General Terms and Conditions (GTC)

Version: 4.0

Effective Date: 2 September 2025

Last Modified: 2 September 2025

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Definitions
  • Eligibility
  • Account Registration
  • Content
  • Ownership Rights
  • User Conduct
  • Prohibited Activities
  • Interactions with Other Users
  • Termination and Suspension
  • Fees and Payments
  • Third-Party Services
  • Disclaimer of Warranties
  • Limitation of Liability
  • Indemnification
  • Governing Law
  • Miscellaneous Provisions
  • Contact
1. Introduction

This General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter: GTC), governs the use of the Flappingo platform operated by Free Accomm Ltd. (hereinafter: Flappingo, "we", "us"), including its mobile application (App), Website (flappingo.com) and all other related services (together: the "Services"). By using the Services or creating an account, you expressly accept and undertake to comply with this GTC as well as all related legal documents, in particular the Privacy Notice and the Community Guidelines. Should you not agree to any of these terms, you must refrain from using the Services.

The Services are accessible via a mobile application and a Website, enabling social interactions between users such as hosting, organising meetings, and home exchanges. The App may be downloaded on iOS and Android devices through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, while the Website is accessible through standard web browsers. Both platforms provide equivalent functionalities; however, the App additionally supports push notifications (via Firebase) and location-based services, whereas the Website relies on cookies for session management.

If you use the Services on behalf of an organisation, you represent and warrant that you are duly authorised to accept these GTC on its behalf, and that the organisation shall be held liable for any breach of these provisions.

By using the Services, you acknowledge and accept that Flappingo assumes no liability for interactions between users, and that you are solely responsible for your own safety and decisions.

These GTC may be amended by Flappingo, at its sole discretion, at any time. You will be notified of any such amendments by an update to the date indicated herein, and your continued use of the Services shall constitute acceptance of those amendments. Mandatory notice under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (UK): the Services are classified as digital content, and you are entitled to certain remedies in the event of defective or improper performance, including repair, replacement or refund.

2. Definitions
  • User/Member: Any natural person who registers for, or uses the Services via the App or the Website.
  • Services: The Flappingo App, the Website and all related functions, including but not limited to hosting, organising meetings, home exchange and community interactions.
  • Content: Any data, text, image, message, feedback or other information uploaded or otherwise made available by a user on the App or the Website.
  • Community Guidelines: The ethical and behavioural rules established by Flappingo, the breach of which may result in the imposition of sanctions.
  • Document Validation: The process of identity verification carried out by a third party, the result of which is retained by us, but not the documents themselves.
  • Membership Fee: The fee applicable to the paid subscription model to be introduced in the future.
3. Eligibility

To use the Services, you must be at least 18 years of age (DPA 2018 Section 205). By registering, you represent that you are at least 18 years old and are eligible to use the Services via the App or the Website. If you do not meet this requirement, you are not permitted to use the Services.

If you are a minor, or otherwise not legally capable of entering into a binding contract, Flappingo reserves the right to refuse your registration or to delete your account.

Pursuant to Sections 49–56 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015, we inform you that our Services conform to reasonable standards of quality and performance. As a UK resident, you are entitled to raise any queries or complaints relating to the Services.

4. Account Registration

Certain functions of the Services require account registration, which may be completed via the App and the Website. Registration may be carried out using an e-mail address or through a third-party social media account (including, for example, Facebook, Twitter/X, LinkedIn or Instagram). Where registration is completed with an e-mail address, you must create a unique password, which should not be used for any other account.

By registering, you undertake to provide accurate information (e.g. name, age, e-mail), to update such information in the event of any change, to maintain the security of your account, and assume responsibility for all activities carried out through it.

Flappingo reserves the right to verify accounts and may refuse registration if the data provided are inappropriate, inaccurate or false.

Mandatory notice pursuant to Regulation 9 of the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002: registration constitutes an electronic contract, and the steps of the registration process are clearly set out on the App and on the Website. In the event of an error, you may correct the data prior to completing the registration.

5. Content

You are responsible for your own Content (e.g. messages, feedback and profile pictures uploaded via the App or the Website) and you warrant that such content does not infringe the rights of any third party, is not unlawful, and complies with the Community Guidelines. Flappingo does not pre-screen Content, but reserves the right to remove or moderate any content that breaches these GTC or contravenes applicable law.

You grant Flappingo a limited, non-exclusive, worldwide licence to use, copy, modify and distribute the Content for the purposes of operating, developing and promoting the Services.

Mandatory notice: If you are a UK resident, then pursuant to Section 62 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 we are required to ensure that the content made available on the Flappingo platform meets basic quality standards. However, as a user, you remain solely responsible for any Content that you upload, share or publish through the Services.

