Legal Agreement

Terms of Service

These terms govern your use of RoomShare's platform and services. Please read them carefully as they contain important information about your rights and obligations.

Effective: January 15, 2024
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Important Notice

By using RoomShare, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use our services. These terms include important information about liability limitations and dispute resolution.

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Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using RoomShare, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

Important

By creating an account, you confirm that you are legally able to enter into contracts and that all information provided is accurate.

These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and RoomShare

If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our services

Continued use of our platform indicates acceptance of any updates to these terms

You must be at least 18 years old to use our services

Last updated: January 15, 2024

Definitions

Key terms used throughout this agreement and their specific meanings within the context of our services.

Service-Related Terms

"Platform" refers to the RoomShare website, mobile application, and all related services

"User" means any individual who creates an account or uses our services

"Host" refers to users who list properties or rooms for rent

"Guest" means users seeking accommodation or roommate arrangements

"Listing" refers to any property, room, or roommate opportunity posted on our platform

Legal Terms

"Agreement" means these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy

"Content" includes all text, images, videos, and other materials posted on our platform

"Intellectual Property" refers to all copyrights, trademarks, patents, and proprietary rights

"Prohibited Content" means any material that violates our community guidelines or applicable laws

User Accounts

Requirements and responsibilities for creating and maintaining your RoomShare account.

Account Creation

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration

One person may only create one account unless expressly authorized by RoomShare

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials

You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

Account Verification

We may require identity verification through government-issued ID

Phone number and email verification are mandatory for all users

Additional verification may be required for hosts listing properties

Failure to complete verification may result in account limitations

Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account

Keep your profile information accurate and up-to-date

Report suspicious activity or security breaches immediately

Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction

Platform Use

Guidelines for acceptable use of our platform and services.

Permitted Uses

Finding and listing legitimate housing and roommate opportunities

Communicating with other users for housing-related purposes

Using our tools for expense management and coordination

Accessing customer support and platform features

Prohibited Activities

Posting false, misleading, or discriminatory content

Harassing, threatening, or stalking other users

Using the platform for illegal activities or fraud

Attempting to circumvent our safety and security measures

Scraping, copying, or unauthorized use of our data

Creating multiple accounts or impersonating others

Content Guidelines

All content must be relevant to housing and roommate services

No adult content, violence, or illegal material

Respect intellectual property rights of others

Use appropriate language and maintain respectful communication

Listings and Bookings

Terms governing property listings, roommate postings, and booking arrangements.

Host Responsibilities

Provide accurate and complete listing information

Ensure legal right to rent or sublet the property

Maintain property safety and habitability standards

Respond promptly to inquiries and booking requests

Honor confirmed bookings and agreements

Guest Responsibilities

Provide accurate information about yourself and your needs

Treat properties and roommates with respect

Follow house rules and community guidelines

Pay all fees and expenses as agreed

Report any issues or disputes promptly

Booking Process

All bookings are subject to host approval unless otherwise specified

Confirmed bookings create binding obligations for both parties

Cancellation policies vary by listing and are clearly disclosed

RoomShare facilitates but does not guarantee any housing arrangements

Payments and Fees

Information about our payment processing, fees, and financial obligations.

Service Fees

RoomShare charges service fees for successful bookings and transactions

Fees are clearly disclosed before any payment is processed

Service fees are non-refundable except in cases of platform error

Fee structures may vary based on listing type and location

Payment Processing

All payments are processed through secure, PCI-compliant providers

We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and digital payment methods

Payment information is encrypted and never stored on our servers

Disputes and chargebacks are handled according to payment processor policies

Refunds and Cancellations

Refund eligibility depends on the specific cancellation policy of each listing

Host and guest cancellation policies are clearly stated before booking

RoomShare may provide additional protections in cases of verified issues

Processing of approved refunds typically takes 5-10 business days

Safety and Security

Our commitment to user safety and the security measures we implement.

Background Checks

We partner with third-party providers to offer background screening services

Background checks are optional but strongly recommended

Users can choose to only interact with verified or background-checked members

Background check results are not a guarantee of user behavior or suitability

Safety Features

Secure messaging system to protect personal contact information

User verification system including ID and phone number confirmation

Review and rating system to build community trust

24/7 customer support for safety-related concerns

Reporting and Response

Easy-to-use reporting tools for safety concerns and policy violations

Dedicated safety team to investigate reports and take appropriate action

Partnership with law enforcement when illegal activity is suspected

Resources and support for users who experience safety issues

Privacy and Data

How we collect, use, and protect your personal information (see our Privacy Policy for complete details).

Important

For complete details about our privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these terms by reference.

