carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities when using our services.

1. Introduction

• Overview of BēKIN and Its Services: BēKIN, accessible at www.bekin.io, is an innovative online platform specializing in vacation rentals. It serves as a digital marketplace where guests can explore and book a wide range of rental properties located in desirable vacation destinations. BēKIN aims to provide a seamless and user-friendly experience for both property owners (landlords) and guests (renters), facilitating the discovery, booking, and management of vacation rentals. The platform offers various tools and features to enhance the rental experience, including detailed property listings, a secure booking system, and dedicated customer support.
• Acknowledgement of Retech LLC's Ownership of BēKIN: BēKIN is a trademarked service owned and operated by Retech LLC, a company specializing in developing innovative technology solutions for the real estate industry. Retech LLC's expertise in technology and real estate ensures that BēKIN remains at the forefront of the vacation rental market, offering advanced features and functionalities. Users of BēKIN, including both landlords and guests, acknowledge Retech LLC's ownership and the proprietary nature of the platform and its content. Any use of the BēKIN platform and its services is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement, reflecting Retech LLC's policies and operational guidelines.

1. Acceptance of Terms

• User's Agreement to Abide by the Terms of Service: By accessing, browsing, or using the BēKIN platform and its services, users signify their unconditional agreement and acceptance of these Terms of Service. This agreement forms a legally binding contract between the user and Retech LLC, governing the use of the BēKIN website. Users must comply with all terms, conditions, policies, and notices contained or referenced herein. If a user does not agree to these Terms of Service in their entirety, they should not access or use the BēKIN platform.
• Requirement for Users to be of Legal Age: The services provided by BēKIN are intended solely for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. By using the BēKIN platform, users affirm that they are at least 18 years old and possess the legal capacity to enter into this agreement. Retech LLC does not knowingly collect, either online or offline, personal information from persons under the age of 18. If a user is under 18, they must not use or provide any information on this site or through any of its features, register on the site, make any bookings through the site, or provide any information about themselves to us.

1. User Accounts and Registration

• Process and Requirements for Account Creation: To access certain features of the BēKIN platform, users may be required to create an account. This involves providing basic personal information, such as name, email address, contact details, and creating a secure password. Users may also be asked to provide additional information relevant to their role as either a guest user or a landlord user. The accuracy and authenticity of this information are crucial, as it will be used for communication and transactional purposes. Users may also be asked to agree to additional terms specific to their role on the platform.
• Account Responsibilities for Users: Each user is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account information, including the password. Users are also accountable for all activities that occur under their account. It is the user's responsibility to notify Retech LLC immediately of any unauthorized use of their account or any other breach of security. Retech LLC will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the user's failure to comply with this section. Users are advised to exercise caution when accessing their account from a public or shared computer so that others cannot view or record their password or personal information. Additionally, users should ensure that they log out from their account at the end of each session. Users may deactivate their account at any time through the platform's settings or by contacting BēKIN customer support.

1. Listing and Booking Process

• Property Listing by Landlords: Landlords interested in listing their properties on BēKIN must first create a user account. Once registered, landlords can submit detailed information about their rental properties, including location, property type, amenities, rental rates, availability dates, and high-quality photographs. It's essential for landlords to ensure that the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and does not infringe on any third-party rights. Retech LLC reserves the right to review and approve listings before they go live on the website to ensure they meet quality and content guidelines.
• Landlords acknowledge that all listing data submitted to the BēKIN website, including text, images, and any other content, becomes the property of Retech LLC. By submitting a listing, landlords grant Retech LLC a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free license to use this data for any purpose related to the services of BēKIN and Retech LLC, including but not limited to, marketing, promotions, and development of new services.
• Booking Process for Guests: Guests looking to book a vacation rental on BēKIN can browse through the listings without needing an account. However, to submit a booking request or make a payment, guests must register for an account. The booking process involves selecting a property, reviewing the terms and conditions of the rental (including cancellation policies), and submitting a booking request with any necessary personal information and payment details.
• Guests should be aware that submitting a booking request does not automatically confirm the booking. Confirmation is subject to the landlord's approval and availability of the property. Once the booking is confirmed by the landlord, guests will receive a confirmation email with details about the property and their stay.
• Guests agree that any data or information they provide during the booking process, including personal information, becomes the property of Retech LLC. Retech LLC is entitled to use this information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and for the improvement of its services.
• For both landlords and guests, Retech LLC emphasizes the importance of compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to vacation rentals. Retech LLC also reserves the right to remove any listings or cancel bookings that violate its terms of service or are found to be in breach of legal requirements.
• Data Ownership and Protection: Retech LLC explicitly states that all data, including listing information, user profiles, booking details, and any communication exchanged on the platform, is the exclusive property of Retech LLC. Retech LLC reserves the right to use, modify, distribute, and store this data for its business purposes, including analytical, promotional, and service improvement activities.
• Retech LLC is committed to safeguarding the privacy and security of user data. Users should refer to the Retech LLC Privacy Policy for details on data handling and privacy measures.
• The terms also protect Retech LLC from potential claims of data ownership from other brokerages or third parties. It's clarified that by using the BēKIN platform, users relinquish any claim to the data they input or generate through the platform. This provision is crucial to prevent other entities from claiming rights over the data accumulated on BēKIN, ensuring Retech LLC's exclusive ownership and control over its valuable data assets.
• Confirmation and Lease Execution: An important aspect of the booking process on BēKIN is the understanding that a booking request does not equate to a confirmed booking. A booking is only confirmed once a lease agreement is fully executed by all parties involved – the guest(s), the landlord, and any other relevant parties.
• Once the lease is executed, the terms of the booking become exclusively subject to the stipulations outlined in the lease agreement. This means that the conditions, rules, and obligations that govern the guest's stay at the property, including but not limited to payment terms, cancellation policies, and any landlord-specific rules, are dictated entirely by the lease agreement and supersede any prior understandings or agreements made during the booking process on BēKIN.
• It is the responsibility of both the landlord and the guest to ensure they fully understand and agree to the terms of the lease before signing. Retech LLC encourages all users to read lease agreements carefully and seek clarification or legal advice if necessary, before finalizing the booking.
• Guests and landlords should also be aware that Retech LLC is not a party to these lease agreements. While BēKIN facilitates the booking process and the initial interaction between landlords and guests, the lease agreement itself is a separate legal document that is directly between the landlord and the guest. Retech LLC does not assume responsibility for the content of these agreements or for ensuring compliance by either party.
• By using the BēKIN platform, users acknowledge and agree to this process and understand that their rights and obligations regarding a specific booking are governed by the respective lease agreement. This clause ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of when a booking is considered confirmed and what documents govern their rental arrangement.
• Real Estate Agent Involvement and Compliance: In adherence to New York laws, all real estate-related activities conducted on the BēKIN platform, including the listing of properties and negotiations for bookings, are handled exclusively by licensed real estate agents. These agents are affiliated with our designated brokerage, ensuring that all interactions, transactions, and agreements made through the BēKIN platform are in full compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements of the real estate industry.
• The involvement of licensed real estate agents in the booking process is a critical aspect that underpins the integrity and reliability of the service offered by BēKIN. This approach ensures that all listings, negotiations, and transactions are managed professionally and ethically, with adherence to the highest standards set forth by real estate law.
• Landlords listing properties and guests making booking requests can be assured that they are engaging with qualified professionals who possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and authorization to conduct real estate transactions. These agents are responsible for facilitating the communication between landlords and guests, guiding both parties through the booking process, handling negotiations, and ensuring that all transactions are conducted transparently and legally.
• This commitment to professional conduct and compliance with state laws is a cornerstone of BēKIN's service offering. It not only enhances the experience for both landlords and guests but also provides a layer of security and trust that all transactions are being handled by experts who are well-versed in the nuances of real estate law and practice in New York.
• By using BēKIN, users agree to engage in real estate transactions that are brokered by licensed professionals, reinforcing the platform's adherence to legal standards and professional ethics. This clause serves to inform users that they are operating within a framework that respects and upholds the legal requirements of real estate transactions in New York.

