Matchouse Terms and Conditions
Last updated: 14 May 2025
User Agreement: www.matchouse.com
Percy Real Estate Ltd operates an online platform allowing Users to connect through the Matchouse Platform with other Users who provide Services.
Please read these terms and all Policies including the Community Guidelines and Privacy Policy carefully before using the Matchouse Platform. These Policies are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
All defined terms in this Agreement have the meaning given to them in the Matchouse Glossary.
1. Introduction and Acceptance
Welcome to Matchouse, an online platform operated by Percy Real Estate Ltd (referred to as "Matchouse", "we", or "us"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Matchouse website and services (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using the Platform, you ("User" or "you") confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy and any other policies referenced herein. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not use the Platform. We recommend you print or save a copy of these Terms for your records.
Matchouse provides a neutral marketplace to facilitate introductions and connections between different types of users, including property owners and seekers, and service providers and clients. We are not an estate agency, property broker, or employer of service professionals, and we do not act as an agent in any transaction between users. Any agreements for property rentals, sales, or services are solely between the users involved, and Matchouse is not a party to those contracts. Our role is limited to providing the Platform to enable users to find and communicate with each other.
By using the Platform, you represent that you are at least 18 years old (or the age of legal majority in your jurisdiction) and capable of entering into binding contracts. If you are using the Platform on behalf of a business or other legal entity, you represent that you have authority to bind that entity to these Terms.
Owned and operated by: Percy Real Estate Ltd, 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4QZ
Company registration number: 15525233
2. Definitions
For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:
- Platform: The Matchouse website, mobile application, and related services through which users can list, find, or arrange property transactions and professional services.
- User / Member: Anyone who accesses or uses the Platform, including without limitation Landlords, Tenants, Estate Agents, Buyers, Service Professionals, and Service Seekers as defined below.
- Landlord: A User who lists or offers a residential property for rent on the Platform (including any property owner or sub-lessor).
- Estate Agent: A User acting in the course of business to list or advertise properties for rent or sale on behalf of owners, or otherwise facilitate property transactions, on the Platform. Estate Agents must ensure they are properly licensed or registered and comply with all legal obligations for estate or letting agents in the UK.
- Tenant: A User who uses the Platform to search for or rent a property through a Landlord or Estate Agent.
- Buyer: A User who uses the Platform to search for or purchase a property (typically from a seller or via an Estate Agent).
- Service Professional (or Professional): A User who offers professional, trade, or other services through the Platform (for example, a tradesperson, contractor, or service provider).
- Service Seeker (or Customer): A User who requests or seeks to obtain services from a Service Professional through the Platform.
- Content: Any text, images, data, reviews, listings, messages, or other material posted, uploaded, transmitted, or otherwise made available on the Platform by a User (collectively, User-Generated Content), as well as any content that Matchouse provides on the Platform.
- Credits: A form of prepaid virtual token or unit that may be purchased or earned by Users on the Platform for specific uses (such as listing a property, unlocking contact details, or other services). Credits have no cash value, are not transferable, and are subject to the additional rules in Section 7 of these Terms.
3. Scope of the Matchouse Service
Matchouse operates a technology platform that allows Users to connect for two primary purposes: (a) property rentals and sales (connecting Landlords/Estate Agents with Tenants/Buyers), and (b) service engagements (connecting Service Seekers with Service Professionals). Our Platform facilitates the initial contact and communication between Users.
Matchouse is not a property vendor, real estate broker, insurer, or employer. We do not own, sell, resell, furnish, rent, sublet, manage, or control any of the properties listed, nor do we provide the services listed by Service Professionals. We do not guarantee that any User will find a suitable property or service provider, or that any property or service will meet your expectations. All postings and engagements are made at the discretion of the Users, and any arrangements formed are strictly between the Users involved.
You acknowledge that Matchouse does not supervise, direct, or control Users' activities beyond providing the Platform. We do not guarantee the truth or accuracy of listings, profiles, ratings, reviews, or any User-Generated Content on the Platform. It is your responsibility to evaluate and verify other Users and any information or Content they provide. Matchouse may, at its discretion, offer optional identity or credential verification tools, but we make no warranties or guarantees about the identity, trustworthiness, or suitability of any User, even if a User has been verified or background-checked through our system. You should exercise due diligence and care in deciding to interact with or transact with other Users, just as you would when dealing with strangers in any setting.
4. Account Registration and Security
4.1 Account Creation
To access certain features of the Platform (such as posting a listing or contacting another user), you may need to create a Matchouse account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and at all other times when using the Platform, and to update your information as necessary to maintain its truth and accuracy. Each registration is for a single individual or entity only; you must not share your account with others or register multiple accounts for the same role or purpose. If you create an account on behalf of a business or organization (e.g. an agency), you must ensure only authorized individuals use it and that all activity complies with these Terms.
4.2 Account Security
You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account login credentials. You must keep your password secure and not disclose it to any third party. You agree not to allow anyone else to use your account. You are liable for all activities conducted through your account (whether authorized by you or not) and will promptly notify Matchouse of any unauthorized access or suspected breach of security. We have the right to disable or suspend your account at any time if, in our reasonable opinion, you have violated these Terms or if required for security or maintenance purposes.
4.3 Eligibility
The Platform is intended for use by persons residing in the United Kingdom. By using the Platform, you represent that you are located in the UK or otherwise permitted to use the service. If you are not a UK resident, you understand that some features may not be available or appropriate, and you must ensure your use complies with local laws. We may restrict or terminate access to the Platform in any jurisdiction at our discretion.
