Terms of Service | CohabiSafe

1. Acceptance of Terms

CohabiSafe LLC ("CohabiSafe," "we," "us," or "our") provides an online platform for cohabitation matching and verification (the "Service") via www.cohabisafe.com (the "Site"). By registering for an account, purchasing a membership, or accessing the Service, you ("User" or "Member") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms").

2. Service Model & Fees

2.1. Lifetime Network Membership ($89.00)

Access to the CohabiSafe matching algorithms, messaging interface, and user database is granted upon payment of a one-time, non-refundable fee of $89.00 USD ("Lifetime Membership").

Definition: "Lifetime" refers to the lifespan of the Service or the active status of your account, whichever ends first. It does not guarantee that the Service will exist in perpetuity.
Scope: This fee covers access to the platform only. It EXPLICITLY EXCLUDES the cost of Background Verifications.

2.2. Background Verification Fees (Separate & Recurring)

You acknowledge that a valid, active Background Verification ("Verified Status") is required to finalize matches, sign leases, or exchange contact information with other users.

Separate Cost: You are solely responsible for the cost of each Background Verification with the exception of your first, which is covered by the cost of the unlimited membership fee. This fee is paid either directly to our third-party Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) or to CohabiSafe as a pass-through fee.
Pricing: Background Verification prices are subject to change based on vendor rates and are not locked in by your Lifetime Membership.

2.3. The "Verification Portability" Policy

To balance safety with flexibility, our verification policy is as follows:

Validity Period: A cleared Background Verification grants you "Verified Status" for 365 days from the date of issuance.
Unlimited Moves: During the 365-day Validity Period, you may move to new properties or match with new roommates multiple times without requiring a new check or paying an additional fee.
Expiration & Renewal: Upon the expiration of the 365-day Validity Period, your Verified Status will lapse. You are responsible for the cost of a new Background Verification to initiate a new match or move.

3. Background Checks & FCRA Compliance

3.1. Role of Third-Party CRA

CohabiSafe is NOT a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). We do not compile background reports ourselves. We utilize authorized third-party vendors (e.g., Checkr, Certn) to conduct these checks.

3.2. User Consent & Authorization

By requesting Verified Status, you explicitly authorize our third-party vendors to access your personal history, including but not limited to criminal records, eviction history, and sex offender registries, in accordance with applicable laws.

3.3. Adverse Action

If you are a User (e.g., a Landlord or Head of Household) who denies housing to another User based on their Background Report, YOU are the "End User" of that report under the FCRA. You agree to comply with all FCRA obligations, including providing the rejected applicant with an "Adverse Action Notice," a copy of the report, and a summary of their rights. CohabiSafe is not responsible for your failure to comply with federal or state adverse action laws.

4. Fair Housing & Discrimination

4.1. Landlords (Strict Compliance)

If you are a Landlord renting out a separate dwelling unit, you agree to comply strictly with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). You may not post listings or make decisions based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

4.2. The "Roommate Exception"

If you are a User seeking a roommate to share common living areas (e.g., kitchen, bathroom) within your own home, you acknowledge that while federal law may allow for gender or lifestyle preferences in shared living situations (under the constitutional right of intimate association), CohabiSafe strictly prohibits:

Harassment, hate speech, or slurs.
Exclusion based on race, color, or national origin (which is never permitted, even for roommates).

5. Accessibility & Amenities

5.1. Self-Reported Amenities

Information regarding accessibility features (e.g., "Wheelchair Accessible," "Roll-in Shower," "Step-Free Access") is self-reported by Users. CohabiSafe DOES NOT VERIFY the physical accuracy of these amenities.

5.2. User Responsibility

It is the sole responsibility of the potential tenant to inspect the property (physically or virtually) to ensure it meets their specific medical or mobility needs before signing a lease. CohabiSafe disclaims all liability for inaccuracies regarding property amenities.

6. Safety Disclaimers (Read Carefully)

6.1. NO GUARANTEE OF SAFETY

THE NAME "COHABISAFE" IS A PROPRIETARY BRAND NAME AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY, GUARANTEE, OR PREDICTION OF SAFETY.

YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BACKGROUND CHECKS HAVE LIMITATIONS, INCLUDING GAPS IN PUBLIC RECORDS, CLERICAL ERRORS, AND JURISDICTIONAL DELAYS. A "CLEAR" REPORT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT A USER HAS NO CRIMINAL HISTORY OR WILL NOT ENGAGE IN HARMFUL BEHAVIOR IN THE FUTURE.

6.2. ASSUMPTION OF RISK

YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. WE DO NOT CONTROL USERS' ACTIONS OFFLINE. YOU AGREE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS WHEN MEETING OTHERS, INSPECTING PROPERTIES, OR ENTERING INTO COHABITATION ARRANGEMENTS.

7. Refund Policy

Lifetime Membership: The $89 Lifetime Membership fee is non-refundable once the matching network has been accessed, regardless of whether you find a match.
Background Checks: Fees paid for Background Verifications are paid to third parties and are non-refundable, even if the report disqualifies you from the platform.

8. Fraud, Misrepresentation & Legal Action

You agree that you will not use the Service to impersonate others, misrepresent your identity, or defraud other Users.

8.1. Zero Tolerance

Fraudulent activity, including but not limited to identity theft, financial scams, or catfishing, constitutes a material breach of these Terms.

8.2. Legal Recourse

In the event of confirmed fraud, CohabiSafe reserves the right to:

Immediately terminate your account and ban you from the platform.
Refer the matter to law enforcement authorities.
Pursue civil legal action against you to recover damages and legal fees.
Cooperate with impacted Users in their pursuit of legal action against you, including providing records pursuant to lawful subpoenas.

9. Termination

CohabiSafe reserves the right to terminate your Lifetime Membership immediately and without refund if:

You fail a Background Verification (subject to your right to dispute errors with the CRA).
You violate these Terms (e.g., harassment, fraud).
You appear on any government sanctions list or sex offender registry.

10. Governing Law & Arbitration

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any dispute resolving to this Service shall be settled by binding arbitration in Oakland County, Michigan, and you waive your right to participate in a class-action lawsuit.