FAQ's
Getting Started: Listing Your First Space
We’ve created a step by step guide to help get you setup and renting instantly.
Click here to follow our guide.
Managing Your Availability & Calendar
Managing Your Availability & Calendar on OccupiiSpace
Keeping your availability up to date ensures you receive the right booking requests and avoid double bookings. On OccupiiSpace, managing your calendar is simple and flexible.
Why Keep Your Availability Updated?
Avoid booking conflicts with other uses of your space.
Help renters find the right dates and times.
Maximise your income by opening up more bookable slots.
How to Access Your Calendar
Log in to your OccupiiSpace Owner Dashboard.
Go to the “My Listings” tab.
Select the property you want to manage.
Click on the “Availability & Calendar” section.
Blocking Out Dates or Times (Exceptions)
If your space is unavailable on specific days (e.g., for maintenance, private use, or holidays):
Go to the “Calendar” tab.
Click on the date you want to block.
Select “Block Full Day” or adjust the time range.
Save the changes.
The blocked dates/times will appear as unavailable to renters, and no new bookings can be made during those periods.
Managing Existing Bookings
All confirmed bookings automatically block out your calendar.
If a renter cancels, the date/time becomes available again (depending on your cancellation settings).
You’ll receive email notifications for every new booking and cancellation.
Advanced Tips:
Synchronise Your Calendar: (Coming soon) Import/export bookings with Google Calendar or iCal to manage availability across platforms.
Set Notice Periods: Require renters to book a certain number of hours/days in advance to avoid last-minute bookings.
Buffer Time: Add buffer time between bookings for cleaning, setup, or changeovers.
FAQ
➤ Can I set different hours for different days?
Yes — your availability can vary day-to-day (e.g., open later on weekends).
➤ What happens if I forget to block out a date?
If you get a booking during an unavailable time, you can cancel the booking, but repeated cancellations may affect your account reputation.
➤ Can renters see my full calendar?
No — renters only see available dates and times. Booked or blocked slots are hidden from public view.
Need Help?
If you’re having trouble setting your availability, contact our support team at [support@occupiispace.com].
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Pricing Your Space: Tips for Success
Pricing Your Space: Tips for Success
Setting the right price for your space is key to attracting renters and maximising your earnings. Whether you’re listing a retail shop, photo studio, warehouse, or office, these tips will help you find a pricing strategy that works for your space and market.
1. Understand the Market Rates
Start by researching similar spaces in your area:
Search on OccupiiSpace and other marketplaces to see what comparable spaces charge.
Look at factors such as size, location, amenities, and type of space (e.g., retail, industrial, creative).
Consider your neighbourhood: city centres, trendy areas, and event-friendly zones often command higher rates.
2. Price for Flexibility: Hourly, Daily, or Weekly
Offer different pricing options based on how renters may use your space:
Hourly rates for meetings, workshops, or photoshoots.
Daily rates for pop-up shops or day rentals.
Weekly rates for short-term retail takeovers or productions.
Example:
Pricing Model | Suggested Range |
---|---|
Hourly | £15–£75/hr |
Daily | £80–£400/day |
Weekly | £350–£2,500/week |
(Varies by location and space type)
3. Start Competitively, Then Adjust
If your space is new to the platform:
Start with an introductory rate slightly below market to attract your first bookings and reviews.
Once you build a positive reputation, gradually increase your prices.
4. Factor in Your Space’s Unique Features
Consider charging more if your space includes:
High-end furnishings or design
Professional lighting (for studios)
AV equipment or Wi-Fi
Parking spaces
Kitchen or bathroom access
Accessibility features (step-free access, lifts)
5. Adjust for Demand & Seasonality
Raise prices during peak seasons (e.g., holidays, festival weeks, trade shows).
Offer discounted rates during quieter months or weekdays to fill gaps.
6. Keep It Transparent
Include all costs in your listed price so renters aren’t surprised by hidden fees.
Clearly state if there are cleaning fees, security deposits, or overtime charges.
7. Monitor & Optimise Regularly
Use your dashboard analytics to track how your space is performing.
If you’re not receiving bookings, test lowering the price or adjusting your minimum rental duration.
Respond to renter feedback — sometimes small improvements (faster Wi-Fi, more seating) can justify a price increase.
Suggested Next Steps
Update your listing’s price settings in the My Listings section of your dashboard.
Review your availability and pricing every month to stay competitive.
Need Help Setting Your Price?
Our team is happy to offer suggestions based on your location and space type. Contact us at [support@occupiispace.com].