4.4 Age and Capacity
You must be 18 years of age or older (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction) to register for a Matchouse account or use the Platform in any capacity that results in an agreement (such as a tenancy, sale, or service contract). By using the Platform, you warrant that you meet this age requirement. Matchouse is not available to minors; if you are under 18, you may not use the Platform.
4.5 Account Suspension and Termination
Matchouse reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, if you breach these Terms, engage in inappropriate or fraudulent activity, provide false information, or if we believe it is necessary to protect the safety or rights of others or of Matchouse. We may also suspend your account if required by law or if your use of the Platform is disruptive or harmful to others or to Matchouse. In the event of termination due to your breach of these Terms or misconduct, you will not be entitled to any compensation or reimbursement for unused Credits or other services (see Section 7 for Credit terms).
5. User Roles and Responsibilities
The Platform accommodates various user roles. In addition to the general obligations in these Terms, you agree to the following role-specific terms if you use the Platform as one of the following:
5.1 Landlords
A Landlord is solely responsible for ensuring that they are legally entitled to offer the property for rent and that the listing and rental comply with all applicable laws and regulations (such as landlord registration, possession of necessary safety certificates, compliance with the Tenant Fees Act, right-to-rent checks, etc.). By listing a property, you represent and warrant that you own the property or are authorized to rent it out, and that all information in your listing (including rent, property description, features, and any terms) is truthful, current, and not misleading.
Rental Agreement: Any rental or lease agreement formed with a Tenant is solely between the Landlord and the Tenant. Matchouse is not a party to your rental agreements and is not responsible for ensuring performance of either party's obligations. It is the Landlord's duty to conduct due diligence on prospective Tenants (for example, verifying references, creditworthiness, immigration/right-to-rent status, etc.) and to satisfy themselves about the Tenant's suitability. Matchouse does not guarantee Tenant quality or accept liability for any loss (e.g., unpaid rent or property damage) arising from the landlord-tenant relationship.
No Vetting by Matchouse: You acknowledge that Matchouse does not vet or verify Tenants beyond any optional tools we may provide. All risks of dealing with Tenants rest with you as the Landlord. We highly recommend meeting tenants, conducting appropriate checks, and using a written tenancy agreement. None of the information on our Platform is a substitute for your own checks and professional advice; for example, you should verify critical details and not rely solely on listing information.
Content Compliance: Landlords must ensure that their property listings comply with the Content standards in Section 8. This includes refraining from discriminatory statements (e.g. a listing must not express preference based on protected characteristics) and avoiding any false or exaggerated claims. You must not upload any images or content that violate Section 8 (e.g. no offensive or unauthorized images). You grant Matchouse the right to use and display your listing content as described in Section 8. If a Landlord's listing is found to be illegal, in breach of these Terms, or infringing third-party rights, Matchouse may remove the listing and reserves the right to suspend the Landlord's account.
Fees: There may be fees associated with listing a property (for example, purchasing Credits or a subscription to post a property). Any such fees will be communicated to you in advance. Failure to pay applicable fees may result in inability to list or removal of listings.
5.2 Estate Agents
If you are an Estate Agent or Letting Agent using Matchouse, you are additionally subject to the following:
- Authority and Compliance: You represent that you are a licensed estate/letting agent or are otherwise lawfully able to act as an intermediary for property transactions. You must comply with all laws, regulations, and industry codes applicable to estate agents and letting agents in the UK, including belonging to a government-approved redress scheme, adhering to consumer protection regulations, and (for lettings) complying with the Tenant Fees Act and relevant landlord laws. You may be required to provide evidence of your registration or licensing to Matchouse upon request.
- Listing Rights: You must have a valid agreement with the property owner or have the rights to list each property you post. By posting property content, you warrant that you have obtained all necessary consents (from the owner, landlord, or developer) to advertise the property and that the content is accurate and not misleading. You will update listings promptly as properties are sold/let or information changes.
- Use of Platform Leads: Matchouse may provide you with contact details or leads of interested Buyers or Tenants. These leads are for your personal/business use only in connection with the listed property and must not be sold or shared externally. You are responsible for handling any personal data of leads in accordance with data protection laws.
- No Endorsement: Although you operate professionally, Matchouse does not endorse or certify any Estate Agent. Any dispute or transaction between an Estate Agent and their client (property owner) or a Tenant/Buyer introduced via the Platform is outside Matchouse's scope. Estate Agents bear sole responsibility for the conduct of their business and dealings. Matchouse will not be liable for any dispute arising from an agent's failure to secure a transaction or any breach of duty by the agent.
- Fees: Estate Agents may be subject to listing fees or charges for use of certain Platform features. These will be outlined in your account or during the posting process. Non-payment could result in suspension of service.
5.3 Tenants
As a Tenant, you use Matchouse to find rental properties. You are responsible for your own due diligence before entering a tenancy. This includes visiting the property (where possible), reading the tenancy terms, verifying what is included, and making appropriate inquiries (for example, checking who the Landlord is, any applicable permits or licenses, etc.). Property listings on Matchouse are provided by Landlords or Agents and, while we require they be accurate, we cannot guarantee that every listing is correct or not misleading. Always verify key details independently and consider obtaining professional advice (for instance, legal advice on a tenancy contract) before committing.
