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Dock Rental Agreement

Version 2026-10-18-draft · effective October 18, 2026

Draft pending counsel review. Bracketed text like [THIS] is a business decision or a blank that counsel and DockSpace will fill in before this agreement is finalized.

1. Parties, definitions and DockSpace's role

This Dock Rental Agreement (the "Agreement") is between the Host and the Renter named in Schedule A. It takes effect when the Renter accepts it at checkout and the payment is approved.

1.1 Definitions

  • "DockSpace" means [DOCKSPACE LEGAL ENTITY NAME], which runs the DockSpace website (the "Platform").
  • "Host" means the person or business that lists the Dock on the Platform.
  • "Renter" means the person who books the Dock and pays for the Stay.
  • "Dock" means the dock, slip or mooring space described in the listing and in Schedule A, plus any shared access the listing describes. It does not include the Host's home, buildings or other land unless the listing says so.
  • "Stay" means the booked period from the check-in date to the check-out date in Schedule A.
  • "Vessel" means the boat named in Schedule A.
  • "Dock Rules" means the Host's written rules for the Dock shown in the listing and in Schedule A.
  • "Terms of Service" means the DockSpace Terms of Service published on the Platform, which also apply to both parties.
  • "Schedule A" means the booking details the Platform records for the Stay when the Renter accepts this Agreement. It is part of this Agreement.

1.2 DockSpace's role. DockSpace runs the Platform that connects Hosts and Renters. DockSpace does not own, run, inspect or control any Dock. Unless this Agreement says otherwise, DockSpace is not a party to it.

1.3 Payment collection. The Host appoints DockSpace as its limited agent to collect payment for the Stay and to issue refunds under Section 6. When DockSpace receives the Renter's payment, the Renter's payment obligation to the Host is satisfied.

1.4 Order of priority. If this Agreement conflicts with the Terms of Service on the Host–Renter relationship, this Agreement wins. On anything about use of the Platform itself, the Terms of Service win.

2. Booking, price and payment

2.1 License, not a lease. The Host grants the Renter a revocable license to moor the Vessel at the Dock during the Stay, under this Agreement. It does not create a lease of real property or a landlord–tenant relationship, and it gives the Renter no ownership or possessory interest in the Dock or the land.

2.2 The Stay. The Stay runs from the check-in date to the check-out date in Schedule A. Check-in and check-out are at the times in Schedule A, local time at the Dock. A Stay can be at most 52 weeks.

2.3 Price. The Host sets a weekly rate. The price is the weekly rate multiplied by the number of weeks, and any partial week counts as a full week. For example, a 10-day Stay is charged as 2 weeks. The price is fixed when the order is placed and is shown in Schedule A.

2.4 No added Renter fee. DockSpace charges the Renter no booking fee. DockSpace's commission is taken out of the Host's payout, not added to the Renter's price.

2.5 Payment in full. The Renter pays the full price for the Stay by card at checkout. The booking is confirmed only after the payment is approved. If the payment is declined or cannot be completed, no booking exists and this Agreement does not take effect.

2.6 Taxes. [Who is responsible for any sales, occupancy or local taxes on dock rentals. DockSpace does not collect tax today.]

2.7 Host payout. DockSpace pays the Host the price minus DockSpace's commission, at the rate fixed at the time of booking. The payout becomes due once the Stay has started. A payout is not owed for any part of the price that is refunded to the Renter before the payout is sent.

3. Use of the Dock

3.1 Permitted use. The Renter may moor only the Vessel named in Schedule A at the Dock, and only during the Stay. The Renter may use the access route and any hookups (electric, water) the listing describes, for their intended purpose.

3.2 Vessel limits. The Vessel must not be longer than the maximum boat length in Schedule A. The Host may refuse a Vessel that exceeds the listed limits or is unsafe to moor, and Section 6.4 then applies.

3.3 Dock Rules. The Renter must follow the Dock Rules and any reasonable safety instructions from the Host. Dock Rules cannot contradict this Agreement. If they do, this Agreement wins.

3.4 Access and location. The exact address is shared with the Renter after the booking is confirmed. The Renter and their guests may use only the access route the Host designates, and only to reach the Vessel.

3.5 Not allowed without the Host's written consent. A permission shown in the listing and in Schedule A counts as written consent.

