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POA Terms of Use

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

Welcome to POA! These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the POA mobile application, website, and related services (collectively, the "Platform") operated by POA Gate Limited ("POA," "we," "us," or "our"). Please read these Terms carefully before using our Platform. By creating an account, accessing, or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not use the Platform.

1. Definitions

  • "Platform" means the POA mobile app and website, including all content and features.
  • "User" or "You" means any individual or entity using the Platform, whether as a traveler or host.
  • "Traveler" means a User who books accommodations through the Platform.
  • "Host" means a User who lists accommodations on the Platform.
  • "Accommodation" means any lodging listed by a Host, including guesthouses, lodges, and hotels.
  • "Booking" means a confirmed reservation of an Accommodation made by a Traveler through the Platform.
  • "Lodge Price" means the nightly rate set by the Host.
  • "Booking Fee" means the non-refundable service fee charged to Travelers (currently TZS 1,000 per Booking).
  • "Commission" means the percentage of the Lodge Price payable to POA by Hosts (currently 12%).
  • "Total Price" means Lodge Price × number of nights + Booking Fee.
  • "Content" means all text, images, photos, videos, reviews, and other materials posted on the Platform.

2. Eligibility

By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are at least 18 years old.
  • You have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts.
  • You will provide accurate and complete information when creating an account or listing.
  • Your use of the Platform complies with all applicable laws in Tanzania and your jurisdiction.

POA reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts of users who do not meet these eligibility requirements.

3. Account Registration

3.1 Account Creation

You must create an account to use certain features of the Platform, such as booking accommodations or listing a property. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

3.3 Accuracy

You are responsible for ensuring that the information in your account (including contact details and payment information) is up to date.

4. Use of the Platform

4.1 For Travelers

You may use the Platform to search for, book, and pay for accommodations. Your booking is confirmed once you receive a confirmation message from POA/POA GATE and payment is successfully processed (or Booking Fee paid for cash bookings).

4.2 For Hosts

You may list your Accommodation on the Platform, set your Lodge Price, and receive bookings. By listing, you agree to honor all confirmed Bookings at the agreed price. Hosts must complete POA's verification process before listings go live.

4.3 Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

  • Use the Platform for any illegal purpose.
  • Misrepresent yourself or your property.
  • Solicit off-Platform bookings or payments.
  • Harass, threaten, or harm other users.
  • Post false, misleading, or defamatory Content.
  • Interfere with the operation of the Platform (e.g., hacking, introducing malware).

5. Bookings and Payments

5.1 Booking Process

Travelers can search for Accommodations, select dates, and complete a booking. For digital payments, the Total Price is charged at the time of booking. For cash payments, only the Booking Fee is charged online; the Lodge Price is paid directly to the Host at check-in.

5.2 Payment Methods

We accept mobile money (M-Pesa, Mix by Yas, Airtel Money, HaloPesa, T-Pesa, Selcom, AzamPay) and cash (for the Lodge Price only). Credit/debit cards may be added in the future. All payments are processed securely through third-party providers.

5.3 Fees

  • Travelers: Pay a Booking Fee of TZS 1,000 per booking (non-refundable except as stated in our Cancellation Policy).
  • Hosts: Pay a Commission of 12% of the total Lodge Price for each completed booking. Commission is deducted before payout.

5.4 Payouts to Hosts

Payouts are processed Daily (every Morning) for completed bookings. Hosts may request instant payouts for a 1% fee. Payouts are sent to the registered Mobile Money number (Lipa Namba) or bank account.

5.5 Taxes

Users are responsible for any applicable taxes. POA may collect and remit taxes as required by law.

6. Cancellations and Refunds

6.1 Traveler Cancellations

The amount refunded depends on when you cancel:

  • 48+ hours before check-in: 100% refund of Lodge Price + Booking Fee.
  • 24–48 hours before check-in: 80% refund of Lodge Price; Booking Fee non-refundable.
  • Less than 24 hours: 50% refund of Lodge Price; Booking Fee non-refundable.
  • No-show: No refund.

6.2 Host Cancellations

Hosts who cancel confirmed bookings (except for force majeure) will be charged a penalty of 50% of the Lodge Price and may be subject to listing suspension or removal.

6.3 Early Check-out

Travelers may receive a refund for unused nights (Lodge Price only) if they check out early and notify the Host and POA.

6.4 Refund Processing

Refunds are processed within 1–3 business days for mobile money and 3–5 business days for bank transfers.

6.5 POA Guarantee

If an Accommodation is unavailable, materially different from its listing, or has serious safety/cleanliness issues, POA will either rebook the Traveler at no extra cost or provide a full refund. Claims must be reported within 24 hours of check-in.

7. Host Obligations and Verification

7.1 Verification

Hosts must provide valid business licenses, TIN certificates, and identification. POA may conduct physical inspections. Listings are only published after verification.

7.2 Listing Accuracy

Hosts must ensure all information (photos, descriptions, amenities, prices) is accurate and up to date. Misrepresentation may result in removal from the Platform.

7.3 Availability

Hosts must keep their availability calendars current. All bookings are automatically confirmed; hosts must honor them.

7.4 Quality Standards

Hosts must maintain their Accommodation to the standards represented, including cleanliness, safety, and functioning amenities.

7.5 Communication

Hosts must respond to Traveler inquiries promptly (within 2 hours during business hours).

8. Reviews and Content

8.1 User Content

Users may post reviews, ratings, photos, and comments. You retain ownership of your content but grant POA a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display it on the Platform and in marketing materials.

8.2 Content Guidelines

Content must be honest, respectful, and not violate any laws. POA reserves the right to remove content that is fraudulent, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate.

8.3 No Endorsement

POA does not endorse any user content and is not responsible for its accuracy.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 POA IP

All trademarks, logos, software, and Platform design are the property of POA Gate Limited. You may not use them without our prior written consent.

9.2 License to Use

POA grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purposes.

10. Privacy

Your use of the Platform is subject to our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. By using POA, you consent to the practices described in the Privacy Policy.

11. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

11.1 Platform "As Is"

The Platform is provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

11.2 No Guarantee

We do not guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of Hosts or Travelers.

11.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, POA shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Platform. Our total liability to you shall not exceed the greater of TZS 50,000 or the total amount you paid to POA in the 12 months preceding the claim.

11.4 Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for any third-party services (e.g., payment processors, telecommunications) used in connection with the Platform.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold POA Gate Limited, its affiliates, employees, and agents harmless from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of:

  • Your use of the Platform.
  • Your violation of these Terms.
  • Your violation of any rights of another user.
  • Your Content.

13. Termination

13.1 By You

You may delete your account at any time by contacting support or using the in-app feature.

13.2 By POA

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately without notice if you violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent, illegal, or harmful conduct.

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your access to the Platform ceases, and any pending bookings will be handled according to our cancellation policies.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

14.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United Republic of Tanzania.

14.2 Informal Resolution

Before filing any claim, you agree to attempt to resolve disputes informally by contacting us at disputes@poagate.com.

14.3 Arbitration

If informal resolution fails, disputes shall be resolved by arbitration in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in accordance with the Tanzanian Institute of Arbitration rules.

14.4 Venue

Any legal actions not subject to arbitration shall be brought exclusively in the courts of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

15. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. General Provisions

16.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and POA regarding your use of the Platform.

16.2 Severability

If any provision is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force.

16.3 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right does not waive that right.

16.4 Assignment

You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign them freely.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

POA Gate Limited
NHC House, Samora Avenue St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: legal@poagate.com
Phone: +255 798 800 009
WhatsApp: +255 796 290 290

By creating an account or using POA, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use.


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