No Tenancy with Matchouse: Any tenancy agreement you enter via a connection on our Platform is exclusively between you and the Landlord (or Estate Agent acting for the landlord). Matchouse is not a party to it and has no obligations or liability under that agreement. All terms of the tenancy (such as rent, deposit, tenancy duration, responsibilities for bills, etc.) should be clearly agreed in writing between you and the Landlord/Agent. Matchouse does not guarantee that a property is safe or suitable, or that the Landlord will perform their obligations. Likewise, we do not guarantee the Tenant's ability to pay rent or maintain the property – those risks are borne by the respective parties.
Payments: Be cautious with any payments prior to signing a tenancy. Matchouse never asks Tenants to pay us for rent or deposits; such payments typically go to the Landlord or their agent. Use secure, traceable payment methods and be wary of any request that seems irregular (e.g., wiring money to foreign accounts). If Matchouse offers a third-party payment solution for holding a deposit or first month's rent, that service will be subject to the third-party provider's terms and conditions and is used at your discretion. Matchouse is not liable for losses if you choose to transfer money outside of the Platform or contrary to our guidelines.
Tenant Conduct: You agree to use any contact information obtained through the Platform only for the purpose of seeking housing. You will not harass, abuse, or discriminate against Landlords or Agents. After you have found a property, it is courteous (though not required) to mark your profile or search as no longer active or inform other prospective Landlords that you are no longer available, to avoid unnecessary communications.
5.4 Buyers
As a Buyer using Matchouse to find properties for purchase, you are responsible for conducting due diligence on any property and seller before entering into a contract. Matchouse is not a real estate broker and does not conduct valuations or surveys. All information about properties is provided by the seller or their Agent, and we make no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. You should verify material facts independently (for example, through property searches, surveys, inspection, and legal counsel). None of the information on the Platform is intended to substitute for professional advice; we strongly recommend engaging a solicitor or licensed conveyancer for any property transaction and obtaining a proper survey.
No Sale Contract with Matchouse: Any contract for purchase of a property found through Matchouse will be strictly between you and the seller (and/or facilitated by their Estate Agent). Matchouse is not a party to sale contracts and has no involvement in escrow, title transfer, or financing. We do not guarantee that any seller or agent will complete the sale or that you will be able to obtain financing. All risk in the transaction, including deposit monies and contractual obligations, rests with the contracting parties. Buyers must ensure they follow the proper legal process (exchange of contracts, etc.) as required by UK law for property sales.
Property Viewings and Negotiations: While Matchouse may facilitate initial communication, Buyers should wherever possible view properties in person and directly communicate with the seller or Agent to negotiate the terms of purchase. Any offer you make via the Platform is not binding until accepted and formalized according to law (i.e., a written contract). We do not accept liability for any communications between you and sellers/agents off the Platform, even if initiated through Matchouse.
Fraud Prevention: Be vigilant for fraud. Matchouse endeavors to prevent fraudulent listings, but cannot warrant that every listing or user is legitimate. If something seems too good to be true (e.g., a deeply discounted price or pressure for quick payment), proceed with caution. Report suspicious behavior to Matchouse. We may at our discretion investigate and take action, but ultimate diligence is your responsibility.
5.5 Service Professionals
A Service Professional offering services on Matchouse must abide by the following:
- Qualifications and Legal Compliance: You affirm that you are qualified, licensed, or certified as required by law to perform the services you offer. For example, if you offer gas boiler repair, you must be Gas Safe registered; if you are an electrician, you should have applicable certifications, etc. You also agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the provision of your services (including holding any required insurance, paying your own taxes, business registrations, and following health & safety laws). Matchouse does not verify the licenses or qualifications of Service Professionals before they use the Platform, so it is your responsibility to ensure you meet legal requirements. You may be asked by a Service Seeker to provide proof of qualifications or insurance – this is a matter for you and the customer, but failure to provide proof might result in the customer choosing not to hire you.
- Independent Contractor Status: You acknowledge that when you agree to perform services for a Service Seeker, you are entering into a direct agreement with that Service Seeker (a "Customer Contract") and not with Matchouse. You are an independent contractor and not an employee, agent, joint venturer, or partner of Matchouse. You must not represent that you are endorsed or employed by Matchouse. You are solely responsible for setting the terms of your services (subject to any agreement with the customer), including deliverables, timing, warranties, and pricing. Matchouse is not responsible for any payments due to you from customers (except to the extent we facilitate a payment platform as a convenience) and cannot guarantee that customers will fulfill their obligations.
- Service Listings and Offers: Any profile or service listing you post must be truthful and describe your skills, experience, and services accurately. Do not misrepresent your identity, qualifications, or the services you can perform. You must fulfill any services agreed to with due care, skill, and in accordance with the agreement with the Service Seeker and these Terms. If you need to cancel or cannot fulfill an engagement, you must promptly inform the Service Seeker and should arrange a suitable alternative or refund any pre-paid amount as appropriate.
- No Illegal or Prohibited Services: You may not offer any services that are illegal, violate third-party rights, or are against Matchouse policies. For example, you cannot offer services involving illicit goods, sexual services, or any exploitative or harmful activities. Matchouse reserves the right to remove or modify any service listing that we determine, in our discretion, to be inappropriate or in violation of these Terms or applicable law.
