Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Rentsome ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the Platform.

2. Platform Description

Rentsome is a peer-to-peer marketplace that connects individuals who want to rent items ("Lenders") with individuals who want to borrow items ("Renters"). Rentsome acts solely as an intermediary and is not a party to rental transactions.

3. User Accounts

• You must be at least 18 years old to use Rentsome
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account
• You agree to provide accurate, current information
• One person or entity may maintain only one account
• You are responsible for all activities under your account

4. Verification & Trust Score

• Identity verification may be required for high-value transactions ($500+)
• Stripe Connect verification is required to receive payouts
• Your trust score is calculated based on verification status, account history, reviews, and responsiveness
• Rentsome reserves the right to suspend accounts that fail verification or engage in suspicious activity

5. Listing Items

As a Lender, you agree to:

• Provide accurate descriptions and photos of items
• Set fair and reasonable rental prices
• Ensure items are in good working condition
• Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
• Not list prohibited items (weapons, illegal items, hazardous materials)
• Maintain appropriate insurance for high-value items

6. Renting Items

As a Renter, you agree to:

• Treat rented items with care
• Return items on time and in the same condition
• Pay all rental fees, deposits, and applicable taxes
• Report any damage immediately
• Not sublease or transfer rental items to third parties
• Use items only for their intended purpose

7. Payments & Fees

• Rentsome charges a 25% service fee on all transactions
• Payment is pre-authorized when booking is requested
• Payment is captured only when lender approves the booking
• Security deposits range from 10-30% based on trust score
• Deposits are held and released after successful return
• All payments are processed securely through Stripe
• Refunds are issued for declined or cancelled bookings

8. Cancellations & Refunds

• Lenders must respond to booking requests within 24 hours
• Renters can cancel before lender approval for full refund
• Cancellations after approval may incur fees
• Lenders who repeatedly fail to respond may have listings paused
• Rentsome reserves the right to cancel transactions for policy violations

9. Damage & Disputes

• Renters are responsible for any damage to rented items
• Lenders must document item condition before and after rental
• Disputes should be reported within 48 hours of return
• Rentsome provides mediation services for disputes
• Security deposits may be used to cover documented damage
• Additional charges may apply for damage exceeding deposit

10. Damage Protection & Liability

• Rentsome Damage Protection covers eligible damage and theft claims
• Protection is backed by the renter's security deposit, not a third-party insurance policy
• Users are encouraged to maintain personal insurance for high-value items
• Rentsome is not liable for injuries or property damage
• Users assume all risks associated with rental transactions
• Maximum liability is limited to the transaction amount

11. Equipment & Tool Rentals — Assumption of Risk

Certain items available on Rentsome — including power tools, ladders, and other equipment — carry inherent risks of injury if used improperly. By renting, lending, or using any such item, you expressly acknowledge and agree that:

• You are solely responsible for inspecting the item before use and confirming it is in safe operating condition
• You will read and follow any manufacturer instructions, warnings, and safety guidelines applicable to the item
• You possess, or will obtain, the skill, training, and protective equipment necessary to operate the item safely
• You assume all risk of injury, death, or property damage arising from your use of the item, whether or not caused by a defect in the item
• Rentsome does not inspect, test, or certify the safety of any item listed by a Lender, and makes no representation regarding its fitness for any particular use

This assumption of risk is in addition to, and does not limit, the general limitation of liability and indemnification provisions elsewhere in these Terms.

12. Prohibited Conduct

You may not:

• Share contact information to circumvent platform fees
• Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• List stolen, counterfeit, or illegal items
• Manipulate reviews or trust scores
• Use automated systems to access the platform
• Violate any applicable laws or regulations

13. Content Moderation

• Rentsome monitors listings, messages, and reviews for policy violations
• Content may be filtered or removed without notice
• Repeated violations may result in account suspension
• Users can report inappropriate content or behavior
• Moderation decisions are final and at Rentsome's discretion

14. Intellectual Property

• Rentsome owns all platform content, design, and trademarks
• Users retain ownership of their uploaded content
• By uploading content, you grant Rentsome a license to use it
• You may not copy, modify, or distribute platform content
• Infringement claims should be reported to legal@rentsome.app

15. Privacy & Data

• Your privacy is important to us (see our Privacy Policy)
• We collect and use data as described in our Privacy Policy
• We use cookies and analytics to improve the platform
• You can request data export or account deletion
• We comply with GDPR, CCPA, and applicable privacy laws

16. Tax Compliance

• Lenders are responsible for reporting rental income
• Rentsome provides transaction reports for tax purposes
• Sales tax may apply depending on your location
• Consult a tax professional for specific guidance
• Rentsome is not responsible for your tax obligations

17. Termination

• You may close your account at any time
• Rentsome may suspend or terminate accounts for violations
• Outstanding transactions must be completed before closure
• Termination does not affect completed transaction obligations
• Banned users may not create new accounts

18. Disclaimers

The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. Rentsome does not guarantee:

• Availability, reliability, or security of the platform
• Accuracy of user-provided information
• Quality or condition of listed items
• Behavior or trustworthiness of users
• Resolution of disputes between users

19. Limitation of Liability

Rentsome's liability is limited to the amount of fees paid in the transaction. We are not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Lost profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages from user conduct or third-party actions
• Force majeure events beyond our control

20. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Rentsome harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these terms
• Your violation of any laws or third-party rights
• Your rental transactions with other users

21. Dispute Resolution

• Disputes should first be resolved through Rentsome's mediation
• If mediation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration
• Arbitration will be conducted under AAA rules
• Class action lawsuits are waived
• Governing law: State of California, USA

22. Changes to Terms

• Rentsome may update these terms at any time
• Changes will be posted with a new "Last Updated" date
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes
• Material changes will be communicated via email
• You should review terms periodically

23. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service:

Email: legal@rentsome.app
Address: 1308 Brushwood Ct, Naperville, IL 60565
Phone: 847-877-2565