Legal

Terms of Service

Effective Date: May 2, 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of humantutor.help and any services offered through it (collectively, the "Platform"). By accessing or using the Platform, submitting a booking request, or creating any account, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform.

1. About HumanTutor

HumanTutor is operated by HumanTutor LLC, a limited liability company registered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Platform operates as an internet-based marketplace that connects families seeking tutoring services ("Clients") with independent tutors who provide such services ("Tutors"). HumanTutor does not itself provide tutoring services. HumanTutor's role is limited to operating the marketplace, facilitating introductions between Clients and Tutors, and coordinating the logistics of first sessions.

2. Independent Contractors

All Tutors listed on HumanTutor are independent contractors, not employees, agents, or representatives of HumanTutor. HumanTutor does not supervise, direct, evaluate, or control the content, quality, method, or outcome of any tutoring session. Tutors are solely responsible for the quality and conduct of their instruction. HumanTutor makes no representations or warranties regarding the qualifications, background, suitability, or competence of any Tutor beyond verifying current employment as a Massachusetts teacher at the time of listing.

3. Tutor Listing

Tutors are listed on the Platform at no cost. Tutors set their own hourly rates, availability, subjects, and service areas. HumanTutor does not set, cap, or influence Tutor rates.

4. Session Booking and Payment

Clients submit a session request through the Platform specifying the Tutor, subject, preferred library, and preferred date and time. HumanTutor forwards the request to the Tutor, who may accept, decline, or propose a modification within 24 hours. Upon mutual confirmation, the Client will be required to provide valid payment information.

The first session fee, equal to one hour at the Tutor's posted rate, is authorized on the Client's payment method at the time of booking confirmation. The fee is captured (charged) 24 hours before the scheduled session. If the Client cancels more than 24 hours before the session, the authorization is released and no charge is applied. If the Client cancels within 24 hours of the session or fails to appear, the full fee is captured.

HumanTutor retains this fee in full as a referral and coordination fee. All subsequent sessions are arranged and paid directly between the Client and Tutor. HumanTutor has no involvement in or responsibility for payments, scheduling, or conduct of any session beyond the first.

5. Session Confirmation and Disputes

Clients have 24 hours from the scheduled session end time to submit feedback or a dispute through HumanTutor's post-session survey. Disputes are reviewed by HumanTutor at its sole discretion. If a dispute is upheld, the first session fee is refunded to the Client in full. Tutors who accumulate two upheld disputes, or one dispute involving serious misconduct, may be removed from the Platform.

6. Cancellation Policy

Clients may cancel a confirmed session at any time more than 24 hours before the scheduled session without penalty. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the session, or failure to appear, will result in the full session fee being charged. HumanTutor reserves the right to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis at its sole discretion.

7. Refunds

Session fees are non-refundable once captured unless a dispute is upheld per Section 5 or an exception is made under Section 6. Refunds, when issued, will be returned to the original payment method.

8. First Session Location Policy

All first sessions coordinated through HumanTutor must take place at a public library or other accessible public setting. Remote sessions via video call are also permitted. Private residences are not permitted for first sessions. This is a non-negotiable Platform standard for student safety and accessibility. Subsequent sessions are arranged between the Tutor and Client directly at any mutually agreed location.

9. Minors and Parental Consent

Students under the age of 18 may not submit booking requests, provide payment information, or otherwise interact with the Platform independently. All booking requests, payment authorization, and Platform correspondence on behalf of a minor must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. By submitting a booking request, the Client represents that they are either 18 years of age or older, or are the parent or legal guardian of the student for whom tutoring is being requested.

HumanTutor does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 under any circumstances, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Any submission found to be made by or on behalf of a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent will be deleted immediately. College students and any students who are 18 years of age or older may represent themselves.

10. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use the Platform to harass, defraud, defame, or harm any other user. You agree not to use the Platform for any purpose that is unlawful or prohibited by these Terms. HumanTutor reserves the right to suspend, restrict, or terminate any user's access at its sole discretion, with or without notice.

11. Disclaimer of Warranties

The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, whether express, implied, or statutory, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. HumanTutor does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. HumanTutor does not guarantee the availability of any Tutor, the quality or outcome of any tutoring session, or the accuracy of any information provided by Tutors or Clients.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HumanTutor LLC, its members, managers, officers, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or exemplary damages arising from or related to the use of the Platform, including but not limited to damages for loss of profits, goodwill, data, or other intangible losses, even if HumanTutor has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

In no event shall HumanTutor's total aggregate liability to any user for all claims arising from or related to the Platform exceed the total amount of fees paid by that user to HumanTutor in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HumanTutor LLC, its members, managers, officers, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, losses, expenses, costs, liabilities, and damages (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to your use of the Platform, your violation of these Terms, your violation of any applicable law, or any claim by a third party arising from your conduct on or through the Platform.

14. Intellectual Property

All content, design, text, graphics, and branding on the Platform are the property of HumanTutor LLC or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any Platform content without prior written consent from HumanTutor.

15. Governing Law and Venue

These Terms are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any disputes arising from or related to these Terms or the Platform shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, and you consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

17. Changes to These Terms

HumanTutor may update these Terms at any time by posting the revised Terms on the Platform. The effective date at the top of this page will be updated accordingly. Continued use of the Platform following the posting of revised Terms constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated by email to registered users when practicable.

18. Contact

Questions about these Terms may be directed to luke@humantutor.help.