Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Straightforward Casa ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

2. Platform Description

Straightforward Casa is an online marketplace that allows:

• Landlords to advertise rental properties via a subscription model.
• Tenants to browse listings and send direct enquiries to landlords.

All tenancy negotiations, agreements, rent payments, and deposit arrangements are the sole responsibility of the landlord and tenant directly. Straightforward Casa is not a party to any tenancy.

3. User Accounts

• You must be 18 or over to create an account.
• You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account credentials.
• You may not create multiple accounts or impersonate another person.

4. Landlord Obligations

• All property listings must be accurate and not misleading.
• Landlords must comply with all applicable UK letting legislation including the Tenant Fees Act 2019, the Housing Act 1988, and all safety certificate requirements.
• Fraudulent or misleading listings will be removed and accounts terminated.
• Subscription fees are non-refundable except where required by law.

4a. Legal & Statutory Responsibilities (Landlord)

Straightforward Casa is an introductions and listing platform only. We do not let properties, grant tenancies, act as a letting agent, or perform any statutory checks on your behalf. The following duties rest solely with the landlord (or the landlord's appointed letting agent) and are not the responsibility of the Platform:

• Right to Rent checks. Under the Immigration Act 2014, the landlord must check that all prospective adult occupants have a lawful right to rent in the UK before the tenancy begins. The Platform does not verify immigration status and accepts no liability for a landlord's failure to comply.
• Gas safety. An annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) from a Gas Safe registered engineer, provided to the tenant before move-in.
• Electrical safety. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every 5 years, plus PAT testing of any supplied appliances.
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). A valid EPC rated E or above, provided free of charge to the tenant.
• Deposit protection. Any tenancy deposit must be protected in an approved scheme (DPS, mydeposits or TDS) within 30 days, with prescribed information issued to the tenant.
• "How to Rent" guide. The current version of the government's How to Rent guide must be issued to the tenant at the start of the tenancy.
• Tenant Fees Act 2019. No prohibited charges may be levied on tenants.
• HMO licensing. Where a property is a House in Multiple Occupation, the landlord must obtain the required local authority licence.

By listing a property on the Platform, the landlord confirms they understand and will discharge all of the above obligations. The Platform gives no legal advice and recommends landlords seek professional or legal guidance where unsure. These terms are not a substitute for independent legal advice.

5. Tenant Obligations

• Enquiries must be genuine. Spam or abusive messages are prohibited.
• Tenants use the platform free of charge. No fees are levied on tenants for browsing or enquiring.

6. Subscriptions & Payments

• Landlord subscriptions are billed monthly via Stripe.
• Plans may be cancelled at any time; access continues until the end of the billing period.
• Straightforward Casa does not process rent, deposits, or any money between landlords and tenants.

7. Limitation of Liability

Straightforward Casa is not liable for: the accuracy of listings, the conduct of any landlord or tenant, any dispute arising from a tenancy, loss of rental income, or any indirect or consequential loss. Our liability is limited to the subscription fees paid in the prior 3 months.

8. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

9. Contact

For legal queries: legal@straightforward.casa