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Payment Terms & Payout Process
How Payments Work on OccupiiSpace: Stripe Connect Split Payments
Occupii uses Stripe Connect, a secure and trusted payment platform, to handle bookings and payments between renters and property owners. Stripe Connect allows us to split payments automatically and send your earnings directly to your bank account, quickly and securely.
How Stripe Connect Works on Occupii
When a renter books your space:
The renter pays securely through Stripe Checkout.
Stripe automatically splits the payment:
You receive your share of the booking fee.
Occupii retains a small commission as our service fee typically 5%.
Your payout is transferred to your connected Stripe account.
Setting Up Your Stripe Account (One-Time Setup)
To receive payouts, you’ll need to create a Stripe Connect account. This takes just a few minutes:
Go to your Occupii dashboard → Payments → Connect Stripe Account.
Complete Stripe’s secure onboarding form:
Business or individual details
Bank account information (for payouts)
Identity verification (required by UK law)
Once approved, your Stripe account is ready to receive funds.
When Will I Get Paid?
Payments are typically transferred 7 days after the booking completes, depending on Stripe’s payout schedule and verification.
Stripe processes payouts directly to your UK bank account.
Why Stripe Connect?
Safe & Secure: PCI-compliant payment processing used by millions of businesses.
Fast & Automated: No manual invoicing or payment chasing.
Transparent: View all payments and payouts in your Occupii dashboard.
Payment Example
Example Booking Total | £200 |
---|---|
OccupiiSpace Service Fee (e.g., 5%) | £10 |
Your Earnings | £190 |
Stripe Payment Processing Fee (approx. 1.5%-2.9%) | Automatically deducted by Stripe before payout |
Exact service fee and Stripe fees may vary. You’ll see a full breakdown before payouts.
FAQ
➤ What happens if a booking is cancelled?
If a renter cancels according to your cancellation policy:
Payments may be refunded fully or partially.
Your earnings will adjust accordingly.
➤ Is my bank info safe?
Yes — Occupii never stores your payment or bank details. All payment processing and banking information is handled securely by Stripe.
➤ Can I see a payment history?
Yes, your Occupii dashboard shows all bookings, payments, and payouts in one place. You can also log in to your Stripe account for detailed reports.
Need Help with Stripe?
If you have trouble setting up Stripe or seeing your payouts, contact our team at [support@occupiispace.com], or visit Stripe Support.
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Approving or Declining Bookings
Approving or Declining Bookings on Occupii
As a property owner, you have full control over who books your space and when. Occupii gives you the flexibility to approve bookings that fit your availability and decline requests that aren’t a good match.
How Booking Requests Work
When a renter submits a booking request:
You’ll receive an email notification and a dashboard alert.
The request will include:
The requested date and time
Purpose of the booking (if provided)
Renter profile details
Any special requests or notes
How to Approve a Booking
Log in to your Occupii dashboard.
Go to “Booking Requests.”
Review the details of the request.
Click “Approve Booking.”
Once approved:
The renter will receive a confirmation email.
Stripe will process the payment.
Your calendar will block the booked date/time.
How to Decline a Booking
If a booking request isn’t suitable:
Open the request in your dashboard.
Click “Decline Booking.”
(Optional) Add a brief reason to help the renter understand why their booking was declined (e.g., space unavailable, renter’s activity not suitable).
The renter will be notified immediately, and your calendar will remain open for other bookings.
Tips for Managing Requests Effectively
Respond to booking requests quickly to give renters clarity and keep your response rate high.
Keep your calendar up to date to avoid receiving requests when your space is unavailable.
Be clear in your listing description about what your space is suitable for (e.g., no parties, no overnight stays).
FAQ
➤ Can bookings be auto-approved?
Yes, auto accept is an option when building the listing. Turn on the auto accept widget and booking will be accepted instantly.
➤ What happens if I don’t respond to a booking request?
Booking requests expire automatically if they are not responded to within 48 hours. Repeatedly missing requests may affect your search visibility.
➤ Can I cancel a booking after approving it?
Yes, but cancellations should only be made for exceptional reasons. Frequent cancellations may impact your reputation on Occupii. Review our Cancellation Policy for more details.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure about a booking request, contact our team at [support@occupiispace.com] for assistance.
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What to Do If a Renter Damages Your Property
What to Do If a Renter Damages Your Property
At occupii, we take the protection of your space seriously. While most bookings go smoothly, we understand accidents can happen. If you experience damage or misuse of your property during a booking, follow the steps below to report the issue and begin the resolution process.
Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately
As soon as you notice the damage:
Take clear photos of the affected area or items.
Record the date and time you discovered the damage.
