Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using PaLevel ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our services.

2. Definitions

• "PaLevel" refers to the platform, website, and mobile application operated by Kernelsoft.
• "User" refers to any individual who accesses or uses the Platform.
• "Student" refers to a user seeking accommodation.
• "Landlord" refers to a user listing properties for rent.
• "Booking" refers to a reservation made by a student for a room.
• "Property" refers to any hostel, room, or accommodation listed on the Platform.

3. Account Registration

To use certain features of PaLevel, you must create an account. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration
• Maintain the security of your password and accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Be at least 18 years old to register as a landlord, and at least 16 years old to register as a student (with parental consent for minors)
• Provide valid identification documents when required (landlord verification, National ID)

4. User Responsibilities

For Students:

• Provide accurate personal information and academic details
• Make payments in accordance with the agreed terms
• Respect the property and follow landlord rules
• Provide truthful reviews and ratings
• Not use the platform to harass landlords or other users

For Landlords:

• Provide accurate and honest property listings
• Maintain properties in good condition as described
• Respond to student inquiries in a timely manner
• Honor confirmed bookings
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Obtain necessary permits and licenses for rental properties

5. Booking and Payment Terms

5.1 Booking Process

Bookings are confirmed upon successful payment. PaLevel acts as an intermediary facilitating the transaction between students and landlords.

5.2 Payment Processing

• All payments are processed securely through PayChangu
• Payment options include: Full payment or Booking fee (where applicable)
• Platform fees are added to the total amount and clearly displayed before payment
• Refunds are subject to the property's cancellation policy

5.3 Cancellation Policy

• Students may cancel bookings according to the property's cancellation policy
• Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 5-10 business days
• Landlords may cancel bookings in exceptional circumstances but must notify PaLevel immediately

6. Property Listings

Landlords are responsible for the accuracy of their listings. PaLevel reserves the right to:

• Verify listing information and images
• Remove listings that violate our policies
• Suspend accounts that provide false or misleading information
• Adjust listing visibility based on quality and compliance

7. Reviews and Ratings

Reviews are an important part of our community. By posting reviews, you agree to:

• Provide honest and constructive feedback based on actual experience
• Not post reviews that are false, misleading, or defamatory
• Not post reviews for properties you have not actually booked or stayed at
• PaLevel reserves the right to remove reviews that violate these guidelines

8. Platform Fees

PaLevel charges a platform fee for facilitating bookings. This fee is:

• Clearly displayed before payment confirmation
• Non-refundable except in cases of cancellation due to platform error
• Subject to change with prior notice

Current platform fee: 2500 MWK per booking.

9. Prohibited Activities

Users may not:

• Use the platform for any illegal purpose
• Harass, abuse, or harm another person
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Attempt to bypass platform fees or payment systems
• Scrape or copy content from the platform without permission
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Interfere with the platform's operation or security

10. Intellectual Property

All content on PaLevel, including logos, designs, and code, is owned by Kernelsoft. Users retain ownership of their content but grant PaLevel a license to use, display, and distribute it on the platform.

11. Limitation of Liability

PaLevel is not liable for:

• Disputes between students and landlords
• Property conditions that differ from listings
• Indirect or consequential damages
• Service interruptions or technical issues

12. Termination

PaLevel may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these terms. Users may delete their accounts at any time through account settings.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms shall be resolved through:

1. Informal negotiation between parties
2. Mediation by PaLevel support team
3. Binding arbitration in Lilongwe, Malawi

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of PaLevel after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.