Terms of Service

Hurricane Handyman — Terms of Service — Version 2.6

Last Updated: July 27, 2026

v2.6 — AI-drafted, pending attorney review (v2.6 makes the platform service fee earned at escrow funding with no exception and states the Homeowner cancellation refund rule explicitly in Section 18: full refund before funding, escrow less the platform service fee once funded, no cancellation once work begins; v2.5 made the fee non-refundable on ALL dispute outcomes incl. full refund). Jobs accepted under an earlier version remain governed by that version.

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern access to and use of the Hurricane Handyman website, mobile application, software, platform, communications tools, payment workflow, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”) operated by HSW International Inc., a Florida corporation (“HSW,” “Hurricane Handyman,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

These Terms are intended to allocate risk between HSW and users of the Platform. The Platform is designed as a technology marketplace that helps homeowners and property representatives connect with independent third-party service providers for hurricane-related, storm-preparation, storm-response, storm-cleanup, and handyman-type services.

By accessing, browsing, registering for, or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and by any additional policies referenced in these Terms, including the Hurricane Handyman Dispute Resolution Policy and Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.

1. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms:

“Account” means a registered user account on the Platform.

“Completion Event” means the Platform-recorded event that occurs when a Handyman marks a Job as complete through the Platform, uploads required completion evidence, and the Platform records a completion timestamp.

“Completion Evidence” means photos, videos, notes, location data, timestamps, messages, or other documentation submitted through the Platform showing that a Job was performed or completed.

“Dispute Window” / “Agreed Dispute Window” means the per-Job period following a Completion Event — selected by the Handyman from Platform-offered options (thirty minutes to seventy-two hours) at bidding and agreed by the Homeowner at bid acceptance (two hours for Jobs accepted before this provision took effect) — during which a Homeowner may submit a Platform dispute for payment-release purposes.

“Handyman” means an independent third-party service provider who offers or performs services through or in connection with the Platform.

“Homeowner” means any user who requests, books, purchases, schedules, receives, or pays for services through the Platform, including property owners, tenants, property managers, agents, family members, business owners, or other authorized representatives.

“HSW Fees” means any fees charged by HSW for use of the Platform, including service fees, platform fees, subscription fees, promotion fees, paid-placement fees, convenience fees, or other fees disclosed through the Platform.

“Job” means a service request, project, task, quote, order, booking, assignment, or transaction arranged through or in connection with the Platform.

“Platform” means the Hurricane Handyman website, mobile application, software, technology, listing system, messaging system, completion system, payment workflow, dispute tools, notifications, and related services.

“Services” means any labor, repair, preparation, installation, removal, cleanup, maintenance, storm-related, hurricane-related, or handyman-type services offered, requested, arranged, or performed by a Handyman.

“User” means any person or entity accessing or using the Platform, including Homeowners and Handymen.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

  • you have read, understand, and agree to these Terms;
  • you are at least eighteen (18) years old;
  • you have legal capacity to enter into a binding contract;
  • if using the Platform on behalf of an entity, property owner, business, family member, trust, association, landlord, tenant, or other third party, you have authority to do so; and
  • your use of the Platform complies with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Platform.

3. Nature of the Platform

The Platform is a technology marketplace and administrative workflow tool. HSW provides software and related tools that may allow users to:

  • create accounts;
  • post or browse service requests;
  • communicate with other users;
  • submit or review job information;
  • receive or submit quotes;
  • arrange services;
  • use third-party payment processing workflows;
  • upload Completion Evidence;
  • receive job-completion notices;
  • submit disputes for payment-release purposes; and
  • use related Platform functionality.

HSW is not a contractor, general contractor, subcontractor, construction manager, home improvement contractor, public adjuster, insurance adjuster, inspector, engineer, architect, code consultant, permitting consultant, emergency responder, property manager, or service provider.

HSW does not perform Services. HSW does not supervise, direct, control, inspect, guarantee, warrant, or certify Services. HSW does not provide legal, insurance, construction, engineering, permitting, code-compliance, safety, or professional advice.

HSW is not a party to any contract or agreement between a Homeowner and a Handyman unless HSW separately and expressly agrees in a signed written agreement that specifically states otherwise.

4. Relationship Between Users

Any agreement for Services is solely between the applicable Homeowner and Handyman. The Homeowner and Handyman are solely responsible for defining, understanding, documenting, and performing the scope, timing, price, access requirements, materials, permits, licenses, safety requirements, and completion expectations for the Job.

HSW is not responsible for:

  • whether a Homeowner selects a particular Handyman;
  • whether a Handyman accepts a particular Job;
  • the scope, quality, legality, safety, timeliness, or completion of Services;
  • any oral or written promises made between users;
  • any off-Platform communications;
  • any changes to the scope, price, or timing of Services;
  • any property damage, injury, death, loss, or expense arising from Services;
  • any failure to obtain required permits, inspections, approvals, licenses, or insurance; or
  • any dispute between users except as expressly stated in the Platform’s administrative dispute process.

Users are solely responsible for exercising judgment, caution, and diligence when interacting with one another.

5. Independent Contractors; No Employment, Agency, Partnership, or Joint Venture

Handymen are independent third-party providers and are not employees, agents, representatives, franchisees, partners, joint venturers, or contractors of HSW.

