Terms of Service

1. Key Terms

These Terms of Service are entered into between you and the legal entity described below. Please read this structure carefully as it governs who you are contracting with.

Vesta Hearth Inc., doing business as Storage Buddy (referred to as “Storage Buddy,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides an online platform that connects Hosts who offer Storage Space with Renters who need storage (collectively, the “Services”). The following defined terms apply throughout this document:

2. Terms Relating to Service

2.1 Storage Buddy's Responsibilities

Storage Buddy makes available a platform and marketplace for Renters and Hosts to meet online and arrange Bookings of storage space. Storage Buddy is NOT an owner or operator of Storage Spaces or Listings, and is NOT a real estate broker, real estate agent, bailee, insurer, or escrow agent. Storage Buddy does not own, sell, furnish, provide, rent, manage, or control any Storage Space or Listing.

Storage Buddy's responsibilities are limited to facilitating the availability of the Site, Services, and its platform. Storage Buddy does not act as an agent for any Member except for the limited purpose of accepting payments from Renters on behalf of Hosts. Users understand that their relationship with Storage Buddy is that of an independent individual and not an employee, joint venturer, or partner of Storage Buddy. Storage Buddy has no control over the conduct of Hosts, Renters, or other users, and disclaims all liability for such conduct.

2.2 Agreement to Terms

By using the Site or Services you agree to comply with and be legally bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), whether or not you become a registered Member. These Terms govern your access to and use of the Site and Collective Content and constitute a binding legal agreement between (i) you and Storage Buddy and (ii) a Renter and Host. If you do not agree to these Terms, you have no right to obtain information from or otherwise continue using the Services.

2.3 Host and Renter Agreements

2.4 Know Your Legal Obligations

2.5 Listing Content and Suitability of Space

Storage Buddy cannot and does not control the content of any Listing, nor the condition, legality, or suitability of any Storage Space. Renters are solely responsible for determining the suitability of any Space for their needs. Storage Buddy disclaims all liability related to Member Content, Listings, and Spaces.

To support Renters in making this determination, Storage Buddy holds rental funds for a period of fourteen (14) days from the Booking's Start Date before releasing them to the Host (the “Hold Period”). This Hold Period provides Renters with sufficient time to assess whether the Storage Space materially matches the Listing. Should a Renter raise a valid dispute during the Hold Period in accordance with Section 9.10A, Storage Buddy may, at its sole and absolute discretion, retain or return some or all of the funds to the Renter. Storage Buddy's decision in any such determination is final.

2.6 Authority

By accessing or using the Site or Services, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

2.7 Age and Student Eligibility Requirements

The Site is intended for persons who are 18 years of age or older. Access by anyone under 18 is expressly prohibited. Storage Buddy primarily targets student communities and offers a dedicated Verified Student status. Storage Buddy reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to determine who is eligible to use the platform and to approve, decline, or revoke membership for any reason, including but not limited to failure to satisfy eligibility requirements as determined by Storage Buddy from time to time.

Storage Buddy reserves the right to require proof of current student enrollment at any time from Members seeking Verified Student status, and to remove that status or suspend accounts where enrollment cannot be verified. Acceptable proof of enrollment includes a valid .edu email address, a current student ID, or an official enrollment verification letter.

2.8 Notice of Lien

3. Nondiscrimination Policy

3.1 Compliance with Applicable Law

Storage Buddy is committed to building an inclusive and welcoming community. To remain a Member, you must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including those relating to non-discrimination. In addition, you may not:

• Decline a Renter or Host based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or disability.
• Impose different terms or conditions based on any of the characteristics listed above.
• Post any Listing or make any statement that discourages participation based on any protected characteristic.
• Refuse to communicate through accessible means, including relay operators or email for Members with disabilities.
• Refuse reasonable accommodations for Renters with disabilities.

3.2 When Renters Are Turned Down

Hosts who demonstrate a pattern of rejecting Renters from a protected class may be removed from the Storage Buddy platform, even if legitimate individual reasons are provided.

