1. Introduction & Platform Philosophy

1.1 Welcome to ApnaSell

Welcome to ApnaSell – India's fastest-growing real estate marketplace, operating across apnasell.com and apnasell.in. We're committed to creating a transparent, trustworthy, and efficient ecosystem connecting property seekers, sellers, agents, and builders. These Community Guidelines ("Guidelines") outline the standards and expectations for all platform participants.

1.2 Our Core Values

• Trust: Building confidence through verified information
• Transparency: Eliminating opacity in real estate transactions
• Safety: Protecting users from fraud and misconduct
• Efficiency: Streamlining property discovery and transactions
• Community: Fostering respectful interactions among all stakeholders

1.3 Who These Guidelines Apply To

These Guidelines govern all users of ApnaSell platforms, including:

• Property Buyers & Renters: Individuals seeking residential or commercial properties
• Property Sellers & Owners: Individuals listing properties for sale or rent
• Real Estate Agents & Brokers: Licensed intermediaries facilitating transactions
• Builders & Developers: Companies and individuals developing properties
• Property Managers: Individuals managing multiple properties
• Service Providers: Allied service professionals (legal, financial, renovation)

1.4 Platform Scope & Jurisdiction

ApnaSell operates as a digital marketplace across India and internationally. These Guidelines are designed to comply with:

• Indian Regulations: RERA, IT Act 2000, Consumer Protection Act 2019
• International Standards: GDPR principles for international users
• State-specific Laws: Adherence to local real estate regulations

2. Community Standards & Code of Conduct

2.1 Fundamental Principles

2.1.1 Respect & Dignity for All

Every user deserves respect regardless of Religion, Caste, Gender Identity, Nationality, or Economic Status. We have zero tolerance for discrimination.

2.1.2 Professionalism in All Interactions

• Maintain courteous communication at all times.
• Respond to inquiries within 24 hours during business days.
• Honor commitments made to other users.
• Represent qualifications and affiliations accurately.

2.2 Harassment & Unwanted Communications

2.2.1 Definition of Harassment

Harassment includes Message Spamming, Unwanted Contact after being asked to stop, Threatening Language, Personal Attacks, and Stalking Behavior.

2.2.2 Business Hours Protocol

• Permitted Contact Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time.
• Weekend Restrictions: No unsolicited business calls on Sundays.
• Opt-out Mechanism: Users can block specific contacts.

2.3 Transparency & Honesty Requirements

Agents must clearly state "Agent" or "Broker" in their profile and disclose firm affiliation. Builders must verify company registration and RERA details. Property Owners must verify ownership documentation.

2.4 Data Integrity & Platform Security

3. Listing Policies: Comprehensive Requirements

3.1 Accuracy Standards for Property Information

3.2 RERA Compliance Framework

For New Projects (apnasell.in specific): RERA registration number must be prominently displayed. Carpet area must match RERA definition. Possession dates must align with RERA filings.

3.3 Listing Quality Standards

• Minimum Info: 8+ photos, Floor plan, Neighborhood description (200+ chars).
• Freshness: Update status every 30 days. Remove sold listings within 48 hours.
• Duplicates: One listing per unique property unit.

4. Media & Content Guidelines

4.1 Photographic Content Standards

• Resolution: Min 800x600 px.
• Mandatory Photos: Exterior Front, Living Room, Master Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom.
• Prohibited: Photos with people, watermarks of competitors, text overlays with phone numbers.

4.2 Text Content & Descriptions

Descriptions must include Property Highlights, Neighborhood details, Connectivity, and Investment Potential. Avoid superlatives without evidence (e.g., "best in city") and discriminatory phrases.

4.3 Copyright & Intellectual Property

By uploading content, you certify you own the copyright or have permission. You grant ApnaSell a license to display and promote the content.

5. Agent, Broker & Builder Protocols

5.1 Broker & Agent Conduct Code

• Verification: Submit valid ID (Aadhar/PAN) and brokerage license.
• Transparency: State commission percentage clearly. No hidden fees.
• Site Visits: Schedule with 24-hour notice. Never demand fees before a visit.

5.2 Builder & Developer Regulations

Mandatory disclosure of RERA registration, past project portfolio, and financial stability. Prohibited practices include pre-launch bookings without RERA approval and misleading renderings.

6. Safety, Security & Fraud Prevention

6.1 Zero Tolerance Fraud Policy

QR Code Scams: Beware of requests to scan QR codes to "receive money". Use only verified payment channels.

6.2 Identity Protection

Never share OTPs, bank passwords, or digital signature credentials. Use ApnaSell's encrypted document exchange.

6.3 Physical Safety Measures

Site Visits: Inform someone about your visit, meet in public areas first, and verify identities.

7. Communication, Reviews & Chat Etiquette

7.1 Platform Communication Standards

• Response Times: Initial inquiry within 4 hours. Transaction-related within 2 hours.
• Prohibited: Sharing contact info prematurely or using auto-responders for initial inquiries.

7.2 Review & Rating System

Reviews must be based on actual interactions. Fake, purchased, or competitor reviews will be removed. ApnaSell mediates factual disputes.

8. Enforcement Framework & Appeals Process

8.1 Violation Classification System

• Tier 1 (Minor): Incomplete profile, late response. Action: Warning.
• Tier 2 (Moderate): Repeated inaccuracies, rude conduct. Action: 7-14 day shadowban.
• Tier 3 (Serious): Fraud, harassment, data scraping. Action: Account suspension.
• Tier 4 (Severe): Financial fraud, identity theft. Action: Permanent ban & legal action.

8.2 Appeals

All actions are appealable within 30 days. Submit appeals through the designated portal. Decisions are made within 7 business days.

9. Legal Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

We strictly adhere to:

• RERA Act, 2016: Mandatory registration display and fair practices.
• IT Act, 2000: Data privacy and grievance redressal.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Transparent pricing and fair trade.
• GDPR: Data protection for European users.

10. Additional Platform-Specific Policies

10.1 NRI & International Users

Verification requires passport copy and overseas address proof. We support transparent currency conversion and document notarization guidance.

10.2 Rural & Agricultural Property

Listings must include soil classification, water source documentation, and crop pattern history.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

12. Contact & Reporting Mechanisms

12.3 Response Time Commitments

• Urgent Safety Issues: 2 hours
• Policy Violations: 24 hours
• General Inquiries: 48 hours
• Appeal Decisions: 7 business days