Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Owner Keys. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") constitute a legally binding electronic agreement between you ("User", "you", or "your") and Owner Keys, having its principal registered office at Tulasi Meadows, Flat No: 201, Second Floor, 2-56/33/6/76, Ayyappa Society, Siddhi Vinayak Nagar, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081 ("Owner Keys", "we", "us", or "our").

This electronic record is generated by a computer system and does not require physical or digital signatures. This document is published in accordance with the provisions of Rule 3(1) of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and the Indian Contract Act, 1872.

By accessing, browsing, registering on, downloading, or using our website, web applications, mobile applications, or any linked services (collectively, the "Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Terms and our companion Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must cease using the Platform immediately.

2. Definitions & Interpretations

• "Platform": Refers to the Owner Keys web portal (ownerkeys.in), corresponding subdomains, mobile applications, APIs, and associated technology stacks.
• "Listing": Any advertisement, description, media, spatial coordinates, floor plan, pricing, or specifications posted by a User regarding a real estate property offered for sale.
• "Property": Includes residential units (apartments, flats, standalone villas, gated community bungalows), commercial units (retail shops, office spaces, warehouses, industrial units), open land & plots (residential layouts, agricultural acreage, farm plots), and mega township ventures.
• "Direct Deal": An unmediated transaction model wherein verified property sellers and prospective buyers connect, negotiate, and close agreements directly with 0% brokerage commission owed to Owner Keys.
• "Car QR Service": The vehicle decal and communication technology allowing individuals to notify vehicle owners regarding parking obstructions or road incidents without publicly revealing private contact numbers.
• "Cash / Financial Transaction": Any exchange of money, tokens, advances, earnest money deposits, consideration, or escrow between Users or third parties in connection with a property listing.
• "Listing Boost / Package": Optional digital promotional visibility enhancements purchased by a User on the Platform to elevate listing ranking in search or featured carousels.

3. User Eligibility & Legal Capacity

Use of the Platform is available only to persons who can form legally binding contracts under the Indian Contract Act, 1872. Persons who are "incompetent to contract", including minors (under 18 years of age), un-discharged insolvents, or individuals of unsound mind, are not eligible to register or transact on the Platform.

If you are registering or executing actions on behalf of a partnership firm, private limited company, LLP, trust, or developer consortium, you represent and warrant that you possess full legal authorization, board resolution, or power of attorney to bind that legal entity to these Terms.

4. 0% Brokerage Marketplace Model

Owner Keys is founded on the core principle of empowering property owners and buyers to transact directly without paying extortionate 1% to 2% brokerage commissions:

• Zero Transaction Cuts: Owner Keys charges 0% brokerage fee, 0% deal closing fee, and 0% commission on the sale consideration agreed upon between buyer and seller.
• Direct Owner-to-Buyer Relationship: We provide discovery, search algorithms, locality insights, verified phone numbers, and direct WhatsApp links so the counter-parties communicate and negotiate independently.
• Technology Platform Only: Owner Keys is not a real estate broker, certified land valuer, title insurer, or legal escrow agent. We do not participate in or influence the commercial terms of any sale.

5. Account Categories & Verification Standards

To ensure accountability and authentic listings, Owner Keys maintains structured account types, each governed by specific verification protocols:

5.1 Individual Property Owner / Buyer

• Designed for private individuals listing their personal property for outright sale or looking to acquire real estate.
• Requires mobile number verification via One-Time Password (OTP), authenticated email address, and confirmation of legal title ownership or direct family authorization.
• Individual accounts must not be used to run unauthorized brokerage or commercial agency services.

5.2 Real Estate Agent / Channel Partner

• Applies to professional real estate agents, brokers, and channel partners listing properties under client mandates.
• Agents must submit a valid state RERA Agent Registration certificate, proof of business address, and government-issued photo ID.
• Agents must clearly disclose their agent status on every listing and must hold an explicit, verifiable mandate or agreement from the lawful property owner. Misrepresenting oneself as an owner is strictly prohibited.