Nothing in these Terms creates or shall be interpreted to create any employment, agency, fiduciary, partnership, franchise, joint venture, or representative relationship between HSW and any User.

HSW does not control and has no right to control:

  • whether a Handyman accepts a Job;
  • the tools, materials, equipment, staffing, or vehicles used by a Handyman;
  • the method, manner, means, or safety practices by which a Handyman performs Services;
  • the Handyman’s work schedule;
  • the Handyman’s pricing, except for Platform-disclosed fees or payment workflows;
  • the Handyman’s qualifications, licenses, insurance, permits, or compliance obligations;
  • the Handyman’s business operations; or
  • the Handyman’s performance of Services.

Handymen retain sole responsibility for their own business operations, taxes, insurance, licensing, permitting, safety practices, legal compliance, workers, helpers, subcontractors, vehicles, equipment, tools, materials, and acts or omissions.

6. No Verification, Screening, Endorsement, or Guarantee

Unless expressly stated otherwise in a specific written notice on the Platform, HSW does not verify, screen, investigate, inspect, recommend, certify, warrant, guarantee, or endorse any User.

HSW does not verify or guarantee:

  • identity; background; criminal history; licensing; insurance; bonding; permits; certifications; training; experience; references; reviews; workmanship; compliance with building codes or laws; ability to perform Services; financial responsibility; safety practices; or accuracy of user-submitted information.

Any licenses, insurance, certifications, badges, claims, descriptions, photos, service areas, credentials, qualifications, or other information displayed by a Handyman are self-reported unless HSW expressly states otherwise. HSW does not independently verify those claims.

Homeowners are solely responsible for verifying any Handyman’s identity, licensing, permitting, insurance, qualifications, references, suitability, and legal authority before hiring, allowing access to property, or authorizing Services.

7. Licensing, Permits, Insurance, and Code Compliance

Certain Services may require state, county, municipal, or other governmental licenses, permits, inspections, registrations, insurance, bonds, or approvals. This may include, without limitation, roofing, structural work, electrical work, plumbing work, mechanical work, window or door installation, impact protection, generator installation, water intrusion work, mold-related work, demolition, rebuilding, or other regulated work.

HSW does not determine whether a Job requires a license, permit, inspection, insurance, bond, or governmental approval. HSW does not obtain permits, inspect work, confirm code compliance, or verify whether any Handyman is legally authorized to perform any specific Services.

Handymen represent, warrant, and covenant that:

  • they will perform only Services they are legally permitted and qualified to perform;
  • they will obtain and maintain all licenses, permits, registrations, insurance, bonds, approvals, and authorizations required by applicable law;
  • they will comply with all applicable federal, state, county, municipal, building-code, zoning, safety, labor, tax, consumer-protection, licensing, permitting, and insurance laws;
  • all information they provide on or through the Platform is accurate, current, complete, and not misleading;
  • they will not represent themselves as licensed, insured, bonded, certified, or qualified unless such statement is true and current;
  • they will not perform work requiring a license, permit, or approval unless they have obtained the required license, permit, or approval;
  • they will not use the Platform to solicit or perform unlawful, unsafe, or unauthorized work; and
  • they are solely responsible for their employees, helpers, subcontractors, workers, agents, vehicles, tools, materials, equipment, and worksite safety.

Homeowners acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for determining whether Services require licensed professionals, permits, inspections, insurance, or governmental approvals, and for verifying that the selected Handyman satisfies those requirements before authorizing work.

HSW does not provide legal advice, permitting advice, insurance advice, construction advice, code-compliance advice, or inspection services.

8. Homeowner Responsibilities

Each Homeowner represents, warrants, and agrees that:

  • the Homeowner has the legal right and authority to request Services for the property;
  • all job descriptions, photos, access instructions, timing requirements, safety disclosures, property information, and other information provided by the Homeowner are accurate, complete, and not misleading;
  • the Homeowner will disclose known hazards, access restrictions, pets, tenants, occupants, alarms, gate codes, structural concerns, unsafe conditions, utilities, electrical hazards, water intrusion, mold, damaged roofing, broken glass, flooding, or other conditions that may affect safety or performance;
  • the Homeowner will provide lawful and safe access to the property when required;
  • the Homeowner will not request unlawful, unsafe, unpermitted, or unauthorized work;
  • the Homeowner will independently evaluate the Handyman before hiring;
  • the Homeowner will inspect completed work promptly;
  • the Homeowner will monitor Platform communications, SMS messages, emails, and push notifications;
  • the Homeowner understands that the Agreed Dispute Window affects Platform payment-release decisions;
  • the Homeowner will not submit fraudulent, exaggerated, bad-faith, or retaliatory disputes; and
  • the Homeowner will comply with all applicable laws and these Terms.