1. Payment and Financial Transactions

• Payment Processing through Stripe: The BēKIN website integrates Stripe for processing all payment transactions. This ensures a secure, efficient, and reliable means of handling financial transactions. Once a payment is made by a guest for a booking request, the funds are processed through Stripe's robust payment system. After the approval and clearance of the payment by Stripe, the funds are then transferred into the designated broker's escrow account. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring that funds are appropriately allocated and safeguarded in compliance with real estate regulations.
• Retech LLC’s Role in Fund Handling: It's important to note that Retech LLC, as the owner and operator of the BēKIN website, does not hold any funds in its operating accounts, except for the Stripe merchant account that they manage. The role of Retech LLC in financial transactions is limited to facilitating the processing of payments through Stripe. This approach ensures clear delineation between the processing of payments and the actual holding and distribution of funds, which is handled by the designated broker’s escrow account.
• Refunds for Reservation Holding Deposits: The reservation holding deposit or Guest Service Fee, submitted by guests to secure a booking, is non refundable.
• Cancellation Policies: Cancellations of booking requests can be made up until the lease agreement is signed. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their booking request during this period. However, after the lease is signed, the cancellation of a booking and any potential refunds will be governed by the specific terms outlined in the lease agreement. The lease agreement serves as the binding contract between the landlord and the guest, detailing the conditions under which a booking can be cancelled and the financial implications of such cancellations.
• It's important for users of the BēKIN platform to understand that the lease agreement supersedes any preliminary arrangements or understandings once it is executed. Therefore, guests and landlords are advised to carefully review the terms of the lease, including the cancellation policy, to fully understand their rights and obligations in the event of a cancellation.
• This section of the Terms of Service underscores the commitment of BēKIN to ensure transparent, fair, and legally compliant financial transactions. By using the BēKIN platform, users agree to these payment and financial transaction policies, ensuring clarity and understanding of the financial aspects of the booking and leasing process.

1. User Authorization for Data Storage

• Purpose of Data Storage: Users authorize Retech LLC to store their credit card and bank account information to facilitate rent payments, process refunds relating to bookings (including security deposit claims and refunds, utility deposit claims and refunds), and landlord payments for rent. Retech LLC acts solely as a payment platform, with all financial transactions conducted under the authority of the designated broker.
• Data Security and Compliance: Retech LLC commits to adhering to the highest standards of data security, in compliance with relevant regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and other applicable state and federal privacy laws. We implement robust security measures to protect against unauthorized access, disclosure, or theft of financial data.
• User Consent and Disclosure: By providing their financial information, users explicitly consent to its collection, storage, and use as described. Retech LLC provides clear disclosure regarding the handling of this data, including its use, storage, and protection measures.
• Data Retention Period: The financial information of users will be stored for a period necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above or until the user requests its deletion, whichever comes first. Retech LLC will not retain financial data longer than necessary and will ensure secure disposal of data when it is no longer needed.
• User Rights and Control: Users have the right to access, modify, or request the deletion of their stored financial data. Requests for deletion can be made by emailing info@retechsolutions.io. Retech LLC will promptly comply with such requests, subject to any legal or regulatory obligations to retain the data for a specified period.
• Notification in Case of Data Breach: In the unlikely event of a data breach involving financial information, Retech LLC will adhere to breach notification laws, promptly informing affected users and relevant authorities as required by law.
• International Data Protection Compliance: For users residing in jurisdictions with specific data protection laws, such as the European Union under GDPR, Retech LLC will ensure compliance with such regulations, providing additional protections and rights as required.
• Review and Auditing: Retech LLC regularly reviews and audits its data protection practices to ensure ongoing compliance with all applicable laws and to maintain the highest standards of data security and privacy.