- Ratings and Reviews: Service Professionals may be subject to ratings or reviews by Service Seekers. While constructive feedback is part of the Platform, any deliberately false or defamatory review is prohibited by our Content standards. Conversely, as a Professional, you agree not to post fake reviews for yourself or others, and not to undermine the review system. If you feel you have been reviewed unfairly, you can contact Matchouse to request an investigation, but we do not guarantee removal of any review unless it violates our policies.
- Indemnity: You agree to indemnify Matchouse for any claims or losses arising out of your services (see Section 11), including any claims by Service Seekers or third parties for personal injury, property damage, or financial loss due to your actions or negligence.
5.6 Service Seekers (Customers)
As a Service Seeker, you are responsible for clearly and accurately describing the service you need when posting a request or communicating with a Service Professional. Provide complete information to avoid misunderstandings (e.g., if you need a repair, describe the issue honestly; if you need a service at a specific time or location, specify those details).
- Selecting a Professional: While Matchouse may help identify potential Service Professionals, the choice of who to hire is solely yours. Matchouse does not guarantee the suitability, expertise, or background of any Service Professional. We strongly advise that you conduct your own checks, such as asking for identification, proof of qualifications or insurance, and references. You assume the risk of hiring and the responsibility for supervising the work of the Professional to the extent needed.
- No Endorsement: Any Professional you find on Matchouse is an independent third party. Matchouse does not endorse or take responsibility for any Service Professional's work or behavior. Any contract for services is between you and the Professional. Matchouse is not liable for any failure of the Professional to perform the service or for any outcomes. If you have a dispute with the Professional, see Section 10 on Dispute Resolution.
- Payment: If a price is agreed for a service, you should pay the Service Professional as agreed. If Matchouse offers a payment facilitation service (such as holding payment until completion), you may use it subject to any additional terms. However, Matchouse is not a warranty provider or insurer of services – releasing payment through our Platform does not signify that we guarantee the work. If you choose to pay outside the Platform, Matchouse has no involvement at all; be cautious and use secure methods. No refunds of payments will be issued by Matchouse unless explicitly stated in separate terms (for example, if using a third-party escrow that has its own rules).
- Safety and Legal Compliance: You agree to ensure that any environment where the Professional will be working (your home, property, etc.) is safe and complies with any applicable laws (for example, if they need special access or there are hazardous conditions, you must inform them). You also agree not to request any service that is illegal or in violation of any regulation. Service Seekers and Professionals are both expected to act ethically and lawfully. If a Professional behaves inappropriately or requests something unreasonable (such as additional fees not agreed, or engages in harassment), you should report it to Matchouse.
6. User-Generated Content and Acceptable Use
When you use our Platform, you may post or transmit User-Generated Content (such as property listings, profile information, descriptions, messages, reviews, photos, etc.). The following rules apply to all Content and use of the Platform:
6.1 Permissible Content
You must ensure that all Content you upload, post, or share complies with these Terms and any applicable laws. All content must be appropriate, truthful, and lawful. Specifically, you agree that your Content will not:
- a. Be false, misleading, or deceptive (e.g., no false listing information or fraudulent offers).
- b. Be defamatory or libelous (contain false statements that could harm someone's reputation).
- c. Be obscene, pornographic, or contain sexually explicit material. Nudity in the context of property photos (e.g., artwork or incidental in images) should be avoided; any sexually suggestive content is prohibited. Under no circumstances may you post content that exploits or endangers minors (such content will be reported to law enforcement).
- d. Be hateful or discriminatory (no slurs or content that promotes prejudice or violence against any group or individual on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic).
- e. Be harassing, threatening, or invasive of another's privacy. This includes not posting personal data of others (such as phone numbers, email, physical address) without consent, except where appropriate in a listing or profile where the person has consented.
- f. Infringe any copyright, trademark, trade secret, database right, or other intellectual property right of any other person. Do not upload images or text you do not have the right to use. If you use stock images or content from elsewhere, ensure you have permission.
- g. Contain viruses, malware, or any harmful code that could damage or interfere with the Platform's systems or other users' property. You must not upload any content that serves as a phishing or hacking attempt.
- h. Include unsolicited or unauthorized advertising or promotional materials. The Platform is not to be used for spam or to promote unrelated businesses. You may promote your property or services that are listed on Matchouse, but you may not, for example, post a property listing that is actually an advertisement for a different website or scheme.
- i. Be unethical or immoral in the context of our Platform's purpose. This is a broad category intended to cover content that, while not explicitly illegal, violates the spirit of trust, safety, and respect (e.g., instructions to commit crimes, encouragement of dangerous activities, etc.).
6.2 Content License to Matchouse
By posting any Content on our Platform, you grant Matchouse a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual license to use, copy, modify, adapt, publish, translate, distribute, and display that Content (in whole or in part) for the purpose of operating, promoting, marketing, or improving the Platform, and for any other purposes described in our Privacy Policy. We do not claim ownership of your content; you retain ownership of your original works. This license simply allows us to host and showcase your content (for example, display your property listing to prospective tenants, or use snippets in advertising our services). All content you upload is considered non-confidential and non-proprietary, and Matchouse may disclose it to third parties or the public as needed.
You also agree that Matchouse may disclose your identity or contact information to third parties if required by law or in good faith belief that such disclosure is reasonably necessary (for example, to law enforcement in investigating illegal content, or to a party claiming that your content infringes their rights).