6. Ownership Rights

The Flappingo Services and all content contained therein (including but not limited to software, graphics, text, user interfaces, databases and documentation), with the exception of content uploaded by users ("User Content"), are the exclusive property of Free Accomm Ltd. or are materials licensed to it by their respective rights holders, and are protected under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (UK) as well as by international intellectual property treaties. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable licence to use the Services for personal, non-commercial purposes via the App and the Website, however, you are not permitted to modify, copy, distribute or reverse engineer any part of the Services without prior authorisation.

The trademarks of Flappingo (e.g. logo, name) may not be used for commercial purposes without prior consent.

7. User Conduct

You undertake to use the Services lawfully and in accordance with the Community Guidelines, whether via the App or the Website. Harassment, discrimination, the dissemination of false information or any harmful behaviour are strictly prohibited.

You must respect other users and follow the ethical guidelines, which are designed to safeguard the safety and trust of the community.

Flappingo reserves the right to moderate conduct and apply sanctions in the event of a breach of the Community Guidelines.

8. Prohibited Activities
  • Illegal activities (e.g. fraud, harassment under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008).
  • Using the Services for commercial purposes without prior authorisation.
  • Creating false accounts or impersonating others.
  • Distributing viruses, malicious code or any other harmful software.
  • Overloading, hacking or otherwise disrupting the Services.
  • Infringing the intellectual property rights, privacy rights or other rights of third parties.
  • Reverse engineering, modifying or copying the Services.

Prohibited activities may result in the suspension or deletion of your account, and may also give rise to legal action. Flappingo reserves the right to monitor activities and will cooperate with the competent authorities in the event of any infringement.

9. Interactions with Other Users9.1 Sole Responsibility

The Services provide a platform for learning, travel arrangements, activities and communication between users (e.g. hosting, home exchanges and events via the App or the Website). Flappingo does not participate in such interactions, provides no guarantees in relation thereto, and accepts no responsibility for any communications, transactions, interactions or disputes arising between users. You remain solely responsible for all interactions, including personal meetings with other users or accommodation sharing.

Flappingo does not supervise meetings between users and assumes no liability for any damages, losses or injuries resulting therefrom.

9.2 Safety

When using the Services, you are expected to exercise sound judgment and to prioritise safety. Flappingo is not responsible for any damages, losses or incidents arising from interactions (e.g. where accommodation is unavailable or an issue arises during an event).

You should act with caution when sharing personal data and must follow the safety recommendations set out in the Community Guidelines.

9.3 Identification

Flappingo cannot confirm the identity or intentions of every user. We provide tools such as document validation, feedback and ratings; however, you remain responsible for determining the identity of others and should exercise caution, particularly when meeting strangers.

Flappingo does not conduct background checks on users and makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any information provided.

9.4 Document Validation Tool

Document validation confirms the authenticity of submitted documents and the postal address; however, it does not guarantee that the user resides at that address or that the user is trustworthy. The tool may reduce risks, but it does not certify the identity or intentions of any individual. Document validation is mandatory for the home exchange function, optional for other functions.

The outcome of validation is visible to other users, but does not constitute an endorsement by Flappingo.

9.5 User-Organised Events

Users may organise personal meetings or events through the App or the Website, which are not sponsored, endorsed or organised by Flappingo. Participation in such meetings or events takes place entirely at your own risk. Flappingo accepts no responsibility for such events or for any consequences arising therefrom.

9.6 Liability

You expressly and irrevocably release and hold harmless Flappingo (including all of its officers, directors, members, employees, agents, as well as its legal successors and assigns) from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, legal proceedings, indemnification obligations, direct or indirect losses, costs (including legal fees), fines, and any material or non-material damages arising out of or in connection with the use of the Services via the App or the Website, any interactions or communications with other users within the Services, or any related disputes, infringements, breaches of contract, negligent or intentional conduct, possible injuries, property damage, or any other legal consequences.

10. Termination and Suspension

This Agreement enters into force upon your acceptance of these GTC and shall remain in effect for an indefinite period unless and until terminated by you or by Flappingo.

You may terminate this Agreement at any time by e-mail (info@flappingo.com) or by deleting your account in the App or the Website settings. Where you terminate as a host, any existing bookings will be cancelled and guests will receive a full refund. Following termination, your account and any associated Content cannot be restored.

Flappingo may terminate the agreement at any time with 30 days' notice by e-mail, or with immediate effect if: (i) you commit a serious breach of these GTC, the Community Guidelines or applicable legal requirements; (ii) you commit fraud; (iii) your account has been inactive for more than 2 years; (iv) termination is necessary to protect Flappingo, other users or third parties.