Gather any additional evidence (e.g., CCTV footage, communication with the renter, receipts for damaged items).
Step 2: Contact the Renter First (Optional but Recommended)
Often, small issues can be resolved directly with the renter. You can:
Politely explain the situation.
Request reimbursement for minor repairs or cleaning.
Agree on a resolution before involving occupii.
Use your occupii message thread to keep communication transparent.
Step 3: Report the Incident to occupii
If the damage is significant or the renter is uncooperative:
Go to your occupii Dashboard → Support → Report an Issue.
Select the booking in question.
Complete the Damage Report Form, including:
Photos of the damage
Estimated repair/replacement costs
Any renter communication
Preferred resolution (repair, replacement, compensation)
You must submit the damage report within 72 hours of the booking ending.
Step 4: occupii Review & Resolution Process
occupii will review your claim, renter communication, and evidence.
We’ll contact the renter and request a response.
If appropriate, occupii may deduct damages from the renter’s security deposit (if applicable) or request payment from the renter.
⚠️ Please note: occupii cannot guarantee full compensation in all cases but will work to mediate a fair outcome.
Step 5: Finalise the Claim
If a resolution is reached:
Payments for damage will be processed securely through Stripe Connect.
occupii will update you on the outcome and next steps.
If no agreement is reached, occupii may recommend third-party mediation or legal action, depending on the situation.
FAQ
➤ Does occupii provide insurance for damages?
occupii does not automatically provide insurance coverage. We recommend all property owners maintain their own business or property insurance covering short-term rentals.
➤ Is a security deposit always collected?
Security deposits are optional and set by the property owner when creating a listing. If you enabled a deposit, occupii can use it toward damage claims.
➤ What happens if the renter denies responsibility?
occupii will review the evidence from both sides and aim for a fair resolution, but legal disputes beyond our process must be handled independently.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure how to report damage or need help filing a claim, contact our support team at [support@occupii.com].
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Setting Cancellation & House Rules
Setting Cancellation & House Rules for Your Space
At occupii, we want both property owners and renters to feel confident about their bookings. By setting clear Cancellation Terms and House Rules, you create a better experience for everyone and protect your space.
1. Setting Your Cancellation Policy
Here are some example cancellation policies you might want to use when listing your space:
Policy Type | Renter Cancellation Window | Refund Details |
---|---|---|
Flexible | Up to 24 hours before booking starts | Full refund |
Moderate | Up to 72 hours before booking starts | Full refund |
Strict | No refunds for cancellations within 7 days of booking start | Full refund only if cancelled 7+ days before |
Tip:
If you’re starting out, a Flexible or Moderate policy can help attract more first-time renters.
➡️ To set your cancellation policy:
Go to My Listings → Edit Listing → Booking & Payments → Cancellation Policy.
Choose your preferred option and save.
2. Writing Your House Rules
House Rules help renters understand how to treat your space. Clear rules reduce misunderstandings and disputes.
Recommended House Rules to Include:
Usage restrictions: (e.g., no smoking, no parties, no loud music after 9pm)
Access instructions: (e.g., back entrance only, no roof access)
Clean-up expectations: (e.g., leave the space tidy, take rubbish with you)
Damage responsibility: renters are responsible for any damage they cause.
Pet policies: if pets are allowed or prohibited.
➡️ To set your House Rules:
Go to My Listings → Edit Listing → House Rules.
Add your custom rules in clear, simple language.
Save changes to apply them to your listing.
3. What Happens If a Renter Breaks the Rules?
If a renter violates your House Rules:
Document the incident (photos, messages, etc.).
Contact the renter through occupii messages.
Report the issue to occupii using the Report an Issue form in your dashboard.
occupii may take action such as warning the renter, mediating the situation, or removing them from the platform if appropriate.
FAQ
➤ Can I update my cancellation policy later?
Yes, you can update it at any time. Changes apply to future bookings only, not existing ones.
➤ Are House Rules shown to renters before they book?
Yes, renters must agree to your House Rules during the booking process.
➤ What if I need to cancel a booking as an owner?
You can cancel bookings in your dashboard, but please review the Cancellation Policy for Owners to understand how this affects your account.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure what rules to include, contact our team at [support@occupii.com] — we’re happy to help draft clear, fair policies.
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Pausing or Removing a Listing
Pausing or Removing a Listing on occupii
Sometimes you may need to temporarily stop receiving bookings or permanently remove your space from occupii. You’re in full control of your listings and can update them at any time.
1. Pausing Your Listing (Temporary Unavailability)
If you want to temporarily stop receiving new booking requests but plan to re-list your space later:
Go to your occupii Dashboard → My Listings.