9. Handyman Responsibilities

Each Handyman represents, warrants, and agrees that:

  • the Handyman is legally authorized to use the Platform and offer Services;
  • the Handyman operates an independent business separate from HSW;
  • the Handyman is solely responsible for determining whether the Handyman is qualified, licensed, insured, permitted, and legally authorized to perform each Job;
  • the Handyman will provide accurate, complete, and non-misleading information;
  • the Handyman will not misrepresent licensing, insurance, certifications, skills, availability, pricing, service areas, or qualifications;
  • the Handyman will perform Services in a safe, lawful, professional, and workmanlike manner consistent with applicable legal requirements;
  • the Handyman will obtain required permits, inspections, licenses, registrations, approvals, and insurance where applicable;
  • the Handyman will not mark a Job complete unless the Handyman reasonably believes the agreed Services have been completed;
  • the Handyman will upload truthful and accurate Completion Evidence;
  • the Handyman will not manipulate, falsify, stage, or misrepresent Completion Evidence;
  • the Handyman will not pressure a Homeowner to release funds outside the Platform;
  • the Handyman will not circumvent Platform fees or payment workflows;
  • the Handyman will be solely responsible for taxes, workers, helpers, subcontractors, materials, tools, vehicles, injuries, insurance, and business expenses; and
  • the Handyman will indemnify HSW for claims arising from the Handyman’s Services, conduct, representations, omissions, legal violations, property damage, injuries, payment disputes, tax obligations, licensing issues, or use of the Platform.

10. Paid Placement, Sponsored Listings, and Promotional Visibility

Handymen may be offered the opportunity to purchase increased visibility, sponsored placement, promoted listings, priority display, advertising, or other promotional features on the Platform.

Users acknowledge and agree that:

  • a Handyman’s placement, ranking, display order, visibility, prominence, or appearance on the Platform may be influenced by paid promotional arrangements;
  • paid placement is advertising and does not mean HSW recommends, endorses, screens, verifies, ranks by quality, guarantees, certifies, or prefers that Handyman;
  • paid placement does not mean a Handyman is licensed, insured, bonded, qualified, reliable, available, safe, or legally authorized to perform any Services;
  • Homeowners remain solely responsible for evaluating and selecting Handymen; and
  • Handymen remain solely responsible for the accuracy of all listing and promotional content.

HSW may label sponsored or promoted placements in the Platform interface, but any failure, delay, inconsistency, or variation in labeling shall not convert paid placement into an endorsement, recommendation, warranty, verification, or guarantee.

11. Quotes, Pricing, Scope, and Changes

HSW does not set, control, approve, guarantee, or warrant Handyman pricing, quotes, estimates, scope, materials, timing, or work terms.

Any quote, estimate, description, proposal, schedule, or other Job term is between the Homeowner and Handyman. Users are solely responsible for confirming the price, scope, included work, excluded work, materials, timing, access, permits, cleanup, disposal, and any conditions before work begins.

Unless the Platform provides a specific workflow for change orders, any change to scope, price, timing, or materials is solely between the Homeowner and Handyman. HSW is not responsible for off-Platform changes, side agreements, verbal promises, undocumented changes, or disputes arising from unclear scope.

12. Payments and Third-Party Payment Processing

Payments made through the Platform are processed by third-party payment processors, including Stripe or other providers selected by HSW. Payment processing is subject to the applicable third-party payment processor’s terms, conditions, policies, limitations, compliance rules, risk controls, chargeback processes, reserve requirements, account restrictions, and privacy practices.

HSW is not a bank, money transmitter, escrow agent, trustee, fiduciary, custodian, insurer, guarantor, or payment processor. HSW does not hold, own, possess, control, or guarantee user funds. Funds may be held, processed, delayed, reversed, frozen, transferred, or released by third-party payment processors or financial institutions according to their rules and applicable law.

Users authorize HSW and its payment processors to charge, collect, process, hold, release, refund, reverse, offset, or otherwise administer payments, fees, refunds, disputes, chargebacks, reserves, and related amounts in accordance with Platform rules, third-party payment processor rules, and these Terms.

HSW may charge HSW Fees to Homeowners, Handymen, or both. Fees may include platform fees, service fees, convenience fees, promotional fees, paid-placement fees, subscription fees, cancellation fees, dispute fees, or other charges disclosed through the Platform. Unless otherwise stated, HSW Fees are non-refundable. The platform service fee (10% of the accepted bid) is earned when escrow is funded and is non-refundable, with no exception. This includes where the remaining escrowed funds are returned to the Homeowner in a dispute resolution, and it includes where the Job is cancelled before work begins under Section 18.

HSW is not responsible for:

  • payment processor errors; bank delays; card issuer decisions; payment holds; payment reversals; chargebacks; failed payouts; frozen accounts; incorrect payment information supplied by users; taxes; currency conversion; processor reserves; compliance reviews; or third-party service interruptions.

13. Taxes

Users are solely responsible for determining, reporting, collecting, remitting, and paying any taxes, fees, assessments, duties, withholdings, or governmental charges arising from their use of the Platform, Services performed, payments received, payments made, or transactions arranged through the Platform.

Handymen are solely responsible for all income taxes, self-employment taxes, sales taxes, use taxes, employment taxes, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation obligations, unemployment insurance, business taxes, licenses, registrations, and tax reporting obligations related to their Services.

HSW may issue tax forms, collect tax information, or withhold amounts if required by law or payment processor rules, but HSW does not provide tax advice.

14. Job Completion System

14.1 Required Completion Event

A Job is considered complete for Platform payment-release purposes only when all of the following occur:

  • the Handyman selects “Complete Job” or equivalent completion functionality within the Platform;
  • the Handyman uploads required Completion Evidence, which may include photos, videos, notes, or other documentation required by the Platform;
  • the Platform records a completion timestamp; and
  • the Platform generates or stores the associated completion record.

