HouseKeys Terms of Service

Effective Date: October 24, 2018
Last Updated: April 1, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to HouseKeys. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the services, products, software, and platform provided by HouseKeys (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference.

HouseKeys operates as a Program Administrator, Compliance Monitor, and/or Underwriter on behalf of local government agencies or in connection with affordable housing and homeownership opportunities made available through developer, property manager, or lender partnerships.

2. How HouseKeys Works

HouseKeys is a cloud-based system that hosts compliance, eligibility, and workflow services for local governments, developers, property owners, lenders, and property managers. These entities may offer housing programs, homebuyer assistance, or affordable home purchase opportunities—often tied to specific income eligibility rules and program parameters.

If you are applying through HouseKeys, you are doing so in connection with a government-sponsored or government-regulated benefit program, or a private benefit program operated under public oversight or agreement.

We are engaged by these entities to process your application, evaluate your eligibility, and ensure compliance with all applicable program rules.

3. Permissible Purpose Under FCRA

By using our platform, you understand and agree that:

We are requesting access to your information under FCRA Section 604(a)(4)(A), which permits the use of consumer reports to determine eligibility for a government benefit.

This applies because:

  • You are applying for a benefit offered by a local government agency under contract with HouseKeys,

  • Or you are seeking access to a residential unit, financial benefit, or assistance program where the developer, lender, or property owner is offering the benefit and has engaged HouseKeys as the administrator or underwriter for that specific project or program.

We obtain your explicit consent before pulling any financial data or consumer report information.

4. Milestone-Based Information Sharing

Your information is handled based on specific actions ("milestones") you take within the HouseKeys system:

  • 1. HouseKeys Account Creation

  • At this stage, only HouseKeys has access to your personal information.

  • We use this data to create your profile and help you explore potential program opportunities.

  • 2. Requesting an Application ID ("Request Application ID")

  • By doing this, you are formally applying for a specific program benefit.

  • You authorize HouseKeys to share your information with the Program Provider (e.g., local government, nonprofit, or institutional partner) responsible for administering that program.

  • 3. Entering a Drawing ("Enter Drawing")

  • When you choose to enter a Drawing for a specific purchase, rental, or assistance opportunity, you agree to share your information with relevant stakeholders:

    • Homebuilders

    • Loan officers

    • Property managers

    • Housing counseling agencies

  • These parties may contact you or request additional documentation to process your potential selection and eligibility for the benefit offered.

5. Third-Party Program Information and Limitations

Information about specific programs, listings, and benefits is provided by third-party Program Providers, including but not limited to cities, developers, and lenders. While HouseKeys strives for accuracy, we are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in benefit descriptions or availability. The responsibility for such data rests with the provider of that program.

6. Platform Role and Marketplace Function

HouseKeys serves as an intermediary platform connecting:

  • Beneficiaries (e.g., households, homebuyers, renters)

  • Benefactors (e.g., government agencies, developers, lenders, property owners)

We host program listings and eligibility workflows for both:

  • Primary Market Benefits (e.g., new leases, new construction sales, first-time funding)

  • Secondary Market Benefits (e.g., resales, unit vacancies, reuse of program funds)

We are not the source of the benefit but facilitate transparent access, compliance, and program administration.

7. User Responsibilities

You agree to:

  • Provide accurate and complete information,

  • Keep your credentials secure,

  • Notify us of unauthorized access,

  • Comply with all program requirements and disclosures.

8. Limitation of Liability

Eligibility through HouseKeys does not guarantee selection, funding, or occupancy. HouseKeys is not responsible for final decisions made by Program Providers, developers, property managers, or lenders.

We are not liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from errors in third-party listings, eligibility denials, or disputes between applicants and Program Providers.

9. Changes to Terms

We may revise these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the platform after any updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. Updates will be posted on our website or communicated through your HouseKeys account.

10. User Integrity and Accountability

As a consumer user of the HouseKeys platform, you are solely responsible for ensuring that all information you provide—whether within your user profile, in response to document requests, or in formal program applications—is accurate, true, and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Any information submitted through the platform may be shared with Program Providers, developers, property managers, lenders, or other authorized benefactors. Knowingly submitting false, misleading, or incomplete information may result in legal consequences, including but not limited to:

  • Disqualification from program participation

  • Revocation of awarded benefits

  • Referral to law enforcement or regulatory agencies

  • Civil liability for damages caused to HouseKeys or its partners

Attempts to "game the system"—including, but not limited to:

  • Creating multiple user accounts

  • Misrepresenting household size or composition

  • Falsifying income, employment, or housing need

  • Circumventing application procedures or waitlist policies

will be taken seriously and may result in immediate denial of access to the platform. Where such actions cause reputational, operational, or legal harm to HouseKeys or our clients, we reserve the right to pursue appropriate legal action.

HouseKeys is a mission-based organization committed to serving income-eligible households and improving equitable access to affordable housing programs. We expect all users to act in good faith and comply with the rules, laws, and terms governing these public benefit programs.

Violations of these Terms may result in suspension or permanent removal from the platform without notice.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or your data, contact:

HouseKeys, Inc.
customerservice@housekeys.org

1-877-460-5397

Click on any of the Municipality Links below to go directly to the Program Website. Some sites are restricted as they are still under construction.