Find the space you wish to pause.
Click “Edit Listing”.
Under “Listing Status”, select “Pause Listing”.
Save your changes.
When paused:
Your space will no longer appear in search results.
Current and upcoming bookings will still be active unless you cancel them.
You can reactivate the listing at any time by switching it back to “Active.”
2. Removing Your Space Permanently
If you no longer wish to offer your space on occupii:
Go to My Listings → Edit Listing.
Scroll down to “Listing Status.”
Select “Remove Listing.”
Confirm your decision.
⚠️ Important:
This action will remove your space from search results immediately.
All future availability is cancelled.
Active bookings will need to be cancelled manually (this may affect your cancellation reputation if not done in advance).
When Should You Pause vs. Remove a Listing?
Action | Use When |
---|---|
Pause Listing | Going on holiday, under renovations, unavailable for a short period |
Remove Listing | Selling the property, no longer renting it out, permanently closing the space |
3. Managing Active Bookings Before Removal
If you have confirmed bookings:
Pause your listing first, then wait until your bookings are completed.
Contact renters if you need to cancel — please give as much notice as possible.
Follow occupii’s cancellation guidelines to avoid penalties.
FAQ
➤ Will I lose my listing details if I pause my space?
No, all your photos, descriptions, and settings are saved when paused. You can reactivate your space anytime.
➤ Can I create a new listing for the same space later?
Yes — even if you remove a listing, you can create a new one at any time with updated details.
➤ Does removing my listing delete my occupii account?
No. Your account remains active, and you can list new spaces in the future.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether to pause or remove your listing, contact our support team at [support@occupii.com], and we’ll guide you through the best option.
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Taxes & Legal Responsibilities for Short-Term Rentals
Taxes & Legal Responsibilities for Short-Term Rentals
When listing your space on occupii, it’s important to understand your tax obligations and legal responsibilities. While occupii provides the platform, you remain responsible for complying with local laws and reporting your rental income.
This guide will help you understand key considerations, but we recommend seeking advice from a qualified accountant or legal professional.
1. Paying Taxes on Rental Income (UK Focus)
As a space owner in the UK, income earned from renting out your property on occupii is typically considered taxable income.
This may include:
Income Tax on your earnings from short-term rentals.
VAT (if your business exceeds the VAT threshold and your rentals are considered VAT-applicable).
Common Scenarios:
Space Owner Type | Tax Treatment |
---|---|
Private individual renting out part-time | Income may be declared under self-assessment |
Business or company listing commercial spaces | Income taxed as part of business profits, VAT may apply |
Registered charity or organisation | May have different reporting requirements |
2. Record Keeping
You should keep accurate records of:
Each booking (dates, fees paid).
Any expenses related to operating your space (cleaning, repairs, insurance).
Payments and payouts from occupii (you’ll find a full transaction history in your occupii dashboard and Stripe account).
These records are required for tax filings.
3. Do I Need to Register My Rental Activity as a Business?
If your short-term rental income is:
Occasional: You may declare it as part of your self-assessment.
Regular & significant: You may need to register as a sole trader, limited company, or partnership depending on your income level and operating structure.
4. Legal Responsibilities as a Space Provider
When listing your property for rent, you are responsible for ensuring the space is:
Safe & compliant with UK health and safety laws.
Covered by any relevant insurance policies (public liability, property damage, etc.).
Suitable for the type of use you’re allowing (e.g., no structural risks for workshops, sufficient ventilation for retail pop-ups).
You should:
✔️ Carry out basic safety checks (fire safety, electrical compliance, safe access).
✔️ Clearly state any restrictions in your House Rules.
✔️ Verify whether your property lease or local council permits short-term rentals.
5. Local Regulations & Permits
Different councils across the UK may have rules on short-term commercial use of properties.
You may need:
A planning permit (e.g., change of use).
Compliance with licensing laws for certain business activities (e.g., alcohol sales).
Approval from your building management company (for shared office spaces or retail units).
Check with your local council or legal advisor.
FAQ
➤ Does occupii collect or remit taxes on my behalf?
No. occupii does not collect or file taxes for property owners. You are responsible for reporting and paying your own taxes.
➤ Will I get a summary of my earnings?
Yes. You can download your earnings from your occupii dashboard and Stripe account for your financial records.
➤ Do I need insurance?
Yes, we highly recommend property owners carry public liability insurance and consider additional coverage for short-term commercial rentals.
Need Help?
If you need support understanding your occupii payouts or finding your financial reports, contact our team at [support@occupii.com]. For tax or legal advice, consult an accountant or solicitor.