4. Accounts

4.1 Student Verification

All Members must complete Storage Buddy's verification process before accessing the full functionality of the platform, including creating Listings or requesting Bookings. Members seeking Verified Student status must confirm current student enrollment at a participating institution. Storage Buddy reserves the right to re-verify student status at any time, including at the start of each academic year, and to determine eligibility for platform access at its sole discretion.

4.2 Account Information

You may not have more than one active Storage Buddy Account. You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and to update it promptly. Storage Buddy reserves the right to suspend or terminate your account if information is inaccurate, incomplete, or if you breach these Terms.

4.3 Password

You are responsible for safeguarding your password and for all activities under your account. You will immediately notify Storage Buddy of any unauthorized use at support@storagebuddyco.com.

4.4 Communications and Notices

You give express consent to Storage Buddy and its affiliates to contact you by email, text message, or other means regarding your account, bookings, upcoming renewals, and related matters.

5. Listings

5.1 Creation of Listings

Members may create Listings for Storage Spaces. All Storage Spaces must have a valid physical address. Listings will be publicly available to other Members on the Site.

5.2 Host Responsible for Listings

You are responsible for any and all Listings you post, including accuracy of the Space description. You represent and warrant that your Listing and any resulting Booking (i) will not breach any agreements with third parties (including any lease or tenancy agreement governing the Space), (ii) will comply with all applicable laws, tax requirements, zoning laws, and regulations, and (iii) will not conflict with the rights of third parties. Hosts are solely responsible for damages, losses, and expenses caused by Listing a Space they do not own or have the legal right to offer.

5.3 Storage Buddy's Right to Remove Listings

Storage Buddy reserves the right to remove or disable any Listing at any time without prior notice, including Listings that Storage Buddy considers objectionable, in violation of these Terms, or otherwise harmful to the community.

5.4 Space Description

Each Host must provide a truthful and accurate description of the Space. If a Host misrepresents a Space, Storage Buddy may, in its sole discretion, determine whether a Renter is entitled to a refund and may withhold or pull back Host payouts.

5.5 Payments Must Be Made On Platform

You agree never to solicit or accept payment for storage outside the Storage Buddy platform. You further agree not to share, solicit, or use personal contact information -- including personal cell phone numbers, personal email addresses, or any other direct contact details -- with or from another Member for the purpose of circumventing the Storage Buddy platform, arranging storage outside of it, or bypassing Storage Buddy's booking or payment systems. Violation of this provision may result in immediate account termination and additional charges as set out in these Terms.

6. Payment Authorization

In connection with your Booking, you will be asked to provide billing and payment information. You authorize Storage Buddy and its payment processor, Stripe, to store such information and to charge your payment method in accordance with these Terms. Storage Buddy is not responsible for any fees charged by your bank in relation to payments processed through the platform.

7. Insurance

Hosts and Renters are each solely responsible for obtaining their own insurance to cover any damages that may occur to their property, including any damage to or loss of Stored Items.

• RENTERS check their existing renters insurance policy, as many policies include off-premises personal property coverage that may extend to stored belongings. If you do not have renters insurance, we strongly recommend you obtain a policy before booking.
• HOSTS notify their existing homeowners or renters insurer before accepting storage bookings. Accepting payment for storage of another person's belongings may constitute commercial activity that affects your existing coverage, and may expose you to liability that your existing policy does not cover. Storage Buddy does not provide Hosts with any liability insurance. You must verify your coverage position with your insurer before accepting any Bookings.

Storage Buddy makes no representation that any existing insurance policy held by a Host or Renter will cover losses arising from storage activities conducted through the platform. Storage Buddy is not an insurance advisor and this is not insurance advice.

8. Screening Checks

In addition to student verification (Section 4.1), Hosts and Renters have the right to undertake additional screening of each other. Storage Buddy may, but is not obligated to, perform additional background checks on Members. Storage Buddy is not responsible for the accuracy of any screening checks and you agree to release and hold Storage Buddy harmless from all liability related to screening checks.