1. User Conduct and Responsibilities

• Expectations for User Behavior: Users of the BēKIN platform are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful, professional, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes honesty in all communications, integrity in dealings, and respect for the rights and privacy of other users. Users are expected to utilize the platform's features and services for their intended purposes, and in a way that upholds the values and reputation of both BēKIN and Retech LLC.
• Prohibited Activities on the Platform: The BēKIN platform prohibits activities that are illegal, unethical, or in any way harmful to other users, the platform, or Retech LLC. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of intellectual property, harassment or abuse of other users, posting false or misleading information, and any form of fraudulent activity. Users are also prohibited from exploiting the platform for commercial gain outside the intended purposes of the BēKIN website, particularly in relation to the data and listings available on the platform.
• Protection of Retech LLC’s Rights and Data: Retech LLC maintains full rights and ownership over all data and content available on the BēKIN platform. Users are not permitted to use this data for commercial purposes outside the scope of the platform without explicit permission from Retech LLC. This includes scraping, copying, or exploiting listing data for personal gain or for the benefit of third parties.
• Co-Broke Agreement for Unauthorized Commercial Use: In cases where a user, particularly a real estate agent or broker, is found to be commercially benefiting from the data shown on the BēKIN website without authorization, they agree to a 50/50 co-broke arrangement for the relevant listing with the designated brokerage associated with BēKIN. This co-broke arrangement applies to any rentals related to the exploited data for a period of 12 months following the detection of unauthorized use. This measure is put in place to protect the interests of Retech LLC and to ensure that the data and content of the BēKIN platform are used fairly and lawfully.
• Enforcement and Penalties: Retech LLC reserves the right to take appropriate action against any user found to be in violation of these terms, including, but not limited to, suspension or termination of access to the platform, legal action, and seeking financial restitution. Users found to be in breach of these terms may also be held liable for any damages or losses incurred by Retech LLC or other users as a result of such actions.

1. Intellectual Property Rights

• Ownership of Content and Trademarks: Retech LLC holds exclusive ownership over all content, trademarks, trade names, service marks, and other intellectual property displayed on the BēKIN website. This includes the BēKIN trademark, website design, text, graphics, interfaces, and the selection and arrangements thereof. All rights are reserved, and no part of the BēKIN website or its content may be reproduced, copied, modified, or used without the express written consent of Retech LLC.
• User-Generated Content Rights and Permissions: All user-generated content submitted to the BēKIN platform, including but not limited to property listings, descriptions, photographs, pricing information, availability dates, and user reviews, is considered the intellectual property of Retech LLC upon submission. Users grant Retech LLC a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty-free, and non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, display, and distribute such content for any purpose related to the services of BēKIN and Retech LLC.
• Retroactive Ownership and Rights: The ownership rights of Retech LLC extend retroactively to all user-generated content previously submitted to the BēKIN website. Users who have contributed content to the website prior to the effective date of these terms must notify Retech LLC in writing at listings@bekin.io within five (5) days of the effective date if they do not agree to these terms. Failure to provide such notification within this timeframe will constitute acceptance of these terms and acknowledgment of Retech LLC's ownership of the content.
• Content Sharing with Broker Partners: Retech LLC reserves the right to share user-generated content with broker partners and other affiliated entities at its discretion. This sharing is to facilitate the provision of services and enhance user experience on the BēKIN platform.
• Removal of Listings and Continued Ownership: Users may request the removal of their listings or other contributed content by emailing listings@bekin.io. However, such removal does not transfer ownership of the content back to the user. Retech LLC retains ownership of all content, even after removal from the website, subject to any prevailing privacy laws.
• Compliance with Privacy Laws: Retech LLC's ownership and use of user-generated content will comply with all applicable privacy and data protection laws. Retech LLC is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of personal data, as outlined in the Retech LLC Privacy Policy.

1. Privacy and Data Protection

• Data Collection and Usage Policy: BēKIN collects user data, including personal and non-personal information, to enhance the user experience, facilitate the booking process, and for internal analytics. Data collected may include user names, contact details, property details, and browsing behavior. The website uses this data to personalize content, process bookings, communicate with users, and improve overall site functionality. Users consent to the collection and use of their data as per these terms and the Privacy Policy of BēKIN.
• Compliance with Privacy Laws: BēKIN is committed to complying with applicable privacy and data protection laws. This includes ensuring that user data is handled securely, maintaining transparency about data usage, and respecting user privacy rights. Users have the right to access, modify, or delete their personal information held by BēKIN, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.
• Third-Party Links & Ads: The BēKIN website may contain links to third-party websites and display advertisements from third parties. These external links and ads are not under the control of BēKIN, and BēKIN is not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Users are advised to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
• Responsibility for User Content: Users are solely responsible for the content they provide on the BēKIN site. BēKIN does not control user-generated content and is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from interactions with such content. If disputes arise between users, BēKIN has no obligation to become involved.
• Release and Waiver: Users release and discharge BēKIN and its affiliates from any past, present, or future claims or liabilities related to the use of the site. This release includes a waiver of rights under California Civil Code Section 1542 for residents of California.
• Use of Cookies and Web Beacons: BēKIN uses cookies and similar technologies to gather information about user preferences and site interactions. These cookies help optimize the website experience by customizing content based on user preferences and browser types. Users can control cookie settings through their browser options but should note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

1. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimer of Warranties

• Disclaimer of Warranties: BēKIN, provided by Retech LLC, and all related services are offered on an "as-is" and "as available" basis. Retech LLC, along with its affiliates and suppliers, expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory. This includes but is not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, quiet enjoyment, accuracy, and non-infringement. While we strive for excellence, we do not guarantee that BēKIN will meet all specific requirements, or that its operation will be uninterrupted, timely, secure, error-free, or free from viruses or other harmful components. Any warranties required by law, where applicable, are limited to ninety (90) days from the first use of the site.
• Limitations on Duration of Implied Warranties: In jurisdictions where limitations on the duration of an implied warranty are prohibited, the above limitations may not apply. Similarly, in jurisdictions that do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, the exclusions listed above may not apply.
• Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Retech LLC shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses, resulting from (i) your access to or use of or inability to access or use BēKIN; (ii) any conduct or content of any third party on BēKIN; (iii) any content obtained from BēKIN; and (iv) unauthorized access, use, or alteration of your transmissions or content, whether based on warranty, contract, tort (including negligence), or any other legal theory, whether or not we have been informed of the possibility of such damage.
• Maximal Liability Cap: Notwithstanding any contrary provision, our total liability to you for any and all claims arising from or relating to these terms or your use of BēKIN shall not exceed fifty U.S. dollars (USD $50).
• Applicability: The limitations of damages set forth above are fundamental elements of the basis of the agreement between Retech LLC and you. BēKIN would not be provided without such limitations.
• Jurisdictional Variance: Liability limitations and disclaimers might not apply to you as they are jurisdictionally dependent. In such cases, Retech LLC’s liability will be limited to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law in your jurisdiction.

1. Dispute Resolution

• Overview of Dispute Resolution Process: BēKIN, owned by Retech LLC, is committed to resolving disputes fairly and amicably. If a dispute arises from or in connection with these Terms or the use of BēKIN, users are encouraged to contact Retech LLC first to seek an informal resolution.
• Notice Requirement for Formal Disputes: Before initiating any formal legal proceedings, the aggrieved party must first send a written Notice of Dispute to the other party. This Notice should detail the nature of the claim or dispute and the requested relief. For disputes involving Retech LLC, Notices should be directed to the contact information provided in Section 11.7.
• Attempt at Informal Resolution: After the Notice is received, both parties should endeavor to resolve the claim or dispute informally within thirty (30) days. This period allows for dialogue and negotiation in good faith to reach an amicable solution.
• Binding Arbitration: If the dispute cannot be resolved informally, it shall be resolved through binding arbitration. The arbitration will be conducted under the rules of a recognized arbitration association, and the arbitrator's decision will be final and binding upon both parties.
• Arbitration Location and Language: Arbitration proceedings shall be held in a location mutually agreed upon by both parties. If an agreement cannot be reached, the location will be determined by the arbitration association. All proceedings will be conducted in English.
• Governing Law: These Terms and any dispute arising from them will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
• Jurisdiction: Any legal suit, action, or proceeding arising out of, or related to, these Terms or BēKIN shall be instituted exclusively in the federal courts of the United States or the courts of the State of New York, although Retech LLC retains the right to bring any suit, action, or proceeding against you for breach of these Terms in your country of residence or any other relevant country.
• Waiver of Jury Trial: Both parties waive any constitutional and statutory rights to go to court and have a trial in front of a judge or a jury. Instead, electing that all disputes shall be resolved by arbitration.
• Class Action Waiver: All claims must be arbitrated or litigated on an individual basis and not on a class basis. Claims of more than one customer or user cannot be arbitrated or litigated jointly or consolidated with those of other customers or users.
• Exception for Small Claims Court and Intellectual Property Rights: Notwithstanding the above, either party may bring an individual action in small claims court, and claims involving intellectual property rights infringement may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction without first seeking arbitration.
• Emergency Equitable Relief: Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek emergency equitable relief before a state or federal court in order to maintain the status quo pending arbitration.

1. Changes to Terms of Service

• Notification of Changes: BēKIN, operated by Retech LLC, reserves the right to modify or update these Terms of Service at any time. Changes to the terms will be communicated to users through the BēKIN website (www.bekin.io) and, where feasible, via email to the email addresses registered by users.
• Effective Date of Changes: Amendments or updates to the terms will become effective on the date specified in the notification, which will typically be thirty (30) calendar days after the announcement of the changes. In urgent cases or where required by law, changes may come into effect sooner.
• Review of Updated Terms: Users are encouraged to periodically review the Terms of Service posted on the BēKIN website. This ensures users are always aware of the terms and conditions that apply to their use of BēKIN.
• Acceptance Through Continued Use: By continuing to access or use BēKIN after the effective date of any changes, users signify their acceptance of the revised terms. If a user disagrees with the updated terms, they should cease using BēKIN immediately.
• Historical Versions: Previous versions of the Terms of Service will be archived and made available upon request, allowing users to understand how terms have evolved over time.
• User's Responsibility to Update Contact Information: It is the user's responsibility to keep their contact information, including their email address, up to date in their BēKIN account. This ensures they receive all notifications regarding changes to the Terms of Service.
• Legally Binding Nature of Changes: Revised terms will be as legally binding as the original terms of service upon their effective date. Users' continued use of BēKIN constitutes an agreement to be bound by these updated terms.

1. Contact Information

• General Inquiries and Support: Users can reach out to BēKIN/Retech LLC for any general questions, support needs, or feedback. The primary contact methods are:
• Email: For any queries, concerns, or feedback related to the BēKIN platform, users can send an email to help@bekin.io. This is the preferred method for detailed or document-related communications. The support team aims to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe.
• Phone: For immediate or urgent inquiries, users can contact BēKIN/Retech LLC at 631 597 8600. This line is available during standard business hours, which are listed on the BēKIN website.
• Mailing Address: For formal correspondence, legal documents, or physical materials, users can use the following mailing address: Retech LLC 9450 SW Gemini Dr PMB 74909 Beaverton, Oregon 97008
• Response Time: BēKIN/Retech LLC endeavors to respond to all inquiries promptly. However, response times may vary based on the nature and complexity of the inquiry.
• Website Contact Form: Users can also reach out through a dedicated contact form available on the BēKIN website (www.bekin.io). This form is designed for convenience and ensures that user inquiries are directed to the appropriate department.
• Customer Service Hours: Detailed information about customer service hours, including any special holiday schedules or extended hours, is available on the BēKIN website.
• Feedback and Suggestions: BēKIN/Retech LLC welcomes feedback and suggestions from users regarding its services and platform. Such input can be sent via email or through the contact form on the website.
• Technical Support: For technical issues or problems encountered while using the BēKIN platform, users are encouraged to contact the support team via email or phone. Specific instructions for reporting technical issues can be found on the website.
• Social Media Channels: For general updates and announcements, users can follow BēKIN on various social media platforms. Links to these platforms are provided on the BēKIN website.

