COMUNI Refund Policy
Effective Date: March 21, 2025
At COMUNI, we strive to provide an exceptional experience for our members through affordable shared living, community engagement, and support services. This Refund Policy outlines your rights and our procedures regarding refunds for membership fees, accommodation bookings, and other paid Services, in compliance with French and European Union consumer laws. This policy forms part of our Terms of Service (available at www.comuni.live/terms) and applies to all users of COMUNI Services.
1. Right of Withdrawal (Cooling-Off Period)
Under Article L221-18 of the French Consumer Code and EU Directive 2011/83/EU, you have a statutory right to withdraw from certain contracts within 14 days without giving a reason, subject to the conditions below:
- Eligibility: This applies to paid Services purchased online or remotely (e.g., membership subscriptions, event registrations) starting from the date of contract conclusion (i.e., when you receive confirmation of your purchase).
- Exceptions:
- Services Fully Performed: If a Service (e.g., a mentorship session, event attendance, or accommodation stay) begins within the 14-day period and you expressly consent to its immediate performance while waiving your right of withdrawal, no refund is available after performance (Article L221-28, French Consumer Code). This consent is typically requested during checkout.
- Accommodation Bookings: If your accommodation booking starts within 14 days and you move in, the right of withdrawal does not apply once the stay begins, as it is considered fully performed (e.g., akin to hotel bookings).
- Digital Content: If you access non-tangible digital content (e.g., online resources) and consent to immediate access while waiving your withdrawal right, no refund is available post-access.
- How to Exercise Your Right:
- Notify us within 14 days of contract conclusion via email at contact@comuni.live or by using the withdrawal form available at www.comuni.live/withdrawal-form.
- Include your full name, account email, and order details.
- We will confirm receipt and process your refund within 14 days of notification, using the original payment method, per Article L221-24. No fees will be charged for exercising this right.
- Refunds: You will receive a full refund of fees paid, including any standard delivery costs, unless an exception applies. If you used the Service partially before withdrawing (e.g., attended an event), no refund is due for that portion.
2. Membership Fees
COMUNI offers recurring membership subscriptions for access to community benefits (e.g., events, study spaces, clubs). Refunds are handled as follows:
- Within 14 Days: If you cancel within the 14-day withdrawal period and have not expressly consented to immediate Service performance (e.g., attending an event), you are entitled to a full refund.
- After 14 Days: Beyond the withdrawal period, membership fees are non-refundable unless:
- Required by law (e.g., significant non-delivery of promised Services per Article L121-20-3, French Consumer Code).
- Covered by an exception in this policy (see Section 5).
- Cancellation Mid-Cycle: If you terminate your membership mid-billing cycle (e.g., monthly or quarterly), no pro-rata refund is provided for the remaining period, as Services remain accessible until the cycle ends (per Section 9 of the ToS).
- Process: Submit cancellation requests through the members portal on our website, or to members@comuni.live. Refunds, if applicable, are processed within 14 days.
3. Accommodation Bookings
COMUNI facilitates accommodation through partnerships with providers (e.g., purpose-built student accommodation) or direct arrangements, as outlined in the Business Plan (Section 6). Refunds depend on booking terms:
- Within 14 Days: If booked remotely and you withdraw within 14 days without moving in or consenting to immediate performance, you receive a full refund.
- After Move-In: Once you occupy the accommodation, no refund is available for the period used, even within 14 days, as the Service is deemed performed (Article L221-28).
- Minimum Term Contracts: For contracts with a minimum term (e.g., 3 months), cancellation after the withdrawal period does not entitle you to a refund unless the accommodation is uninhabitable or COMUNI fails to deliver as promised (Article 1231-1, French Civil Code).
- Deposits: Security deposits (if applicable) are refundable within 30 days of departure, less any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, per French tenancy law (Article 22, Law No. 89-462).
- Process: Contact contact@comuni.live with your booking details for refund requests.
4. Event Registrations
COMUNI organizes events (e.g., workshops, parties) as part of its community offering (Business Plan, Section 7):
- Within 14 Days: If registered remotely, you may withdraw within 14 days for a full refund, unless the event occurs within that period and you consented to immediate performance (e.g., by attending).
- Cancellations by COMUNI: If we cancel an event, you receive a full refund or an alternative (e.g., credit or rescheduling), at your choice.
- No-Shows: If you fail to attend without withdrawing, no refund is provided.
- Process: Email contact@comuni.live within the applicable period.
5. Exceptional Circumstances
Beyond statutory rights, refunds may be granted at COMUNI’s discretion:
- Service Failure: If we fail to provide a core Service (e.g., study space access, community events) due to our fault, you may request a pro-rata refund for the affected period, assessed case-by-case.
- Force Majeure: If Services are disrupted by events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, per Article 1218, French Civil Code), no refunds are due unless we permanently cease operations (ToS Section 14).
- Hardship: In cases of severe personal hardship (e.g., medical emergencies), contact us at contact@comuni.live with evidence for discretionary consideration.
6. Franchisee or Partner Services
For Services provided by COMUNI franchisees or partners (e.g., accommodation operators, per Business Plan Section 5):
- Refunds follow this policy unless the terms of the partner or franchisee differ, in which case their policy applies, provided it meets French/EU minimum standards.
- COMUNI is not liable for partner refunds but will assist in resolving disputes.
7. How Refunds Are Processed
- Timeframe: Eligible refunds are processed within 14 days of approval, using your original payment method, unless otherwise agreed.
- Currency: Refunds are issued in euros (€), inclusive of VAT where applicable.
- Disputes: If you disagree with a refund decision, contact us at contact@comuni.live. You may also use consumer mediation (ToS Section 13) or competent courts in Paris, France.
8. Contact Us
For refund requests:
- Email: members@comuni.live
- Response Time: We aim to respond within 5 business days.
For questions:
- Email: contact@comuni.live if you are not a member, and members@comuni.live if you are a member.
- Response Time: We aim to respond within 5 business days.
This Refund Policy complies with French and EU consumer laws and aligns with our mission to offer affordable, flexible Services. We reserve the right to update this policy, with changes notified per Section 12 of the ToS.