9. Booking and Financial Terms

9.1 Accepting and Declining Bookings

When a Booking is requested, the Host must approve or decline within 3 days (72 hours). If the Host does not respond within 3 days (72 hours), the Booking request will be automatically declined and any amounts collected will be refunded to the Renter. When a Host confirms a Booking, the address of the Space will be shared with the Renter.

9.2 Fees

The fees applicable to each Booking are as follows:

Together, the Space Fee, Renter Service Fee, and Applicable Taxes constitute the “Total Fees” charged to the Renter. The following illustrates how fees apply to a $100/month Space Fee for a NYC Booking:

The Renter Service Fee and Host Service Fee are not displayed as separate line items. The Renter is shown a single all-in price at checkout, inclusive of all platform fees. Applicable Taxes are calculated by Stripe and added on top of the all-in price as a separate line item at checkout. Fee amounts applicable to the Host are shown in the Host's Listing management dashboard. Except as otherwise provided in these Terms, the Renter Service Fee and Host Service Fee are non-refundable once a Booking has commenced.

9.3 Renter Payment

Each Renter agrees to pay Storage Buddy the Total Fees for any Booking confirmed by a Host. Payments are made in accordance with these Terms using payment methods available on the Site.

9.4 Recurring Payments; When Payment Is Collected

Payment of the first month's Total Fees will be collected at the time the Host confirms the Booking (the “Initial Charge Date”). By requesting a Booking, you authorise Storage Buddy to charge your payment method immediately upon Host confirmation.

Storage Buddy offers two Booking structures: Fixed Term and Rolling Monthly. Sub-month Bookings of less than one full month are a subset of Fixed Term. The applicable structure will be selected at the time of Booking. Subsequent monthly payments (“Recurring Payments”) will be automatically collected on the same date each month (the “Renewal Date”). Storage Buddy will send you an email reminder 7 days before each Renewal Date and again 72 hours before each Renewal Date so you have adequate notice to cancel if you do not wish to renew.

By placing a Booking, you authorize Storage Buddy to collect Recurring Payments automatically until the Booking is cancelled in accordance with these Terms.

9.4A Booking Structures

Storage Buddy offers the following Booking structures. The structure applicable to your Booking will be confirmed at checkout.

9.5 Renter Disclosures

As a Renter, you agree to disclose the items you wish to store upon requesting a Booking, including any items that may require special disclosure. You agree to notify Storage Buddy if you are storing any items that are subject to a lien or security interest. You further agree not to store items prohibited under Section 14.2.

9.6 Renter Access to Space

The Host agrees to specify in the Listing the times at which the Renter may access Stored Items. Renter must provide at least 24 hours' advance notice to Host before accessing Stored Items, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Hosts must provide reasonable access upon request and communicate promptly.

9.6A Host Unresponsiveness After Booking Commences

Hosts have an ongoing obligation to remain reachable and to provide reasonable access to Renters throughout the term of a Booking. If a Renter submits a reasonable access request and the Host fails to respond or provide access within forty-eight (48) hours, the Renter may contact Storage Buddy support at support@storagebuddyco.com.

Upon receiving a report of host unresponsiveness, Storage Buddy will:

• Attempt to contact the Host independently on the Renter's behalf within 24 hours of the report.
• If the Host remains unresponsive for a further 48 hours, issue a formal warning to the Host and notify the Renter of the status.
• If the Host remains unresponsive for a total of seven (7) days from the Renter's original access request, Storage Buddy may treat the Booking as a Host-initiated cancellation and the Renter will be entitled to: (i) a prorated refund of Space Fees for the period during which access was denied, and (ii) seven (7) days' notice to arrange collection of their Stored Items, with Storage Buddy facilitating coordination.

Repeated unresponsiveness by a Host may result in suspension or permanent removal from the Storage Buddy platform. Hosts acknowledge that responsiveness is a material term of their participation on the platform.

9.7 Transporting Stored Items

Hosts are not required to transport or handle Stored Items. If a Host chooses to do so, they do so at their own risk. Storage Buddy is not responsible for any costs, damages, or liabilities arising from a Host handling or transporting Stored Items.