5.3 Corporate Builder & Project Developer

• For construction companies, mega venture developers, township promoters, and corporate real estate firms.
• Requires submission of Certificate of Incorporation, GSTIN, statutory project sanctions (RERA, HMDA, DTCP, or relevant urban development authority), and authorized signatory credentials.
• Corporate entities bear sole vicarious liability for all marketing collateral, brochures, amenities, and price schedules published by their authorized managers on the Platform.

6. Property Listings & Strictly Selling Policy

Owner Keys is strictly dedicated to real estate sales and acquisitions. All listings on the Platform must strictly adhere to these guidelines:

• Exclusively For Sale: The Platform exclusively hosts properties for outright sale. Any listing offering property for rent, lease, tenancy, paying guest (PG), or temporary room-sharing is strictly prohibited. Any rental listing will be permanently removed without prior notice, and repetitive attempts will trigger account termination.
• Accurate Specifications: Listings must clearly state the true asking price, carpet area, super built-up area, undivided share of land (UDS) where applicable, floor number, orientation (facing), and physical age of the structure.
• Genuine Visuals: Photographs, floor plans, and video tours must depict the actual physical property being offered. Stock imagery, watermarked third-party photography, or digitally manipulated renders that misrepresent physical reality are prohibited.
• Price Accuracy: The listed expected price must represent a bona fide commercial figure. Posting dummy prices such as ₹1 or arbitrary placeholders to game sorting algorithms constitutes grounds for immediate delisting.

7. Geolocation Accuracy & Map Pin Integrity

Owner Keys features advanced radius-based GPS discovery enabling buyers to find properties within precise distances. Because buyers rely heavily on spatial integrity:

• True Physical Pinning: Every seller or developer must pin the exact, authentic physical location coordinates (latitude and longitude) of the property.
• Prohibition of Geo-Spoofing: Deliberately placing a map pin in a high-demand core locality (e.g., placing an outskirt property in Madhapur, Hitec City, or Gachibowli) to misdirect searchers constitutes fraud and will result in instant account ban.
• Coordinate Calibration: Owner Keys reserves the absolute right to audit, calibrate, or recalibrate map pins based on verified revenue survey numbers or physical user feedback.

8. Mega Ventures, Townships & Statutory Approvals

For large-scale layouts, gated communities, residential townships, and commercial hubs:

• Statutory Approvals Disclosure: Developers and listers must clearly display applicable regulatory approvals, including Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) registration numbers, DTCP / HMDA / BDA layout approval numbers, and environmental clearances where mandated by law.
• Pre-Launch & Unapproved Ventures: Posting, marketing, or collecting funds for real estate projects that require RERA registration without obtaining statutory approval is strictly prohibited on Owner Keys.
• RERA Portal Verification: Buyers are advised that Owner Keys is not a certifying authority; buyers must cross-examine the official state RERA portal to inspect project completion timelines, sanctioned plans, and quarterly compliance reports before investing.

9. Nature of the Platform & Intermediary Status

Owner Keys operates as an "Intermediary" as defined under Section 2(1)(w) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Our role is strictly limited to providing an online technical infrastructure that facilitates the discovery and communication of real estate listings submitted by independent users:

• We do not own, control, construct, survey, manage, or hold custody of any property listed on the Platform.
• We do not act as an attorney, agent, or representative for any buyer, seller, agent, or builder.
• Listing on Owner Keys does not constitute an endorsement, physical certification, warranty, or appraisal of market value by Owner Keys.

10. Strict Disclaimer on Financial & Cash Transactions

Owner Keys takes an absolute, unequivocal zero-liability stance regarding monetary exchanges between counterparties:

• No Payment Escrow or Handling: Owner Keys does not collect, receive, hold, manage, escrow, or disburse token advances, booking amounts, earnest money deposits (EMD), or final sale proceeds between users.
• No Financial Custody: Any payment made by a buyer to a seller or agent—whether through cash, cheque, RTGS, NEFT, UPI, demand draft, or promissory note—is made entirely outside the Platform at the sole discretion and risk of the parties.
• Complete Immunity: Owner Keys shall under no circumstances be held responsible or liable for transaction disputes, non-payment, check bounce, refusal to execute conveyance deeds, breach of agreements of sale, double-selling, forgery, or financial losses suffered by any user.