The completion timestamp recorded by the Platform is authoritative for Platform-operational purposes, including payment-release timing and Platform dispute administration.

14.2 Completion Evidence

Completion Evidence is required before a Job may be marked complete. HSW may determine the type, quantity, format, and minimum requirements for Completion Evidence in its sole discretion.

Completion Evidence may be used for:

  • payment-release administration; dispute review; chargeback response; fraud prevention; safety review; account enforcement; legal compliance; and internal business records.

Uploading Completion Evidence does not mean HSW inspected, approved, certified, guaranteed, or accepted the Services. Completion Evidence is user-submitted content and may be incomplete, inaccurate, misleading, staged, or insufficient.

14.3 False or Premature Completion

A Handyman may not mark a Job complete unless the Handyman reasonably and in good faith believes the agreed Services have been completed.

False, premature, misleading, staged, manipulated, or fraudulent completion submissions may result in:

  • cancellation of payment release; refund or partial refund; payout delay; chargeback response against the Handyman; suspension or termination; removal from the Platform; forfeiture of promotional placement; reporting to payment processors; legal action; and any other remedy available to HSW.

15. Platform Dispute Window (Agreed Per Job)

15.1 The Agreed Dispute Window

All Jobs and Services are subject to a strict Dispute Window for Platform payment-release purposes. The length of the Dispute Window for each Job is selected by the Handyman from Platform-offered options between thirty (30) minutes and seventy-two (72) hours when bidding, is displayed to the Homeowner on the bid, and is agreed by the Homeowner upon accepting that bid (the “Agreed Dispute Window”). The Agreed Dispute Window is recorded at acceptance and displayed to both parties on the Job page. Jobs accepted before this provision took effect have an Agreed Dispute Window of two (2) hours.

A Homeowner may end the window early at any time after a Completion Event by affirmatively approving and releasing payment with the Platform’s satisfaction confirmation; doing so waives the remainder of the Agreed Dispute Window for that Job.

The Agreed Dispute Window begins immediately upon the Platform-recorded Completion Event timestamp. It is measured by the Platform’s system time, not by when a user views, opens, receives, reads, acknowledges, or responds to a notification.

15.2 Why the Agreed Dispute Window Applies

The Platform is designed for fast-moving, time-sensitive, storm-related, hurricane-related, emergency-preparation, emergency-response, cleanup, and handyman Services where Handymen require prompt payment after completing work. By using the Platform, users acknowledge and agree that fast payment release is a material feature of the Platform, and that the Agreed Dispute Window — a bargained term of each accepted bid — is a core Platform rule.

15.3 User Monitoring Obligation

Homeowners are responsible for monitoring the Platform, SMS messages, emails, push notifications, and any other communication channels connected to their Account. A Homeowner’s failure to monitor communications, inspect the property, access the property, maintain connectivity, check devices, read messages, or respond within the Dispute Window does not extend the Dispute Window.

15.4 Notifications

After a Completion Event, the Platform may send notice by SMS, email, push notification, in-app notification, or other communication method. HSW may send multiple notices, including completion notices, reminders, warnings, countdowns, or payment-release notices.

Notifications are provided as a courtesy and administrative tool. The Dispute Window begins at the Completion Event timestamp regardless of whether any notification is delayed, blocked, filtered, undelivered, unread, sent to spam, disabled, rejected by a carrier, affected by a device setting, affected by an outage, affected by connectivity, or otherwise not received.

15.5 Effect of No Timely Platform Dispute

If no dispute is submitted through the Platform within the Agreed Dispute Window:

  • the Job is deemed accepted for Platform payment-release purposes;
  • funds may be released to the Handyman through the payment processor;
  • HSW may close the Job administratively;
  • HSW may decline to reopen the Platform payment-release decision; and
  • the Homeowner waives objections to the Platform’s administrative payment release.

15.6 Limited Scope of the Agreed Dispute Window

The Agreed Dispute Window applies only to Platform payment-release administration. It does not, by itself, waive non-waivable legal rights or bar claims outside the Platform for concealed defects, fraud, intentional misconduct, personal injury, property damage, code violations, unlicensed work, unpermitted work, or other claims that cannot lawfully be waived.

Nothing in these Terms requires HSW to provide refunds, payment reversals, legal remedies, inspections, investigations, or adjudications after the Dispute Window expires.

16. Platform Disputes and Administrative Decisions

A plain-language summary of the dispute process — how a dispute is filed, what each party is required to do, how HSW reviews it, the (unguaranteed) timeframe, the three possible outcomes, and the finality and limited scope of HSW’s administrative decision — appears in the Dispute Resolution Policy (“How Disputes Work”), which is incorporated into these Terms. By using the Platform, both parties agree to that process.

Disputes submitted through the Platform are governed by the Hurricane Handyman Dispute Resolution Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

HSW may, but is not required to:

  • review Platform messages; review Completion Evidence; review job descriptions; review payment records; review timestamps and activity logs; request additional information; consider off-Platform evidence in its discretion; facilitate communication; delay payment release; release funds; refund funds; partially release and partially refund funds; refer users to the payment processor’s dispute process; suspend accounts; take fraud-prevention measures; or decline to take action.

HSW’s dispute-related actions are administrative Platform decisions only. HSW does not act as a court, arbitrator, judge, expert, inspector, contractor, insurance adjuster, code official, engineer, or legal decision-maker. HSW does not determine legal fault, legal liability, professional negligence, code compliance, licensure compliance, insurance coverage, damages, causation, or entitlement to legal remedies.

