Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to StudentsBoat. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and StudentsBoat, Inc. ("StudentsBoat," "we," "us," or "our") governing your access to and use of our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Platform").

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and such modifications will be effective immediately upon posting.

2. Eligibility

To use the Platform, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction.
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.
• Not be prohibited from using the Platform under applicable laws.
• For students: Be currently enrolled or accepted at an accredited educational institution.
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.

3. Account Registration

3.1 Account Creation

To access 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 to keep it accurate.

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 immediately notify us of any unauthorized use of your account.

3.3 Verification

We may require identity verification, student status verification, or other verification as a condition of using certain features. You agree to provide requested documentation promptly and accurately.

4. Platform Services

4.1 Description of Services

StudentsBoat provides a platform that connects international students with verified housing providers, facilitating the search, booking, and management of student accommodations. We act as an intermediary and are not a party to any rental agreements between users.

4.2 Service Availability

We strive to maintain Platform availability but do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Platform at any time without prior notice.

4.3 Third-Party Services

The Platform may integrate with or link to third-party services. Your use of such services is subject to their respective terms and policies, and we are not responsible for their content or practices.

5. User Responsibilities

5.1 For Students (Guests)

• Provide accurate information about yourself and your housing needs.
• Comply with all booking terms and house rules.
• Treat properties with respect and report any damages promptly.
• Communicate respectfully with hosts and other users.
• Pay all fees on time as agreed.

5.2 For Hosts

• Provide accurate descriptions and photos of your property.
• Maintain properties in safe, clean, and habitable condition.
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and local housing requirements.
• Honor confirmed bookings except in cases of genuine emergency.
• Respond to inquiries and issues in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for your property.

6. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or these Terms.
• Provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information.
• Use the Platform for any illegal or unauthorized purpose.
• Harass, threaten, or discriminate against other users.
• Circumvent or manipulate fees, billing, or payment systems.
• Post content that is defamatory, obscene, or violates others' rights.
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other users' accounts.
• Use automated systems or bots to access the Platform.
• Engage in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the Platform.
• Solicit other users for transactions outside the Platform.

7. Fees and Payments

7.1 Service Fees

StudentsBoat charges service fees for facilitating bookings. Fee amounts and structures will be disclosed before you complete any transaction. All fees are non-refundable except as expressly stated.

7.2 Payment Processing

Payments are processed through secure third-party payment processors. You authorize us to charge your selected payment method for all fees and charges incurred.

7.3 Currency and Taxes

All amounts are displayed in USD unless otherwise specified. You are responsible for any taxes applicable to your transactions on the Platform.

8. Cancellations and Refunds

8.1 Cancellation Policies

Each listing has a cancellation policy selected by the host. You are responsible for reviewing and understanding the applicable cancellation policy before booking.

8.2 Refunds

Refunds, if any, will be processed according to the applicable cancellation policy. StudentsBoat service fees may be non-refundable depending on the circumstances.

8.3 Disputes

If you have a dispute regarding a booking, please contact our support team. We will work to resolve disputes fairly, but our decisions are final.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Platform Content

The Platform and its content, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, and software, are owned by or licensed to StudentsBoat and are protected by intellectual property laws.

9.2 User Content

You retain ownership of content you submit to the Platform. By submitting content, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content in connection with the Platform.

9.3 Restrictions

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, or lease any part of the Platform without our prior written consent.

10. Disclaimers

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure, or error-free, or that defects will be corrected. We are not responsible for the conduct of any user or the quality of any listings.

11. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, STUDENTSBOAT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIM ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR THE PLATFORM SHALL NOT EXCEED THE GREATER OF (A) THE AMOUNT OF FEES YOU PAID TO US IN THE 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE CLAIM, OR (B) $100 USD.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless StudentsBoat and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of another.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Oregon, USA, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

13.2 Arbitration

Any dispute arising from these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Portland, Oregon, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

You agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration.

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause or notice. You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us.

Upon termination, your right to use the Platform will immediately cease. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability.

15. General Provisions

• Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and StudentsBoat regarding the Platform.
• Severability: If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.
• Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right.
• Assignment: You may not assign these Terms without our consent. We may assign our rights freely.
• Notices: We may provide notices via email, Platform notifications, or posting on our website.

16. Contact Us

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