  • Living or sleeping aboard overnight
  • Commercial use, including charters, rentals or paid trips from the Dock
  • Subletting, assigning or sharing the Stay with another vessel
  • Repairs or maintenance beyond minor routine work, including hull work, painting or engine overhauls
  • Fueling at the Dock, or storing fuel, hazardous materials or flammables on the Dock
  • Discharging sewage, gray water, bilge water, oil or trash into the water
  • Unattended open flames, grills or generators on the Dock
  • Loud noise during [QUIET HOURS], or behavior that disturbs neighbors
  • Pets off the Vessel
  • Any illegal activity

3.6 Host access. The Host may enter the Dock during the Stay to inspect it, make repairs or respond to an emergency. Except in an emergency, the Host will give reasonable notice and will not board the Vessel without the Renter's consent.

4. Renter's responsibilities

4.1 Registration and documents. The Vessel must be currently registered or documented as the law requires. The Renter must have proof of registration and insurance aboard and show it to the Host on request. The registration and insurance details the Renter gives at checkout are recorded in Schedule A, and the Renter confirms they are accurate.

4.2 Insurance. For the whole Stay, the Renter must carry vessel liability insurance of at least [$300,000] per occurrence, covering injury to people and damage to property, including the Dock. The Renter's own Vessel and belongings are at the Renter's risk, and the Renter is responsible for insuring them.

4.3 Vessel condition. The Vessel must be seaworthy and in good working order, and must stay afloat without help. The Renter must keep it properly secured with suitable lines and fenders, and must check on it regularly, especially before and after storms.

4.4 Weather and emergencies. The Renter is responsible for preparing the Vessel for weather, including moving it before a named storm or hurricane warning when it is safe to do so. If the Renter does not act in an emergency, the Host may take reasonable steps to protect the Dock and other property, such as adjusting lines. The Host is not liable for those steps if taken in good faith, and the Renter must repay reasonable costs.

4.5 Guests. The Renter is responsible for the conduct of their crew and guests, and for any damage they cause.

4.6 Compliance with law. The Renter must follow all laws that apply to the Vessel and its use, including boating, environmental and marine sanitation rules.

4.7 Leaving at the end of the Stay. The Renter must remove the Vessel and all belongings by the check-out time and leave the Dock as clean as they found it. If the Vessel stays past check-out without the Host's agreement, the Renter owes [the pro-rated weekly rate plus $__ per day]. After [__] days, the Host may have the Vessel removed as state law allows, at the Renter's cost.

4.8 Damage. The Renter must tell the Host and DockSpace promptly about any damage to the Dock or other property, and must pay for damage caused by the Renter, the Vessel, or their crew or guests, apart from normal wear.

5. Host's responsibilities

5.1 Right to rent. The Host promises that they own or control the Dock and have the legal right to rent it. That includes any permission needed from a landlord, HOA, lender or government agency, and following local zoning and permit rules.

5.2 Accurate listing. The Host must describe the Dock accurately, including its location, maximum boat length, water depth at the slip, hookups, access and any known hazards, and must keep availability and the Dock Rules up to date.

5.3 Condition of the Dock. The Dock must be structurally sound and reasonably safe for its normal use at check-in, and the Host must keep it that way during the Stay. The Host must tell the Renter about any hazard they know of that the Renter would not reasonably notice.

5.4 Quiet use. During the Stay, the Host must not rent the same space to anyone else or interfere with the Renter's use, except as Section 3.6 allows.

5.5 Host insurance. [Whether Hosts must carry premises liability insurance and show proof.]

5.6 Host's own taxes. The Host is responsible for reporting payouts as income and for any taxes on their earnings.

6. Cancellations, refunds and changes

6.1 Renter cancellation before check-in. The Renter may ask to cancel from My Bookings on the Platform at any time before the Stay starts. Asking does not cancel the booking by itself. DockSpace reviews each request and, if it approves, refunds the approved amount to the original card, usually within 3 to 5 business days.

6.2 After check-in. Once the Stay has started, the Renter must contact DockSpace about any cancellation. Refunds for a Stay already started, or for unused time, are not owed unless DockSpace approves them or Section 6.3 or 6.4 applies.

6.3 Host cancellation. If the Host cancels, or the Dock is not available or not reasonably as described at check-in, the Renter gets a full refund of the amounts paid for the affected part of the Stay.

6.4 Refused Vessel or Renter breach. If the Host refuses the Vessel under Section 3.2 because it is over the listed limits, or ends the Stay because the Renter seriously breaches this Agreement, the Renter is not owed a refund. A serious breach includes unsafe conduct, illegal activity, a prohibited use under Section 3.5, or no required insurance.

