Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Porchplus (referred to as "Porchplus", "we", "our", or "us"). These Terms of Service form a binding agreement between you ("User") and Porchplus. Please read them carefully as they contain important information about your legal rights, remedies, and obligations.

These Terms govern your use of our website, mobile applications, APIs, and associated services (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using Porchplus, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the platform.

2. Definitions

3. User Eligibility and Responsibilities

• Users must be at least 18 years of age and legally able to enter into a contract.
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and all activity under your account.
• All information provided during registration must be accurate and kept up to date.

By registering, you consent to Porchplus communicating with you via email, SMS, and WhatsApp for service-related purposes including rent reminders, lease updates, inspection alerts, and account notifications. These are essential service communications. We will not send marketing messages without additional explicit consent.

4. Platform Use and Bookings

Porchplus is a property and service listing marketplace. Hosts list properties, Vendors offer services, and Members book accommodations. When you book a property or service, you enter into a contract directly with the Host or Vendor — Porchplus is not a party to that contract.

Subscription types include Monthly (30 days), Quarterly (90 days), Bi-Annual (180 days), and Annual (365 days), with auto-renewal unless cancelled per terms.

Porchplus does not guarantee the existence, quality, safety, or suitability of any listing or vendor service. Any reference to a party being "verified" indicates that a verification process was completed — it is not an endorsement.

Use of Accommodation

• Accommodation shall be used for residential purposes only.
• No smoking permitted in the Accommodation.
• No pets unless specifically permitted by the Host.
• Maximum occupancy is four (4) persons in a 4-bedroom unit. No visitor may stay longer than five (5) consecutive nights without prior written consent from the Provider or Host.
• Members must conduct themselves responsibly and not disturb other residents.

5. Payment Terms and Fees

A non-refundable Booking Fee is required to initiate a Subscription. Members agree to pay the listed Subscription amount, Security Deposit, and any applicable Service Fees and Additional Charges.

A portion of the Security Deposit (70%) covers unpaid fees and (30%) covers property damages. Refunds are processed within 30 business days post check-out where no deductions apply.

6. Cancellation & Refund Policy

• Members must cancel via the dashboard. Failure to cancel within 48 hours of payment forfeits the right to a full refund.
• If a Host cancels an active listing, the Member is entitled to a full refund at the Host's expense.
• No Host may cancel a listing when an active Subscription is in place. Violations may result in suspension and financial penalties.

7. Acceptable Use of the Platform

You agree not to engage in illegal, abusive, deceptive, or malicious activities. You must not reverse-engineer, data scrape, or interfere with the operation of the platform. Automated bots, scripts, impersonation, and harassment are strictly prohibited and may result in account suspension or legal action.

8. Responsibilities of Hosts and Vendors

Hosts must provide accurate, updated listings and comply with all applicable housing and tax regulations. Minimum accommodation standards — including power supply, cleaning, security, and maintenance — must be upheld. Vendors must deliver quality services and maintain required licences. Both Hosts and Vendors are independently responsible for their contracts with Members.

9. Security Deposit Terms

The Security Deposit covers defaults in rent and property damage. Porchplus may deduct amounts without prior notice in cases of breach, unpaid fees, or verified damage. Remaining balances are returned within 30 business days after reconciliation and inspection. Failure to give at least 14 days' written notice before vacating forfeits the Security Deposit.

10. Dispute Resolution

All parties agree to attempt informal resolution before pursuing formal action. Unresolved disputes after 10 business days will be referred to mediation in Lagos, Nigeria. Disputes that remain unresolved after 14 business days of mediation will be settled by a Nigerian court of competent jurisdiction.

11. Termination of Use

Porchplus reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate accounts for violations of these Terms or for legal compliance purposes. Users may close their accounts with written notice. All outstanding fees must be settled before closure.

12. Limitation of Liability

Porchplus disclaims all warranties and is not responsible for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Our maximum liability is limited to the total fees paid by you to Porchplus in the 12 months prior to the event giving rise to the claim. Liability for the fitness and suitability of any Accommodation rests with the Host.

13. Intellectual Property

All platform content, designs, source code, logos, and trademarks are the property of Porchplus or its licensors. Users may not reuse, copy, or redistribute any content without express written consent.

14. Modifications to Terms

These Terms may be updated periodically. Users will be notified via email or platform notifications. Continued use of the platform after modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Legal actions will be conducted in Nigerian courts, subject to the dispute resolution clause above.

16. Contact

For support or legal questions, email info@porchplus.com or call +234 704 700 1701.