1. Introduction
1.1 These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Housepanther.ng ("Housepanther", "we", "our", or "us") governing your use of our website, mobile services, and all related digital platforms (collectively, the "Platform").
1.2 Housepanther operates exclusively within the Federal Republic of Nigeria and provides an online accommodation marketplace where independent third-party property owners, managers, and authorized hosts ("Hosts") list short-stay apartments, and users ("Guests") may browse, request, and book such listings.
1.3 By accessing or using the Platform in any capacity—including browsing, creating an account, listing a property, or completing a booking—you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must discontinue use of the Platform immediately.
1.4 You acknowledge and agree that Housepanther is not a real estate agent, property manager, hotel operator, landlord, or legal representative of any Host. We do not own, oversee, or supervise the properties listed on our Platform.
2. Scope and Nature of Our Services
2.1 Housepanther provides digital tools allowing Hosts to upload, manage, and publish listings, and enabling Guests to discover and book short-stay accommodations.
2.2 Our services include displaying listings, processing Guest payments, remitting payouts to Hosts, providing communication tools, and offering limited customer support.
2.3 Housepanther does not:
a) inspect, maintain, repair, or verify properties;
b) guarantee accuracy or completeness of Host-provided information;
c) confirm ownership, legal compliance, or suitability of listed properties;
d) guarantee availability, pricing, or property conditions.
2.4 Any interaction, agreement, or arrangement between Hosts and Guests is entered into solely between those parties. Housepanther is not a party to rental or occupancy agreements.
2.5 Housepanther may introduce premium features, verification programs, loyalty programs, or expanded listing types in the future. Additional terms may apply.
3. Eligibility and User Accounts
3.1 You must be at least 18 years of age and legally capable of entering binding agreements under Nigerian law to use the Platform.
3.2 When creating an account, you agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information.
3.3 You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials. Housepanther is not liable for unauthorized access resulting from compromised credentials.
3.4 Housepanther reserves the right to suspend, limit, or terminate any account that:
a) violates these Terms;
b) engages in fraud, abuse, or suspicious activity;
c) provides misleading or unlawful content.
4. Payment Terms
4.1 All Guest payments are made directly to Housepanther, not to the Host. Housepanther acts as the payment collector and settlement facilitator.
4.2 Accepted payment methods include:
a) Paystack
b) Flutterwave
c) Direct Bank Transfer
d) Cryptocurrency (USDT, XRP, LTC)
4.3 Crypto payments may be subject to network fees, blockchain confirmations, exchange fluctuations, and settlement delays.
4.4 Payouts to Hosts are processed only after the Guest’s check-in window begins or as otherwise specified by Housepanther. Payout schedules may vary due to bank processes, crypto network congestion, or compliance checks.
4.5 Housepanther may request verification or documentation for high-value payments or suspicious transactions.
4.5 Housepanther may request verification or documentation for high-value payments or suspicious transactions.
5. Service Fees
5.1 Housepanther charges service fees to Hosts, Guests, or both. Fees may vary based on market factors, location, listing category, or promotional programs.
5.2 All charges are disclosed before booking confirmation or withdrawal payout.
5.3 Fees are generally non-refundable except where mandated by law or explicitly approved by Housepanther.
6. Host Obligations and Representations
6.1 By listing a property, the Host warrants that:
a) they have full legal rights, landlord permissions, or property ownership to offer the accommodation;
b) the listing information is truthful, accurate, and updated;
c) the property complies with applicable Nigerian laws and estate rules.
6.2 Hosts are solely responsible for:
a) property safety, cleanliness, and habitability;
b) functional amenities and appliances;
c) ensuring accuracy of photos, descriptions, and availability;
d) providing timely check-in details;
e) resolving all property-related issues reported by Guests.
6.3 Hosts assume full liability for:
a) property defects or hazards;
b) legal violations;
c) damages, losses, or claims arising from the stay.
6.4 Housepanther may remove, restrict, or downgrade listings that are unsafe, misleading, unlawful, or repeatedly problematic.
7. Guest Responsibilities
7.1 Guests agree to:
a) provide accurate booking information and maintain communication;
b) follow Host-specific rules, estate rules, and Nigerian laws;
c) use the property responsibly and maintain its condition;
d) avoid unlawful, disruptive, or damaging conduct.
