Acceptable Use Policy

1. Introduction

This Acceptable Use Policy ("Policy") outlines the standards of conduct expected from all users of SpotMate, a peer-to-peer marketplace operated by EchoFlow Solutions for sharing residential parking spots and storage cages in Sydney, Australia.

By using SpotMate, you agree to comply with this Policy. We are committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and trustworthy community for all neighbours who use our platform. Violations of this Policy may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent termination of your account.

2. Acceptable Use

SpotMate is designed to help neighbours share underutilised spaces within their residential buildings. You are encouraged to use SpotMate to:

• List your assigned parking spot when you're not using it
• Rent a neighbour's parking spot for temporary or regular use
• List your storage cage for short-term or long-term rental
• Rent storage space from neighbours in your building
• Communicate respectfully with other users about bookings
• Provide accurate descriptions and photos of your listed spaces
• Honour confirmed bookings and be reliable for both parties
• Report issues, damage, or concerns promptly and honestly
• Leave reviews that are fair, constructive, and based on your experience

3. Prohibited Content

You may not list or advertise on SpotMate:

• Spaces you do not have the legal right to rent or sublease
• Spaces in buildings where SpotMate is not authorised to operate
• Visitor parking spots or common property not assigned to you
• Spaces that are not actually available for the listed dates
• Misleading descriptions or photos that misrepresent the space
• Pricing intended to deceive (e.g., hidden fees, bait-and-switch)
• Spaces that are unsafe, inaccessible, or unsuitable for use
• Any content that infringes intellectual property rights
• Offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate images or language

4. Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited on SpotMate:

4.1 Fraud and Deception

• Creating fake listings or bookings
• Using false identity or impersonating another person
• Manipulating reviews or ratings
• Attempting to circumvent our payment system
• Money laundering or other financial crimes

4.2 Harassment and Abuse

• Threatening, intimidating, or bullying other users
• Sending unwanted or inappropriate messages
• Stalking or repeatedly contacting users who have asked you to stop
• Making false accusations or defamatory statements

4.3 Discrimination

SpotMate prohibits discrimination based on:

• Race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Religion or belief
• Gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation
• Age or disability
• Family or marital status
• Any other protected characteristic under Australian law

5. Storage Restrictions

When using SpotMate for storage cage rentals, you must not store:

5.1 Hazardous Materials

• Flammable liquids, gases, or explosives
• Toxic chemicals or corrosive substances
• Radioactive materials
• Compressed gas cylinders (except small camping canisters)
• Petrol, kerosene, or other fuels

5.2 Illegal Items

• Illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia
• Stolen property or items obtained illegally
• Unlicensed firearms or weapons
• Counterfeit goods or pirated materials

5.3 Other Prohibited Items

• Perishable food items that may spoil or attract pests
• Live animals or animal remains
• Items that produce strong odours
• Anything that could damage the storage space or adjacent spaces

6. Building Compliance

All SpotMate users must respect their building's rules and regulations:

• Strata By-Laws: Review and comply with your building's strata by-laws regarding subletting of parking and storage spaces
• Access Rules: Follow building protocols for guest access, security fobs, and parking garage entry
• Noise and Hours: Respect quiet hours and avoid causing disturbance when accessing spaces
• Common Areas: Do not obstruct driveways, walkways, or emergency exits
• Building Management: Cooperate with building managers and strata committees when required

If you are unsure whether subletting is permitted in your building, consult your strata manager or committee before listing on SpotMate. You are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with your building's rules.

7. Communication Standards

When communicating with other users through SpotMate, please:

• Be respectful, courteous, and professional
• Respond to messages in a timely manner
• Keep communications relevant to the booking or listing
• Use appropriate language suitable for a neighbourhood platform
• Be honest and transparent about any issues or concerns

You must not:

• Use profane, abusive, or threatening language
• Send spam or unsolicited promotional messages
• Share another user's personal information without consent
• Attempt to conduct transactions outside the SpotMate platform
• Use communication features for purposes unrelated to SpotMate

8. Account Security

To maintain the security of your account and our platform:

• Keep credentials private: Never share your login details, password, or verification codes with anyone
• Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords and change them regularly
• One account per person: Do not create multiple accounts or share accounts with others
• Report suspicious activity: Notify us immediately if you notice unauthorized access to your account
• Keep information current: Update your profile if your contact details or residency changes

You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account. We recommend enabling two-factor authentication when available for added security.

9. Enforcement

SpotMate takes violations of this Policy seriously. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, we may take the following actions:

9.1 Warnings

For minor or first-time violations, we may issue a formal warning and request that you correct the behaviour. Warnings are recorded on your account.

9.2 Suspension

For repeated violations or more serious offences, your account may be temporarily suspended. During suspension, you cannot create listings, make bookings, or access platform features.

9.3 Termination

Severe violations, including fraud, harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity, may result in permanent termination of your account. Terminated users are prohibited from creating new accounts.

9.4 Legal Action

In cases involving illegal activity, we may report violations to law enforcement and cooperate with investigations. We reserve the right to pursue legal action against users who cause harm to our platform or community.

10. Reporting Violations

If you witness or experience a violation of this Policy, please report it to us immediately. You can report violations by:

• Using the "Report" feature on listings or user profiles
• Contacting our support team directly
• Emailing us at the address below

When reporting a violation, please provide:

• A description of what happened
• The username or listing involved
• Any relevant screenshots or evidence
• The date and time of the incident

All reports are reviewed by our Trust and Safety team. We investigate reports confidentially and will not disclose your identity to the reported user without your consent, unless required by law.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Acceptable Use Policy or need to report a violation, please contact us: