Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old, which is the age of majority in Nigeria, to use the Platform. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that you meet this requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms. If you are using the Platform on behalf of an entity (e.g., a landlord or rental agency), you represent that you are authorized to bind that entity to these Terms.

Account Registration and Security

To access certain features, such as posting listings, searching for accommodations, or using the roommate matching algorithm, you must create an account (“Account”). You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.
• Maintain and promptly update your Account information.
• Keep your password and Account details confidential.
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your Account.

You are solely responsible for all activities that occur under your Account. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your Account if we suspect any violation of these Terms or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

Services Provided

The Platform provides the following services:

• Enabling students and other users to search for and access vacant accommodations within their preferred price range.
• Allowing landlords, rental agents, and property owners to list properties and connect with potential tenants (students or otherwise).
• An algorithm-based roommate matching feature that pairs users based on stated criteria and preferences (e.g., lifestyle, budget, location).

We act solely as a platform to facilitate connections between users. We do not own, control, or manage any properties listed on the Platform. All transactions, agreements, or arrangements between users (e.g., tenants and landlords) are solely between those parties. We are not a party to any such agreements and disclaim all liability arising from them. Users are encouraged to comply with Nigerian tenancy laws, including those under the Lagos State Tenancy Law or equivalent state regulations.

User Content and Listings

You may post content, including property listings, profiles, preferences, messages, and other materials (“User Content”). By posting User Content, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display such User Content in connection with operating and promoting the Platform.

You represent and warrant that:

• Your User Content is accurate, truthful, and not misleading.
• You have all necessary rights to post the User Content.
• Your User Content does not violate any third-party rights, including intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights.
• Property listings comply with all applicable Nigerian laws, including anti-discrimination provisions under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, tenancy laws, zoning regulations, and disclosure requirements (e.g., regarding amenities, fees, or defects).

We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove any User Content at our discretion, but we are not obligated to do so. You are solely responsible for your User Content.

Roommate Matching Algorithm

The roommate matching feature uses user-provided criteria (e.g., preferences for location, habits, budget) to suggest potential matches. Matches are suggestions only and do not guarantee compatibility or safety. Users are responsible for verifying information, conducting background checks (if desired), and entering into any roommate agreements. We disclaim all liability for disputes, incompatibilities, or harms arising from roommate matches.

Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.
• Post false, inaccurate, or discriminatory User Content (e.g., violating anti-discrimination laws).
• Harass, threaten, or impersonate other users.
• Use automated means (e.g., bots, scrapers) to access the Platform without our permission.
• Interfere with the Platform's operation or security.
• Solicit or advertise unrelated products/services without our consent.
• Collect or harvest personal information from other users without their consent.

Violations may result in Account suspension, termination, or legal action.

Fees and Payments

The Platform may charge fees for premium features, listings, or subscriptions. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated. You authorize us to charge your provided payment method. We may use third-party payment processors and are not responsible for their actions.

Intellectual Property

The Platform, including its design, algorithms, trademarks, logos, and content (excluding User Content), is owned by us or our licensors and protected by intellectual property laws, including the Copyright Act of Nigeria. You are granted a limited, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Platform for personal, non-commercial purposes. You may not copy, modify, distribute, or reverse-engineer any part of the Platform.

Third-Party Links and Services

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., payment processors, background check services). We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or availability. Your use of third-party services is at your own risk.

Disclaimers

The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. We do not warrant that the Platform will be error-free, secure, or uninterrupted. We disclaim liability for:

• The accuracy or completeness of any listings or User Content.
• The suitability, safety, or legality of any accommodations or roommate matches.
• Any transactions or disputes between users.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Nigerian law, we, our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the past 12 months (if any).

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless us, our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from your use of the Platform, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms.

Termination

We may terminate or suspend your access to the Platform at any time, without notice, for any reason, including violation of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases, but provisions that by their nature should survive (e.g., disclaimers, indemnification) will continue.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Lagos, Nigeria, administered by the Lagos Court of Arbitration under its rules and in accordance with the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023 of Nigeria. You waive any right to participate in class actions. If arbitration is unavailable, disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Lagos State, Nigeria.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes via email or on the Platform. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Miscellaneous

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and us. If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains in effect. No waiver of any term is a further or continuing waiver.

Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, contact us at sheltahomesng@gmail.com.