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UniBid Terms of Service - Students & Guest

1. Acknowledgment & Acceptance of Terms

This Terms of Service Agreement ("Agreement") governs your use of the UniBid platform ("Service") as a student or guest seeking rental housing. By registering, accessing, or using the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service (TOS) and all applicable UniBid policies.

UniBid is not a real estate broker, agent, or property management company. The platform operates as an online marketplace where students and property listers can connect. UniBid does not own, lease, or control any properties, nor does it negotiate or enforce rental agreements. Rental transactions are conducted directly between students and property listers, independent of UniBid.

UniBid is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to any college, university, or educational institution. Rental transactions occur independently and are not governed by any school policies.

2. Description of Service

UniBid provides an online platform that allows students and guests to:

  • Search, bid, and make direct rental offers on off-campus listings.
  • Communicate with property listers (landlords, property managers, or agents).
  • Access lease agreement resources and rental guidance.

UniBid does not own, manage, inspect, or verify any of the properties listed. We do not verify the legal status, compliance, or accuracy of any property, landlord, or lease agreement. Users are solely responsible for verifying all property details before entering into a rental agreement.

3. Bidding, Offers & Rental Process

  • Offers & Bids Are Non-Binding: Whether made through bidding, direct offers, a “Rent Now” feature, or any other mechanism, offers only express interest and do not create a legally binding lease or guarantee tenancy.
  • Final Lease Agreements Required: If a property lister accepts an offer or bid, a separate lease agreement must be signed between the student/guest and the landlord. UniBid is not a party to the lease and does not enforce lease terms.
  • Landlord Discretion: Property listers have full control over their rental process and may accept, reject, or counter any bid, offer, or rental request at their sole discretion.
  • Off-Platform Transactions: If a student and landlord choose to finalize a rental agreement outside of UniBid, UniBid bears no responsibility for any disputes, misrepresentation, or legal issues arising from that transaction.
  • No Guarantee of Acceptance: Placing a bid or making an offer does not guarantee acceptance. Property listers may withdraw listings, reject offers, or modify terms at any time for any reason.
  • Rental Transactions Are Independent: Lease negotiations, terms, security deposits, and responsibilities must be agreed upon directly between students and landlords. UniBid does not intervene, facilitate, or verify lease terms.

4. User Responsibilities & Prohibited Conduct

4.1 User Responsibilities

By using UniBid, you agree to:

  • Honest Bidding & Offers: All bids and rental offers must be placed in good faith. False or misleading bids (e.g., bidding without intent to lease) are prohibited.
  • Lease Compliance: Once a lease agreement is signed, students/guests are legally bound by its terms. UniBid does not provide legal advice regarding lease terms.
  • Accurate Information: Users must provide truthful and updated profile details, including contact information, financial details, and rental preferences.
  • Respectful Conduct: Users must maintain respectful and lawful interactions on the platform.

4.2 Prohibited Conduct

Users must not:

  • Submit fraudulent, misleading, or inaccurate bids.
  • Provide false identity, financial, or rental history information.
  • Harass, threaten, or spam landlords or other users.
  • Attempt to complete transactions outside UniBid to avoid platform fees.
  • Engage in discrimination or bias in violation of Fair Housing laws.
  • Use UniBid for illegal, deceptive, or unauthorized purposes.

Violations may result in account suspension or permanent termination

5. Security Deposits & Refund Policies

  • Handling of Security Deposits: Property listers are responsible for collecting, managing, and refunding security deposits in accordance with local and state laws.
  • Disputes Over Deposits: UniBid does not mediate security deposit disputes. Any disputes must be resolved directly between the landlord and tenant through legal channels.

6. No University Endorsement

  • UniBid does not verify, approve, or endorse any listings on the platform.
  • Rental transactions occur independently and are not connected to any college or university.
  • UniBid is not responsible for resolving disputes, misrepresentations, or lease violations.

7. Privacy & Data Protection

7.1 Data Collection & Usage

  • Certain profile information (such as name, email, and rental inquiries) may be shared with property listers to facilitate transactions.
  • UniBid may collect usage data and aggregated insights to improve platform performance.

7.2 Third-Party Data Sharing

  • UniBid does not sell personal information.
  • Certain payment and transaction details may be shared with third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal) for secure payments.

7.3 Data Security Responsibilities

  • Users must maintain secure login credentials and immediately report unauthorized access.

For more details, refer to UniBid’s Privacy Policy.

8. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability

UniBid operates solely as a listing platform and does not:

  • Verify the accuracy, completeness, or legality of property listings, lease agreements, or rental terms.
  • Guarantee the habitability, safety, or condition of any property.
  • Screen, background-check, or validate the credibility or conduct of Property Listers.
  • Mediate or resolve disputes between Students/Guests and Property Listers, including but not limited to issues related to payments, lease terms, security deposits, or property conditions.

User Assumption of Risk

By using UniBid, you acknowledge and accept that:

  • Rental transactions involve inherent risks, including but not limited to fraud, misrepresentation, lease violations, and property disputes.
  • UniBid bears no responsibility for any financial losses, security deposit disputes, personal injury, or property damage resulting from rental agreements.
  • It is your sole responsibility to verify the legitimacy of listings, inspect properties, and ensure that lease agreements meet your legal and personal requirements before entering into any rental arrangement.

Force Majeure Clause

UniBid is not liable for any interruptions, failures, or delays in platform access or functionality due to events beyond its control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters, extreme weather events, or public health crises (e.g., pandemics).
  • Internet outages, cyberattacks, or unauthorized system breaches.
  • Government actions, legal restrictions, or regulatory changes affecting rental markets.

Maximum Liability Disclaimer

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, UniBid DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING THE ACCURACY, SAFETY, OR LEGALITY OF PROPERTY LISTINGS AND TRANSACTIONS CONDUCTED THROUGH THE PLATFORM.

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9. Account Suspension & Termination

UniBid reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts under the following conditions:

  • Violation of Terms of Service (e.g., fraud, harassment, discrimination, misrepresentation).
  • Providing false or misleading information.
  • Repeated policy violations or user complaints.

Users may request account termination at any time, but previously submitted bids and agreements remain valid.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 UniBid Does Not Mediate Lease Disputes

  • UniBid is not responsible for resolving rental disputes, security deposit conflicts, or lease violations.
  • Disputes must be handled directly between the tenant and property owner or through a local housing authority.

10.2 Arbitration Agreement

  • Any disputes related to UniBid’s platform (but not lease agreements) shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the State of Connecticut.

10.3 No Class Actions

  • Users waive the right to participate in class-action lawsuits against UniBid.

11. Governing Law & Legal Compliance

  • This Agreement is governed by the laws of the state where the rental property is located.
  • Users are responsible for complying with all applicable rental laws.

12. Amendments & Updates

  • UniBid may update these Terms of Service at any time.
  • Users will be notified of material changes via email or platform notifications.
  • Continued platform use constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

13. Contact Information

For questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, contact:
support@unibid.ai