Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

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

2. Description of Service

SafeSublet is a privacy-first platform that connects hosts who want to sublet their properties with tenants seeking short-term housing. Our Platform provides:

• Property listing and search functionality
• Secure messaging with PII protection
• Identity verification services
• Digital lease signing
• Payment processing through Stripe
• Double-blind privacy protection

3. User Accounts

3.1 Registration

To use certain features of the Platform, you must create an account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update such information as necessary.

3.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use.

3.3 Identity Verification

Users must complete identity verification through Stripe Identity before booking or listing properties. This is a one-time verification that includes a government-issued ID check and a selfie match. A $2 verification fee is charged at the time of verification. This helps ensure the safety and trust of our community.

4. Host Responsibilities

As a Host, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful information about your property
• Ensure you have the legal right to sublet the property
• Maintain the property in the condition described in your listing
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and lease terms
• Respond to booking requests and messages in a timely manner
• Honor confirmed bookings unless cancellation is necessary

To ensure listing accuracy, SafeSublet automatically updates the availability start date for active listings whose available-from date has passed without a booking. The date is set to 2 days from the current date, reflecting the minimum booking lead time. Hosts may update their availability dates manually at any time.

4.2 Subletting Authorization

You represent and warrant that you have the legal right to sublet any property you list on SafeSublet. This includes having written permission from your landlord, property owner, or management company as required by your lease agreement and applicable law. You are solely responsible for verifying and maintaining your right to sublet.

By listing a property, you represent that all information you provide — including lease documents, landlord contact information, property details, and photos — is accurate, truthful, and not misleading. Providing falsified, doctored, or fraudulent documents (including but not limited to altered lease agreements, fake landlord contact information, or fabricated authorization letters) is a violation of these Terms and may result in immediate account termination, forfeiture of any pending payouts, and referral to law enforcement.

4.3 Landlord Verification Process

SafeSublet offers a voluntary landlord verification process where hosts who are subletting a rented property may provide landlord contact information and supporting documentation. This process is an administrative review only and does not constitute a legal opinion, endorsement, or guarantee that:

• The host has the legal right to sublet the property
• Any documents submitted are authentic, unaltered, or legally valid
• The landlord information provided is accurate or belongs to the actual property owner
• The sublease arrangement complies with local, state, or federal laws
• The property is suitable, safe, or as described in the listing

SafeSublet does not independently verify the authenticity of lease documents, confirm property ownership through public records, or validate that landlord contact information is legitimate. The verification process relies on information provided by the host and any response from the contact provided. Tenants should conduct their own due diligence before entering into any sublease agreement, including but not limited to verifying the property address exists, researching the property owner through public records, and confirming subletting is permitted.

4.4 Host Indemnification

Hosts agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless SafeSublet LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to: (a) any misrepresentation regarding their right to sublet a property; (b) any fraudulent, falsified, or misleading information or documents provided to SafeSublet or to tenants; (c) any unauthorized subletting that results in harm to a tenant, landlord, or third party; or (d) any violation of these Terms.

5. Tenant Responsibilities

As a Tenant, you agree to:

• Provide accurate information in your profile and booking requests
• Consent to tenant screening (background check and credit check) as part of any lease application
• Respect the property and follow house rules set by the Host
• Pay all fees and rent as agreed
• Communicate any issues or damages promptly
• Leave the property in the condition you found it
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations

6. Bookings and Payments

6.1 Booking Process

The booking process follows these steps:

1. Tenant requests booking; host approves the request
2. Tenant pays a 20% deposit
3. Tenant completes screening (background check and credit check)
4. Host reviews screening result (pass/fail) and approves or denies
5. Both parties sign the digital lease (host signs first)
6. Tenant pays remaining balance (first month + last month + security deposit − deposit)
7. Personal information and property address are revealed to both parties

6.2 Payments

All payments are processed through Stripe. SafeSublet does not hold or manage funds directly. Payment terms, including any security deposits, are specified in the lease agreement.

6.3 24-Hour Protection Period

Funds are held by Stripe for 24 hours after the move-in date to allow for dispute resolution in case of significant discrepancies between the listing and actual property condition.

6.4 Service Fees

SafeSublet's platform fee is included in the total monthly cost displayed to Tenants. Hosts pay a 2% commission deducted from their payouts. In addition, a $35 tenant screening fee is charged when a tenant initiates the screening process for a lease application.

