Terms of Service

By creating an account or using NearHand, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you don't agree, don't use the app.

NearHand is a community-powered marketplace connecting members who need help with vetted neighbours who can provide it. We are not a party to the agreements between members — we provide the platform only.

You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a legally binding contract.

You must complete the one-time background check through Certn before posting or accepting work. The screening fee (~$39 CAD) is paid directly to Certn.

You're responsible for keeping your account secure and for all activity under it.

You must provide accurate information and keep it up to date.

One account per person — sharing accounts is not allowed.

Requesters post honest, accurate job details and agree to pay the displayed price plus any optional tip.

Helpers accept only the jobs they're qualified for and can complete safely.

All communication between members should stay respectful and within the scope of the job.

Members must not arrange off-platform payment to avoid fees — doing so may result in account removal.

Pricing for each category is set by NearHand. When a requester posts a job, the total price (base + distance fee) is shown upfront.

A temporary hold is placed on the requester's card when a job is matched. Funds are released to the helper after the job is marked complete by both parties.

NearHand charges a 12% platform fee on each job. Helpers receive 88% of the total job price.

Tips go entirely to the helper.

Payments are processed by Stripe. Helpers must set up a Stripe Connect account to receive payouts.

A requester can cancel a job while it's in "searching" status at no cost.

If a job is cancelled after a helper has been matched and is en route, the requester may be charged a call-out fee.

If a helper fails to complete an accepted job, the held funds are refunded to the requester.

Disputes are handled on a case-by-case basis — contact support.

After each job, both parties may rate and review each other. Reviews must be honest and based on the actual experience.

Retaliatory or abusive reviews may be removed.

Any meeting between you and another NearHand member is entirely consensual between the two of you. You both choose to meet, choose to participate, and choose to proceed with the task.

NearHand facilitates the connection between members. It is not a party to the agreements or interactions between members.

You agree to treat every member with courtesy and respect, to act safely, and to conduct yourself as a good neighbour.

Harassment, threats, discrimination, or aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in immediate account removal.

If a disagreement arises, you agree to make a genuine effort to resolve it peacefully and directly with the other party first.

Helpers volunteer their time and effort in good faith. If something breaks or is damaged while a helper is genuinely trying to help, the helper is not held liable — you accepted the risk when you requested assistance.

If a helper made an honest, good-faith attempt to help but the task could not be completed successfully, the helper is entitled to receive half of the job price as fair compensation for their response time, travel, and effort. The remaining half is refunded to the requester.

NearHand is not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that occurs during or as a result of a job.

You agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless NearHand, its owners, officers, directors, employees, contractors, affiliates, agents, successors, assigns, and their families from any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses — including legal fees — arising out of or related to your use of NearHand, your interactions with other members, or any job posted or accepted through the platform.

This indemnification survives the termination of your account and applies to all current and future owners of the platform.

You agree to comply with all applicable local, provincial, national, and international laws and regulations in the territory where you are operating.

This includes laws related to road use, vehicle operation, consumer protection, and personal conduct. You are solely responsible for knowing and following the laws that apply to you.

You understand that NearHand connects neighbours for everyday tasks and roadside assistance. You participate at your own risk.

Background checks do not guarantee the conduct of any member. You are solely responsible for your own safety and property at all times.

Report unsafe behaviour or a bad experience to support immediately.

We may suspend or remove accounts that violate these terms, act unsafely, or harm the community.

Admins can revoke a helper's approval at any time.

You can delete your account at any time from your Profile page.

NearHand is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We are not liable for the acts or omissions of members, or for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

Our liability is limited to the amounts you've paid through the platform in the preceding 30 days.

We may update these terms. Continued use after changes take effect means you accept the updated terms.

Questions? Visit our Support page or reach us at nearhandapp@bcreatives.org.