Legal Information

Terms of Service

Last updated: October 11, 2026

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of TheHandyHack platform and services. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our platform.

Platform Disclaimer

CRITICAL DISCLAIMER - READ CAREFULLY:

TheHandyHack is only a technology platform that connects users. We do NOT provide handyman services.
We are not responsible for the quality, safety, legality, or completion of any services.
We do not employ, supervise, or control any handymen on our platform.
Work agreements are directly between users. TheHandyHack does not perform the work, but administers platform payment rules and may instruct Stripe to transfer or refund funds under these Terms.
We make no warranties or guarantees about any services performed through our platform.

By using our platform, you acknowledge that TheHandyHack acts solely as an intermediary technology service and bears no responsibility for user interactions, work quality, or outcomes.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Model

TheHandyHack operates as a neighborhood connection platform where:

Individual neighbors post jobs they need help with
Individual handymen offer their personal services
We facilitate introductions between neighbors
All work arrangements are private agreements between individuals
We do not hire, employ, or contract with service providers
We do not manage, supervise, or guarantee any work performed
We are not a construction company or service business
We simply provide the technology platform for neighbors to connect

This neighbor-to-neighbor model means TheHandyHack does not direct, supervise, or perform the work. TheHandyHack does operate the marketplace, messaging, reporting, and payment-resolution tools described in these Terms.

Service Disclaimers

PLATFORM PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES:

No warranty that services will meet your requirements
No warranty that platform will be uninterrupted or error-free
No warranty regarding handyman qualifications or work quality
No warranty that background checks guarantee safety
Users acknowledge they use platform at their own risk

User Accounts

Account Registration

You must be 18 years or older to create an account
Provide accurate and complete information
Maintain the security of your account credentials
You are responsible for all activities under your account

Account Verification

Email verification confirms access to an email address. Stripe may collect identity information for payout onboarding. These checks do not establish trade qualifications, insurance coverage, or safety. Before hiring, customers should independently check:

The identity of the person who will perform the work
References and any legally permitted background checks
Current insurance coverage and required trade licenses
Skills and experience validation

User Responsibilities

All Users Must:

Provide honest and accurate information
Communicate respectfully with other users
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
Not engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
Respect intellectual property rights
Not circumvent platform fees or payment processing
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage for their activities
Assume all risks associated with using the platform

Customers Must:

Provide accurate job descriptions and requirements
Pay agreed-upon amounts promptly
Provide safe working conditions
Leave honest reviews based on actual experiences
Verify handyman credentials and insurance before hiring
Secure valuable items during service appointments

Handymen Must:

Accurately represent skills and experience
Complete work according to agreed specifications
Maintain appropriate licenses and insurance
Follow safety protocols and building codes
Communicate professionally with customers
Use proper safety equipment and industry best practices

Payment Terms

Customers pay the displayed checkout total when selecting a handyperson and before work begins. Stripe processes the charge on the platform and safeguards the resulting payment balance. The service amount is not transferred to the handyperson until both parties submit matching completion instructions, both submit matching cancellation instructions, or an authorized TheHandyHack administrator resolves a reported disagreement. Matching lower-price adjustment instructions record a new proposed service amount but do not move funds; both parties must subsequently submit matching completion instructions. This delayed payout arrangement is not represented as a licensed escrow service.

The checkout total may include the agreed service amount, a platform fee, payment-processing costs, and any optional donation. A mutually approved cancellation returns the full customer payment. A mutually approved price adjustment may only decrease the service amount. No transfer or refund occurs upon the adjustment alone. After both parties subsequently confirm completion, Stripe transfers the adjusted service amount to the handyperson and returns the unused portion of the original service amount to the customer. Platform and processing charges are not recalculated for a price adjustment unless required by law or expressly stated during resolution.

If selections do not match, either party may continue negotiating or submit a private report. A private report pauses automatic payment movement. An administrator with payment authority may review the job record, shared job messages, payment history, selections, and evidence; contact the parties separately; and direct Stripe to issue a full or partial refund or a full or partial handyperson payout. Administrative payment decisions are recorded. Stripe rules, card-network rules, chargebacks, fraud reviews, reserves, and applicable law may override or delay a platform instruction.

Limitation of Liability

MAXIMUM LIABILITY: $50 OR TOTAL FEES PAID (WHICHEVER IS LESS)

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

TheHandyHack shall NOT be liable for property damage, personal injury, or death
We are NOT liable for theft, loss, or damage to personal belongings
We are NOT responsible for work quality, completion, or disputes between users
We are NOT liable for financial losses, lost profits, or consequential damages
Our total liability is limited to the lesser of $50 or fees you paid to us
Users assume ALL RISKS when using our platform

Insurance Requirement: All users must maintain appropriate insurance coverage. Handymen must have general liability insurance. Customers should verify their homeowner's/renter's insurance covers contractor work.

Rights that cannot be waived

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability or limits consumer rights where doing so is prohibited by applicable law. Any disclaimer, liability limit, or indemnity applies only to the extent permitted by law, including the rules governing our own conduct. Reporting a concern or requesting a refund does not waive your legal rights.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

Creating fake accounts or impersonating others
Posting false or misleading job descriptions
Attempting to bypass platform payment systems
Engaging in discriminatory behavior
Harassing or threatening other users
Posting inappropriate or offensive content
Attempting to damage or interfere with platform operations
Using the platform for illegal activities
Working without proper licenses or insurance where required

Dispute Resolution

Reporting Issues

If issues arise, the parties should first use the job conversation and resolution proposals to attempt cancellation, corrective work, completion, or a lower final price:

Communicate with the other party and document the requested outcome
Each party independently submits Cancelled, Pay Adjust, or Complete
Matching Pay Adjust selections record the agreed lower amount without moving money
After an adjustment, both parties must separately submit Complete before the adjusted payout and calculated refund are processed
Matching Cancelled or Complete selections are processed through Stripe
Nonmatching selections leave the payment unchanged while negotiation continues
Either party may privately elevate the job to TheHandyHack

Private reports are not posted to the shared conversation. To protect safety and reduce retaliation risk, TheHandyHack may initially avoid disclosing the reporter or report details. The other party may later receive a neutral notice that payment is under review and a fair opportunity to provide relevant information. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when disclosure is legally required or reasonably necessary to investigate and resolve the matter.

A bank or card chargeback is separate from the platform resolution process and is governed by Stripe and card-network procedures. Initiating a private report does not restrict either party's legal rights.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TheHandyHack from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

Your use of the platform
Services you provide or receive through the platform
Your violation of these Terms
Property damage or personal injury during service appointments
Any disputes with other users

Account Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts immediately for violations of these Terms, including:

Fraudulent or deceptive behavior
Repeated policy violations
Safety concerns or complaints
Non-payment or payment disputes
Working without proper licensing or insurance

Users may delete their accounts at any time through account settings. Termination does not relieve users of obligations incurred before termination.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated to users via email or platform notification. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

Email: legal@thehandyhack.com