6.5 Payment Methods

SafeSublet accepts the following payment methods:

• ACH Bank Transfer: No additional processing fees. Security deposits paid via ACH are fully refundable at checkout with no processing fees withheld.
• Card Payment (Credit or Debit): A 3% card processing fee is added to cover card network transaction costs. A 3% processing fee is also withheld from security deposit refunds. Both credit cards and debit cards incur the same fees as they are processed through card networks.

All payments are securely processed by Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. SafeSublet does not store or have access to your payment credentials. Your payment information is encrypted end-to-end.

6.6 Tenant Screening

Tenant screening is a required step before lease signing. By initiating screening, you authorize SafeSublet and its screening provider, TenantAlert (Assured Information Security, Inc. / ARI), to obtain a consumer report including background check, credit history, eviction records, criminal records, sex offender registry, and OFAC/federal watchlist searches in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

• Screening must be completed before the lease can be signed
• Screening results (pass/fail status and detailed reports) are shared with the property host for the sole purpose of evaluating your rental application
• You can view your own screening reports at any time through your booking detail page
• You have the right to dispute any inaccurate information directly with TenantAlert at 866-272-8400 or www.TenantAlert.com
• You have the right to obtain a free copy of your consumer report if your application is adversely affected
• You will receive a pre-adverse action notice with a 5 business day dispute window before any final denial
• Screening data (SSN, DOB) is encrypted with AES-256-GCM and automatically deleted within 1 hour of transmission to TenantAlert
• Screening results are retained for 90 days; credit report data is never stored on SafeSublet servers

6.7 Host Screening Responsibilities

As a host using screening results to make rental decisions, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You alone determine the reasons for approving or denying a tenant application
• SafeSublet and TenantAlert cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of screening reports — information is obtained from third-party sources
• You must comply with all fair housing laws and may not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, or any other protected class
• You may not redistribute, copy, download, print, or share screening reports outside the SafeSublet platform except as required by law
• Reports may only be used to evaluate the specific rental application for which they were obtained
• If you deny a tenant based on screening results, you must use the in-app denial process to ensure FCRA compliance

6.8 Escrow Protection

All payments are held in Stripe escrow — SafeSublet never holds your funds directly. The escrow process works as follows:

• Deposit and lease payments are held for 48 hours after move-in, giving the tenant time to verify the property matches the listing
• If the tenant reports a material discrepancy within 48 hours, escrow release may be paused for investigation
• After 48 hours with no issues, funds are automatically released to the host's Stripe Connect account
• Security deposits are held until 7 days after checkout to allow for damage assessment
• A 2% host commission is deducted from payouts at the time of escrow release

6A. Lease Agreement Template

6A.1 Template Provided As-Is

SafeSublet provides a standard sublease agreement template for convenience. This template is provided "as-is" without any warranty of legal sufficiency, completeness, enforceability, or fitness for any particular purpose or jurisdiction. SafeSublet is not a law firm, does not practice law, and does not provide legal advice. The availability of the lease template does not constitute legal counsel or the creation of an attorney-client relationship.

6A.2 Recommendation to Seek Legal Counsel

SafeSublet strongly recommends that both hosts and tenants consult with a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction before signing any lease agreement. Sublease laws vary significantly by state, county, and municipality. A qualified attorney can advise you on the enforceability of specific terms, local requirements, and your rights and obligations.

6A.3 User Responsibility

By using the lease template and signing the agreement, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You have had the opportunity to review the lease in its entirety before signing
• You have had the opportunity to consult with an attorney of your choosing
• You accept full responsibility for understanding and agreeing to the terms
• SafeSublet is not responsible for the enforceability or legal adequacy of the lease
• Any modifications to the template are the responsibility of the parties involved
• Your electronic signature is legally binding and carries the same weight as a handwritten signature

6A.4 Limitation of Liability for Lease

SafeSublet LLC shall not be held liable for any disputes, losses, damages, claims, or expenses arising from or related to the use of the lease agreement template, including but not limited to disputes between hosts and tenants, enforceability issues, missing or inadequate terms, compliance with local laws, or any other matter related to the sublease arrangement. The lease agreement is a contract between the host and tenant only — SafeSublet is not a party to this agreement.

7. Cancellations and Refunds

Cancellation policies are set by individual Hosts and displayed on each listing. Refunds are processed according to the applicable cancellation policy and our refund guidelines.