9.8 Move-Out Duties

At or before the end of the Booking period, Renter must vacate the Space completely, removing all Stored Items and leaving the Space in clean condition. Additional fees may apply for delayed removal. Once Renter has removed all Stored Items and cancelled the Booking, Renter has no further right to access the Space.

9.9 Host Payout

Storage Buddy will initiate payment of Space Fees to the Host fourteen (14) days after the date on which the corresponding Renter payment is received (the “Payout Date”), net of Processing Fees, via Stripe Connect to the Host's connected bank account. This fourteen (14) day period reflects the Hold Period described in Section 2.5 during which Renter disputes may be raised. Storage Buddy is not obligated to pay Host if the Host's Stripe Connect account is invalid or unconnected for a period of six (6) months.

9.9A Renter Non-Payment: Storage Buddy's Role and Limitation of Liability

In the event a Renter fails to make a Recurring Payment when due, Storage Buddy will take the following steps on behalf of the Host:

Storage Buddy will use reasonable efforts to facilitate the above process on the Host's behalf, but makes no warranty that these efforts will result in the recovery of unpaid fees. Hosts acknowledge that Storage Buddy's role throughout this process is that of a facilitating platform and not a guarantor of payment. Hosts are encouraged to factor the risk of non-payment into their pricing decisions.

9.10 Renter Cancellation; Refunds

Renters must cancel Bookings through their My Rentals page on the Site. Sending a message to the Host does not constitute cancellation.

The following cancellation and refund policy applies:

• Cancelled before the Host approves the Booking: 100% refund of all amounts paid.
• Cancelled more than 48 hours before the Start Date: 100% refund of all amounts paid.
• Cancelled within 48 hours before the Start Date (but before storage begins): 50% refund of the total amount paid. The remaining 50% is non-refundable as payment has already been processed as described in Section 9.4.
• Cancelled on or after the Start Date but more than 48 hours before the next Renewal Date: No refund for the current monthly period. The Booking will not renew and no further charges will be made.
• Cancelled within 48 hours before the Renewal Date: the renewal charge will already have been processed; a 50% refund of that renewal charge will be returned to the Renter's original payment method within 5–10 business days.

Storage Buddy may, in its sole discretion, provide refunds in exceptional circumstances not covered above.

Sub-Month Fixed Term Bookings (under one full month) are subject to the following cancellation policy, which supersedes the general schedule above for those Bookings only: (i) Cancelled more than 48 hours before the Start Date: 100% refund of all amounts paid. (ii) Cancelled within 48 hours before the Start Date: 50% refund of the total amount paid. (iii) Cancelled on or after the Start Date: No refund. Sub-Month Bookings are single-payment; once the Start Date has passed, no refund applies.

9.10A Listing Mismatch Disputes

If a Renter believes that the Storage Space materially does not match the description provided in the Host's Listing -- for example, the size, condition, access arrangements, or security of the Space differs significantly from what was advertised -- the Renter has the right to raise a formal dispute with Storage Buddy within seven (7) days of the Booking's Start Date (the “Dispute Window”).

To raise a dispute, the Renter must:

• Submit a written complaint to support@storagebuddyco.com within the Dispute Window, clearly describing how the Space differs from the Listing.
• Provide supporting evidence where possible, including photographs of the Space taken at the time of move-in, screenshots of the original Listing, and any relevant communications with the Host.
• Cancel their Booking through the My Rentals page at the time of or before submitting the dispute.

Storage Buddy has the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether a listing mismatch dispute is valid and whether a full or partial refund will be awarded. Storage Buddy's decision is final. In making its determination, Storage Buddy may consider factors including the severity of the discrepancy, the evidence provided, the Host's response, and whether the Renter moved Stored Items into the Space.

For the avoidance of doubt: if a Renter moves Stored Items into the Space without raising a dispute within the Dispute Window, this shall be treated as confirmation that the Listing was accurate and the Renter's acceptance of the Space. No listing mismatch refund will be available after the Dispute Window has closed.