Platform administrative decisions are final within the Platform but do not prevent users from pursuing legal remedies against one another outside the Platform, subject to these Terms, including the arbitration agreement below.

17. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

If a user initiates a chargeback, payment reversal, card dispute, bank dispute, ACH return, processor dispute, or similar payment challenge:

  • the payment processor’s process and rules apply;
  • HSW may provide Platform records, Completion Evidence, timestamps, communications, payment records, dispute records, user acknowledgments, IP data, device data, and other evidence to the payment processor, bank, card network, or other relevant entity;
  • HSW may suspend or restrict the user’s Account;
  • HSW may delay or withhold payouts related to the disputed transaction;
  • HSW may offset chargeback losses, fees, penalties, or costs against amounts otherwise payable;
  • HSW may require additional verification or security measures;
  • HSW may terminate users who initiate abusive, fraudulent, excessive, or bad-faith chargebacks; and
  • HSW may pursue recovery of chargeback amounts, fees, costs, and expenses.

Users agree not to initiate chargebacks in bad faith, as a substitute for timely Platform disputes, or to avoid valid charges.

18. Cancellation, No-Show, Access Failure, and Unsafe Conditions

HSW may allow cancellation rules, fees, or workflows through the Platform. Any cancellation fees or policies disclosed through the Platform are incorporated into these Terms.

Homeowner cancellation and refunds. A Homeowner may cancel a Job as follows:

  • Before escrow is funded — the Job may be cancelled at no cost. No payment has been captured, and any authorized but uncaptured payment is released in full.
  • After escrow is funded, before work begins — the Job may still be cancelled. The escrowed funds are returned to the Homeowner less the platform service fee, which is earned at funding under Section 12 and is not returned.
  • Once work has begun — the Job can no longer be cancelled. Any disagreement about the work is handled through the dispute process described in the Dispute Policy.

Work is treated as begun when the Handyman marks the Job started through the Platform.

A Homeowner may be responsible for fees, charges, or payment release if:

  • the Homeowner cancels after a Handyman has accepted or traveled;
  • the Handyman arrives but cannot access the property;
  • the Homeowner provides incorrect address, gate, alarm, contact, or access information;
  • the Homeowner fails to disclose unsafe conditions;
  • the Homeowner requests work that is unlawful, unsafe, or outside the agreed scope;
  • weather, emergency conditions, blocked roads, evacuation orders, curfews, or governmental restrictions prevent performance; or
  • the Handyman reasonably determines that the worksite is unsafe.

A Handyman may be subject to account action, refund, fee reversal, or other remedies if the Handyman cancels without reasonable cause, fails to appear, falsely claims access failure, or otherwise violates Platform rules.

19. Reviews, Ratings, Messages, and User Content

Users may be able to submit content through the Platform, including profiles, photos, videos, messages, job descriptions, quotes, reviews, ratings, responses, Completion Evidence, dispute materials, and other information (“User Content”).

You retain ownership of your User Content, but you grant HSW a worldwide, non-exclusive, transferable, sublicensable, royalty-free license to use, host, store, reproduce, display, distribute, transmit, modify, adapt, publish, analyze, and create derivative works from User Content for purposes of operating, improving, promoting, securing, enforcing, and defending the Platform.

You represent and warrant that:

  • you own or have rights to submit your User Content;
  • your User Content is accurate and not misleading;
  • your User Content does not violate any law or third-party right;
  • your User Content does not contain unlawful, defamatory, threatening, obscene, harassing, discriminatory, infringing, fraudulent, or harmful material; and
  • your User Content does not contain malware, tracking code, or unauthorized data collection.

HSW may remove, edit, restrict, refuse, preserve, disclose, or use User Content in its discretion, including for safety, legal, fraud-prevention, chargeback-defense, moderation, or enforcement purposes.

HSW does not endorse User Content and is not responsible for user-submitted statements, reviews, photos, videos, messages, or claims.

20. Communication Consent; SMS, Email, and Push Notifications

By creating an Account, submitting a Job, accepting a Job, providing a phone number, enabling notifications, or using the Platform, you consent to receive communications from HSW, other users, service providers, and payment processors through:

  • SMS/text messages; email; push notifications; in-app messages; phone calls; automated alerts; and other electronic communications.

Communications may include transactional messages, job updates, completion notices, dispute notices, payment notices, security notices, account alerts, reminders, marketing messages where permitted, and legal notices.

You acknowledge that SMS, email, and push notifications are integral to the Platform’s Agreed Dispute Window and payment-release process. You are responsible for keeping your contact information current and for monitoring communications.

Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of certain marketing communications, but you may not be able to opt out of transactional, security, legal, payment, dispute, or job-related communications while using the Platform.