6.3 Monitoring and Moderation
Matchouse does not pre-approve all content posted by users and is not obligated to monitor or edit User-Generated Content. However, we reserve the right to review, screen, and/or delete any content at any time and for any reason, without notice. We may remove or disable access to any content that we consider, in our discretion, to be objectionable or in violation of these Terms or our policies. Users have no right or expectation that content they post will remain on the Platform, and Matchouse has no liability for removal or loss of such content. We also reserve the right to terminate or suspend the account of any user who violates the Content standards or engages in prohibited conduct.
6.4 User Interactions
You are solely responsible for your interactions and communications with other Users on the Platform. Exercise common sense and good judgment in what you share. Do not divulge sensitive personal information (like financial details or identity documents) on public areas of the Platform. When communicating off-platform (such as meeting in person or moving to phone/email), continue to exercise caution. Matchouse is not liable for any acts or omissions of users you interact with, even if you met them through our Platform.
If you have a negative experience or encounter content or behavior that violates these Terms, you can report it to us. We will investigate complaints and take action as we deem appropriate, but we are not responsible to you for the conduct of other users.
6.5 Acceptable Use of the Platform
You agree to use the Platform only for its intended purposes. Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Attempting to circumvent security measures or gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other users' data.
- Using any automated system (bots, crawlers, scrapers) to access the Platform in violation of our robots.txt file or without our express permission, especially for data scraping or mass collection of information (except for bona fide search engine indexing).
- Attempting to disrupt the Platform's operation or to deliberately overload the infrastructure (e.g., DDoS attacks, spamming our servers).
- Framing or embedding the Platform or its content in another website in a manner not permitted by us.
- Impersonating Matchouse or misrepresenting your affiliation with Matchouse.
- Using the Platform to send unauthorized commercial communications (spam).
- Engaging in any activity that harms or violates the rights of minors.
- Using the Platform to facilitate or promote any form of fraud, pyramid scheme, or other unlawful or unethical scheme.
Violation of this Section 6 may result in immediate suspension or termination of your account and possible legal action against you.
7. Credits and Payments
Matchouse may employ a system of Credits for certain transactions or features on the Platform. The following terms apply to Credits and any other payments on the Platform:
7.1 Purchasing and Using Credits
Users may purchase Credits through the Platform to use for designated purposes (for example, an Estate Agent may use credits to post listings or receive leads, a Service Professional might use credits to respond to job requests, etc.). The specific usage of credits and pricing will be communicated within the Platform. All Credits purchased are personal to your account and role, and can only be used in accordance with the Platform's functionality. Credits cannot be used as legal tender and are not redeemable for cash.
7.2 Non-Transferability
Credits are non-transferable. This means you cannot sell, gift, or move credits from your account to another user's account. Credits are intended for the sole use of the account and role for which they were purchased. For example, credits acquired by a Service Professional are to be used for securing service leads on that account only, and cannot be transferred to a Landlord account or to another Professional. Any attempt to transfer or trade Credits outside of the approved Platform mechanism is a breach of these Terms and may result in cancellation of the Credits or account suspension.
7.3 Expiration of Credits
Credits may have an expiration date. Unless otherwise specified at the time of purchase, Credits will generally expire after 12 months from the date of purchase or issuance. Unused credits after the expiration period will be forfeited and removed from your account automatically. It is your responsibility to keep track of your credit balance and usage; Matchouse is not obligated to remind you of pending expiration.
7.4 No Refunds on Credits
All purchases of Credits and other prepaid fees are final and non-refundable, except where required by law. This includes situations where you choose not to use the credits, or if your account is terminated due to a breach of these Terms. In certain special circumstances (for example, if Matchouse were to discontinue the Platform or a particular credit-required service entirely, or if we, at our sole discretion, choose to refund as a goodwill gesture), a refund or credit reallocation may be offered, but we make no general guarantee of refunds.
7.5 Platform Fees and Commissions
Matchouse may charge fees for certain services or transactions on the Platform. For example, we might charge Service Professionals a commission on leads or completed jobs, or charge Landlords a fee per listing or per successful tenant introduction. Any applicable fees will be clearly disclosed to you before you incur them (such as on a pricing page or at the point of transaction). By using the service and incurring a fee, you agree to pay the fee. We reserve the right to change our fees or introduce new fees, but will provide notice of any such changes applicable to you. If you do not agree to a fee change, you must stop using the service before the new fee applies.
7.6 Third-Party Payment Processors
Payments made through the Platform (for example, purchasing Credits or paying for a subscription, or any escrow service between Users) may be processed by third-party payment providers (such as Stripe, PayPal, or others). These payments are subject to the terms and privacy policies of those third parties, in addition to ours. Matchouse is not responsible for errors or security breaches by payment processors, but we will reasonably assist Users in resolving issues with those providers as needed. If a payment processor fails or a payment is reversed outside of our control, we may not be able to complete the transaction or might have to suspend the related service.
7.7 Taxes
Unless otherwise stated, all fees and purchases are listed in Great Britain Pounds (GBP) and exclude any applicable taxes (such as VAT). Where VAT or other taxes apply, we will add those at the appropriate rate and you agree to pay them. Users (especially Service Professionals and Estate Agents) are responsible for their own taxes in relation to transactions facilitated through the Platform. Matchouse is not responsible for withholding or paying any income tax, national insurance, or other payroll taxes on behalf of any user.
