Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about HouseManager property management software.

General

1. What is HouseManager?

HouseManager is a cloud-based Property Management Software (PMS) that helps hotels, guesthouses, and homestays manage their reservations, availability, and rates across multiple Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) such as Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb, and Trip.com. We do not operate as a travel agency or booking engine.

2. Does HouseManager process guest bookings or payments?

No. HouseManager does not process bookings or collect payments from hotel guests. Guests make their reservations and payments directly on OTA platforms (e.g., Booking.com, Agoda). HouseManager only receives reservation data from the OTA and updates your property's availability across other connected platforms to prevent overbooking.

3. How does HouseManager prevent overbooking?

When a guest books a room through one OTA (e.g., Agoda), HouseManager automatically updates the availability on all other connected OTAs (e.g., Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb). This ensures that the same room is not sold multiple times across different platforms — protecting your property from double bookings and guest dissatisfaction.

4. Is HouseManager a booking engine?

No. HouseManager is not a booking engine and does not allow guests to make reservations directly. It is strictly a management tool for property owners to synchronize and monitor their reservations from different OTAs.

5. Who handles guest payments for reservations?

All guest payments are collected by the OTAs (Booking.com, Agoda, etc.) according to their own payment policies. HouseManager has no role in processing, storing, or handling payments between guests and property owners.

6. What technology does HouseManager use?

Web-Based SaaS Platform: Accessible from any internet browser (no downloads required). Cloud Hosting & Storage: All reservation and property data is securely stored in the cloud. API/Channel Manager Integrations: Secure connections with OTA platforms to ensure real-time updates of availability and rates.

7. What type of properties can use HouseManager?

HouseManager is designed for: Small guesthouses and homestays (even 1–2 rooms). Boutique hotels. Mid-sized hotels and resorts. Multi-property operators.

8. Does HouseManager integrate with local travel agents?

Currently, HouseManager integrates only with major online travel agencies (OTAs). We do not integrate with offline travel agents, as all reservations are imported only from supported OTAs.

9. Does HouseManager store customer financial data?

No. HouseManager does not store guest credit card information or payment details. We only store reservation-related data (guest name, stay dates, room type, booking source, etc.) for management purposes.

10. How secure is my property's data?

All connections to OTAs use secure APIs and encryption protocols. Customer reservation data is stored in cloud servers with regular backups. We comply with the Sri Lanka Personal Data Protection Act (No. 9 of 2022). Payment information is never handled or stored by HouseManager.

11. What happens if an OTA changes my rates or availability?

HouseManager automatically synchronizes changes in rates or availability from one OTA across all others you are connected to, ensuring consistency across platforms.

12. Can I collect bookings directly through HouseManager?

No. HouseManager is not designed to handle direct bookings. All reservations must come through your OTA platforms. Our role is to help you manage those bookings, not replace the OTAs.

Payments

13. What payment methods do you accept?

We accept: Debit & Credit Cards (Visa / MasterCard) – via licensed Sri Lankan Internet Payment Gateways. Bank Transfers in LKR – for customers in Sri Lanka. SWIFT Transfers (USD, EUR, GBP) – for international customers.

14. How do subscription renewals work?

Renewals are handled in two ways: 1. Automatic Renewal – If you enable recurring card payments, subscriptions renew automatically. 2. Manual Renewal – If not enabled, we send you a payment link or invoice each month. Your service remains active only after payment is completed.

15. Can I cancel my subscription?

Yes. You may cancel your subscription at any time. Access to the software continues until the end of your billing cycle. Subscription fees are non-refundable, except in cases like double billing or technical errors (see Refund Policy).

16. Do you offer refunds?

Payments are generally non-refundable. Refunds are only issued if: You are double charged. Technical issues prevent your account from being activated. Extended system outages (over 72 hours) occur due to our fault. Refunds are processed through the same payment method originally used.

17. How is the service delivered after payment?

Basic & Standard Packages: Delivered instantly upon payment confirmation. Professional, Business & Enterprise Packages: Setup and OTA integrations may take 1–3 business days. Delivery is confirmed once your login credentials are emailed to you and the platform is accessible.

18. What happens if I don't pay my renewal on time?

If subscription payment is not received: Your account may be temporarily suspended until payment is completed. Once payment is confirmed (via card or bank transfer), service is reactivated immediately.

Policies

19. What are my responsibilities as a user?

Users are responsible for: Providing accurate contact and business details. Keeping login credentials secure. Ensuring proper OTA authorizations are provided. Using the platform in line with our Terms & Conditions.

20. How do I contact support?

You can reach us via: Email: support@housemanager.lk (24/7, responses within 24 hours) Phone: +94 070 160 6306 (business hours)

21. Under which law are your services governed?

HouseManager operates under the laws of Sri Lanka. Any disputes fall under the jurisdiction of the Colombo courts.