Disclaimer

1. No Affiliation with UC Berkeley

BearMate is an independent student project created to help UC Berkeley students find compatible roommates. BearMate is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected with the University of California, Berkeley, its administration, departments, or student housing services.

The use of "@berkeley.edu" email verification is solely for the purpose of confirming current student status and does not imply any official university endorsement or partnership.

2. Not a Rental or Real Estate Service

BearMate is a roommate matching platform only. We do NOT:

• List, advertise, or manage rental properties
• Act as landlords, property managers, or real estate agents
• Facilitate lease agreements or rental contracts
• Verify the accuracy of housing listings or availability
• Conduct background checks or credit checks on users
• Guarantee housing placements or roommate arrangements

BearMate simply connects students with similar housing preferences. All rental agreements, lease signings, and housing arrangements are entirely your responsibility.

3. No Verification of User Information

While we require UC Berkeley email verification, we do NOT:

• Verify the accuracy of profile information provided by users
• Conduct background checks, criminal history checks, or reference checks
• Verify identity, age, or student status beyond email verification
• Confirm Instagram accounts or social media profiles
• Validate financial status, creditworthiness, or ability to pay rent
• Screen users for safety, reliability, or trustworthiness

YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VETTING POTENTIAL ROOMMATES. Always meet in public places, conduct your own background checks, and verify information independently before signing any agreements or sharing living spaces.

4. Safety and Personal Responsibility

4.1 Your Safety is Your Responsibility

BearMate provides a platform for students to connect, but we cannot guarantee the safety, reliability, or compatibility of any match. You assume all risks when:

• Communicating with other users
• Meeting potential roommates in person
• Sharing personal information
• Entering into housing agreements
• Living with individuals you meet through BearMate

4.2 Safety Recommendations

We strongly recommend that you:

• Meet potential roommates in public, well-lit locations
• Inform friends or family of your meeting plans
• Conduct independent background and reference checks
• Verify identity through multiple channels
• Review and understand all lease terms before signing
• Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, walk away
• Never send money or sign agreements without thorough vetting

4.3 Reporting Concerns

If you encounter suspicious behavior, harassment, or safety concerns, please report it to us immediately at bearmateapp@gmail.com and consider reporting to local authorities or UC Berkeley campus police if appropriate.

5. Matching Algorithm Limitations

Our compatibility algorithm is based on user-provided preferences and lifestyle information. However:

• Compatibility scores are estimates only, not guarantees
• The algorithm cannot predict interpersonal compatibility, personality conflicts, or living arrangement success
• Matches are generated based on stated preferences, which may not reflect actual behavior or priorities
• High compatibility scores do not guarantee successful roommate relationships
• The algorithm is subject to change and improvement without notice

6. No Professional Advice

BearMate does not provide legal, financial, or professional advice. We are not:

• Real estate professionals or licensed agents
• Lawyers or legal advisors
• Financial advisors or credit counselors
• Housing counselors or mediators
• Mental health or compatibility professionals

For questions about leases, tenant rights, or housing law, consult with a qualified attorney or housing specialist.

7. Third-Party Services and Links

BearMate may contain links to third-party services (e.g., Instagram). We are not responsible for:

• The content, privacy practices, or terms of third-party platforms
• Interactions that occur off the BearMate platform
• Disputes arising from external communications or arrangements

8. No Liability for User Actions

BearMate and its operators are NOT responsible or liable for:

• Actions, conduct, or statements of users
• Disputes between users or roommates
• Financial losses from housing arrangements
• Theft, damage, or criminal activity
• Breach of contracts or agreements between users
• Housing discrimination or fair housing violations by users
• Fraud, scams, or misrepresentation by users

9. Data Accuracy and Availability

While we strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information:

• We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of user profiles
• Users may update or delete their profiles at any time
• Matches may expire or become unavailable
• Platform availability is not guaranteed and may be interrupted

10. Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination

While BearMate allows gender-based matching for safety and comfort preferences, we support fair housing principles. Users must comply with all applicable fair housing laws and regulations. Discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability, familial status, or other protected characteristics is strictly prohibited.

The gender matching feature is provided as a safety and preference tool and should not be used to violate any anti-discrimination laws.

11. Student Project Disclaimer

BearMate is a student-developed project created as a service to the UC Berkeley community. As such:

• The platform may contain bugs, errors, or technical issues
• Features and availability may change without notice
• The project may be discontinued at any time
• Support and maintenance are provided on a best-effort basis
• We make no guarantees about long-term platform availability

12. Changes to This Disclaimer

We reserve the right to modify this Disclaimer at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of BearMate after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Disclaimer.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Disclaimer, please contact us at:

Email: bearmateapp@gmail.com