8. Privacy Protection

Our Platform is designed with privacy protection as a core feature. You agree not to attempt to circumvent our privacy protections, including:

• Sharing personal contact information before lease signing and payment
• Using coded language to share PII in messages
• Attempting to identify property locations before they are revealed
• Screenshotting or sharing other users' protected information

9. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Platform for any illegal purpose
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent listings
• Submit falsified, doctored, or fabricated documents (including lease agreements, authorization letters, or identity documents)
• Provide fake or misleading landlord contact information
• List a property you do not have the legal right to sublet
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users
• Attempt to bypass our systems or security measures
• Scrape, crawl, or automated access to the Platform
• Use the Platform to collect information about other users
• Create multiple accounts to circumvent fraud detection, referral limits, or enforcement actions

Consequences: Violations may result in immediate account suspension or termination, forfeiture of pending payouts, notification to affected parties, and referral to law enforcement where appropriate. SafeSublet reserves the right to cooperate with law enforcement investigations related to fraud, identity theft, or unauthorized subletting.

10. Insurance

10.1 Not an Insurance Provider

SafeSublet is a technology platform that facilitates sublease agreements. We do not sell, broker, underwrite, or provide insurance products of any kind. We are not licensed as an insurance agent, broker, or company in any jurisdiction.

10.2 Insurance Partner

Renters insurance available through SafeSublet is provided by SureApp (sureapp.com) and underwritten by AmTrust. Coverage is available in 49 US states. SafeSublet may receive referral compensation from SureApp for policies purchased through our platform. You are not required to purchase insurance through SureApp and may obtain coverage from any licensed provider.

10.3 Insurance Requirements

Any renters insurance requirements specified in lease agreements are set solely by the property owner (Host). SafeSublet does not mandate insurance coverage. If your lease requires renters insurance, you must obtain coverage before your move-in date from SureApp or any other licensed insurance provider of your choice.

10.4 Your Responsibility

Obtaining appropriate renters insurance is solely your responsibility. We strongly recommend that you consult with a licensed insurance agent or broker in your state to determine the appropriate coverage for your specific situation. Coverage needs may vary based on your location, the value of your belongings, and other personal factors.

11. Disclaimers

11.1 Platform Role

SafeSublet is a technology platform that connects Hosts and Tenants. We are not a party to any rental agreement between users. We do not own, manage, or control the properties listed on our Platform. We are not a real estate broker, property manager, landlord, or tenant representative. We do not provide legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice.

11.2 No Endorsement of Listings or Users

SafeSublet does not endorse, certify, or guarantee any listing, host, tenant, or property on the Platform. Any verification badges, review statuses, or completion indicators displayed on the Platform reflect only that certain steps in our administrative process have been completed —they do not constitute a warranty, endorsement, or guaranteeof any user's identity, character, financial standing, legal rights, or the accuracy of any information provided.

11.3 User-Provided Content

All listing information, property descriptions, photos, lease documents, landlord contact information, and other content on the Platform is provided by users. SafeSublet does not independently verify the accuracy, completeness, legality, or authenticity of any user-provided content, including but not limited to:

• Property ownership or the host's right to sublet
• Lease documents, authorization letters, or any legal documents uploaded by hosts
• Landlord names, email addresses, phone numbers, or other contact information
• Property photos, descriptions, amenities, or condition
• Pricing accuracy or fee representations
• User profile information, employment, or references

11.4 Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge that subletting involves inherent risks, including the possibility of fraud, misrepresentation, property damage, or disputes. By using the Platform, you assume all risks associated with your interactions with other users, including any transactions completed through the Platform. SafeSublet provides tools (identity verification, escrow protection, screening) to reduce these risks, but cannot eliminate them entirely.

11.5 As-Is Disclaimer

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, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. WE DO NOT GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OF LISTINGS, THE QUALITY OF PROPERTIES, THE CONDUCT OF USERS, OR THAT THE PLATFORM WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE, OR ERROR-FREE.

11A. Tax Obligations

11A.1 Host Tax Responsibilities

If you are a Host, rental income received through SafeSublet is taxable income and must be reported on your federal, state, and local tax returns. You are solely responsible for determining your tax obligations, filing all required tax returns, and paying all applicable taxes related to your use of the Platform, including income taxes, self-employment taxes, sales taxes, occupancy taxes, and any other taxes that may apply in your jurisdiction.

11A.2 IRS Reporting and 1099-K

SafeSublet uses Stripe Connect to process payments to Hosts. Stripe will issue IRS Form 1099-K to Hosts who receive $600 or more in gross payments during a calendar year, as required by federal tax law. During Stripe Connect onboarding, Stripe collects the tax identification information (SSN or EIN) necessary for this reporting directly from the Host. SafeSublet does not collect, store, or report SSN or tax identification numbers— all tax reporting for host payouts is handled entirely by Stripe.