Where Storage Buddy awards a refund under this section, it reserves the right to withhold or pull back the corresponding payout from the Host. Hosts who are found to have materially misrepresented their Space may be subject to further action including suspension or removal from the platform.

9.11 Host Cancellation

If a Host cancels before the Renter stores belongings, the Renter will receive a full refund. If a Host needs to terminate a Booking after storage has begun, the Host must provide at least 30 days' written notice to the Renter. If a Host cancels with less than 30 days' notice without cause, the following consequences apply: (i) the Renter will receive a full refund of the most recent month's Space Fees; (ii) the Host shall be charged a short-notice cancellation penalty equal to the greater of $50 or 50% of the monthly Space Fee for the Booking (the “Cancellation Penalty”). Storage Buddy will deduct from the Cancellation Penalty a platform handling fee equal to 4.5% of the monthly Space Fee (rounded up to the nearest whole dollar), which Storage Buddy retains to cover the administrative costs of managing the cancellation. The remainder of the Cancellation Penalty is then passed through to the Renter. For example: for a $75/month listing, the Cancellation Penalty is $50 (the greater of $50 or $37.50); the platform handling fee is $4; the Renter receives $46. The Cancellation Penalty is deducted from any outstanding payout owed to the Host or invoiced separately where no payout is outstanding.

9.12 Abandoned Property

Following the cancellation or termination of a Booking, Storage Buddy will issue a written notice to the Renter at their registered email address providing at least fourteen (14) days to collect their Stored Items (the “Collection Period”). Any Stored Items remaining in the Space after the Collection Period has elapsed shall be deemed abandoned. Storage Buddy and/or the Host may remove and dispose of any such abandoned items at the Renter's expense. Renter waives all claims arising from removal or disposal of abandoned property following the expiry of the Collection Period.

9.13 Contractual Lien

By completing any Booking, the Renter consents to the creation of a lien on the Stored Items in favour of Storage Buddy and the applicable Host. This lien secures payment of all amounts owed and remains attached until the Booking is terminated and all fees are paid in full. Storage Buddy may enforce this lien by any means permitted by these Terms or applicable law.

9.14 Maximum Stored Items Value

Renter agrees not to store property with a total value in excess of $5,000. The maximum total value of all Stored Items shall be deemed not to exceed $5,000 for the purposes of these Terms. Renters wishing to store items with a combined value exceeding $5,000 should obtain appropriate personal property insurance before booking.

10. Damage to Stored Items, Bodily Injury, and Theft

10.1 Damage to Stored Items

Hosts are responsible for damages they cause to a Renter's Stored Items. To minimise disputes, both Hosts and Renters are strongly encouraged to photograph and document the Stored Items and the Storage Space at the time of move-in and move-out. Hosts and Renters acknowledge and agree that Storage Buddy is not responsible or liable for any damages to Stored Items.

10.2 Bodily Injuries

Renter's use of the Storage Space is at Renter's sole risk. The Host shall not be liable to Renter or Renter's invitees for personal or bodily injury except in the event of the Host's gross negligence or willful misconduct. Storage Buddy is not responsible or liable for any bodily injuries to Hosts, Renters, or third parties.

10.3 Theft of Stored Items

The Host is not responsible for lost or stolen Stored Items where (i) a police report is filed evidencing forcible or unlawful entry and (ii) the Host's negligent or intentional conduct did not contribute to the theft. Storage Buddy is not responsible or liable for loss or theft of Stored Items.

10.4 Renter Responsibility for Damage to Host's Property

Renters are responsible for any damage they or their Stored Items cause to the Host's property or Storage Space. Storage Buddy is not responsible or liable for any damage caused to a Host's property or Space.

