Terms of Service
Last updated: June 2026
Welcome to Sheda. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Sheda app and services. By creating an account or using Sheda, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use Sheda.
1. What Sheda is
Sheda is a marketplace that connects independent property owners ("hosts") with guests seeking short-term stays in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Sheda is not a hotel, broker, or property owner. The accommodation contract for any stay is between the host and the guest. Sheda provides the technology to list, discover, book, message, pay for, and review stays.
2. Eligibility & accounts
- You must be at least 18 years old and able to enter into a binding contract.
- You agree to provide accurate information and to keep it up to date.
- Guests and hosts complete identity verification before booking or hosting. You must not impersonate anyone or submit false documents.
- You are responsible for activity under your account and for keeping your credentials secure.
3. Bookings
- When you book, you agree to pay the total shown, which may include the nightly price, a cleaning fee, and a service fee.
- A booking is confirmed once payment is successfully completed.
- Availability is set by the host. Booked and host-blocked dates are not available to other guests.
4. Payments, fees, and payouts
Real-world service, processed outside in-app purchase. Sheda facilitates payment for physical accommodation — a real place to stay in the real world. This is not the sale of digital goods, digital content, or in-app features. Payments are therefore handled by our third-party payment processor, Wayl, and not through in-app purchase.
- Payments are collected by Wayl (Ideas Space for IT, Fintech, Banking, HR Development & General Trade Ltd.) on its secure PCI DSS Level 1 certified checkout. Sheda does not store your card or bank details. By completing a payment, you also agree to Wayl’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
- Sheda charges a service fee/commission on each booking. The host receives the remaining amount as a payout.
- Payouts to hosts are processed by Sheda administrators and recorded with a reference (the booking ID) and proof of payment for transparency and audit.
- All amounts are in Iraqi Dinar (IQD).
- Refund and chargeback disputes are handled in coordination with Wayl. Merchants (hosts) are responsible for their own refund policies as outlined in Wayl’s merchant terms.
5. Host responsibilities
- List only properties you are legally entitled to offer, with accurate details, photos/videos, location, and pricing.
- Honor confirmed bookings and keep your availability calendar accurate.
- Comply with applicable local laws, taxes, and regulations for short-term rentals.
6. Guest responsibilities
- Provide accurate information and respect the property, house rules, and the host.
- Pay for any damage you cause beyond normal wear and tear.
7. Reviews & ratings
After a stay, guests can leave a star rating (1–5) and a written review of the property. To keep reviews trustworthy and tied to real stays:
- Only a guest with a booking for that property may review it, and only one review per booking.
- A property's overall rating and review count are calculated automatically from all of its reviews; a host's overall rating is the average across their properties.
- Reviews must be honest and based on a genuine experience. We may remove reviews that are fraudulent, abusive, contain personal/sensitive information, or otherwise violate these Terms.
- Reviews reflect the opinions of individual guests, not of Sheda.
8. Identity verification
Verification uses an automated check (Google Gemini) comparing your ID and selfie, and may be reviewed or overridden by a Sheda administrator. Verification helps safety but is not a guarantee about any person. Use good judgment when booking or hosting.
9. Messaging & content
You may message other users and share photos/videos relevant to a booking. You are responsible for the content you send. Do not send unlawful, harassing, or infringing content. We may remove content or restrict accounts that violate these Terms.
10. Prohibited conduct
- Fraud, fake listings, fake reviews, or circumventing fees.
- Harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity.
- Attempting to disrupt, reverse engineer, or gain unauthorized access to the service.
11. Cancellations & refunds
Cancellation and refund eligibility depend on the booking status and the host's policy. Once a payment is finalized and the stay is confirmed, changes are handled between the host and guest, with Sheda's assistance where appropriate.
12. Disclaimers & liability
Sheda provides the platform "as is." We are not a party to the accommodation contract and are not responsible for the conduct of hosts or guests or the condition of any property. To the extent permitted by law, Sheda is not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from your use of the service.
13. Termination
You may stop using Sheda at any time. We may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or applicable law.
14. Changes
We may update these Terms. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated Terms.
15. Contact
Questions? Contact us on WhatsApp at +964 750 709 8669.