Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using RentRateSA ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not use our services.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and RentRateSA (Pty) Ltd, a company registered in South Africa.

2. Description of Service

RentRateSA is a professional networking platform for South Africa's real estate industry that provides:

• Professional verification services for real estate agents, landlords, and tenants
• Background check and credit assessment services
• Review and rating system for real estate professionals
• Red flag database for reporting problematic individuals
• Legal forum and educational resources
• Directory of verified real estate professionals
• Communication tools for property-related transactions

3. User Accounts and Registration

3.1 Account Creation

• You must be at least 18 years old to create an account
• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

3.2 Account Types

• Real Estate Agents: Must provide valid EAAB/PPRA registration
• Landlords: Must provide proof of property ownership
• Tenants/Renters: Must provide valid identification and income verification
• General Users: Limited access to public information and forums

4. User Conduct and Prohibited Activities

4.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use the Platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You will not:

• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Upload malicious software or engage in hacking activities
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Post discriminatory, defamatory, or offensive content
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Attempt to circumvent security measures
• Use the Platform for commercial purposes without authorization

4.2 Professional Standards

Real estate professionals must maintain the highest standards of conduct and comply with all applicable professional regulations, including EAAB/PPRA requirements and the Consumer Protection Act.

5. Verification and Background Check Services

5.1 Verification Process

• Verification is subject to document review and third-party confirmation
• We reserve the right to reject verification applications
• Verification status may be revoked if information is found to be false
• Verification badges are valid for 12 months and require renewal

5.2 Background Checks

• Background checks are provided by licensed third-party providers
• Results are based on available data and may not be comprehensive
• You are responsible for verifying the accuracy of background check results
• Background checks are for informational purposes only

6. Reviews and Ratings

6.1 Review Guidelines

• Reviews must be based on actual experiences
• Reviews must be honest, fair, and factual
• Personal attacks, discriminatory language, and defamatory content are prohibited
• Reviews cannot be bought, sold, or artificially manipulated

6.2 Review Moderation

We reserve the right to moderate, edit, or remove reviews that violate our guidelines. We may also investigate suspicious review patterns and take appropriate action.

7. Payment Terms and Billing

7.1 Subscription Services

• Premium subscriptions are billed monthly or annually in advance
• Subscription fees are non-refundable except as required by law
• Subscriptions automatically renew unless cancelled
• Price changes will be communicated 30 days in advance

7.2 Pay-per-Use Services

• Background checks and verification services are charged per use
• Payment is required before service delivery
• Refunds are available if services cannot be completed due to our error

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Platform Content

The Platform and its content, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, software, and design, are owned by RentRateSA and protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

8.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit but grant us a license to use, display, and distribute it on the Platform. You represent that you have the right to grant this license.

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Your privacy is important to us. Our collection, use, and protection of your personal information is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable privacy laws. By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in our Privacy Policy.

10. Disclaimers and Limitations

10.1 Service Availability

We strive to maintain high service availability but cannot guarantee uninterrupted access. The Platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.

10.2 Third-Party Services

We work with third-party service providers for verification and background checks. We are not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of third-party data.

10.3 User Interactions

We facilitate connections between users but are not party to any agreements or transactions. Users are responsible for their own interactions and agreements.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, RentRateSA shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, or business opportunities.

Our total liability for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall not exceed the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless RentRateSA, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from your use of the Platform, violation of these Terms, or infringement of any rights of another party.

13. Termination

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us or using the account deletion feature. Termination does not entitle you to a refund of any fees paid.

13.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or for any other reason at our sole discretion.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Before initiating arbitration, parties must attempt to resolve disputes through good faith negotiations for at least 30 days.

15. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via email and posted on the Platform. Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

16. Contact Information

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