1. Termination and Account Cancellation

• Conditions for Termination: BēKIN reserves the right to terminate or suspend your account and access to the website and its services at any time, without notice, for conduct that BēKIN believes violates these Terms of Service or is harmful to other users of BēKIN, its services, or third parties, or for any other reason at its sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, fraudulent or illegal activities, breach of any agreements or policies, or actions that are detrimental to the safety and security of BēKIN, its users, or the public.
• User-Initiated Cancellation: As a user, you may cancel your account at any time. To initiate the cancellation process, you must send a written notice of cancellation to BēKIN through the provided contact information (email: help@bekin.io). Upon receipt of your cancellation request, BēKIN will promptly begin the process of disabling your account and removing your access to the platform.
• Data Retention Post-Cancellation: After account cancellation, whether initiated by BēKIN or the user, BēKIN may retain certain data and content associated with the cancelled account for archival, audit, legal compliance, or as otherwise permitted or required by law. This includes data that may be necessary to prevent a former user from circumventing account termination and re-registering with BēKIN.
• Effect of Account Termination: Upon termination or cancellation of an account, the user will lose all access to the platform and any services provided by BēKIN. Any outstanding financial obligations incurred by the user prior to account termination must be settled. Termination of an account does not affect the user's obligations under these Terms of Service, including but not limited to any indemnification obligations or liabilities incurred prior to account termination.
• Notification of Termination: In the event of termination or suspension of your account by BēKIN, you will be notified through the contact information associated with your account. BēKIN will provide the reasons for such termination or suspension, unless notifying you would violate the law or compromise an investigation.

1. Miscellaneous Provisions

• Governing Law: These Terms of Service shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of Oregon, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
• Severability: If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable under any applicable law, such provisions shall be deleted without affecting the remaining provisions herein.
• Amendment: BēKIN reserves the right to amend these Terms of Service at any time. All amendments to these Terms will be posted on the website and effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of the website after such changes will constitute acknowledgment and acceptance of the modified terms.
• Entire Agreement: These Terms of Service constitute the entire agreement between the user and BēKIN with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous written or oral agreements or understandings.
• Assignment: Users may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms of Service without prior written consent from BēKIN. BēKIN may assign its rights and obligations under these Terms without restriction.
• No Waiver: The failure of BēKIN to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not operate as a waiver of such right or provision.
• Force Majeure: BēKIN shall not be liable for any failure to perform its obligations hereunder where such failure results from any cause beyond BēKIN’s reasonable control, including, without limitation, mechanical, electronic, or communications failure or degradation.
• Indemnification: Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless BēKIN, its affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any claim or demand made by any third party due to or arising out of your use of the website, your violation of these Terms of Service, or your violation of any rights of another.
• Headings: Headings in these Terms of Service are for convenience only and do not have any legal or contractual effect.
• Notices: Any notices or other communications provided by BēKIN under these Terms of Service, including those regarding modifications to these Terms, will be given: (i) via email; or (ii) by posting to the website.
• Survival: All provisions of these Terms of Service which by their nature should survive termination shall survive termination, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

Privacy Policy

BēKIN exists to help build connections between people and make the world more open and inclusive. In short—to build a world where anyone can belong anywhere. We are a community built on trust. A fundamental part of earning that trust means being clear about how we use your information and protecting your human right to privacy.

This Privacy Policy describes how BēKIN, Inc. and its affiliates (“we,” “us,” or “BēKIN”), process personal information in relation to your use of the BēKIN Platform. Depending on where you live and what you are doing on the BēKIN Platform, the supplemental privacy pages listed below may apply to you. Please follow the links and review the supplemental information describing how we process personal information for those regions and services.

1. DEFINITIONS

Undefined terms in this Privacy Policy have the same definition as in our Terms of Service (“Terms”).

1. PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information Needed to Use the BēKIN Platform.

We collect personal information about you when you use the BēKIN Platform. Without it, we may not be able to provide all services requested. This information includes:

Contact, Account, and Profile Information. Such as your first name, last name, phone number, postal address, email address, date of birth, and profile photo, some of which will depend on the features you use. Identity Verification and Payment Information. Such as images of your government-issued ID (as permitted by applicable laws), your ID number or other verification information, a selfie when we verify your ID, bank account or payment account information. If you are not a BēKIN user, we may receive payment information relating to you, such as when a BēKIN user provides your payment card to complete a booking. If a copy of your ID is provided to us, we may scan, use, and store information contained in your ID to verify your identity and for security purposes. 2.2 Information You Choose to Give Us.

You can choose to provide us with additional personal information. This information may include:

Additional Profile Information. Such as gender, preferred language(s), city, and personal description. Some of this information as indicated in your account settings is part of your public profile page and will be publicly visible. Information About Others. Such as a payment instrument belonging to another person or information about a co-traveler. By providing us with personal information about others, you certify that you have permission to provide that information to BēKIN for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy and you have shared the BēKIN Privacy Policy with them. Address Book Contact Information. Other Information. Such as when you fill in a form, add information to your account, respond to surveys, post to community forums, participate in promotions, communicate with BēKIN Support and other Members, import or manually enter address book contacts, provide your address and/or geolocation, or share your experience with us. This may include health information if you choose to share it with us. 2.3 Information Automatically Collected by Using the BēKIN Platform and Our Payment Services.