11. Use of Space and Prohibited Items

11.1 Permitted Use

11.2 Prohibited Items

Storage of the following items is expressly prohibited:

• Explosives, fuel, hazardous or flammable materials
• Pesticides or other toxic chemicals
• Waste of any kind
• Firearms or ammunition
• Drugs or any illegal substances
• Stolen goods or contraband
• Perishable food items, living or deceased animals, infested items, or moldy items
• Any item that emits fumes or a strong odor
• Any items the possession, transport, or storage of which would violate applicable laws
• Any items specifically prohibited by the Host in the Listing

Smoking in or around the Storage Space is also expressly prohibited.

11.3 Breach of This Section

Upon breach, or a Host's reasonable suspicion of breach, of this Section, the Host has the right to immediately terminate the Booking and require the Renter to remove all Stored Items. If Renter fails to comply, the Host may take all legally permissible actions, including contacting law enforcement.

12. Default

12.1 Default by Host

If Storage Buddy determines that a Host has violated these Terms or applicable law, Storage Buddy may terminate all Bookings with that Host, withhold payouts, and decline to assist with removal of Stored Items.

12.2 Default by Renter

Renter will be in Default if they: (i) fail to make any payment when due; (ii) fail to notify Storage Buddy of a change in contact information; (iii) provide false or incorrect information; (iv) fail to vacate the Space at the end of the Booking period; (v) fail to comply with these Terms or the Host's reasonable rules; or (vi) violate health, safety, or criminal laws on the Host's property.

12.3 No Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

13. Storage Buddy's Remedies

If Renter is in Default, Storage Buddy may (but is not obligated to) exercise one or more of the following remedies:

• Deny Renter access to the Space or Stored Items until the Default is cured.
• Terminate Renter's Booking by providing three (3) days' notice to vacate.
• Enforce any lien held by Storage Buddy or the Host, including seizure and disposal of Stored Items, in accordance with applicable law.
• Charge or recover from Renter all fees and expenses incurred as a result of the Default, including reasonable attorney's fees.

14. Reviews

Members may review each other following a Booking. Reviews must be accurate and must not contain discriminatory, offensive, or defamatory content. Reviews are not verified by Storage Buddy for accuracy and may be incorrect. Storage Buddy reserves the right to remove any review that violates these Terms.

15. User Liability

15.1 Compliance

15.2 Impermissible Conduct

In connection with your use of the Site and Services, you may not:

• Violate any local, state, or national law or regulation, including zoning restrictions and tax regulations.
• Use automated software, bots, or scripts to access, scrape, or crawl the Site.
• Use the Site for any commercial or other purposes not expressly permitted by these Terms.
• Infringe the rights of any person or entity, including intellectual property, privacy, or contractual rights.
• Interfere with or damage the Site or Services through viruses, denial-of-service attacks, or similar means.
• Submit any Listing with false or misleading price information.
• Impersonate any person or entity, or misrepresent your affiliation with any person or entity.
• Register for more than one Storage Buddy Account.
• Solicit another user to arrange storage outside the Storage Buddy platform.
• Post content that is fraudulent, defamatory, obscene, offensive, promotes discrimination, or violates applicable law.

16. Termination and Account Cancellation

Storage Buddy may, without liability, terminate your access to the Site and Services, or deactivate or cancel your account, at any time with or without cause and with or without notice. You may cancel your account at any time by emailing support@storagebuddyco.com. Upon termination, you remain liable for all amounts due.

17. Disclaimers

17.1 General

17.2 User Interactions

18. Limitations of Liability

18.1 General

18.2 Maximum Damages

19. Indemnification

You agree to release, defend, indemnify, and hold Storage Buddy and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents harmless from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or connected with:

• Your access to or use of the Site, Services, or Collective Content, or your violation of these Terms.
• Your Member Content.
• Any injury occurring to any person or property as a result of your use or occupation of a Storage Space.
• Your interaction with any Member, your Booking of a Space, or your creation of a Listing.
• Any dispute between you and another Member.
• Any infringement of a third party's rights.

20. Late Fees and Collections

20.1 Late Fees

If Renter fails to make any applicable payment within the grace period specified below for the applicable state, or such payment is denied, returned, or charged back, Renter shall be charged a late fee in accordance with the following state-by-state schedule. All late fees must be disclosed in the Booking confirmation and are non-refundable. Late fees are distinct from rent and shall not be classified as such.

