Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to HousingBase. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the HousingBase platform, website, and services (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, do not access or use the Services.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes via email or prominent notice on the Services. Your continued use of the Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria to use our Services:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract
• Not be prohibited from using the Services under applicable law
• Provide accurate and complete information during registration

By using the Services, you represent and warrant that you meet these eligibility requirements.

3. Account Registration and Security

3.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of the Services, you may be required to create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update your information as necessary.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use or security breach

We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account information.

3.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

4. User Responsibilities and Prohibited Conduct

4.1 Truthful Information

You agree to provide truthful, accurate, and complete information in all housing applications and communications with property managers. Providing false information may result in:

• Immediate account termination
• Application rejection
• Legal consequences under applicable fraud laws
• Permanent ban from the Services

4.2 Prohibited Activities

You agree NOT to:

• Provide false, misleading, or inaccurate information
• Impersonate any person or entity
• Create multiple accounts for fraudulent purposes
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users or property managers
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Services or other users' accounts
• Use automated tools (bots, scrapers) without written permission
• Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Interfere with or disrupt the Services or servers
• Use the Services for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose

5. Housing Applications

5.1 Application Submission

When you submit a housing application through our Services, you authorize us to:

• Share your application data with the property manager of the property you applied to
• Conduct background checks and credit checks (with your explicit consent)
• Verify your income and employment information
• Contact your references and previous landlords

5.2 Application Processing

HousingBase acts as a platform connecting renters with property managers. We do NOT:

• Make final decisions on application approvals or rejections
• Guarantee acceptance of any application
• Control property manager application review timelines
• Manage lease agreements or rental contracts

5.3 Application Fees

Some properties may require application fees. These fees are set by property managers, not by HousingBase. Application fees are generally non-refundable.

5.4 Fair Housing Compliance

All users must comply with federal, state, and local fair housing laws. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability is strictly prohibited.

6. Property Manager Terms

6.1 Listing Accuracy

Property managers agree to provide accurate and current information about properties, including:

• Rental rates and fees
• Unit availability
• Amenities and features
• Qualification requirements
• Pet policies
• Accessibility features

6.2 Application Review

Property managers agree to review applications in a timely manner and communicate decisions to applicants within reasonable timeframes.

6.3 Fair Housing Compliance

Property managers must comply with all fair housing laws and regulations. Discriminatory practices will result in immediate removal from the platform.

7. Intellectual Property

7.1 HousingBase Content

All content on the Services, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, software, and data compilations, is the property of HousingBase or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7.2 User Content

You retain ownership of any content you submit to the Services (applications, documents, messages). By submitting content, you grant HousingBase a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, store, display, and transmit your content as necessary to provide the Services.

7.3 Prohibited Use

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of any content from the Services without our express written permission.

8. Third-Party Services

Our Services may integrate with or link to third-party services (background check providers, payment processors, etc.). We are not responsible for:

• The availability, accuracy, or content of third-party services
• Third-party terms of service or privacy policies
• Any transactions between you and third parties

Your use of third-party services is at your own risk and subject to their terms and conditions.

9. Disclaimers

9.1 "As Is" Basis

THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

9.2 No Guarantee of Results

We do not guarantee that:

• The Services will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free
• You will be approved for any housing application
• Property listings are accurate or current
• Background checks or income verifications will be completed without delay

9.3 No Legal or Financial Advice

HousingBase does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult with qualified professionals for such advice.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, HOUSINGBASE AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Loss of profits or revenue
• Loss of data or business opportunities
• Housing application rejections
• Delays in application processing
• Actions or omissions of property managers or other users

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED $100 OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HousingBase, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your use of the Services
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Any false or misleading information you provide

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Informal Resolution

Before filing a formal claim, you agree to contact us at support@housingbase.io to attempt informal resolution.

12.2 Arbitration

Any dispute arising from these Terms or the Services that cannot be resolved informally shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

12.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any arbitration or legal proceeding shall be conducted on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.

13. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [State], without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that these Terms shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us: