Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

For purposes of these Terms and Conditions:

• "We," "Us," "Our," refers to Sterling Residences, a professional property service provider operating in Taiwan.
• "You," "Your," "Client," refers to individuals or entities engaging our residential property services.
• "Services" refers to all residential property search, placement, and related support services we provide.
• "Agreement" refers to the service engagement contract between Sterling Residences and the Client.
• "Website" refers to our online presence and digital platforms.
• "Property" refers to residential real estate available for rental placement.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By engaging our services, accessing our website, or communicating with Sterling Residences regarding property matters, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, along with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

You must be at least 18 years of age and possess the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements in Taiwan to engage our services. By proceeding, you represent and warrant that you meet these requirements.

If you do not agree to these terms, please discontinue use of our website and services immediately.

3. Service Description

Sterling Residences provides professional residential property services in Taiwan, including:

• Property search and identification services
• Viewing coordination and property assessment
• Lease negotiation representation and support
• Documentation review and administrative assistance
• Settlement coordination and ongoing support as specified in service agreements

Services are provided in accordance with the specific service tier selected by the Client, as detailed in the applicable service agreement. Scope, deliverables, and timelines vary by service level.

We operate as an independent professional service provider. We do not own, manage, or control the properties we assist clients in locating, nor do we act as landlords or property management companies.

4. Client Responsibilities

As a Client engaging our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and truthful information about your requirements, financial situation, and personal circumstances
• Respond promptly to communications and requests for information
• Attend scheduled property viewings or provide timely notice of inability to attend
• Review all documents thoroughly before execution
• Fulfill financial obligations under any lease agreements entered into
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Treat properties and their owners with respect during viewings and interactions
• Notify us immediately of any changes to your requirements or circumstances

Failure to fulfill these responsibilities may impact our ability to provide services effectively and may constitute grounds for service termination.

5. Fees and Payment Terms

5.1 Service Fees

Service fees are established in the service agreement and vary based on the selected service tier. All fees are quoted in New Taiwan Dollars (TWD) and include applicable taxes unless otherwise specified.

5.2 Payment Schedule

Payment terms are specified in the service agreement. Generally, an initial deposit is required upon engagement, with remaining fees due upon successful lease execution. Specific payment schedules may vary by service tier.

5.3 Refund Policy

Refund eligibility depends on the stage of service delivery and circumstances of termination. Initial deposits are non-refundable after commencement of active property search. Detailed refund terms are outlined in individual service agreements.

5.4 Late Payment

Overdue payments may incur late fees as specified in the service agreement. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts with outstanding balances.

6. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Sterling Residences or our licensors and is protected by Taiwan and international intellectual property laws.

You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website for personal, non-commercial purposes related to engaging our services. You may not:

• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or exploit any portion of our website without written permission
• Modify, create derivative works, or reverse engineer any website content
• Use our content for commercial purposes without authorization
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or proprietary notices

7. Service Limitations and Disclaimers

7.1 No Guarantees

While we provide professional services with diligence and expertise, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes, including successful property placement within particular timeframes, acceptance of rental applications by landlords, or availability of properties meeting all specified criteria.

7.2 Property Information

We strive to provide accurate property information but rely on data supplied by property owners and third parties. We verify information to the extent reasonably possible but cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all details. Clients are responsible for conducting their own assessment and due diligence.

7.3 Market Conditions

Property availability, pricing, and rental conditions are subject to market dynamics beyond our control. We provide current information to the best of our knowledge but cannot control market fluctuations or property availability.

7.4 Third-Party Relationships

We are not responsible for the actions, omissions, or representations of property owners, landlords, property managers, or other third parties. Our role is limited to professional service provision as outlined in service agreements.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted under Taiwan law:

Sterling Residences, its directors, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from use of our services or website, including but not limited to lost profits, lost opportunities, or costs of alternative services.

Our total liability for any claims related to our services shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

This limitation does not apply to liability that cannot be excluded under applicable Taiwan law, including liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Sterling Residences, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from: (a) your violation of these Terms and Conditions; (b) your violation of any rights of third parties; (c) your use of our services; or (d) any information you provide to us or third parties through our services.

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by Client

Clients may terminate services according to terms specified in the service agreement. Termination fees and refund eligibility depend on the stage of service delivery at termination.

10.2 Termination by Sterling Residences

We reserve the right to terminate services if: (a) Client fails to fulfill obligations under the service agreement; (b) Client provides false or misleading information; (c) Client engages in conduct that interferes with our business operations; or (d) continuation of services becomes impractical due to changed circumstances.

10.3 Effects of Termination

Upon termination, Client obligations for fees incurred prior to termination remain in effect. We will provide reasonable assistance in transitioning any ongoing matters. Provisions regarding confidentiality, intellectual property, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution survive termination.

11. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain confidentiality of information obtained during the service relationship. We handle client information according to our Privacy Policy. Clients agree to maintain confidentiality regarding our business practices, proprietary methods, and non-public information about properties or other clients.

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Taiwan, without regard to conflict of law principles.

12.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising from these terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Taichung, Taiwan.

12.3 Informal Resolution

Before initiating formal legal proceedings, parties agree to attempt good-faith informal resolution through direct discussion and negotiation.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any service agreements and referenced policies, constitute the entire agreement between you and Sterling Residences regarding use of our services.

13.2 Severability

If any provision is found invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13.3 Waiver

Failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. No waiver shall be effective unless in writing.

13.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these terms without our written consent. We may assign our rights and obligations without restriction.

13.5 Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, pandemic, government actions, or telecommunications failures.

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes become effective upon posting to our website. We will notify active clients of material changes through email or account notification.

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified terms. If you do not agree to changes, you must discontinue use of our services.