Note: Storage Buddy will apply the schedule for the state in which the Host's Space is located. Where state law is ambiguous as to whether it applies to peer-to-peer storage arrangements, Storage Buddy applies the statutory schedule conservatively in favour of the Renter. This schedule will be updated as Storage Buddy expands to additional states. Late fees are stated in the Booking confirmation and must be included in the written agreement to be enforceable.

20.2 Interest and Collections

In the event Renter fails to make any payment when due, interest will accrue on all unpaid amounts at a rate of 18% per annum (1.5% per month) until paid in full. Unpaid balances may be placed with an external collection agency, and Renter shall be responsible for all collection costs, court fees, and reasonable attorney's fees.

21. Member Content

By posting Member Content on the Site, you grant Storage Buddy a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free licence to use, copy, adapt, distribute, publicly display, and otherwise exploit such content for the purposes of operating and marketing the Site and Services. You represent and warrant that you own or have the rights to all Member Content you submit and that such content does not infringe any third party's rights.

22. Feedback

Storage Buddy welcomes feedback, comments, and suggestions for improvements to the Site and Services (“Feedback”). You may submit Feedback by emailing support@storagebuddyco.com or through the “Contact” section of the Site. You acknowledge and agree that all Feedback will be the sole and exclusive property of Vesta Hearth Inc. (d/b/a Storage Buddy), and you hereby irrevocably assign to Storage Buddy all of your right, title, and interest in and to all Feedback, including without limitation all worldwide patent, copyright, trade secret, moral, and other proprietary or intellectual property rights therein. At Storage Buddy's request and expense, you will execute documents and take such further acts as Storage Buddy may reasonably request to assist it to acquire, perfect, and maintain its intellectual property rights and other legal protections for the Feedback.

22A. Referral Programme

22A.1 Overview

Storage Buddy may, from time to time, operate a referral programme that allows eligible Members to earn referral rewards by introducing new Renters to the platform. Participation in the referral programme is subject to these Terms and any additional terms notified to Members at the time of participation. Storage Buddy reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the referral programme at any time without prior notice.

22A.2 Referral Reward

Where a Member (the “Referrer”) successfully refers a new Renter to the platform using a valid referral link or code issued by Storage Buddy, and that new Renter completes a confirmed Booking, the Referrer will earn a referral reward equal to 25% of the Renter Service Fee paid by the referred Renter on each qualifying Booking (the “Referral Reward”). For clarity: as the Renter Service Fee is 14.5% of the Space Fee, the Referral Reward is equal to 3.625% of the referred Renter's Space Fee per Booking.

22A.3 Cap and Duration

Referral Rewards will be paid for a maximum of five (5) consecutive monthly Booking periods per referred Renter, commencing from the date of the referred Renter's first confirmed Booking. After five months, no further Referral Rewards will accrue in respect of that referred Renter. There is no limit on the number of eligible Renters a Referrer may introduce, subject to these Terms.

22A.4 Eligibility and Disqualification

To be eligible for a Referral Reward, the Referrer must: (i) hold an active, verified Storage Buddy account in good standing at the time the referred Renter completes their Booking; and (ii) have used an official Storage Buddy referral link or code. Self-referrals, referrals of existing Members, and referrals made using fraudulent or unauthorised means will not qualify. Storage Buddy reserves the right to withhold, reverse, or reclaim any Referral Rewards where it determines, in its sole discretion, that the referral was made in bad faith, in breach of these Terms, or contrary to the spirit of the programme. The referral programme will be automatically deactivated for any Member whose account is suspended or terminated.

22A.5 Payment of Referral Rewards

Referral Rewards will be paid via Stripe Connect to the Referrer's connected bank account on or around the same schedule as Host payouts. Referral Rewards are inclusive of any applicable taxes. Referrers are solely responsible for any tax obligations arising from Referral Rewards received. Storage Buddy makes no representation that Referral Rewards constitute income, and Referrers should seek independent tax advice if required.