If you breach these General Terms and Conditions of Flappingo (including, without limitation, engaging in prohibited activities, posting unjustified negative feedback, repeatedly and unjustifiably cancelling bookings, or engaging in any other conduct that contravenes the policies), Flappingo shall be entitled to suspend or restrict your access to the App or the Website. In addition, Flappingo reserves the right to remove any Content uploaded by you, cancel your active bookings, or revoke any special status you may hold (e.g. partnership rank or rewards), depending on the seriousness of the breach. In cases of minor breaches, Flappingo will provide you with prior notice and an opportunity to remedy or rectify the violation, unless such notice would interfere with the detection of fraud, abuse or other unlawful conduct, or would otherwise prejudice the rights, safety or interests of other users. If you disagree with a measure taken by Flappingo, you may lodge an appeal against such decision. Flappingo may take any action necessary to comply with applicable laws or regulatory requirements.

Following termination, your account and any associated Content cannot be restored. A suspended user shall not be permitted to register a new account.

Certain provisions of the GTC (e.g. liability, indemnification) shall survive termination and remain in full force and effect.

11. Fees and Payments

Flappingo may charge fees for the use of the Services provided through the platform (via the App or the Website), together with any applicable taxes (e.g. VAT, sales tax) in accordance with the relevant legislation. The amount and conditions of such fees will be clearly communicated prior to registration or the use of the relevant service, and shall be those in effect at the time of accessing the paid Services.

12. Third-Party Services

Flappingo may use third-party services (e.g. Ondato for validation, Stripe for payments, Twilio for chat). Such third-party services are subject to their own terms and privacy notices, and Flappingo accepts no responsibility for such services or for any issues arising from them.

You are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of third parties when using the App or the Website.

Mandatory notice: Flappingo guarantees that its own Services comply with good quality, the contractual terms, and applicable law. Flappingo does not assume liability in relation to the quality of third-party services.

13. Disclaimer of Warranties

Flappingo's Services are provided on an "as is" basis through the App and the Website, without any express or implied warranties. Flappingo expressly disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, continuous availability or error-free operation of the Services. Furthermore, Flappingo does not guarantee the safety or appropriateness of interactions between users, nor that the validation mechanisms applied within the system will fully prevent breaches of these General Terms and Conditions (GTC).

Mandatory notice for users residing in the United Kingdom: under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 certain warranties cannot be excluded. Accordingly, if Flappingo's Services are faulty, fail to comply with contractual terms, or do not meet reasonable standards of quality, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or – if these remedies are not possible – a partial or full refund. This statutory protection applies only to Flappingo's own Services and does not extend to third-party services, unless Flappingo's liability can be directly established.

14. Limitation of Liability

Flappingo, together with its officers, directors, employees and agents, shall under no circumstances be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, including, without limitation, loss of profits, loss of data, personal injury or property damage, even where Flappingo has been advised of the possibility of such damages, regardless of whether the damages arise out of or in connection with the use of the Services via the App or the Website.

Flappingo's liability shall in all cases be limited to the total amount of fees actually paid by you for the Services (if any). To the maximum extent permitted by law, all other liability is hereby excluded.

15. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Flappingo – including its officers, directors, employees, agents and partners – against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including reasonable legal fees, expert costs and litigation expenses) arising out of or in connection with:

  • Your use of the Services via the App or the Website, except where the damage results solely from Flappingo's wilful misconduct or gross negligence;
  • Your Content or conduct on the platform, including any infringement of the rights of other users or third parties (e.g. copyright, personality rights);
  • Your intentional or repeated breach of these General Terms and Conditions (GTC) or the Community Guidelines (e.g. fraud, harassment, distribution of prohibited content).

This indemnification obligation extends to claims brought by third parties (e.g. other users, copyright holders, authorities). You are further required to provide full cooperation with Flappingo in its legal defence against any such claims.

16. Governing Law

The GTC, together with the use of the Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, excluding its international conflict of laws rules.

17. Miscellaneous Provisions

The GTC constitute the entire agreement between you and Flappingo, superseding all prior agreements.

If any provision is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and Flappingo may replace the invalid provision with one of similar purpose and effect.

A waiver of any right shall not constitute a waiver of any other rights, and any waiver shall only be valid if made in writing.

Flappingo may assign its rights or obligations under these GTC to a third party (e.g. in the event of a merger), whereas you may not assign your rights or obligations without Flappingo's prior written consent.

Notices shall be delivered by e-mail or through the Services and shall be deemed legally binding.

The surviving provisions (e.g. liability, indemnification, ownership rights) shall remain in full force and effect following termination.

Mandatory notice pursuant to the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002 (UK): Flappingo's company information (including its name, registered office, e-mail) is set out in this GTC and on the Website.

18. Contact

For questions, complaints or comments, please contact us:

Free Accomm Ltd

Registered Office: F04 1st Floor Knightrider House, Knightrider Street, Maidstone, United Kingdom, ME15 6LU

E-mail: info@flappingo.com

Website: flappingo.com