11A.3 Tenant Tax Disclaimer

Rent payments made through SafeSublet are generally not tax-deductiblefor personal residential use. Some jurisdictions may offer tax credits for renters — consult a qualified tax professional to determine if any deductions or credits apply to your situation.

11A.4 No Tax or Legal Advice

SafeSublet does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice, and nothing on this Platform constitutes legal representation. The information in this section and throughout the Platform is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as tax or legal guidance. You should consult with qualified tax and legal professionals regarding your specific obligations. SafeSublet is not responsible for any tax liabilities, penalties, interest, or legal consequences that may result from your use of the Platform. The lease documents generated by the Platform are templates provided for convenience and do not constitute legal counsel.

11A.5 Occupancy and Lodging Taxes

Some jurisdictions impose occupancy, lodging, or transient taxes on short-term and medium-term rentals. In most US states, rentals of 30 days or longer are exempt from lodging taxes, but rules vary by locality. Hosts are solely responsible for determining whether occupancy or lodging taxes apply to their listing and for collecting and remitting those taxes to the appropriate authorities. SafeSublet does not collect or remit occupancy taxes on behalf of Hosts.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SAFESUBLET'S TOTAL LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) $100, OR (B) THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY YOU TO SAFESUBLET IN THE 6 MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

IN NO EVENT SHALL SAFESUBLET BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

12A. Electronic Communications Consent

By creating an account on SafeSublet, you consent to receiving all communications electronically, including but not limited to:

• Booking confirmations, approvals, and denials
• Payment receipts and invoices
• Lease documents and signature requests
• Screening results and adverse action notices
• Move-in/move-out checklists and reminders
• Service updates and policy changes
• Phone verification codes via SMS text message
• Booking updates and approvals via SMS text message
• Payment confirmations, reminders, and failure alerts via SMS text message
• Move-in/move-out reminders and security deposit updates via SMS text message
• Lease signing notifications via SMS text message
• Account security alerts via SMS text message

You may withdraw your consent to electronic communications at any time by contacting us, but doing so may limit your ability to use certain features of the Platform.

SMS/Text Message Consent

By providing your phone number and verifying it on SafeSublet, you expressly consent to receive SMS text messages from SafeSublet at the phone number you provide. These messages include:

• One-time verification codes for phone number verification
• Booking notifications (new requests, approvals, declines)
• Payment confirmations, reminders, and failure alerts
• Lease signing notifications
• Move-in and move-out reminders
• Security deposit refund and deduction updates
• Rent overdue notices
• Account security alerts (e.g., suspicious login attempts)

Message frequency: Message frequency varies based on your booking activity. Verification codes are sent only when you explicitly request them. Booking and payment notifications are sent at each stage of the rental lifecycle. You will not receive marketing or promotional messages via SMS.

Message and data rates may apply.Your carrier's standard messaging rates apply to all SMS messages sent and received. SafeSublet is not responsible for any charges from your mobile carrier.

Opt-out: You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP to any message from SafeSublet, or by removing your phone number from your account settings. Opting out of SMS will not affect your ability to use the Platform, but phone verification status will be removed from your profile.

Help: Reply HELP to any SMS message from SafeSublet for assistance, or contact us at support@safesublet.com.

12B. Third-Party Services

SafeSublet integrates with third-party services to provide its features. By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the terms of these service providers:

• Stripe — Payment processing, escrow, and identity verification. Subject to Stripe's Services Agreement.
• TenantAlert (ARI) — Background screening and credit reports, governed by the FCRA. Subject to TenantAlert's Terms.
• SureApp — Renters insurance (optional). Subject to Sure's Terms & Conditions.
• Google — OAuth authentication (Sign in with Google). Subject to Google's Terms of Service.

We also use third-party providers for email delivery, SMS notifications, cloud hosting, and analytics. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and are prohibited from using it for any purpose other than providing their service to SafeSublet.

SafeSublet is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or conduct of these third-party services. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and a third-party provider's terms, the third-party provider's terms shall govern with respect to their specific service.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes between users should first be addressed through our support team. We provide mediation services for booking-related disputes. For legal disputes with SafeSublet, you agree to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for violations of these Terms or for any other reason at our discretion. You may delete your account at any time through your account settings.

15. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Platform. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

16. Contact Us

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

Email: info@safesublet.com