TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR HOUSEHOLDERS

These Terms and Conditions apply to your application for Supportmatch Homeshare Services. By submitting your application, you agree to these Terms.

 

1. Definitions

1.1 Householder: An individual introduced by Supportmatch Homeshare Ltd who offers accommodation in exchange for an agreed level of domestic help and companionship. This includes any legally appointed representative where applicable. 

1.2 Homesharer: An individual who provides companionship and domestic help (e.g., light cooking, cleaning, shopping) in exchange for accommodation and shared living with the Householder. 

1.3 Property: The residence of the Householder shared with the Homesharer. 

1.4 Homeshare: The mutual arrangement between the Householder and the Homesharer, facilitated by Supportmatch

 

2. General Terms of the Homeshare Arrangement

2.1 The Homeshare arrangement is voluntary and mutually beneficial. 

2.2 The Homesharer is not expected to pay rent but may contribute modestly towards increased utility or council tax if agreed. 

2.3 No payment is made to the Homesharer for their support. 

2.4 Where a Power of Attorney applies, official documentation must be supplied to Supportmatch.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Homesharers do not provide personal or professional care. 

3.2 The Householder is responsible for ensuring the Property is safe, habitable, and adequately insured. 

3.3 It is recommended that a Gas Safe registered engineer must inspect the boiler annually, and all fixed electrical installations must be safe. 

3.4 It is recommended that the Householder has buildings and contents insurance in place.

4. Cancellation and Refund Policy

4.1 If the Householder cancels after a Homesharer has been engaged but before they move in, a one-month fee remains payable to Supportmatch. 

4.2 The first monthly payment is non-refundable, regardless of the cancellation timing.

 

5. Fees

5.1 A monthly coordination fee of £150 is payable by the Householder via standing order, direct debit, or in advance for 3, 6, or 12 months. This fee becomes due from the Commencement Date (Homesharer move-in).

5.2 A non-refundable registration fee of £60 is payable upon acceptance of the application.

5.3 Late payments will incur interest at 1.5% above the Bank of England base rate per month, compounded monthly.

6. Suitability of Homesharer

6.1 Supportmatch conducts interviews and background checks on all Homesharers, including DBS and reference checks. 

6.2 However, Supportmatch does not guarantee suitability or accept liability for the Homesharer’s conduct or capabilities. Final discretion rests with the Householder.

7. Confidentiality

7.1 Any confidential information shared by either party will be respected and handled appropriately by Supportmatch and the Householder.

8. Data Protection

8.1 Supportmatch complies with GDPR and UK data protection laws. 

8.2 Details on how data is handled can be found in the Supportmatch Privacy Policy.
 

9. Support and Liability

9.1 Supportmatch provides support primarily via email or phone. 

9.2 Supportmatch accepts no liability for any loss, damage, or dispute arising from the Homeshare arrangement.

10. Non-Circumvention and Relationship Boundaries

10.1 The Householder must not propose, accept, or enter into any private, financial, or alternative living arrangement with a Homesharer introduced by Supportmatch without prior written authorisation.

10.2 The Householder and the Homesharer must not develop, pursue, or engage in any personal, romantic, sexual, or emotionally intimate relationship with each other at any time — including before, during, or for a period of three (3) years following the end of the Homeshare arrangement. The Homeshare arrangement is strictly a professional, non-personal arrangement based solely on practical support and cohabitation.

10.3 Any breach of this clause, including attempts to form inappropriate relationships or bypass Supportmatch’s involvement — will be treated as a serious contractual violation, and may result in immediate termination of the Homeshare. Damages of between 3 to 12 months’ fees may be pursued, depending on the severity of the breach.

11. Changes to Terms

11.1 Supportmatch reserves the right to revise these Terms at any time without prior notice. Updates will be posted on the Supportmatch website and communicated where appropriate. Continued participation implies acceptance of the revised Terms.

12. Leave of Absence

12.1 Homesharer may take up to four weeks’ holiday per year, in two-week intervals, with at least four weeks’ notice. If extra holiday time is necessary this can be discussed directly with the Householder. 

12.2 For illness or emergency leave, immediate notice is required.
 

13. Householder Absence or Change of Circumstance

13.1 In the event of hospitalisation, holiday, or temporary absence, the Homesharer remains in the home to care for the Property. 

13.2 In the event of long-term care, hospital transfer, or death, the Homesharer will be allowed to remain for a further 30 days, unless the Householder (or legal representative) requests otherwise in writing, for example an extended period of time.

14. Supportmatch Coordination

14.1 The assigned Supportmatch Coordinator will provide guidance and support throughout the duration of the agreement, managing expectations and reviewing the arrangement as needed.
All concerns from either party must be reported to Supportmatch in a timely manner to enable the Coordinator to offer appropriate assistance and ensure the success of the Homeshare match. Both the Householder and Homesharer are encouraged to provide updates, positive or negative regarding the match when relevant. This feedback helps us improve our service and may be collected through follow-up communications or participation in a short survey.

15. Compliance with Supportmatch Policies

15.1 The Householder and the Homesharer agrees to comply with all applicable Supportmatch policies, which form part of these Terms and Conditions. These include, but are not limited to: 

15.1.1 Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults Policy 

15.1.2 Equality & Diversity Policy 

15.1.3 Complaints and Grievance Policy 

15.1.4 Whistleblowing Policy 

15.1.5 Volunteer Code of Conduct 

15.1.6 Data Protection and Confidentiality Guidelines 

15.1.7 Anti-Modern Day Slavery Policy  

15.1.8 Health and Safety Policy  

15.1.9 Code of Conduct for Volunteers 

15.2.0 Privacy Policy and GDPR 

These policies are available upon request or can be accessed on the Supportmatch website. Supportmatch reserves the right to update these policies to ensure continued legal and ethical compliance.