Rental Agreement

Shared Style

Rental Agreement

Effective date: June 2025 | Version 1.1

This Rental Agreement is automatically created between the Lender and the Renter each time a rental booking is confirmed and paid on the Shared Style platform. Shared Style (Pty) Ltd acts as platform facilitator only and is not a party to this agreement.

1. Parties and Definitions

"Lender" means the user who listed the item for rental.

"Renter" means the user who booked and paid for the rental.

"Platform" means the Shared Style mobile application and all associated services.

"Item" means the specific clothing item that is the subject of this agreement.

"Rental Period" means the fixed period selected at booking: 3 days, 7 days, or 30 days.

"Deposit" is not currently used — Shared Style does not hold a security deposit on rental bookings. See clause 3 and the Damage and Loss Policy for how damage and loss claims are handled instead.

2. The Rental

The Lender agrees to make the Item available to the Renter for the agreed Rental Period. The Renter agrees to use the Item with reasonable care and to return it in the same condition in which it was received, allowing for fair wear and tear consistent with the condition described in the Listing.

The Rental Period is fixed at the time of booking and may not be extended except by written agreement between both parties within the Platform's in-app messaging system.

3. Payment and Deposit

Payment is processed through the Platform’s escrow service at the time of booking. The Renter pays the rental fee and the platform service fee in a single transaction. Funds are held in escrow and released as follows:

• Rental fee: released to the Lender’s wallet once the Renter confirms receipt of the Item, less the platform commission.

• Service fee: retained by the Platform.

Shared Style does not currently charge or hold a security deposit. If a damage or loss claim is raised and upheld after the rental (see clause 7), the Renter is charged that specific amount directly, after the fact — it is not deducted from a pre-held deposit.

4. Condition Documentation — Mandatory Photo Protocol

All photographs at every stage must be taken using the in-app camera function. Uploading photographs from the device photo library or gallery is not permitted at any stage. This ensures photos are timestamped and accurately reflect the item's condition at the relevant moment. Photos uploaded from a gallery will not be accepted as evidence in any dispute.

Four photo stages are mandatory for every rental transaction. Neither party may proceed to the next stage without completing the required photographs.

Stage 1 — Lender Pre-Dispatch

The Lender must photograph the Item immediately before handing it to the courier. These photographs must be uploaded in the app on the Dispatch screen using the in-app camera. The Dispatch confirmation button is locked until Stage 1 photographs have been submitted.

Stage 2 — Renter on Receipt

The Renter must photograph the Item upon receiving it and upload Stage 2 photographs within 24 hours of confirmed delivery. Any damage, discrepancy, or transit damage must be reported within this 24-hour window.

After 24 hours, the Item is deemed to have been received in the condition evidenced by the Stage 1 photographs. Damage reported after this window will be treated as having occurred during the rental period and will be the Renter's responsibility.

Stage 3 — Renter Pre-Return

The Renter must photograph the Item before initiating the return. The return initiation button is locked until Stage 3 photographs have been submitted. These photographs document the condition of the Item at the time the Renter hands it back to the courier.

Stage 4 — Lender Post-Return

The Lender must photograph the Item upon receiving it back and upload Stage 4 photographs. Any damage or loss claim must be raised within 24 hours of the return being initiated.

Failure to complete Stage 1 or Stage 4 will significantly prejudice the Lender's ability to make a damage or loss claim. Claims where required photographs were not submitted may be rejected.

5. Delivery and Courier

All Items must be dispatched using a Platform-approved courier service. The Lender is responsible for packaging the Item securely and handing it to the courier on or before the agreed dispatch date.

The Lender must upload at least one photograph of the Item before dispatch can be confirmed on the Platform. For locker-to-locker deliveries, the courier shipment is booked automatically by the Platform at dispatch.

Transit insurance is the responsibility of the Lender and/or Renter — it is not provided automatically by the courier or by Shared Style. Transit damage must be reported by the Renter within 24 hours of receipt as part of the Stage 2 photo process.

6. Renter's Obligations

• Use the Item with reasonable care and only for its intended purpose (wearing apparel).

• Not alter, modify, dry-clean (unless specified in the Listing), or repair the Item without the Lender's written consent via in-app message.

• Return the Item on or before the agreed return date.

• Complete all four mandatory photo stages using the in-app camera.

• Report any damage or discrepancy within 24 hours of receiving the Item.

• Not sub-rent, lend, or transfer the Item to any third party.

7. Lender's Obligations

• Ensure the Item is clean, in the condition described in the Listing, and ready to wear at the time of dispatch.

• Photograph all existing flaws at the time of listing using the dedicated flaws photo slot. Undisclosed pre-existing damage forfeits the Lender's claim against the Renter for that specific damage.

• Complete Stage 1 and Stage 4 photo requirements using the in-app camera.

• Review and raise any damage claim within 24 hours of the return being initiated.

8. Damage and Loss

Full details of the damage and loss process are set out in the Shared Style Damage and Loss Policy. Key provisions:

• Minor wear and tear consistent with the Item's described condition is not claimable.

• Significant damage (stains, holes, broken fastenings, alterations) may result in the Renter being charged for repair or replacement.

• Pre-existing damage not disclosed in the Listing or evidenced in Stage 1 photographs cannot be claimed against the Renter.

• Items not returned within 7 days of the rental end date are classified as lost.

• Claims must be raised within 24 hours of the return being initiated.

9. In-App Communication

All communication between the Lender and Renter in connection with this rental must take place exclusively through the Shared Style in-app messaging system. Sharing personal contact details (phone numbers, email addresses, WhatsApp, or social media handles) for the purpose of conducting or facilitating a transaction outside the Platform is prohibited and may result in account suspension.

All in-app messages are timestamped and may be used as evidence in the event of a dispute.

10. Reviews

Following completion of the rental, both the Lender and Renter are required to submit a review of the other party before initiating or accepting a new transaction on the Platform. Reviews must reflect the genuine experience of the transaction.

11. Liability

Shared Style is not a party to this agreement and is not liable for the actions or omissions of either the Lender or the Renter. The Lender and Renter transact directly with each other, facilitated by the Platform.

The Renter is liable for loss or significant damage to the Item occurring during the Rental Period. Because no deposit is held, liability is not capped by a deposit value — the amount owed, if any, is determined through Shared Style's dispute process as set out in the Damage and Loss Policy.

12. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, including the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002.