21. Prohibited Conduct

You may not, directly or indirectly:

  • violate these Terms or any Platform policy;
  • use the Platform for unlawful, unsafe, fraudulent, deceptive, or abusive purposes;
  • submit false, incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate information;
  • misrepresent identity, authority, licensing, insurance, qualifications, availability, pricing, location, or work status;
  • submit false Completion Evidence;
  • mark a Job complete prematurely;
  • submit fraudulent, retaliatory, exaggerated, or bad-faith disputes;
  • manipulate timestamps, GPS, photos, videos, messages, reviews, ratings, listings, or payment workflows;
  • bypass or attempt to bypass Platform fees, payment systems, or communication tools;
  • solicit or accept off-Platform payment to avoid Platform fees;
  • harass, threaten, abuse, discriminate against, or harm another user;
  • damage property or create unsafe conditions;
  • access another user’s account without authorization;
  • scrape, crawl, copy, reverse engineer, decompile, interfere with, or exploit the Platform;
  • introduce malware, bots, scripts, or harmful code;
  • use the Platform to compete with HSW, build a competing marketplace, or harvest users;
  • interfere with Platform security, operations, availability, or integrity;
  • violate intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or contractual rights;
  • use the Platform to perform regulated work unlawfully;
  • create multiple accounts to evade enforcement;
  • abuse promotions, paid placement, refunds, disputes, or chargebacks; or
  • engage in any conduct HSW determines may harm HSW, users, the Platform, or third parties.

22. Account Suspension, Termination, and Enforcement

Hurricane Handyman reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or remove any user or listing at our sole discretion, at any time, with or without notice, and without disclosing the reason. This right is part of what every user agrees to at signup.

HSW may, at any time and in its sole discretion, with or without notice, take any action it deems appropriate, including:

  • refusing service; removing content; hiding or demoting listings; limiting visibility; suspending paid placement; pausing Jobs; delaying payment release; withholding payouts; reversing credits; suspending Accounts; terminating Accounts; blocking access; requiring verification; reporting activity to payment processors, law enforcement, regulators, insurers, or affected parties; preserving evidence; pursuing legal remedies; or taking any other action HSW considers necessary.

HSW may take action for suspected violations, risk concerns, fraud, safety concerns, chargebacks, payment processor requirements, legal compliance, reputational risk, operational risk, user complaints, or any other reason.

You remain responsible for obligations incurred before suspension or termination.

23. Emergency, Storm, and Force Majeure Conditions

The Platform may be used during storms, hurricanes, emergencies, evacuations, power outages, internet disruptions, fuel shortages, curfews, road closures, supply shortages, government orders, labor shortages, or other abnormal conditions.

Users acknowledge that emergency and storm conditions may affect:

  • communication; travel; pricing; availability; safety; access; timing; materials; completion; inspections; permits; payment processing; and Platform availability.

HSW shall not be liable for any delay, failure, interruption, loss, damage, or inability to perform caused by events beyond HSW’s reasonable control, including hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, fires, lightning, tornadoes, natural disasters, power outages, telecommunications failures, internet failures, cyberattacks, labor disputes, pandemics, civil unrest, terrorism, war, government orders, evacuations, curfews, blocked roads, fuel shortages, supply shortages, payment processor outages, app store outages, or acts or omissions of third parties.

24. No Professional Advice; No Inspection; No Insurance or Claims Advice

Information on the Platform is for general informational and marketplace purposes only. HSW does not provide legal, insurance, tax, construction, engineering, architectural, code-compliance, permitting, inspection, mitigation, remediation, safety, emergency, or professional advice.

No content on the Platform should be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified professional.

HSW does not inspect properties, verify damage, certify repairs, evaluate storm-readiness, determine insurance coverage, document insurance claims, negotiate with insurers, act as a public adjuster, or guarantee compliance with insurance, code, building, safety, permitting, or legal requirements.

25. Assumption of Risk

You acknowledge and agree that using the Platform and engaging independent third-party service providers involves inherent risks, including:

  • property damage; personal injury; death; theft; fraud; incomplete work; poor workmanship; unsafe conditions; unlicensed or uninsured work; permit violations; code violations; hidden defects; water intrusion; roof or structural damage; electrical or plumbing hazards; delays; price disputes; access disputes; off-Platform misconduct; emergency conditions; and losses caused by acts or omissions of other users.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you voluntarily assume all risks arising from your use of the Platform, your interactions with other users, your decision to hire or perform Services, and any Services requested, arranged, received, or performed through or in connection with the Platform.

26. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Platform and all related services, content, tools, communications, payment workflows, dispute tools, notifications, listings, and technology are provided “as is,” “as available,” and “with all faults,” without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, statutory, or otherwise.

HSW expressly disclaims all warranties, including any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, quiet enjoyment, accuracy, reliability, availability, security, timeliness, performance, quality, workmanlike performance, course of dealing, course of performance, or usage of trade.

HSW does not warrant that:

  • the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, secure, or available;
  • defects will be corrected;
  • the Platform will be free of viruses or harmful components;
  • users are who they claim to be;
  • Handymen are licensed, insured, qualified, safe, reliable, or available;
  • Services will be performed, completed, safe, legal, timely, or satisfactory;
  • pricing, quotes, reviews, ratings, photos, profiles, Completion Evidence, or User Content will be accurate;
  • notifications will be delivered or received;
  • payment processing will be error-free or timely; or
  • disputes will be resolved to any user’s satisfaction.

27. Limitation of Liability

27.1 Exclusion of Certain Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, HSW and its officers, directors, owners, employees, contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, assigns, service providers, licensors, and partners shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, enhanced, or punitive damages; loss of profits; loss of revenue; loss of business; loss of goodwill; loss of data; data corruption; business interruption; cost of substitute services; diminution in value; emotional distress; reputational harm; property damage; personal injury; death; repair costs; remediation costs; water damage; mold; structural damage; roof damage; permitting issues; code violations; insurance claim issues; or losses arising from Services performed or not performed by Handymen.