We collect information necessary to provide our services safely and effectively

Your data is protected using industry-standard security measures

We never sell your personal information to third parties

You have control over your privacy settings and data sharing preferences

Data retention policies ensure information is kept only as long as necessary

Intellectual Property

Rights and responsibilities regarding intellectual property on our platform.

RoomShare Property

RoomShare owns all rights to our platform, including software, design, and branding

Our trademarks, logos, and brand elements may not be used without permission

Platform features and functionality are protected by copyright and patent laws

Users may not reverse engineer, copy, or create derivative works of our platform

User Content

You retain ownership of content you post, but grant us a license to use it

By posting content, you confirm you have the right to share that material

You grant RoomShare a worldwide, royalty-free license to use your content for platform operations

We may remove content that violates intellectual property rights

Copyright Protection

We respond to valid DMCA takedown notices for copyright infringement

Users who repeatedly infringe copyrights may have their accounts terminated

Fair use and other copyright exceptions are respected within legal bounds

Contact our legal team for intellectual property concerns or questions

Account Termination

Circumstances under which accounts may be suspended or terminated.

Voluntary Termination

You may delete your account at any time through your account settings

Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone

Some information may be retained for legal and safety purposes

Outstanding obligations survive account termination

Involuntary Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violation of these terms

Illegal activity, fraud, or safety violations may result in immediate termination

Repeated policy violations may lead to permanent account closure

We reserve the right to terminate accounts at our discretion for cause

Effects of Termination

Access to the platform and all associated services will be revoked

Active bookings and arrangements may be affected

Some data may be retained as required by law or for safety purposes

Users may appeal termination decisions through our support channels

Disclaimers

Important limitations on our liability and service guarantees.

Important

RoomShare facilitates connections but users are responsible for their own safety, decisions, and agreements.

RoomShare is a platform that connects users; we do not provide housing directly

We do not guarantee the accuracy of user-provided information or listings

Users are responsible for verifying all information and making their own decisions

We do not endorse or guarantee any user, property, or arrangement

The platform is provided 'as is' without warranties of any kind

We disclaim liability for user interactions and agreements made through our platform

Liability Limitations

Legal limitations on RoomShare's liability for damages or losses.

Limitation of Damages

Our liability is limited to the amount you paid for our services in the past 12 months

We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Users assume responsibility for their own decisions and interactions

These limitations apply to the fullest extent permitted by law

Third-Party Services

We integrate with third-party services but are not responsible for their performance

Payment processors, background check providers, and other partners have their own terms

External links and services are provided for convenience only

Users should review third-party terms and policies independently

Force Majeure

We are not liable for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our control

This includes natural disasters, government actions, network failures, and other emergencies

Service interruptions may occur for maintenance, updates, or technical issues

We will make reasonable efforts to minimize disruptions and provide notice when possible

Dispute Resolution

How disputes between users and with RoomShare are handled.

User-to-User Disputes

Users are encouraged to resolve disputes directly through communication

Our customer support team can provide guidance and mediation assistance

We may investigate disputes and take appropriate action based on our policies

Serious disputes involving fraud or safety may require law enforcement involvement

Disputes with RoomShare

Most disputes can be resolved through our customer support channels

We encourage good faith efforts to resolve issues before pursuing legal action

Certain disputes may be subject to binding arbitration as outlined below

Users retain the right to pursue small claims court actions for qualifying disputes

Arbitration Agreement

Disputes with RoomShare may be resolved through binding arbitration

Arbitration is conducted through a mutually agreed-upon arbitration service

Each party bears their own costs unless the arbitrator decides otherwise

Class action lawsuits are waived in favor of individual arbitration proceedings

Governing Law

Legal jurisdiction and applicable laws for this agreement.

Important

By using RoomShare, you consent to California jurisdiction and agree that California law governs this agreement.

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, United States

Any legal proceedings will be conducted in the courts of San Francisco County, California

International users agree to California jurisdiction for legal matters

Local laws may also apply to specific user interactions and arrangements

Users are responsible for compliance with their local laws and regulations

Changes and Updates

How we handle updates to these Terms of Service.

Notice of Changes

We will provide 30 days notice for material changes to these terms

Notice will be provided via email to your registered address

Changes will also be prominently displayed on our platform

Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of new terms

Types of Changes

We may update terms to reflect new features or services

Legal and regulatory changes may require immediate updates

User feedback and industry best practices may influence revisions

Minor clarifications and corrections may be made without extended notice

Your Options

If you disagree with changes, you may delete your account before the effective date

Account deletion must be completed before new terms take effect

Some provisions may survive account termination as legally required

You may contact support with questions about specific changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our Terms of Service

Questions About These Terms?

Our legal and support teams are here to help clarify any questions you may have

Free consultation available
Response within 2 business days
Your rights are protected