7.2 Guests are financially responsible for any damage, missing property, or violations caused during their stay.
7.3 Violation of Host rules may result in immediate removal without refund.
8. Booking Process
8.1 A booking becomes valid only when:
a) the Guest completes full payment;
b) Housepanther confirms receipt of funds;
c) the Host approves the booking where applicable.
8.2 Housepanther may decline bookings that appear suspicious, fraudulent, or operationally impractical.
8.3 Hosts retain the right to accept or decline Guests. Housepanther is not liable for Host decisions.
9. Cancellation and Refund Rules
9.1 Guests may request a refund within 5 hours of payment. Refunds are processed in accordance with this clause.
9.2 After 5 hours, payments become strictly non-refundable, except where:
a) the Host fails to provide access to the property;
b) the listing is proven to be fraudulent or materially misrepresented;
c) Nigerian law mandates a refund.
9.3 Crypto refunds are issued in the same currency based on prevailing value at time of refund. Housepanther is not responsible for losses due to volatility.
9.4 Housepanther may request evidence to review refund claims.
10. Content Ownership and Restrictions
10.1 The Platform’s design, software, trademarks, layout, and all proprietary materials are owned by or licensed to Housepanther.
10.2 Users may not:
a) scrape, copy, or systematically extract Platform content;
b) reverse-engineer Platform software;
c) use our branding without written permission;
d) post unlawful, defamatory, or fraudulent content.
11. Reviews and User Content
11.1 Guests may submit reviews reflecting their experience.
11.2 Reviews must be genuine, factual, and respectful.
11.3 Housepanther may remove reviews containing:
a) personal data;
b) defamatory or unlawful statements;
c) fraudulent or malicious intent.
11.4 By submitting reviews, you grant Housepanther a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use such content for platform improvement or marketing purposes.
12. Platform Availability and Technical Issues
12.1 Housepanther strives to maintain a functional, secure, and accessible Platform but does not guarantee uninterrupted service.
12.2 The Platform may experience maintenance downtime, system upgrades, outages, or technical failures.
12.3 Housepanther is not liable for business losses, data loss, or disruptions caused by technical issues.
13. Limitation of Liability
13.1 To the fullest extent permitted under Nigerian law, Housepanther disclaims all warranties, express or implied, regarding property quality, suitability, or accuracy of listings.
13.2 Housepanther is not responsible for:
a) damages, injuries, theft, or losses occurring at listed properties;
b) inaccuracies or false statements by Hosts;
c) actions, decisions, or behaviours of Hosts or Guests;
d) delays or failures by banks, payment processors, or blockchain networks.
13.3 Housepanther’s maximum liability for any claim is strictly limited to the amount paid for the booking giving rise to the claim.
14. Indemnity
14.1 Users agree to indemnify and hold Housepanther harmless from any claim, loss, liability, or expense arising from:
a) breach of these Terms;
b) property damage;
c) legal disputes between Hosts and Guests;
d) unlawful or harmful conduct on the Platform.
15. Verification and Security Controls
15.1 Housepanther may request identity documents, proof of property rights, estate permissions, or other verification materials.
15.2 Failure to provide verification may result in delayed payouts, listing removal, or account termination.
16. Privacy and Data Processing
16.1 Housepanther processes personal data in accordance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
16.2 Data may be used for identity verification, fraud prevention, transaction processing, customer support, and service improvement.
16.3 By using the Platform, you consent to such data processing.
17. Termination
17.1 Housepanther may suspend or terminate user accounts for violations, fraud, abuse, or legal requirements.
17.2 Users may close their accounts at any time, provided no pending bookings or disputes exist.
18. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
18.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
18.2 Disputes must first be addressed through good-faith informal negotiation.
18.3 If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted exclusively to Nigerian courts with appropriate jurisdiction.
19. Amendments
19.1 Housepanther may update these Terms periodically.
19.2 Continued use of the Platform after updates constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.
20. Contact Information
For inquiries, complaints, or support:
Email: support@housepanther.ng
Website: https://housepanther.ng