This limitation applies whether the claim is based on contract, warranty, tort, negligence, gross negligence to the extent permitted by law, strict liability, statute, equity, or any other legal theory, even if HSW has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

27.2 Platform-Only Liability

You acknowledge that HSW is a technology platform only. To the maximum extent permitted by law, HSW shall have no liability for:

  • acts or omissions of Users;
  • Services performed, attempted, delayed, abandoned, or refused;
  • quality, safety, legality, or suitability of Services;
  • property access issues;
  • property damage; personal injury or death;
  • licensing, insurance, permitting, or code-compliance failures;
  • false or misleading user statements;
  • user disputes; chargebacks; payment processor decisions;
  • failed or delayed notifications;
  • off-Platform communications;
  • off-Platform payments;
  • emergency or storm-related conditions; or
  • any decision by a Homeowner to hire or not hire a Handyman.

27.3 Liability Cap

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, HSW’s total aggregate liability arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, any Job, any Services, any user interaction, any payment, any dispute, or any related matter shall not exceed the greater of:

  • one hundred U.S. dollars ($100); or
  • the total HSW Fees actually paid by you to HSW, excluding amounts paid to Handymen or third parties, during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

27.4 Basis of the Bargain

You acknowledge that the disclaimers, exclusions, and limitations in these Terms are an essential basis of the bargain between you and HSW. HSW would not make the Platform available without these limitations.

27.5 Non-Waivable Rights

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations or exclusions of liability. To the extent such laws apply, the limitations in these Terms apply to the maximum extent permitted by law.

28. Indemnification

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless HSW and its officers, directors, owners, employees, contractors, agents, affiliates, successors, assigns, service providers, licensors, and partners from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, proceedings, liabilities, damages, losses, judgments, settlements, penalties, fines, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, arising out of or relating to:

  • your access to or use of the Platform;
  • your User Content;
  • your Services, whether requested, performed, attempted, completed, cancelled, disputed, or not performed;
  • your interactions with other Users;
  • your breach of these Terms;
  • your violation of any law, regulation, code, ordinance, permit requirement, licensing requirement, insurance requirement, or third-party right;
  • your negligence, willful misconduct, fraud, misrepresentation, or omission;
  • property damage, personal injury, death, or economic loss caused or alleged to be caused by you;
  • your failure to obtain or maintain required licenses, permits, insurance, approvals, or authorizations;
  • your taxes, employment obligations, workers, helpers, subcontractors, materials, tools, vehicles, or business operations;
  • your false, premature, misleading, or fraudulent completion submission;
  • your dispute, chargeback, payment reversal, or payment default;
  • your off-Platform communications, agreements, or payments; or
  • any claim that HSW is responsible for Services or user conduct.

HSW reserves the right, at your expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter subject to indemnification. You agree to cooperate with HSW’s defense of such claims. You may not settle any claim without HSW’s prior written consent if the settlement imposes any obligation, admission, liability, or restriction on HSW.

29. Arbitration Agreement; Class Action Waiver; Jury Trial Waiver

29.1 Agreement to Arbitrate

You and HSW agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Platform, your Account, any Job, any Services, any payment, any dispute, any User interaction, or the relationship between you and HSW shall be resolved by binding individual arbitration, except as expressly provided below.

29.2 AAA Rules

The arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) under its applicable Consumer Arbitration Rules or Commercial Arbitration Rules, as applicable, except as modified by these Terms.

29.3 Informal Resolution First

Before filing arbitration, the party seeking relief must send written notice describing the claim, requested relief, and supporting facts. The parties shall attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute informally for thirty (30) days.

Notices to HSW must be sent to:

HSW International Inc.
4170 Westroads Drive, Suite #9-E
Riviera Beach, Florida 33407
[email protected]

29.4 Individual Arbitration Only

All claims must be brought in an individual capacity only. You and HSW waive any right to participate in a class action, collective action, representative action, private attorney general action, mass arbitration, consolidated proceeding, or jury trial.

29.5 No Class or Representative Relief

The arbitrator may award relief only in favor of the individual party seeking relief and only to the extent necessary to resolve that party’s individual claim. The arbitrator may not award classwide, collective, consolidated, public injunctive, or representative relief except where such waiver is prohibited by applicable law.

29.6 Small Claims Court

Either party may bring an individual claim in small claims court if the claim qualifies and remains in small claims court.

29.7 Emergency and Injunctive Relief

Either party may seek temporary, emergency, or injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property, confidential information, Platform security, payment systems, user safety, or to prevent unauthorized access, fraud, misuse, or irreparable harm.

29.8 Arbitration Location and Format

Unless otherwise required by applicable law, arbitration may be conducted by video conference, telephone, written submissions, or in a location reasonably selected by HSW. For claims requiring an in-person hearing, the hearing shall occur in Palm Beach County, Florida, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

29.9 Arbitration Fees

Arbitration fees shall be allocated according to AAA rules and applicable law. HSW may seek attorneys’ fees, costs, sanctions, or fee shifting for frivolous, bad-faith, abusive, or improper claims to the extent permitted by law.