23. Reporting Misconduct

If you interact with any Member who you believe is acting or has acted inappropriately -- including but not limited to engaging in offensive, violent, or sexually inappropriate behaviour, suspected theft, or any other disturbing or unlawful conduct -- you should immediately report such person to the appropriate authorities, including law enforcement, and notify Storage Buddy by contacting support@storagebuddyco.com. Your report will not obligate Storage Buddy to take any action beyond that required by applicable law, and Storage Buddy shall not incur any liability to you as a result of your report or Storage Buddy's response to it.

24. Copyright Dispute Policy

Storage Buddy respects intellectual property rights and expects its Members to do the same. It is Storage Buddy's policy to terminate, in appropriate circumstances, the accounts of Members who repeatedly infringe or are believed to repeatedly infringe the rights of third-party copyright holders.

If you are a copyright owner, or are authorised to act on behalf of one, and you believe that content on the Site infringes your copyright, please submit a written notice to support@storagebuddyco.com containing all of the following:

• An electronic or physical signature of the copyright owner or a person authorised to act on their behalf;
• Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed, or a representative list if multiple works are at issue;
• Identification of the material that is claimed to be infringing and information reasonably sufficient to permit Storage Buddy to locate it on the Site (including the URL);
• Your name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address;
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorised by the copyright owner, its agent, or applicable law; and
• A statement, made under penalty of perjury, that the information in the notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or are authorised to act on behalf of the copyright owner.

25. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

25.1 Informal Resolution

Before initiating arbitration, you and Storage Buddy each agree to send the other party a written notice describing the dispute and the relief sought and to attempt to resolve it informally for at least 30 days. Pre-arbitration notices to Storage Buddy should be sent to: Vesta Hearth Inc. (d/b/a Storage Buddy), c/o Vesta Hearth NYC, 155 Claremont Avenue, APT 910, New York, NY 10027. Storage Buddy will send its notice to the email address associated with your account.

25.2 Agreement to Arbitrate

You and Storage Buddy mutually agree that any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or your use of the Site or Services will be settled by binding arbitration on an individual basis. The arbitration shall be conducted on a confidential basis by a single arbitrator.

25.3 Exceptions to Arbitration

The following are exceptions to the arbitration agreement and may be brought in court: (i) claims alleging infringement of intellectual property rights; (ii) claims seeking emergency injunctive relief; and (iii) small claims court matters.

25.4 Arbitration Rules

Where relief sought is $40,000 or less, arbitration will be administered by FairClaims (www.fairclaims.com). Where relief sought exceeds $40,000, arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Consumer Arbitration Rules.

25.5 Jury Trial Waiver

25.6 No Class Actions

25.7 Governing Law and Venue

Vesta Hearth Inc. is incorporated in the State of Delaware. The Storage Buddy platform is operated by Vesta Hearth NYC in New York City. For the avoidance of doubt, these Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflict of law principles. The choice of New York law reflects the location of platform operations and the primary user base, and is not affected by Vesta Hearth Inc.'s place of incorporation.

To the extent any disputed matter arising out of or relating to these Terms is deemed not subject to the arbitration provisions above, such matter shall be brought exclusively in the federal and state courts located in New York County, New York, and the parties consent to the exclusive venue and personal jurisdiction of those courts.

26. Modification

Storage Buddy reserves the right to modify the Site, Services, or these Terms at any time. Modifications will be posted on the Site and the “Last Updated” date will be revised. Continued use of the Site or Services after a modification is posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

27. Miscellaneous

These Terms are the final and complete agreement between the parties regarding the subject matter herein and supersede all prior agreements and understandings. All provisions that by their nature should survive termination shall do so, including limitations of liability and indemnity. If Vesta Hearth Inc. (d/b/a Storage Buddy) is the prevailing party in any arbitration or litigation arising from these Terms, it shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Storage Buddy's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

These Terms, together with the Listing details, Host instructions, and information provided during checkout, constitute the storage agreement for each Booking.