11. Mandatory User Due Diligence Obligations

Every prospective buyer and investor acknowledges that buying real estate requires rigorous, independent verification. By using Owner Keys, you expressly agree that you will not rely solely on platform listings and will conduct complete due diligence, including:

• Title Search & Encumbrance Certificate (EC): Procuring a minimum 30-year Encumbrance Certificate from the Sub-Registrar Office to verify clear marketable title and the absence of prior mortgages or court attachments.
• Revenue & Mutation Records: Verifying Dharani / Patta Passbooks, 1-B records, ROR extracts, land conversion certificates (NALA / Agricultural to Non-Agricultural), and Khata mutation extracts.
• Physical Inspection: Visiting the physical site in person to verify actual boundaries, dimensions, right of way/road access, neighborhood demographics, water availability, and occupancy status.
• Sanctioned Building Plans: Cross-examining approved structural drawings, commencement certificates (CC), and occupancy certificates (OC) from municipal corporations or town planning bodies.
• Legal Opinion: Engaging a qualified, practicing property advocate to scrutinize original link documents before signing any contract or advancing funds.

12. Direct WhatsApp, Phone Calls & Safety Protocols

To eliminate middleman delays, the Platform integrates one-touch WhatsApp messaging, phone calls, and visit booking directly between buyers and owners:

• Consent to Contact: When a user clicks "Chat on WhatsApp", "Call Owner", or submits an inquiry, both parties agree to receive direct communication solely for negotiating the relevant property.
• No Harassment or Spam: Users must not misuse disclosed contact details for spamming, unsolicited telemarketing, vulgar language, intimidation, or promotional blasts unrelated to the listing.
• Site Visit Safety: When visiting properties, users are urged to exercise basic personal safety precautions: visit during daylight hours, be accompanied by a companion, meet in populated public places when finalizing contracts, and never carry large amounts of physical currency.

13. Car QR Emergency Contact Service

Owner Keys provides an optional smart Car QR service for registered vehicle owners:

• Decal Purpose: Affixing a unique Owner Keys QR decal allows members of the public to notify vehicle owners regarding parking obstructions, open windows, lights left on, or road incidents without publicly displaying the owner's phone number.
• Masked Routing: Scans route through privacy-protected communication channels, masked calling bridges, or verified WhatsApp notifications, shielding personal identifiers.
• Emergency Contacts: Users configuring secondary emergency contacts warrant that they have obtained prior explicit consent from those individuals to receive notifications.
• Statutory Emergency Services Disclaimer: The Car QR service is a convenience tool and does not substitute for police (100 / 112), medical ambulance (108), or fire emergency services. In genuine accidents or emergencies, bystanders must contact official authorities immediately.
• No Uptime Warranty for Decals: Owner Keys is not liable for weather-damaged, torn, faded, or unscannable decals, or network failures preventing scan notifications.

14. Subscription Packages, Listing Boosts & Payments

While browsing and standard individual listings may be offered free of charge, premium promotional features, developer packages, featured listing boosts, and Car QR kits incur service fees:

• Payment Gateway Processing: All payments are processed through RBI-authorized payment aggregators (e.g., Razorpay, Stripe) supporting UPI, credit cards, debit cards, and net banking. Owner Keys does not store sensitive card CVVs or net banking passwords.
• Non-Refundable Policy: Once a digital package, featured listing boost, or advertising credit has been activated, allocated, or consumed, fees paid to Owner Keys are strictly non-refundable and non-transferable. No partial refunds or roll-overs will be provided if a property sells faster than the package duration.
• Tax Invoicing & GST: All commercial fees are subject to applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) in accordance with Indian tax statutes. Formal digital tax invoices are generated upon payment confirmation.

15. Prohibited Conduct & Platform Integrity

Users strictly agree not to engage in any of the following activities:

• Submitting false, fraudulent, fictitious, expired, or duplicate listings, or misrepresenting ownership credentials.
• Posting any rental, lease, PG, or hostel accommodation on the Platform.
• Using the Platform for money laundering, illicit financing, benami property dealings under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988, or tax evasion.
• Harvesting, scraping, crawling, or extracting phone numbers, email addresses, or listing databases through bots, scripts, or automated tools.
• Posting defamatory, obscene, religiously offensive, abusive, or hate-inciting content anywhere on the Platform.
• Attempting to probe, scan, breach, or compromise the security architecture, servers, APIs, or database systems of Owner Keys.

