Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using The Sitter App, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Service Description

The Sitter App is a marketplace platform connecting clients with independent service providers for babysitting, pet sitting, elderly care, and tutoring services. We do not employ providers - they are independent contractors.

3. User Accounts

• You must be 18+ to create an account
• You are responsible for maintaining account security
• One account per person
• Accurate information must be provided
• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts

4. Provider Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate availability and profile information
• Provide services professionally and safely
• Maintain valid certifications and background checks
• Respond to booking requests within 24 hours
• Honor confirmed bookings or provide 24-hour cancellation notice

5. Client Responsibilities

• Provide accurate service location and requirements
• Be present or provide access for services
• Pay for confirmed services
• Cancel with appropriate notice (24 hours minimum)
• Treat providers with respect

6. Booking and Payments

• Booking Fee: 15% platform fee on all bookings
• Cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 24+ hours before. 50% refund if 12-24 hours. No refund if less than 12 hours.
• Payment Processing: Payments held in escrow and released to provider after service completion
• Disputes: Must be reported within 48 hours of service

7. Verification Fee

Providers must pay a one-time $100 verification fee for background check processing and platform access. This fee is non-refundable.

8. Prohibited Conduct

Users may not:

• Provide false or misleading information
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Conduct transactions outside the platform
• Use the platform for illegal activities
• Attempt to manipulate ratings or reviews

9. Liability and Disclaimers

• Platform Only: The Sitter App is a platform only - we do not employ providers or directly provide services
• Independent Contractors: All providers are independent contractors. We are not responsible for their actions, negligence, or violations of law
• Verification Limits: While we conduct background checks and verification, we cannot guarantee provider suitability or prevent all harm. We are not liable for provider misconduct
• Assumption of Risk: Users assume all risk associated with booking and using services through our platform
• Liability Cap: Our maximum liability is limited to the fees paid in the past 12 months, not to exceed $250
• No Warranty: Services are provided "as is" without warranty of fitness for a particular purpose
• Parent/Guardian Liability: Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising care and verifying provider credentials

10. Insurance & Safety Agreements

• Provider Insurance: Providers are required to maintain personal liability insurance or enroll in The Sitter App's optional insurance program
• Platform Coverage: Verified providers have access to platform liability coverage up to $1,000,000 per incident through our insurance partner
• Insurance is Secondary: Platform insurance is secondary to any personal insurance provider may maintain
• Coverage Limits: Insurance does NOT cover willful misconduct, gross negligence, or illegal activities
• Claims Process: Clients must report incidents within 30 days to be eligible for insurance coverage

11. Intellectual Property

All content, trademarks, and data on this platform are owned by The Sitter App Corp. Users grant us license to use content they post.

12. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with applicable laws. Users waive the right to jury trial.

13. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

14. Background Check & Minor Protection Disclaimer

Important Notice for Clients Hiring for Child Care:

• Background checks screen for criminal history but cannot predict all future behavior
• Clients remain responsible for supervising all care and verifying provider qualifications
• Clients should conduct video interviews and meet providers in person before booking
• Use platform check-in/check-out features and monitoring tools (if available)
• Report any safety concerns to our Trust & Safety team immediately
• Clients should maintain communication during service bookings

15. Age Restrictions

• Users must be 18+ to create accounts
• Babysitting services are only for children of account holders
• Parents/guardians are responsible for any children using the platform or receiving services

16. Contact

Questions about these terms? Contact us at: legal@thesitterapp.com

Safety Concerns: Contact our Trust & Safety team at safety@thesitterapp.com