This Contributor & Payer Protection Policy (Policy) explains the protections, limitations, and responsibilities that apply to individuals who pay rent or shared household expenses through the PoolSpace platform.

This Policy forms part of and must be read together with PoolSpace's Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and AML Policy.

• Provide transparency about how rent and household expense Collections operate.
• Clarify the protections PoolSpace provides.
• Explain the responsibilities and risks payers accept.
• Define PoolSpace's role and limitations.

PoolSpace is a technology platform. We do not act as a trustee, escrow agent, guarantor, insurer, or financial intermediary.

PoolSpace enables payers to make rent or shared household expense payments to Collections created by Organizers for designated Recipients.

• PoolSpace does not hold or custody funds.
• PoolSpace does not guarantee a Collection's stated purpose or outcome.
• PoolSpace does not guarantee how funds will be used after payout.
• PoolSpace does not guarantee that fraud will not occur.

All payments and payouts are processed by Stripe, our third-party payment services provider.

Collection due dates or end dates stop new payments, and recurring rent schedules can change future payment amounts without rewriting past cycle history. Stripe payouts are handled from the connected account balance according to Stripe's payout schedule and may include funds from multiple Collections using the same Stripe account.

By making a payment, you acknowledge that you reviewed the Collection details before paying, including the amount, due date, payment destination, and organizer information, and that PoolSpace is not responsible for disputes between users.

You assume the risk of paying an incorrect or disputed rent or household expense Collection if the organizer entered inaccurate details.

Payments are generally non-refundable once processed. PoolSpace does not issue refunds except where required by applicable law.

Payers may have the right to dispute a charge through their card issuer in accordance with card network rules and applicable consumer protection laws. Stripe administers payment disputes and chargebacks.

PoolSpace does not control or guarantee the outcome of dispute proceedings initiated through banks or payment networks.

To reduce misuse, PoolSpace and Stripe may implement safeguards including recipient identity verification through Stripe, bank account verification through Stripe, locking payment-sensitive fields once payments begin, monitoring Collections for suspicious patterns, and suspending account access pending review.

These safeguards reduce risk but do not eliminate the possibility of fraud.

If fraud or policy violations are suspected, PoolSpace may suspend or disable Collections, restrict account access, share information with Stripe, and cooperate with law enforcement.

Stripe may delay, restrict, or block payouts and reverse transactions in accordance with payment network rules.

PoolSpace does not guarantee recovery of funds in cases of fraud or misuse.

Once Stripe transfers funds to the verified Recipient, PoolSpace does not control or monitor use of funds. Responsibility for lawful and appropriate use rests solely with the Organizer and/or Recipient.

PoolSpace disclaims liability for misuse, misappropriation, or unlawful use of funds after payout.

PoolSpace does not mediate or adjudicate disputes between Payers, Organizers, housemates, landlords, or Recipients. Payers agree to resolve disputes directly with the Organizer or Recipient.

PoolSpace may provide limited factual information to support lawful investigations but is not obligated to intervene.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, PoolSpace is not liable for losses arising from rent or shared expense payments, inaccurate Collection details, actions or omissions of Organizers or Recipients, chargebacks or payment reversals, or delays or compliance actions taken by Stripe.

If PoolSpace is found liable notwithstanding the above, total liability shall not exceed the PoolSpace service fees, if any, paid to PoolSpace in connection with the relevant payment.

Payers agree to use authorized payment methods, not use stolen or fraudulent payment instruments, comply with all applicable laws, and review rent or household expense Collection details before paying.

Failure to comply may result in suspension of platform access.

PoolSpace may update this Policy at any time. Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of any updates.

This Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, United States, and the Federal Arbitration Act, where applicable.