Trust & Safety

1. Our Approach to Trust & Safety

Shacked's trust and safety framework is based on three principles:

• Clear signals – we describe what each platform check actually does, not what it implies
• Transparency – clear expectations for user behavior
• Accountability – tools to report issues and take action when needed

We design our platform to encourage respectful, responsible interactions while preserving user privacy.

2. Eligibility, Email Confirmation, and Approval

To use Shacked, users must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Confirm a valid .edu email address
• Provide accurate and truthful account information
• Accept our Community Guidelines

Shacked uses two distinct trust signals, which mean different things:

Student Email Confirmed indicates that a user clicked a confirmation link sent to a .edu email address. This confirms access to a .edu email account at the time of signup. It does NOT confirm current enrollment, age, identity, academic standing, or that the user is the original owner of the email address. Some .edu addresses are issued to alumni, staff, extension students, or other non-traditional users.

Approved Host and Approved Listing indicate that the host completed our platform-level onboarding checklist, including accepting our Community Guidelines and providing profile information. Approval is a discretionary review by Shacked and may be revoked at any time.

What our trust signals are NOT:

• They are NOT a background check, criminal history check, or sex offender registry check.
• They are NOT identity verification beyond .edu email confirmation.
• They are NOT a guarantee of user behavior, listing accuracy, property condition, or safety.
• They are NOT a guarantee that any user is a current college student at any specific institution.

Users are responsible for exercising judgment when interacting with others on the platform. Approval and email confirmation may be revoked at Shacked's discretion based on reports, policy violations, or other safety considerations.

3. User Profiles and Listings

Users are responsible for:

• Providing accurate profile and listing information
• Complying with applicable laws, leases, and agreements
• Communicating clearly and honestly with other users

Shacked does not inspect, independently confirm, or endorse listings, properties, storage spaces, or user content.

4. Messaging and Communication Safety

Shacked provides in-platform messaging so users can communicate without sharing personal contact information.

• Messages are intended for user-to-user communication
• Shacked does not actively monitor private messages

Messages may be reviewed only if:

• Reported by users
• Flagged for safety or policy concerns
• Required by law

Users should not use messaging to harass, threaten, solicit off-platform payments, or engage in prohibited conduct.

5. Reporting and Blocking

Users are encouraged to report behavior that feels unsafe or violates platform rules.

You can report:

• Harassment or threatening behavior
• Fraud or scams
• Misleading or unlawful listings
• Attempts to move payments off the platform
• Any conduct that undermines trust or safety

Landlords, property managers, and university housing offices can also submit a takedown report for listings that may violate a lease, housing contract, or local ordinance.

Shacked may review reports and take appropriate action, which may include warnings, content removal, account suspension, or termination.

Users may also block other users at any time.

6. Prohibited Conduct

The following behavior is not allowed on Shacked:

• Harassment, threats, or hate speech
• Fraud, scams, or misrepresentation
• Posting false or misleading listings
• Circumventing platform safeguards or fees
• Soliciting off-platform payments
• Illegal activity or violations of third-party rights

Violations may result in enforcement action, up to and including permanent account removal.

7. Safety Limitations

While Shacked takes reasonable steps to promote trust and safety:

• We do not guarantee user behavior or outcomes
• We do not guarantee the safety, legality, or condition of any arrangement
• We do not provide emergency services

Users are responsible for exercising judgment, communicating clearly, and taking reasonable precautions when interacting with others.

If you believe you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

8. Mandatory Safety Practices for Users

Because Shacked does not inspect properties or conduct background checks, you are responsible for:

• Reviewing the host's profile, listing photos, and any prior reviews before booking
• Communicating in-platform before meeting in person
• Sharing your booking details and host's contact info with a trusted friend or family member
• Inspecting the property upon arrival and reporting any safety concerns to us immediately
• Calling local emergency services (911) for any immediate threat to your safety

If you are a host, you are responsible for:

• Ensuring you have your landlord's written permission to sublet or host guests
• Complying with your lease agreement and local short-term rental laws
• Ensuring the property meets basic safety standards (working smoke detectors, clear exits, no hidden cameras in private areas)
• Disclosing any safety-relevant conditions in your listing

Failure to follow these practices does not reduce your responsibility for your own safety and conduct.

9. Law Enforcement and Legal Requests

Shacked may cooperate with law enforcement or comply with legal requests where required by law. We may disclose information as permitted under our Privacy Policy.

10. Enforcement and Discretion

Shacked reserves the right to:

• Investigate reported issues
• Remove content
• Restrict, suspend, or terminate accounts
• Take action to protect the community

Enforcement decisions are made at Shacked's discretion and may be based on available information, user reports, or legal requirements.

11. Your Role in Keeping Shacked Safe

Trust is a shared responsibility. Users are encouraged to:

• Communicate respectfully
• Keep conversations on the platform
• Review profiles and listings carefully
• Report issues promptly
• Follow all platform rules and applicable laws

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Trust & Safety Policy from time to time. Updates are effective when posted. Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Information