Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

Welcome to SpotMate. These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and EchoFlow Solutions ("SpotMate," "we," "our," or "us") governing your access to and use of our platform, including our website, mobile applications, and related services.

By creating an account or using SpotMate, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use our services.

2. Description of Service

SpotMate is an online marketplace that connects residents within the same residential building or complex to share and rent:

• Parking spots (assigned residential parking spaces)
• Storage cages and lockers
• Other building amenities (as they become available)

SpotMate acts solely as a platform to facilitate transactions between users. We are not a party to any rental agreement between users and do not own, manage, or control any listed spaces.

3. Eligibility

To use SpotMate, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of a building where SpotMate operates
• Have legal authority to rent or sublease your assigned space (check your strata by-laws)
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials

4. Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account login details
• All activities that occur under your account
• Ensuring your profile information is accurate and up-to-date
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in fraudulent activity.

5. Listing a Space (Hosts)

If you list a space on SpotMate, you represent and warrant that:

• You have the legal right to rent or sublease the space
• The listing information is accurate and not misleading
• The space complies with all applicable laws and building regulations
• You have reviewed your strata by-laws regarding subletting amenities
• You will honour confirmed bookings
• You will ensure the space is accessible and safe for use

5.1 Pricing

Hosts set their own prices. SpotMate may display suggested pricing based on market data. All prices must be in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include any applicable GST where required.

6. Booking a Space (Renters)

When you book a space, you agree to:

• Use the space only for its intended purpose
• Respect the access times and dates specified in your booking
• Not store prohibited items (hazardous materials, illegal items, etc.)
• Leave the space in the same condition as you found it
• Not share access with unauthorized third parties
• Report any issues or damages promptly

7. Payments and Fees

7.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through our third-party payment provider (Stripe). By making a payment, you authorize us to charge your selected payment method.

7.2 Service Fees

SpotMate may charge service fees to facilitate bookings. Current fees are:

• Early Access Period: No platform fees for founding members
• Standard Fees: Service fees will be clearly displayed before you confirm a booking

7.3 Host Payouts

Hosts receive payouts after successful completion of a booking. Payouts are processed within 3-5 business days to your nominated bank account.

8. Cancellations and Refunds

8.1 Renter Cancellations

• More than 48 hours before start: Full refund
• 24-48 hours before start: 50% refund
• Less than 24 hours before start: No refund

8.2 Host Cancellations

Hosts should avoid cancelling confirmed bookings. If a host cancels:

• The renter receives a full refund
• Repeated cancellations may result in account suspension
• A cancellation fee may apply to the host

9. Prohibited Activities

You may not use SpotMate to:

• List spaces you do not have the right to rent
• Store illegal, hazardous, or prohibited items
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive conduct
• Circumvent our payment system
• Harass, abuse, or discriminate against other users
• Violate building by-laws or strata regulations
• Use the platform for commercial purposes beyond peer-to-peer sharing
• Scrape, copy, or misuse platform data

10. Disputes Between Users

SpotMate encourages users to resolve disputes directly and amicably. If you cannot resolve a dispute, you may contact our support team for assistance.

SpotMate may, at its sole discretion, mediate disputes and make binding decisions regarding refunds or other remedies. Our decisions are final in matters related to platform policies.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law:

• SpotMate is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind
• We are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the platform
• We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or legality of listed spaces
• We are not responsible for the actions or omissions of any user

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from these Terms shall not exceed the total fees you have paid to SpotMate in the 12 months prior to the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless SpotMate, EchoFlow Solutions, and our officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the platform, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any third-party rights.

13. Intellectual Property

The SpotMate name, logo, and all content on our platform (excluding user-generated content) are owned by EchoFlow Solutions and protected by intellectual property laws.

By posting content on SpotMate, you grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and reproduce that content in connection with operating the platform.

14. Termination

You may close your account at any time by contacting us. We may suspend or terminate your account if:

• You violate these Terms
• You engage in fraudulent or illegal activity
• Your conduct harms other users or SpotMate
• Required by law

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales.

16. Changes to Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the platform. Continued use of SpotMate after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

17. Contact Us

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