Effective Date: December 1, 2024
Welcome to Rels ("we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our real estate platform and mobile application.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using Rels services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you may not access our services.
2. Description of Service
Rels provides a platform for fractional real estate investment through legal tenants-in-common ownership structures. Our services include:
- Property investment opportunities starting from $100
- Portfolio management and tracking tools
- Monthly rental income distribution
- Professional property management coordination
- Secondary market trading capabilities (where legally permitted)
3. Eligibility and Account Registration
To use our services, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering contracts
- Be an Australian resident or citizen
- Complete our Know Your Customer (KYC) verification process
- Provide accurate and complete information during registration
- Maintain the security of your account credentials
4. Investment Terms and Risks
Important Investment Warning: Real estate investments carry significant risks including but not limited to market volatility, property value fluctuations, rental vacancy, property damage, and potential total loss of invested capital. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
By using our platform, you acknowledge that:
- All investments are subject to market risks and potential losses
- Rental income is not guaranteed and may vary
- Property values may decrease as well as increase
- Liquidity may be limited, and you may not be able to sell your investment when desired
- You have conducted your own research or consulted with financial advisors
5. Tenants-in-Common Ownership
Property ownership through Rels is structured as tenants-in-common, meaning:
- You hold a legal ownership interest in the property
- Your ownership percentage corresponds to your investment amount
- You are entitled to proportional rental income and capital appreciation
- Property management decisions are made collectively or through appointed managers
- Your ownership is registered under Australian property law
6. Fees and Charges
Our fee structure includes:
- Platform fees: Detailed in your investment agreement
- Property management fees: Typically 6-8% of rental income
- Transaction fees: Applied to investments and secondary market trades
- Legal and administrative costs: For property purchases and ownership transfers
7. Professional Management
All properties are managed by licensed Australian property management companies. Management services include:
- Tenant sourcing and screening
- Rent collection and distribution
- Property maintenance and repairs
- Compliance with local regulations
- Regular property inspections and reporting
8. Secondary Market Trading
Where legally permitted, our platform may facilitate secondary market trading of property interests:
- Minimum trading quantities may apply (typically 100 tokens)
- Settlement periods may be quarterly or as otherwise specified
- Additional legal costs may apply for ownership transfers
- Market liquidity is not guaranteed
9. Privacy and Data Protection
We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles. Please review our Privacy Policy for detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.
10. Compliance and Regulation
Rels operates in compliance with Australian financial services regulations including:
- Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
- Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) requirements
- Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006
- Australian Consumer Law
11. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- Rels is not liable for investment losses or poor property performance
- We do not guarantee rental income or capital growth
- Our liability is limited to the platform service fees paid
- We exclude liability for consequential or indirect losses
12. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes will be resolved through:
- Initial good faith negotiations
- Mediation through an agreed mediator
- Final and binding arbitration if mediation fails
- All proceedings to be conducted in Australia under Australian law
13. Termination
We may terminate or suspend your account immediately for violations of these Terms. Upon termination:
- Your property investments remain valid and unaffected
- Platform access will be suspended
- Outstanding obligations must be fulfilled
14. Professional Advice Recommendation
Important: We strongly recommend consulting with qualified financial advisors, accountants, and legal professionals before making any investment decisions. Rels does not provide personal financial advice.
15. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Significant changes will be communicated via email and app notifications. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.
16. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
- Email: legal@rels.com.au
- Phone: 1300 RELS AU (1300 735 728)
- Address: Level 15, 1 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
These Terms of Service are governed by Australian law and are designed to comply with all applicable Australian legislation including the Corporations Act 2001, Australian Consumer Law, and relevant state property laws.