Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the FirstCross platform ("Platform"), including our website, mobile application, and all related services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and FirstCross ("we," "our," or "us"). We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform, and your continued use after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Platform.
• You must have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement.
• You must provide accurate and truthful information during registration and at all times while using the Platform.
• Renters: You must be a working professional from a recognized employer to complete verification and access property listings.
• Owners: You must be the legal owner of the property you list or have documented authorization from the legal owner to list the property on their behalf.

3. Account Registration and Verification

3.1 Account Creation

• All users must register with a valid mobile phone number verified through OTP (One-Time Password).
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
• You are liable for all activities conducted under your account.
• You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized access to your account.
• Each individual may maintain only one account on the Platform.

3.2 Renter Verification

• Renters must verify their identity through a corporate email address (e.g., name@company.com).
• The corporate email domain is cross-referenced against our database of recognized corporate domains.
• Browsing property listings is available only after completing both phone number and corporate email verification.
• Periodic re-verification may be required to confirm continued employment status.
• Providing a fraudulent or misleading corporate email address is a violation of these Terms and grounds for immediate account termination.

3.3 Owner Verification

• Owners must verify their identity through mobile phone number OTP verification.
• Misrepresentation of property ownership is a violation of these Terms and may result in legal action.

4. Platform Usage Rules

4.1 For Renters

• Genuine Intent: Connection requests must be made in good faith with genuine interest in the listed property.
• Flagging: Renters may flag listings they suspect are posted by brokers or contain false information. Flags must be submitted honestly and in good faith.
• Prohibited Conduct: Renters must not use the Platform to solicit services, advertise, spam property owners, or engage in any activity unrelated to finding rental accommodation.

4.2 For Owners

• Listing Requirements: Each property listing must include photographs, accurate property details (address, rent, deposit, amenities, property type, size), and truthful availability information.
• Listing Accuracy: All listing information must be truthful, current, and not misleading. Properties must be genuinely available for rent at the stated terms.

4.3 Prohibited Activities (All Users)

The following activities are strictly prohibited on the Platform:

• Operating as a real estate broker, agent, or intermediary on the Platform.
• Creating multiple accounts to circumvent Platform rules or limits.
• Posting false, misleading, or fraudulent property listings.
• Harassing, threatening, or abusing other users.
• Collecting personal information of other users for purposes unrelated to rental transactions.
• Using automated bots, scrapers, or tools to access the Platform.
• Attempting to circumvent security measures, verification processes, or daily limits.
• Submitting false or malicious flag reports against legitimate users.
• Using the Platform for any illegal purpose or in violation of applicable laws.
• Engaging in discriminatory practices in property rental based on caste, religion, gender, marital status, or any other protected characteristic.

5. Broker-Free Policy

FirstCross is designed exclusively for direct owner-renter connections. The following rules are central to our Platform:

• No Broker Participation: Real estate brokers, agents, property dealers, and intermediaries are expressly prohibited from using the Platform in any capacity.
• Community Reporting: Users are encouraged to report suspected broker activity through the flagging system. Multiple flags from different verified renters trigger an investigation.

6. Connection and Communication

• Contact details (phone numbers) are shared between users only after mutual connection acceptance.
• Once a connection is established, communication between renters and owners occurs directly and outside the Platform.
• FirstCross is not responsible for the content, quality, or outcome of direct communications between users.
• All rental agreements, negotiations, property visits, and transactions are conducted between the parties independently. FirstCross does not mediate, guarantee, or participate in these arrangements.

7. Flagging and Moderation

7.1 Flag Submission

• Verified renters may flag property listings for the following reasons: suspected broker activity, duplicate listings, false or misleading information, non-existent properties, or scam/fraud attempts.
• Flags must be submitted in good faith with honest reasoning.

7.2 Flag Review Process

• Submitted flags are reviewed using a combination of automated pattern analysis and manual review.
• Multiple flags from different renters against the same listing or owner trigger an expedited investigation.
• If broker activity is confirmed: the listing is removed immediately, the owner account is suspended, and repeated violations lead to permanent ban.

7.3 Appeals

• Suspended users may submit an appeal with supporting documentation.
• If the appeal is successful, the suspension is lifted and the account is fully restored.
• Appeal decisions are communicated transparently to the user.

8. Fees and Payments

• FirstCross is currently free for all users. There are no subscription fees, brokerage charges, listing fees, or pay-per-contact costs.
• Any financial transactions related to property rental (rent payments, deposits, maintenance charges) are conducted directly between owners and renters. FirstCross does not process, facilitate, or guarantee any such payments.

9. Intellectual Property

• The Platform, including its design, code, branding, logos, and content (excluding user-generated content), is the intellectual property of FirstCross and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws.
• By posting content on the Platform (property photos, descriptions, etc.), you grant FirstCross a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute such content for the purpose of operating the Platform.
• You retain ownership of content you create. You may remove your content by deleting your listing or account.

10. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

10.1 Platform Role

FirstCross is a marketplace platform that facilitates connections between property owners and renters. We are not a party to any rental agreement, transaction, or arrangement between users.

10.2 No Warranties

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. We make no warranties, express or implied, regarding:

• The accuracy, completeness, or reliability of property listings or user-provided information.
• The identity, legitimacy, or conduct of any user, despite our verification processes.
• The condition, legality, or suitability of any listed property.
• The outcome of any rental arrangement between users.
• Uninterrupted or error-free Platform availability.

10.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, FirstCross shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to your use of the Platform, including but not limited to:

• Losses from rental transactions, including deposits or advance payments.
• Damages resulting from fraudulent, misleading, or inaccurate listings.
• Disputes between renters and property owners.
• Loss of data, revenue, or business opportunities.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FirstCross, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Platform.
• Your violation of these Terms.
• Your violation of any rights of another user or third party.
• Any content you post on the Platform.

12. Account Suspension and Termination

• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time for violation of these Terms, including but not limited to broker activity, fraudulent conduct, or abuse of the Platform.
• You may delete your account at any time by contacting us.
• Upon account termination, your listings will be removed, and your personal data will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

• These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.
• Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms or your use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
• Before initiating legal proceedings, parties agree to attempt resolution through good-faith negotiation and, if necessary, mediation.

14. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and Community Guidelines, constitute the entire agreement between you and FirstCross regarding the use of the Platform, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms of Service, please contact us at:

• Email: admin@firstcross.in