Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using HouseIndex (“the Platform”), including its website at houseindex.ca and any associated services, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our Platform. By registering for an account, you represent that you have reached the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction, have the capacity to enter into binding obligations, and that all information you provide is true, accurate, current, and complete.

2. Description of Service

HouseIndex provides a real estate platform that enables Canadian homeowners to list their properties for sale and connects users with MLS® listing data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and other participating real estate boards. Our services include property listings, home valuation tools, neighbourhood insights, buyer alerts, and market analysis. HouseIndex operates as a Virtual Office Website (VOW) registered with TRREB, displaying MLS® listing data in accordance with TRREB’s VOW rules and policies.

3. MLS® Data Terms of Use

The listing data displayed on HouseIndex is provided under licence from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) and is protected by copyright. By accessing MLS® listing data on this Platform, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Ownership and Copyright: TRREB retains ownership and copyright over its MLS® database, MLS® System, and all listing information. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) owns the MLS® and REALTOR® trademarks.
• Personal, Non-Commercial Use Only: All MLS® listing data provided through HouseIndex is intended solely for the personal, non-commercial use of individuals who have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered through the Platform.
• Prohibited Uses of MLS® Data: You shall not copy, redistribute, retransmit, display, post, disseminate, distribute, publish, broadcast, transfer, sell, or sublicense any listing information obtained from this Platform. You shall not engage in “scraping,” “data mining,” or any other activity intended to collect, store, reorganize, summarize, or manipulate listing information or any related data.
• Data Accuracy: Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by TRREB or HouseIndex. Information may contain errors, omissions, or inaccuracies, and may be subject to change or withdrawal without notice. You should independently verify any information before making real estate decisions.
• Compliance Auditing: By using this Platform, you authorize TRREB and its authorized representatives to access the Platform to verify compliance with MLS® rules and policies, including VOW rules, and to monitor the display of listings and listing data.

4. Trademarks

MLS®, Multiple Listing Service®, and the associated logos are trademarks owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. REALTOR® is a trademark of REALTOR® Canada Inc., a corporation owned by CREA and the National Association of REALTORS®. These trademarks are used under licence and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The HouseIndex name, logo, and associated branding are the property of HouseIndex.

5. User Account and Registration

When you register for an account on HouseIndex, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information, including your real name and a valid email address.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials. You are responsible for all activities conducted under your account.
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
• Accept that your registration information may be shared with TRREB for VOW compliance auditing purposes as described in our Privacy Policy.

6. User Responsibilities

As a user of HouseIndex, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and truthful information about any property you list.
• Ensure you have the legal right to list any property and upload only photos you own or have permission to use.
• Not engage in fraudulent, deceptive, or misleading practices.
• Not use the Platform for any unlawful purpose or in violation of any applicable Canadian, provincial, or municipal laws and regulations.
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the Platform, other user accounts, or any systems or networks connected to the Platform.
• Not use any automated means (including bots, scrapers, or spiders) to access, collect, or interact with the Platform or its data.

7. Content Ownership and Licence

You retain ownership of all original content you submit to HouseIndex, including photos, descriptions, and property information. By submitting content, you grant HouseIndex a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to display, reproduce, and distribute your content on our Platform for the purpose of providing our services. This licence terminates when your content is removed from the Platform.

8. Listing Review and Removal

HouseIndex reserves the right to review, edit, or remove any user-submitted listing at our discretion. We may remove listings that violate these terms, contain false or misleading information, infringe on third-party rights, or are otherwise deemed inappropriate.

9. Home Valuation and Market Data

HouseIndex provides automated home valuation estimates and market analysis tools for informational purposes only. These estimates are generated using algorithms and available data, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for a professional appraisal or the advice of a licensed real estate professional. Valuations may not reflect the actual market value of a property and are not intended as financial, investment, or real estate advice.

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

HouseIndex is provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any listing data (including MLS® data), home valuations, market analysis, or other information provided through the Platform. We do not guarantee the qualification of buyers or sellers, or the successful completion of any real estate transaction. Users engage with other parties at their own risk.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HouseIndex, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, reliance on any information provided through the Platform (including MLS® data and home valuations), or transactions with other users. This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory on which the claim is based.

12. Privacy

Your use of HouseIndex is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which describes how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA.

13. Modifications to Terms

We may modify these Terms of Use at any time by posting the revised terms on the Platform. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms. We encourage you to review these terms periodically.

14. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your access to the Platform at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions of these terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership, warranty disclaimers, and limitations of liability.

15. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any disputes arising from these terms or your use of the Platform shall be resolved in the courts of the Province of Ontario, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts.

16. Contact

For questions about these Terms, contact us at: [email protected]