Terms of Service for Mindel

Last Updated: 5/23/2025

Please read these Terms of Service ("Terms") carefully before using the Mindel platform ("Service"). By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms.


1. Interpretation and Definitions

1.1 Interpretation

Capitalized words have the meanings defined below. These definitions apply equally whether in singular or plural.

1.2 Definitions

  • Account: A unique user account to access the Service.

  • Application: The software program provided by Mindel.

  • Buyer / Renter: A user who places rental or purchase orders on the platform.

  • Company / Operator: Mindel, headquartered at 217 W 18th St #93, New York, NY 10011.

  • Content: All text, images, and other material submitted or made available via the Service.

  • Device: Any device used to access the Service.

  • Goods: Items offered for rental or sale on the platform.

  • Lender / Seller: A user who lists items for rent or sale.

  • Order: A rental or purchase transaction made via the platform.

  • Service: The website or application operated by Mindel.

  • Terms: This Terms of Service agreement.

  • Third-party Social Media Service: External services or content integrated with Mindel.

  • Website: https://rentmindel.com

  • You: Any user accessing or using the Service.

2. Contact and Privacy

2.1 Contact

Email: hello@rentmindel.com

2.2 Privacy Policy

Our use of your personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference.

3. Acknowledgment

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws.

4. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States, excluding conflict of law provisions.

5. User Accounts

5.1 Account Creation

Users must provide accurate, complete, and current information. You are responsible for all activity under your account.

5.1.1 User Authentication and Verification

To maintain the safety and integrity of the platform, Mindel reserves the right to request identity verification from any user at any time. This may include submission of government-issued identification, address verification, or other documentation. Mindel may also implement additional authentication measures, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), to enhance security. Users must provide accurate, complete, and current information. You are responsible for all activity under your account.

5.2 Security

Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access. We are not responsible for losses caused by unauthorized use.

5.3 Termination

We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations of these Terms. Users may terminate their accounts by contacting us or through the platform.

5.4 Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use the Service. By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement. Mindel may require government-issued identification to verify user eligibility.

6. User Responsibilities and Conduct

6.1 General Responsibilities

  • Mindel is a marketplace intermediary. All transactions are between Renters and Lenders.

  • Fee avoidance is prohibited.

6.2 Prohibited Activities

  • Posting harmful or offensive content

  • Uploading malware

  • Infringing intellectual property rights

  • Gaining unauthorized access

  • Manipulating reviews

  • Circumventing platform fees

  • Engaging in any fraudulent or deceptive practices

  • Attempting to disrupt or interfere with the Service or servers

  • Transmitting unsolicited advertisements or spam

  • Accessing or using the Service for purposes not expressly permitted

7. Lender Responsibilities

  • Accurately describe and photograph items.

  • List only authentic items; documentation may be required.

  • Maintain updated inventory and timely delivery.

  • Rental terms (price, refund policy, late fees, exchange method) are at Lender's discretion within platform limits.

  • Provide timestamped condition photos within 24 hours of listing.

  • Clean items between rentals.

7.1 Cancellation by Lender

  • 3-hour grace period after acceptance for no-fee cancellation.

  • 20% fee if canceled within 48 hours of rental start.

8. Renter Responsibilities

  • Inform the Lender immediately if the item is damaged during the rental period. Prompt communication is required to allow timely resolution and may affect how Mindel handles disputes or claims.

  • Provide accurate information and payment method.

  • Use item responsibly and return in same condition.

  • Take and submit condition photos immediately before return.

  • Only the Renter may use the item without Lender approval.

  • Be present for tracked deliveries.

  • Pay full market value for lost/stolen items; legal action may follow.

8.1 Late Returns

  • Subject to daily late fee up to market value.

  • Failure to return may result in charges and legal action.

8.2 Item Modifications

  • No alterations allowed without Lender consent. This includes cutting, dyeing, tailoring, or any modification to the item's appearance or structure.

  • If a Renter alters an item without permission, they may be liable for the cost of repair or full replacement, at the Lender’s discretion and supported by Mindel’s dispute resolution process.

9. Cancellations and Refunds

9.1 Renter Cancellations

  • 72 hours: full refund (excluding Mindel's non-refundable platform fee)

  • <72 hours: Lender receives 50% (excluding Mindel's non-refundable platform fee)

  • No charge if both parties agree due to unforeseen circumstances (excluding Mindel's non-refundable platform fee)

9.2 Refund Scenarios

  • Item not as described (report within 12 hours)

  • Item received after rental start

  • Mindel's commission is non-refundable

10. Payments and Fees

  • Mindel collects a platform service fee of 20% from each transaction, unless otherwise specifically agreed or previously determined. This fee is automatically deducted before funds are disbursed to the Lender.

  • Third-party processors like Stripe are used; processing may take 8–10 business days.

  • Mindel may place a payment hold and collect deposits at its discretion.

  • Accurate payment information must be provided. By using the platform, you authorize Mindel to charge your payment method for all applicable amounts.

11. Delivery and Returns

  • Mindel provides a designated reputable courier for all exchanges. Users are required to use this courier and may not use alternative shipping methods without prior written approval from Mindel. Tracking is not included.

  • Renter is responsible for the item until it is received back by the Lender.

  • Lenders and Renters must coordinate delivery and return logistics in a manner consistent with agreed timelines. Delays caused by inaccurate shipping information or courier error must be reported to Mindel, but we are not responsible for recovery unless otherwise stated.

  • In-Person Exchanges: If both parties agree to an in-person exchange, they must select a public, safe location and confirm all logistics in writing through the Mindel platform. Mindel is not liable for any issues arising from in-person exchanges. Users are strongly encouraged to take time-stamped photos of the item at the time of exchange and return to document its condition.

12. Dispute Resolution

  • Disputes must be reported within 7 days.

  • Users must contact Mindel before initiating bank disputes; doing so otherwise breaches Terms.

  • Mindel will first attempt to collect the appropriate damages from the Renter in the event of item loss, theft, or damage. This process includes contacting the Renter, validating the Lender's claim, and using available payment methods to recover the owed amount.

  • Users agree to comply with Mindel's good faith recommendations or decisions regarding dispute outcomes. Failure to do so may result in account suspension or other penalties.

13. Arbitration and Class Action Waiver

  • All disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration.

  • Users waive the right to class action litigation.

  • Opt-out: Email legal@rentmindel.com within 30 days of agreeing to these Terms.

14. Intellectual Property

  • Mindel owns the platform and its content.

  • Users grant Mindel a license to use submitted content.

  • Copyright complaints will be addressed per DMCA policy.

15. Warranty Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability

  • The Service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without warranties of any kind.

  • To the maximum extent permitted by law, Mindel is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.

  • Our total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to your use of the Service shall not exceed the total amount of fees you paid to Mindel in the 12 months prior to the claim or $100, whichever is less.

  • Mindel is not liable for third-party actions, unauthorized access to your account, or losses resulting from items not delivered or returned.

16. External Links

  • The platform may contain links to third-party websites. Mindel is not responsible for their content or practices.

17. Changes to These Terms

We may revise these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified 30 days in advance.

18. Contact

For any legal or policy questions, contact us at hello@rentmindel.com.