29.10 Severability of Arbitration Terms

If any part of this arbitration agreement is found unenforceable, the unenforceable portion shall be severed and the remainder enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law. If the class action waiver is found unenforceable as to a claim, that claim must proceed in court and not in arbitration, unless otherwise required by law.

29.11 Opt-Out

You may opt out of this arbitration agreement by sending written notice to [email protected] within thirty (30) days after you first accept these Terms. Your opt-out notice must include your full name, account email, phone number, and a clear statement that you opt out of arbitration. Opting out does not affect any other provision of these Terms.

30. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without regard to conflict-of-law principles, except that the Federal Arbitration Act governs the arbitration agreement.

Subject to the arbitration agreement, any permitted court proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Palm Beach County, Florida, unless applicable law requires otherwise. You consent to personal jurisdiction and venue in those courts.

31. Intellectual Property

The Platform, including all software, code, designs, text, graphics, logos, trademarks, service marks, trade names, icons, images, audio, video, data, interfaces, workflows, features, functionality, and content created by or for HSW, is owned by HSW or its licensors and is protected by intellectual property and other laws.

You may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, lease, sublicense, reverse engineer, decompile, scrape, crawl, frame, mirror, create derivative works from, or exploit any part of the Platform except as expressly permitted by HSW.

No rights are granted except as expressly stated in these Terms.

32. Third-Party Services and Links

The Platform may integrate with or link to third-party services, including payment processors, messaging providers, hosting providers, analytics providers, app stores, map providers, identity providers, or external websites.

HSW does not control third-party services and is not responsible for their content, availability, security, errors, fees, terms, privacy practices, decisions, delays, outages, or actions.

Your use of third-party services is governed by their own terms and policies.

33. Privacy

HSW’s collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information is governed by the Hurricane Handyman Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

By using the Platform, you consent to HSW’s collection, use, disclosure, and retention of information as described in the Privacy Policy, including job data, communications, timestamps, Completion Evidence, device information, payment-related records, dispute records, chargeback evidence, and notification records.

34. Changes to the Platform

HSW may modify, suspend, discontinue, restrict, replace, or remove any part of the Platform at any time, with or without notice. HSW is not liable for any modification, suspension, discontinuation, restriction, removal, downtime, data loss, feature change, or unavailability.

35. Changes to These Terms

HSW may update these Terms from time to time. The “Last Updated” date indicates the latest version.

If HSW makes material changes, HSW may provide notice through the Platform, email, or other reasonable means. Continued use of the Platform after updated Terms become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

If you do not agree to updated Terms, you must stop using the Platform.

36. Assignment

You may not assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense your rights or obligations under these Terms without HSW’s prior written consent.

HSW may assign, transfer, delegate, or sublicense its rights and obligations under these Terms at any time, including in connection with a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, financing, corporate restructuring, change of control, or operation of law.

37. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law or severed if necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

38. No Waiver

HSW’s failure or delay in enforcing any provision of these Terms does not waive HSW’s right to enforce that provision or any other provision later.

Any waiver must be in writing and signed by HSW.

39. Survival

Any provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including provisions relating to payments, fees, taxes, disputes, chargebacks, User Content, intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, arbitration, governing law, privacy, enforcement, and survival.

40. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any policies incorporated by reference, constitute the entire agreement between you and HSW regarding the Platform and supersede all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, statements, representations, or communications concerning the Platform.

41. Notices

HSW may provide notices by email, SMS, push notification, in-app notice, posting on the Platform, mail, or other reasonable means.

You are responsible for keeping your contact information current.

Legal notices to HSW must be sent to:

HSW International Inc.
4170 Westroads Drive, Suite #9-E
Riviera Beach, Florida 33407
Email: [email protected]

42. Contact

Questions about these Terms may be sent to:

HSW International Inc.
4170 Westroads Drive, Suite #9-E
Riviera Beach, Florida 33407
[email protected]

43. Expectations of Users and Effect on Disputes

The Dispute Resolution Policy sets out, in plain language, what is expected of homeowners and of handymen on every job — including describing jobs accurately, funding escrow, performing and documenting the work as bid, working safely, staying within the accepted scope, remaining reachable through the Platform, keeping communication and payment on the Platform, and acting in good faith. Those expectations are part of these Terms and are incorporated here by reference.

If a dispute arises, each party’s conduct is assessed against those expectations using documented criteria applied consistently, based on the evidence recorded on the Platform. Failure to meet an expectation may be weighed against you and may affect the outcome of the dispute, including the allocation of escrowed funds. Certain expectations that go to the core of the agreement — completing the work as bid, documenting it with photographs, performing it safely, and filing disputes in good faith — carry greater weight than others. By using the Platform, you acknowledge these expectations and that dispute outcomes may turn on whether you met them.

Disputes are resolved on the basis of the record created on the Platform. Only communications made through the Platform’s messaging system, and information and materials recorded on the Platform — including job descriptions, photographs, bids, timestamps, completion records, and acknowledgments — form the record of your job. Statements, agreements, or arrangements made outside the Platform (including by telephone, text message, email, or in person) cannot be verified and generally will not be credited; HSW is under no obligation to consider them (see Section 11 of the Dispute Resolution Policy). Keeping your communication on the Platform protects you: if it is not on the Platform, it generally cannot be credited in a dispute.

End of Terms of Service