7.8 Refunds to Clients (for Services)
In a scenario where a Service Seeker is unsatisfied with a Service Professional's work and requests a refund, any such refund is a matter between the Service Seeker and the Service Professional, as per their own agreement. Matchouse is not a party to service agreements and generally will not manage or mediate refund processes except as provided in Section 10 (Dispute Resolution) in extraordinary cases. If payment was handled through a Platform feature and both parties agree to a refund, we will facilitate the transaction via the third-party processor as needed.
7.9 No Chargeback Abuse
If you purchase Credits or pay fees via credit card or other methods, you agree not to circumvent our refund policy by requesting chargebacks through your bank without cause. Chargeback abuse may lead to account termination and we reserve the right to dispute any unjustified chargebacks.
8. Intellectual Property
8.1 Matchouse Intellectual Property
The Platform and all content provided by Matchouse (including our logo, design, software, and collective content compilations) are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Matchouse (and its licensors, if applicable) retain all right, title, and interest in the Platform and our content. We grant you a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Platform for your personal or internal business use, in accordance with these Terms. Except for this limited license, you are not granted any rights to use our name, logos, branding, or other intellectual property without our express written consent. You must not copy, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our site content, and you must not reverse engineer or decompile any software or functionality of the Platform, except as permitted by law.
8.2 User Content Ownership
As between Matchouse and you, any content that you lawfully upload to the Platform remains yours (or your licensors') intellectual property. However, by posting it, you give Matchouse the rights described in Section 6.2 (Content License) to use that content. You also agree that we may preserve or disclose your content and account information if required by law or in the good faith belief that such preservation or disclosure is reasonably necessary to (for example) comply with legal processes, enforce these Terms, respond to claims of infringement, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Matchouse, its users, and the public.
8.3 Infringement Claims
Matchouse respects intellectual property rights. If you believe that any content on the Platform infringes your copyright or other IP rights, you should notify us in writing with details, and we will investigate. We have procedures (consistent with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) for U.S. content or relevant UK copyright law) to remove infringing content and terminate repeat infringers where applicable.
8.4 Third-Party IP in Listings
You must not use third-party trademarks or copyrighted material in your listings or profile without permission. For example, if you are a contractor, you should not use a manufacturer's logo in a way that implies endorsement unless authorized. If you are an Estate Agent, you should have rights to use any photographs or floorplans you upload (e.g., either you took them or have a license). You agree to indemnify Matchouse for any claims that your content infringes another's rights (see Section 11).
8.5 Feedback
If you submit suggestions, ideas, or feedback to Matchouse regarding the Platform or our services ("Feedback"), you acknowledge that such Feedback is not confidential and you grant us a worldwide, perpetual license to use and incorporate that Feedback into our products or services without any obligation to compensate you. This helps us improve our Platform.
9. Disclaimer of Warranties
Use of Platform at Your Risk: Matchouse provides the Platform and all services on an "as is" and "as available" basis. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, representations, and conditions, whether express, implied or statutory, including but not limited to any implied warranties of title, accuracy, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not guarantee that any information (including Listings or Content) is accurate, complete, or reliable.
No Warranty on Outcomes: Matchouse makes no warranty or representation regarding the results that may be obtained from the use of the Platform. This includes no guarantee that using the Platform will result in a successful tenancy, sale, service engagement, or any business benefit. Any decisions made based on information on the Platform (such as deciding to rent a property or hire a professional) are made at your own risk. Users are strongly advised to verify information independently and seek professional advice where appropriate.
Not Responsible for User Conduct: We are not responsible for the acts or omissions of any User on the Platform. We do not endorse any Users or their Content. You understand that actual interactions with others (in person or off the Platform) are solely at your own risk. Matchouse does not have control over, and does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, truthfulness, or suitability of any property or service; the ability of Landlords or Agents to rent or sell property; the ability of Tenants or Buyers to pay; or the ability of Service Professionals to perform services or Service Seekers to pay for them.
Third-Party Services: Any third-party services, tools, or links made available on or through the Platform (such as payment gateways, identity verification services, insurance offerings, or external websites) are provided for your convenience. We make no warranty or representation regarding these third-party services. Your use of third-party services is at your own discretion and risk, and will be governed by the terms of those third parties. Matchouse is not responsible for any issues arising from third-party services, and you should read their terms and privacy policies carefully.
Beta Features: If Matchouse is testing or piloting new features (labeled as "beta" or otherwise not fully released), those are provided without any warranties whatsoever and solely for evaluation. We welcome feedback but take no responsibility if they misfunction.
Statutory Rights for Consumers: If you are using the Platform as a consumer (i.e., for personal use, not in the course of business), note that some of the above exclusions or disclaimers may not apply to you to the extent that the law (for instance, the Consumer Rights Act 2015) provides you certain protections. However, in such cases, our liability is limited to the fullest extent permissible (see Section 10 below). Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights.
No Duty to Monitor: While we strive to provide a safe platform, we assume no responsibility for monitoring the Platform for inappropriate content or conduct. We are also not responsible for the failure to store any Content or communications, or the deletion or loss of any personal data on the Platform, if you have not maintained your own backup of important information.
10. Limitation of Liability and Dispute Resolution
10.1 Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by law, Matchouse (including our affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, or suppliers) will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or any loss of profits, revenue, business opportunity, goodwill, or data, arising out of or in connection with your use of (or inability to use) the Platform or any transaction or relationship between users.
Matchouse shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from:
- a. False, misleading, or defamatory Content posted by users, or any reliance you place on information obtained through the Platform. It is your responsibility to verify information and we shall not be liable for decisions you make based on Content.