When you use the BēKIN Platform and Payment Services, we automatically collect personal and other information. This information may include:

Geolocation Information. Such as precise or approximate location determined from your IP address, mobile or other device’s GPS, or other information you share with us, depending on your device settings. We may also collect this information when you’re not using the app if you enable this through your settings or device permissions. Usage Information. Such as the pages or content you view, searches for Listings, bookings you have made, additional services you have added, and other actions on the BēKIN Platform. Log Data and Device Information. Such as details about how you’ve used the BēKIN Platform (including if you clicked on links to third-party applications), IP address, access dates and times, hardware and software information, device information, device event information, unique identifiers, crash data, and the pages you’ve viewed or engaged with before or after using the BēKIN Platform. We may collect this information even if you haven’t created a BēKIN account or logged in. Cookies and Similar Technologies As Described in Our Cookie Policy. Payment Transaction Information. Such as payment instrument used, date and time, payment amount, payment instrument expiration date and billing postcode, PayPal email address, IBAN information, your address, and other related transaction details. 2.4 Personal Information We Collect from Third Parties.

We collect personal information from other sources, such as:

Third-Party Services. If you link, connect, or login to the BēKIN Platform with a third-party service (e.g., Google, Facebook, WeChat), you direct the service to send us information such as your registration, friends list, and profile information as controlled by that service or as authorized by you via your privacy settings at that service. Background Information. For Members in the United States, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, we may obtain, for example, reports of criminal records, sex offender registrations, and other information about you and/or your background. For Hosts in India, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, we may perform criminal background checks. For Members outside of the United States, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and with your consent where required, we may obtain police, background, or registered sex offender checks. We may use your information, including your full name and date of birth, to obtain such reports. Enterprise Product Invitations and Account Management. Organizations that use our Enterprise products may submit personal information to facilitate account management and invitations to use enterprise products. Referrals and Co-Travelers. If you are invited to the BēKIN Platform, for example, as a co-traveler on a trip, the person who invited you can submit personal information about you such as your email address or other contact information. Guest Travel Insurance. If you make a claim under our Guest Travel Insurance policy, we will receive information regarding your claim in order to process, handle, or assess your claim and as outlined in this Privacy Policy. Other Sources. To the extent permitted by applicable law, we may receive additional information about you, such as references, demographic data, or information to help detect fraud and safety issues from third-party service providers and/or partners, and combine it with information we have about you. For example, we may receive background check results or fraud warnings from identity verification service providers for use in our fraud prevention, security investigation, and risk assessment efforts. We may receive information about you and your activities on and off the BēKIN Platform, or about your experiences and interactions from our partners. We may receive health information, including but not limited to, health information related to contagious diseases. 3. HOW WE USE INFORMATION WE COLLECT

If you reside outside of the United States, click here to learn about our legal bases for collection and processing personal information. We use personal information as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

3.1 Provide, Improve, and Develop the BēKIN Platform. We may process this information to:

enable you to access the BēKIN Platform and make and receive payments, enable you to communicate with other Members, process your request, perform analytics, debug, and conduct research, provide customer service training, send you messages, updates, security alerts, and account notifications, process, handle, or assess insurance claims or similar claims, personalize and customize your experience based on your interactions with the BēKIN Platform, your search and booking history, your profile information and preferences, and other content you submit, and enable your use of our enterprise products and accommodation services. If you provide us with your contacts’ information, such as your friends or co-travelers, we may process this information to: (i) facilitate your referral invitations, (ii) share your trip details and facilitate trip planning, (iii) detect and prevent fraud, and (iv) facilitate your requests or for any other purpose you authorize.

3.2 Create and Maintain a Trusted and Safer Environment. We may process this information to:

detect and prevent fraud, spam, abuse, security and safety incidents, and other harmful activities, study and combat discrimination consistent with our Nondiscrimination Policy, conduct fraud prevention, security investigations, and risk assessments, verify or authenticate information provided by you, conduct checks against databases and other information sources, including background checks, comply with our legal obligations, protect the health and well-being of our Guests, Hosts, Hosts’ employees, and members of the public, resolve disputes with our Members, including sharing information with your co-Host(s) or additional Guests about disputes related to your role as a co-Host(s) or additional Guests, enforce our agreements with third parties, determine eligibility for certain types of bookings, such as Instant Book, comply with law, respond to legal requests, prevent harm, and protect our rights (see section 4.5), enforce our Terms and other policies (e.g., Nondiscrimination Policy), and assess or evaluate your interactions with the BēKIN Platform and information obtained from third parties. In limited cases, automated processes, which analyze your account and activities on the BēKIN platform as well as information in relation to activities on and off the BēKIN platform that can be associated with you, could restrict or suspend your access to the BēKIN Platform if such processes detect activity that may pose a safety or other risk to BēKIN, our community, or third parties. If you would like to challenge decisions based on automated processes, please contact us via the Contact Information section below. You can find out more about how our system determines whether certain reservations may carry a higher risk for incidents here. 3.3 Provide, Personalize, Measure, and Improve our Advertising and Marketing. We may process this information to:

send you promotional messages, marketing, advertising, and other information based on your preferences and social media advertising through social media platforms, personalize, measure, and improve our advertising, administer referral programs, rewards, surveys, sweepstakes, contests, or other promotional activities or events sponsored or managed by BēKIN or its third-party partners, analyze characteristics and preferences to send you promotional messages, marketing, advertising, and other information that we think might be of interest to you, invite you to events and relevant opportunities, and send, with your consent, promotional messages, marketing, advertising, and other information that may be of interest to you based on your preferences. 3.4 Analyzing and Sharing Your Communications.

We may review, scan, or analyze your communications on the BēKIN Platform for reasons outlined in the “How We Use Information We Collect” section of this policy, including fraud prevention, security investigations, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, product development, research, analytics, enforcing our Terms of Service, and customer support purposes. For example, as part of our fraud prevention efforts, we scan and analyze messages to mask contact information and references to other sites, and subject to applicable law, we scan and analyze all images uploaded by users to the BēKIN platform in message threads, profiles, listings, and experiences for certain illegal or inappropriate activities (such as evidence of child exploitation) for the purpose of identifying and reporting content violations to appropriate authorities. In some cases, we may also scan, review, or analyze messages to debug, improve, and expand product offerings. We use automated methods where reasonably possible. Occasionally we may need to manually review communications, such as for fraud investigations and customer support, or to assess and improve the functionality of these automated tools. We will not review, scan, or analyze your messaging communications to send third-party marketing messages to you and we will not sell reviews or analyses of these communications. We may also share your communications as set out in the “Sharing & Disclosure” section.