16. Intellectual Property & User Media License

The Owner Keys brand, trademarks, logos, domain names, UI/UX designs, graphical assets, icons, proprietary code, algorithms, and compilation of listing databases are the exclusive intellectual property of Owner Keys, protected under Indian and international copyright and trademark laws.

By uploading photographs, video walkthroughs, floor layouts, or textual descriptions, you retain your copyright but grant Owner Keys an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual license to host, display, resize, watermark with the Owner Keys brand, reformat, and index such media on the Platform, affiliated channels, and social media for promoting your listing.

17. Comprehensive Disclaimers

• "As-Is" Basis: The Platform and all listings, tools, calculators, locality data, and Car QR services are provided on an "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" basis without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.
• No Warranty of Title: Owner Keys makes no warranty or representation regarding the legal title, structural stability, freedom from encumbrance, zoning compliance, or market valuation of any property displayed.
• No Service Continuity Warranty: While we endeavor to maintain 99.9% uptime, we do not warrant that platform operations will be completely uninterrupted, timely, error-free, or immune from technical bugs, server outages, or cyber-attacks.

18. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Indian law:

• In no event shall Owner Keys, its founder, directors, officers, employees, affiliates, or contractors be liable for any indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, loss of business, real estate market losses, or costs arising out of your inability to use the Platform.
• Owner Keys shall bear zero liability for any loss or dispute arising between users during off-platform negotiations, title disputes, or payment transactions.
• The total aggregate liability of Owner Keys for any claim arising out of these Terms or use of the Platform shall not exceed the actual amount paid by you directly to Owner Keys for services in the three (3) months preceding the claim, or ₹1,000 (Indian Rupees One Thousand), whichever is less.

19. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Owner Keys, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal and attorney fees) arising from or related to:

• Your violation of any provision of these Terms or our Privacy Policy;
• Any false, misleading, unauthorized, or fraudulent property listing or media submitted by you;
• Any real estate negotiation, agreement, sale deed, or cash dispute entered into between you and any third party;
• Your infringement of any intellectual property, privacy, or statutory right of any third party;
• Any misuse of the Car QR service or vehicle contact data.

20. Account Suspension & Content Removal

Owner Keys reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without liability or advance notice, to immediately suspend, deactivate, or permanently terminate your account, or remove/modify any listing if:

• You violate any provision of these Terms, post rental listings, or breach applicable state/central laws;
• We receive verifiable complaints of fraud, harassment, geo-spoofing, or fake ownership documents against your account;
• Directed by any law enforcement authority, cyber cell, consumer forum, or court of competent jurisdiction.

21. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms shall be governed by, interpreted, and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, including their formation or breach, shall first be subjected to good-faith amicable discussions for a period of thirty (30) days. In the event amicable settlement is not reached, the dispute shall be referred to and finally resolved by binding arbitration under the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, by a sole arbitrator mutually appointed by the parties.

The seat and venue of arbitration shall be Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and the language of the proceedings shall be English. Subject to the arbitration clause, the civil courts situated at Hyderabad, Telangana shall have exclusive territorial jurisdiction over any legal matters arising hereunder.

22. Grievance Redressal & Statutory Contact Information

In compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules made thereunder, as well as the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, the designated Grievance Officer for Owner Keys is:

• Designation: Grievance Officer
• Company: Owner Keys
• Email: support@ownerkeys.in / legal@ownerkeys.in
• Direct Support Phone: +91 90632 55632
• Registered Office Address: Tulasi Meadows, Flat No: 201, Second Floor, 2-56/33/6/76, Ayyappa Society, Siddhi Vinayak Nagar, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India.
• Response Timeline: We acknowledge receipt of consumer grievances within 48 hours and endeavor to resolve them within 15 to 30 business days.