- b. Personal injury or property damage occurring in the course of property viewings, rentals, sales, or service provision arranged through Matchouse, except to the extent caused by our negligence (and in that event, our liability is not excluded but may be limited as per this Section and law).
- c. Failure of a party to pay or fulfill obligations in a transaction (e.g., a Tenant failing to pay rent, a Service Professional failing to perform, or a Buyer or Seller breaching a contract). These are risks inherent in peer-to-peer dealings and are outside Matchouse's control.
- d. Any interruption or cessation of access to the Platform, including as a result of technical issues or maintenance. While we aim for high availability, we do not guarantee the Platform will be available at all times, and downtime or bugs may occur.
- e. Viruses or malicious code transmitted to or through our Platform by any third party, or any unauthorized access to or use of our secure servers and/or any personal or financial information stored therein.
- f. Events outside our reasonable control (Force Majeure), such as acts of God, acts of government, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, labor strikes, internet or power outages, or pandemics, that prevent us from providing the Platform or related services.
In any event, if Matchouse is found liable to you for any claim or cause of action, and to the extent permissible by law, our total liability to you (including legal fees) shall not exceed the greater of: (i) the total amounts you have paid to Matchouse in the 12 months prior to the event giving rise to the liability (if any), and (ii) GBP £100. This limitation applies collectively to all claims you may bring against us, our affiliates, officers, employees, etc.
10.2 Non-Excludable Liability
Nothing in these Terms shall limit or exclude our liability for any liability that cannot be limited or excluded by law. In particular, we do not limit liability for death or personal injury caused by our own negligence, or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which by law cannot be limited or excluded. However, if you are using the Platform in the course of a business, please note that we are not liable for death or personal injury to the extent the law allows such liability to be limited in a business context.
If applicable law does not allow the exclusion of certain warranties or liabilities, or if you are a consumer with certain rights, some of the above disclaimers or limitations may not apply to you. In such cases, to the extent a limitation is disallowed, our liability will be limited to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
10.3 Dispute Resolution Between Users
Matchouse is not obliged to mediate disputes between users (e.g., between a Landlord and Tenant, or between a Service Professional and Customer), but we may offer to facilitate communication or provide a dispute resolution process at our discretion. If you find yourself in a dispute with another user, we encourage you to first communicate clearly and work together in good faith to resolve the issue. Many misunderstandings can be resolved by direct dialogue.
If direct negotiation fails, you may contact Matchouse support with a summary of the issue. We may then, at our sole discretion, attempt to assist (for example, by contacting the other party and gathering each side's position). You must cooperate with any investigation we undertake into a dispute. After our investigation, we reserve the right (but are not obliged) to make a final determination and resolution of the dispute. This could include, for instance, deciding to refund a payment, allocate a disputed amount between parties, suspend one or both accounts, or require the return of property. By using the Platform, you agree that Matchouse's decision in any such mediated dispute will be binding on the parties, however each party retains the right to pursue legal recourse outside the Platform if they do not accept our decision.
For clarity, any dispute resolution assistance provided by Matchouse is a goodwill service to facilitate user satisfaction and does not mean we assume liability for the underlying dispute. If a user violates our Terms or policies, we may enforce our rights (e.g., terminating an account, as per Section 4.5 and 6.3) regardless of the outcome of a user-user dispute.
10.4 Disputes with Matchouse
If you have a complaint or dispute regarding Matchouse's own services (as opposed to a dispute with another user), please contact us first to attempt resolution. We value our users and will try to resolve any valid concerns. If we are unable to resolve the dispute amicably, the laws and jurisdiction as set forth in Section 12 will apply to any legal proceedings. You agree that, prior to initiating any legal claim against Matchouse, you will provide us written notice of the dispute and a reasonable opportunity (not less than 30 days) to resolve it, before any litigation is filed.
10.5 Release
In consideration for the privilege of using the Platform, you agree that in the event you have any dispute with any other user, you release Matchouse (and our officers, directors, agents, subsidiaries, joint ventures, and employees) from all claims, demands, and damages of every kind and nature, known or unknown, arising out of or in any way connected with such dispute. You also waive any protections (whether statutory or otherwise) that would limit this release to include only those claims which you may know or suspect to exist at the time of agreeing to this release. (If you are a California resident, this means you waive California Civil Code §1542, and if you are a UK resident, this release covers all such claims to the fullest extent permitted by law.)
11. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend (at our request), and hold harmless Matchouse and its affiliates, and each of their officers, directors, employees, and agents, from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) that arise out of or relate to:
- Your breach of these Terms or of any other applicable policy or guidelines;
- Your violation of any law or regulation or the rights of any third party in connection with your use of the Platform;
- Any Content you submit or post on the Platform (including claims that your Content infringes or misappropriates third-party intellectual property or privacy rights);
- Your conduct and interactions with other Users, including any contractual or quasi-contractual obligations to other Users that you fail to fulfill, and including any harm or damage you cause to another person or property in connection with your use of the Platform;
- If you are a Service Professional or Landlord/Estate Agent: any claims by a Service Seeker or Tenant/Buyer arising from the services or property you provided or failed to provide, including, as applicable, claims of personal injury, property damage, financial loss, or statutory violations (e.g., a claim that a Landlord violated landlord-tenant law, or a Professional's work caused damage).
This indemnity extends to any fines, penalties, or fees imposed by a regulatory authority or court arising out of your conduct.