3.5 Linking Third-Party Accounts.

You can link your BēKIN account with certain third-party services like social networks. Your contacts on these third-party services are referred to as “Friends.” When you direct the data sharing by creating this link:

some of the information provided to us from linking accounts may be published on your public profile, your activities on the BēKIN Platform may be displayed to your Friends on the BēKIN Platform and/or that third-party service, a link to your public profile on that third-party service may be included in your BēKIN public profile, other BēKIN users may be able to see any Friends that you may have in common with them, or that you are a Friend of their Friend if applicable, other BēKIN users may be able to see any schools, hometowns, or other groups you have in common with them as listed on your linked social networking service, information you provide to us from the linking of your accounts may be stored, processed, and transmitted for fraud prevention, security investigations, and risk assessment purposes, and publication and display of information that you provide to the BēKIN Platform through this linkage is subject to your settings and authorizations on the BēKIN Platform and the third-party service. 3.6 Provide Payment Services. Personal information is used to enable or authorize third parties to use Payment Services, such as to:

detect and prevent money laundering, fraud, abuse, and security incidents, as well as conduct risk assessments, comply with legal and compliance obligations (such as anti-money laundering regulations and sanctions enforcement), enforce the Payment Terms and other payment policies, and provide and improve Payment Services. 4. SHARING & DISCLOSURE

If you reside outside of the United States, learn about safeguards we rely on for transferring personal information to recipients outside of the EEA here.

4.1 Sharing With Your Consent or at Your Direction.

Where you provide consent, we share your information as described at the time of consent, such as when authorizing a third-party application or website to access your BēKIN account or participating in promotional activities by BēKIN partners or third parties.

Where permissible under applicable law, we may use certain information about you, such as your email address, that we share with social media platforms after de-identifying it to generate leads, drive traffic to BēKIN, or otherwise promote our products and services.

4.2 Sharing Between Members.

To help facilitate bookings or other interactions between Members (who may be located in, or use service providers located in, jurisdictions with varying levels of data protection), we may share information in situations such as:

Between Guest(s) and Host(s) when: A booking request is made, when there is a co-host, or a dispute is submitted, such as profile, name, names of any additional Guests, cancellation history, review information, age of guest (unless prohibited by applicable law), dispute outcome (when applicable), and other information you choose to share and submit. A booking is confirmed, additional information is shared to assist with coordinating the trip, such as profile photo and phone number. You as a Host have a confirmed booking, certain information is shared with the Guest (and any additional Guests they invite, if applicable) to coordinate the booking, such as your profile, full name, phone number, and Listing address. You communicate with a Member, such as your name, profile picture, and message content. Between Guests when: You as a Guest invite additional Guests to a booking, certain information is shared with each additional Guest, such as your name, travel dates, Host name, Listing details, Accommodation address, and other related information. Between Hosts when: You accept an invitation to host with another Member, you authorize those other Member(s), such as co-Hosts, to access and update your information and Member Content, such as certain information like your full name, phone number, Listing address, calendar, Listing information, Listing photos, and email address. 4.3 Information You Publish in Profiles, Listings, and Other Public Information.

You can make certain information publicly visible to others, such as:

Your public profile page, which includes your profile photo, first name (or initials where applicable), description, and city. Listing pages that include information such as the Accommodation or Experience’s approximate or precise location description, calendar availability, profile photo, aggregated demand information (like page views over a period of time), and additional information you choose to share. Reviews, ratings, and other public feedback. Content in a community or discussion forum, blog, or social media post. We may display parts of your public profile and other Content you make available to the public like Listing details on third-party sites, platforms, and apps.

Information you share publicly on the BēKIN Platform may be indexed through third-party search engines. In some cases, you may opt-out of this feature in your account settings.

4.4 Host Service Providers.

Hosts may use third-party services to help manage or deliver their services, such as cleaning services or lock providers. Hosts may use features on the BēKIN Platform to share information about the Guest (like check-in and check-out information, Guest name, Guest phone number) with such third-party service providers.

4.5 Complying with Law, Responding to Legal Requests, Preventing Harm and Protecting Our Rights.

We may disclose your information to courts, law enforcement, governmental or public authorities, tax authorities, authorized third parties, or other Members, if and to the extent we are required or permitted to do so by law or where disclosure is reasonably necessary to: (i) comply with our legal obligations, (ii) comply with a valid legal request (such as a subpoena or court order) or to respond to claims asserted against BēKIN, (iii) respond to a valid legal request relating to a criminal investigation to address alleged or suspected illegal activity, or to respond to or address any other activity that may expose us, you, or any other of our users to legal or regulatory liability (more information on BēKIN’s Law Enforcement Guidelines here), (iv) enforce and administer our agreements with Members, including our Terms, Additional Legal Terms, and Policies, or (v) protect the rights, property or personal safety of BēKIN, its employees, its Members, or members of the public.

4.6 Programs with Managers and Owners.

We may share personal information of Hosts and Guests with landlords, management companies, homeowners' associations, property owners, and/or property managers (“Building Management”), such as booking information and information related to compliance with applicable laws, in order to facilitate programs with Building Management. For example, guest booking and personal information, including guest contact information, may be shared with the Building Management of the building, complex, or community where a host lives and/or the listing is located to facilitate hosting services, compliance with applicable laws, security, billing, and other services.