6.5 Events outside anyone's control. If a storm, government order, natural disaster or similar event makes the Dock unusable or unsafe, either party may cancel the affected part of the Stay. [Full refund, pro-rated refund, or credit.]

6.6 Changes. Changing dates or the Vessel needs the Host's agreement, made through DockSpace. A change in dates may change the price.

6.7 How refunds are paid. Refunds go only to the original payment method. The Host's payout is reduced by any refund made before the payout is sent. If a refund is made after the payout was sent, the Host must repay that amount to DockSpace. DockSpace may offset it against future payouts.

7. Risk, liability and indemnity

7.1 Assumption of risk. The Renter understands that docks and waterways carry built-in risks. These include slippery or uneven surfaces, changing water levels, currents, tides, weather, wildlife and other boats. The Renter accepts these risks for themselves, their crew and their guests, to the extent the law allows.

7.2 Vessel and belongings. The Host and DockSpace are not bailees or custodians of the Vessel and do not provide security or watch services. They are not responsible for loss of or damage to the Vessel or anything aboard, including from theft, weather, fire or other boats. This does not apply where the loss is caused by the Host's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

7.3 Renter indemnity. The Renter will defend and indemnify the Host and DockSpace against claims, losses and reasonable costs, including legal fees, that arise from:

  • the Renter's, crew's or guests' use of the Dock or the Vessel
  • the Renter's breach of this Agreement or the Dock Rules
  • any discharge or spill from the Vessel

This does not apply where the claim is caused by the Host's or DockSpace's own negligence or misconduct.

7.4 Host indemnity. The Host will defend and indemnify the Renter and DockSpace against claims, losses and reasonable costs that arise from:

  • the Host's breach of Section 5, including not having the right to rent the Dock
  • the Host's negligence or willful misconduct, or a dangerous condition of the Dock the Host knew about and did not disclose

7.5 DockSpace's limited role. DockSpace does not inspect Docks or Vessels and makes no promise about their condition, safety or legality. DockSpace's total liability under this Agreement is limited to the amount the Renter paid for the Stay, to the extent the law allows.

7.6 No indirect damages. No party is liable for lost profits, loss of use, or indirect or consequential damages. This does not apply to the indemnities in 7.3 and 7.4, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or personal injury where the law does not allow it.

8. Disputes and general terms

8.1 Talk first. The Host and Renter should try to resolve problems with each other first. Either may then ask DockSpace to help. DockSpace's decisions on refunds under Section 6 are final as to payment through the Platform, but do not stop either party from going to court or arbitration under 8.2.

8.2 Disputes. [Binding individual arbitration under [AAA Consumer Rules] with a class-action waiver and a small-claims exception, or the courts of [COUNTY, STATE].]

8.3 Governing law. This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Laws of the state where the Dock is located still apply to the Dock itself and to any Vessel removal.

8.4 Ending the Stay early. Either party may end the Stay for a serious breach by the other that is not fixed within [24 hours] of written notice, or right away if there is an immediate safety risk. Refunds then follow Section 6.

8.5 Notices. Notices go to the email address on each party's DockSpace account, or to DockSpace through the Platform's contact form. A notice counts as received when it is sent.

8.6 Whole agreement. This Agreement, Schedule A, the Dock Rules and the Terms of Service are the whole agreement for the Stay. Changes must be in writing and agreed through the Platform.

8.7 Severability. If a court finds any part of this Agreement unenforceable, that part is limited to what is enforceable and the rest stays in effect.

8.8 Assignment. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the other's written consent, except that DockSpace may assign its role to a successor business.

8.9 Electronic acceptance and record. The Renter accepts this Agreement electronically by ticking the agreement box at checkout. That acceptance has the same effect as a handwritten signature. DockSpace keeps a tamper-evident record of the agreement version accepted, the Schedule A details, the date and time, and the IP address and browser used, and emails the Renter a copy. The Host accepts this Agreement form, as Host, when listing a Dock, and it applies to every booking of the Host's Docks. When DockSpace publishes a material change, the Host must accept the new version before their Docks can be booked again.

Questions about this document: support@dockspace.com.

Document fingerprint (SHA-256): 79f93fc53bab97c2a5ec54b9661deb2046cfc1368b90aeaf54b04d63055e4266. All versions ·