Matchouse reserves the right, at our own expense, to assume exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you (without limiting your indemnification obligations with respect to that matter). If we do assume the defense of a matter, you will reasonably cooperate with us in such defense. We will use reasonable efforts to notify you of any such claim, action, or proceeding upon becoming aware of it.
12. Termination and Suspension
12.1 By You
You may stop using the Platform at any time. If you wish to delete your account, you may do so through your account settings or by contacting Matchouse support. Account closure will not affect any ongoing obligations you have to other Users (for instance, if you are in the middle of a rental or service contract, you should resolve that with the other party). Upon deletion, your profile may no longer be visible, but any Content you posted (such as reviews or forum posts) may remain in anonymized form. We may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (like fraud prevention or record-keeping).
12.2 By Matchouse
As noted in Section 4.5, we may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms or any policies, or if we suspect fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity. We may also terminate your account if required by law (for example, due to sanctions, court order, or a legal settlement), or if providing the services to you is no longer commercially viable or feasible for us. We will endeavor to give you notice of termination or suspension when reasonably possible, but we may suspend immediately in some scenarios (e.g., to prevent harm or if we believe your account is compromised).
12.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination of your account, whether by you or us, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. You must cease all use of the Platform and any of our content. We may revoke your password and may bar any further access to your account. You will not be entitled to any refunds for purchases (including Credits) if your account is terminated for cause (i.e., due to your breach). If we terminate without cause (e.g., we close the Platform entirely), we will refund any prepaid amounts for services not rendered, or remaining credits, to the extent feasible. Any provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (such as indemnities, limitation of liability, dispute resolution, and licenses granted to Matchouse) will survive.
12.4 Right to Appeal
If your account is terminated or suspended and you believe it was a mistake, you may contact us to appeal the decision. We may (but are not obliged to) provide a review of the decision and potentially reinstate the account if we find in our discretion that circumstances warrant it. During suspension, your access is limited; do not attempt to circumvent the suspension by creating new accounts.
12.5 Multiple Accounts and Re-registration
If you have been terminated or suspended, you must not attempt to create new accounts or access the Platform through other accounts. Matchouse reserves the right to terminate any new account that we determine is an attempt to circumvent a prior ban, and such termination may be immediate without notice.
13. Miscellaneous
13.1 Changes to Terms
Matchouse may revise or update these Terms from time to time. We will notify users of any material changes (for example, by posting a notice on the Platform or sending an email) and update the "last updated" date at the top. By continuing to use the Platform after changes become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Platform and, if applicable, delete your account. It is your responsibility to check for updates to these Terms periodically.
13.2 Entire Agreement
These Terms (including any additional policies or terms referenced and incorporated, such as the Privacy Policy and any applicable usage guidelines or fee schedules) constitute the entire agreement between you and Matchouse regarding the Platform. They supersede all prior understandings or agreements (whether oral or written) regarding the Platform. Any waiver of any provision of these Terms will be effective only if in writing and signed by Matchouse.
13.3 No Waiver
Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be considered a waiver of that right. No waiver by us of any breach or default by you shall be deemed a waiver of any preceding or subsequent breach or default.
13.4 Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permissible, and the remaining provisions of these Terms will remain in full force and effect. We will, in good faith, modify or replace the invalid or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that achieves, to the extent possible, the original intent and economic effect of the original provision.
13.5 No Assignment by User
You may not assign, transfer, or delegate any rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent. Any attempted assignment by you without consent is null. Matchouse may freely assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms (for example, in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, or by operation of law) with notice to you as required by law.
13.6 No Agency
No joint venture, partnership, employment, or agency relationship is created between you and Matchouse as a result of these Terms or your use of the Platform. You and Matchouse are independent contracting parties. Likewise, no relationship of agency or employment is created between Matchouse and any Service Professional, Landlord, or other user by their use of the Platform; users are not Matchouse's agents and cannot represent or bind Matchouse in any way.
13.7 Third-Party Rights
These Terms do not confer any rights on any third party, except that any affiliate of Matchouse that is involved in providing the Platform is an express third-party beneficiary of these Terms with the right to enforce them.
13.8 Communications
Matchouse may contact you via the Platform, email, phone, or mail using the contact information you provided. When you contact us, you agree we may record or monitor communications for quality and training. Official notices to Matchouse should be sent to our registered business address (as provided on our website) or to any email address designated for legal notices.
13.9 Governing Law
These Terms and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. We specifically exclude the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, which does not apply to the Platform.
13.10 Jurisdiction
You and Matchouse agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms or their subject matter. If you are a consumer resident in Northern Ireland or Scotland, you may also bring proceedings in the courts of your home country. Matchouse reserves the right to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in any jurisdiction to enforce these Terms or to stop or prevent an infringement of rights or any illegal or unethical activity.
13.11 Due Diligence Reminder
Finally, we remind all users that while Matchouse strives to create a safe and reliable community, it is crucial to exercise due diligence in all interactions and transactions. Verify information, use common sense, and take independent professional advice when appropriate. Matchouse provides tools and a venue, but the ultimate decision and responsibility rest with you. Stay vigilant, be informed, and happy matching!
If you have any questions about these Terms or need to contact Matchouse for any reason, please refer to the contact information provided on our Platform. By clicking "Accept" or by using our Platform, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms, understand them, and agree to be bound by them.
Revised 07 May 2025 copyright Matchouse Limited 2024-2025