4.7 Host Information Provided to BēKIN for Work Customers.

If a booking is designated as being for a business or work purpose and (1) is made by a Guest affiliated with an Enterprise and (2) the Enterprise is enrolled in BēKIN for Work, we may disclose information related to the booking to the Enterprise (e.g., name of the Host, Accommodation address, booking dates, Listing details, etc.) to the extent necessary for the adequate performance of BēKIN’s contract with the Enterprise and to provide the services. At the request of the Enterprise or the Guest, we may also share this information with third parties engaged by the Enterprise to provide support services.

4.8 Service Providers.

We share personal information with affiliated and unaffiliated service providers (including their service providers) to help us run our business and for their compliance purposes, including those that help us: (i) verify your identity or authenticate your identification documents, (ii) check information against public databases, (iii) conduct background checks, fraud prevention, security investigations, and risk assessments, (iv) perform product development, maintenance, and debugging, (v) allow the provision of the BēKIN Services through third-party platforms and software tools (e.g., through the integration with our APIs), (vi) provide customer service, advertising, or payments services, (vii) offer additional services you select, (viii) process, handle, or assess insurance claims or similar claims, or (ix) review, scan, and analyze communications on the BēKIN Platform for certain purposes (such as evidence of child exploitation). See the Analyzing and Sharing Your Communications section for additional information. These providers are contractually bound to protect your personal information and have access to your personal information to perform these tasks. Other Members can use services other than BēKIN to process your data. These can include email or reservation management software. Such services are outside of BēKIN’s control and will be subject to applicable laws around the world with varying levels of data protection.

4.9 Business Transfers.

If BēKIN undertakes or is involved in any merger, acquisition, reorganization, sale of assets, bankruptcy, or insolvency event, then we may sell, transfer, or share some or all of our assets, including your information in connection with such transaction or in contemplation of such transaction (e.g., due diligence). In this event, we will notify you before your personal information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4.10 Corporate Affiliates.

To support us in providing, integrating, promoting and improving the BēKIN Platform, Payment Services, and our affiliates’ services, we may share personal information within our corporate family of companies that are related by common ownership or control. Some examples are:

Sharing with BēKIN, Inc. Even if your country of residence is not the United States, your information will be shared with BēKIN, Inc., which provides the technical infrastructure for the BēKIN Platform. Sharing with BēKIN Payments. In order to facilitate payments on or through the BēKIN Platform, certain information as described in the “Outside of the United States” section will be shared with the relevant BēKIN Payments entity. Sharing with BēKIN Ireland. Even if your country of residence is outside EEA (e.g., United States, Japan, China) your information may be shared with BēKIN Ireland, which provides customer support and other business operation services to other BēKIN entities and may be disclosed in line with section 4.5 above. Sharing with BēKIN GSL. Even if your country of residence is not Japan, your information may be shared with BēKIN GSL, which provides customer support and other business operation services to other BēKIN entities. Sharing with BēKIN China. If you (i) created a Listing in China, (ii) inquired about or booked a Host Service located in China, or (iii) sent a message to a Host in relation to that Host’s listing in China, information you provided was shared with BēKIN China as described in the prior version of this Privacy Policy. Similar to other hospitality or short-term rental companies that do business in China, BēKIN China may disclose your information to Chinese government agencies without further notice to you. Your information may be further shared with service providers (including in China) to help run our business. Our service providers may also disclose your information where required by law. 5. OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

5.1 Third-Party Partners & Integrations.

Parts of BēKIN may link to third-party services. BēKIN does not own or control these third parties. When you interact with these third parties and choose to use their service, you are providing your information to them. Your use of these services is subject to the privacy policies of those providers, including Google Maps/Earth Additional Terms of Use, Google Privacy Policy (see here for more information on how Google uses information), Paypal Privacy Statement, and Citi Privacy Policy.

1. YOUR RIGHTS

You can exercise any of the rights described in this section consistent with applicable law. See here for information on data subject rights requests and how to submit a request. We may ask you to verify your identity and request before taking further action on your request.

Learn more about rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the Brazil General Data Protection Law ("LGPD") here.

If your country of residence is China, learn more about your rights here.

6.1 Managing Your Information.

You can access and update some of your personal information through your Account settings. If you connected your BēKIN Account to a third-party service, like Facebook or Google, you can change your settings and unlink from that service in your Account settings. You are responsible for keeping your personal information up to date.

6.2 Data Access and Portability.

In some jurisdictions, applicable law may entitle you to request certain copies of your personal information or information about how we handle your personal information, request copies of personal information that you have provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and/or request that we transmit this information to another service provider (where technically feasible).

6.3 Data Erasure.

In some jurisdictions, you can request that your personal information be deleted. Please note that if you request deletion of your personal information, or if your account is suspended, terminated, or voluntarily closed:

We may retain your personal information as necessary for our legitimate business interests, such as prevention of money laundering, fraud detection and prevention, and enhancing safety. For example, if we suspend a BēKIN Account for fraud or safety reasons, we may retain information from that BēKIN Account to prevent that Member from opening a new BēKIN Account in the future. We may retain and use your personal information to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations. For example, BēKIN and BēKIN Payments may keep information for tax, legal reporting, and auditing obligations. Information you have shared with others (e.g., Reviews, forum postings) may continue to be publicly visible on BēKIN, even after your BēKIN Account is canceled. Because we take measures to protect data from accidental or malicious loss and destruction, residual copies of your personal information may not be removed from our backup systems for a limited period of time. 7. SECURITY

While no organization can guarantee perfect security, we are continuously implementing and updating administrative, technical, and physical security measures to help protect your information against unlawful or unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or alteration.

1. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time in accordance with applicable law. If we do so, we will post the revised Privacy Policy and update the “Last Updated” date at the top. In case of material changes, we will also provide you with notice of the modification by email at least thirty (30) days before the effective date. If you disagree with the revised Privacy Policy, you can cancel your Account. If you do not cancel your Account before the date the revised Privacy Policy becomes effective, your continued access to or use of the BēKIN Platform will be subject to the revised Privacy Policy.