FAQs

Recipient FAQ

Who is eligible for a TimeOut stay?

Anyone who has received a stage 4 cancer or an incurable illness diagnosis is eligible to apply for a TimeOut stay. Proof of diagnosis is required as part of the registration process and our team are happy to help facilitate this.

TimeOut defines an incurable diagnosis as a life limiting illness. This is an illness that cannot be cured and may at some time result in the person dying (whether that is years, months, weeks or days away). The illness needs to be progressive and the prognosis should be 5 years or less to qualify for a stay.

How many holiday homes are there?

We currently have approx 160 holiday homes on our database and these are spread all around NZ. They are privately owned homes, and the generous owners generally donate 1-2 stays in their property to TimeOut each year.

Are there any costs that I will incur?

The accommodation is completely free for our recipients (no registration, cancellation, or cleaning fees). Transport and food are the responsibility of the guests. There is always the opportunity to contact the donor family to send messages of thanks or appreciation.

Do I need to clean and tidy the property when we leave?

Yes, all properties must be looked after respectfully and left clean and tidy on departure. Please leave the property in the same condition you found it in.

Do I need to bring my own linen?

This depends on the specific property and will be advised by the property owner. Some provide linen and others require the recipients to bring their own.

How far in advance can I book a TimeOut stay?

We request stays from our home owners a maximum of 6 weeks in advance (ie: within the following 6 week period after submiting your application)

How long can I book a TimeOut Stay for?

Stay requests vary in length from 2 – 6 nights.

Can I request a stay for any time of the year?

As we rely on generously gifted homes, with limited availability, we may not always be able to provide accommodation in the desired location or timeframe. Properties are generally unavailable during Christmas/Jan and public holidays, and availability may be limited during school holidays and other busy holiday periods.

Who can come with me on my TimeOut stay?

Family and friends are welcome to join you on your TimeOut stay. You will need to confirm details for each individual member of the group as part of the application process and advise TimeOut if any of these details change. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate large groups but we will always try our best.

How often can I apply for a TimeOut stay?

Eligible recipients can apply for one TimeOut stay every 12 months. Availability may be limited and preference will be given to recipients who have not had a TimeOut stay previously.

What are the Terms & Conditions of a TimeOut Stay?

By completing the TimeOut Stay online application form, our recipients are agreeing to our Recipient T&C’s.

Do I need to sign a contract with the Holiday Home Owner?

TimeOut provides the Home Donor a template agreement that TimeOut Charitable Trust (TimeOut, we, us) has provided for use by providers and recipients of holiday accommodation who are matched through our website. We do not guarantee it will be suitable in all circumstances and you may wish to customise it (so long as it is compliant with any terms agreed between you and us). We are not responsible for your use of this agreement. Any use will be at your sole risk. We recommend you consider seeking legal advice before using this agreement

Recipient FAQ

Home Donor FAQ

Will I know who is staying in my house? How many people?

Yes, TimeOut provides details on the individuals that will be staying at the property before confirming their stay.

Can I just donate during the off season?

Yes, you can donate your bach at any time of the year that suits you. We let our recipients know that availability for all properties is limited during busy holiday periods, public holidays and school holidays. How far in advance will my property be booked? We only make booking requests a maximum of 6 weeks in advance.

Can I change my property availability or put it on hold if I need to?

Yes, this is no problem at all. TimeOut is designed to be as flexible as possible for the Holiday Home Owner.

Do I need to provide linen?

No, this is up to each individual holiday home owner to decide. Recipients can be advised to bring their own linen if required.

Who cleans the property after a stay?

The terminally ill recipient and family are asked to clean and tidy the property on departure, however you might prefer a deeper professional clean on their exit, or to clean the property again yourself. Any cost associated with this must be covered by the holiday home owner as part of the donation.

Does my property need to be wheelchair accessible or single story only?

No, many of our recipients do not need these specific requirements.

How about my health and safety liability?

We ask that all guests are safe to travel and take care of their health and safety depending on the stage of their health condition and other relevant factors.

What about insurance?

If you don’t usually rent out your holiday home, then your insurance for a residential home may exclude cover for damage by guests. We recommend that you check your policy and get advice from your insurer or insurance broker about your coverage.

We recommend you get advice before signing up with Timeout as clause 4.1(d) of our terms and conditions for providers says you acknowledge that the property is adequately insured for use by the recipient.

What are the costs that I will incur?

You might have management costs or cleaning costs that will not be covered by TimeOut or the terminally ill family. The terminally ill recipient and family are asked to clean the property, however you might prefer a deeper professional clean on their exit.

How does this affect my Tax?

Donated time is currently considered personal time by IRD in relation to the mixed-use asset formula.

What are the Terms & Conditions of a TimeOut Stay?

By registering your holiday home online, our holiday home owners are agreeing to our Home Donor T&C’s.

Do I need to sign a contract with the Recipient?

TimeOut provides the Home Donor a template agreement that TimeOut Charitable Trust (TimeOut, we, us) has provided for use by providers and recipients of holiday accommodation who are matched through our website. We do not guarantee it will be suitable in all circumstances and you may wish to customise it (so long as it is compliant with any terms agreed between you and us). We are not responsible for your use of this agreement. Any use will be at your sole risk. We recommend you consider seeking legal advice before using this agreement.

Home Donor FAQ