Community Guidelines
Creating a safe, respectful, and supportive community for women 50+ seeking houseshare arrangements
Our Community Values
ShareSpace is built on the foundation of mutual respect, safety, and genuine connection. Our community values guide every interaction on our platform:
Respect & Dignity
Every member deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity, regardless of background, lifestyle, or housing situation.
Authenticity
We value honest, genuine connections built on truthful representation and open communication.
Safety First
The safety and security of our community members is our highest priority in all interactions.
Supportive Community
We foster an environment where women can support each other through life transitions and housing changes.
Communication Guidelines
How to communicate respectfully and effectively with other community members
Positive Communication
- Use kind, respectful language in all interactions
- Be patient and understanding with different communication styles
- Ask thoughtful questions to get to know potential housemates
- Share information openly and honestly about your situation
- Respond to messages in a timely manner when possible
- Express gratitude for others' time and consideration
Professional Boundaries
- Keep conversations focused on housing and compatibility
- Respect others' privacy and personal boundaries
- Avoid overly personal questions in initial conversations
- Don't pressure others for immediate responses or decisions
- Maintain appropriate topics of conversation
Handling Disagreements
- Approach conflicts with empathy and understanding
- Focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame
- Use "I" statements to express your feelings and needs
- Know when to agree to disagree and move on respectfully
- Contact support if you need help resolving issues
Profile Standards
Guidelines for creating authentic and appropriate profiles
Profile Information
- Provide accurate and current information about yourself
- Use recent photos that clearly show your face
- Be honest about your housing situation and needs
- Include relevant lifestyle information for compatibility
- Update your profile when circumstances change
Photo Guidelines
- Use clear, well-lit photos of yourself
- Include at least one photo that shows your face clearly
- Avoid heavily filtered or edited photos
- Don't include photos of other people without their consent
- Keep photos appropriate and family-friendly
Description Best Practices
- Write in a friendly, approachable tone
- Share your interests and what makes you a good housemate
- Be specific about your housing preferences and requirements
- Mention your lifestyle habits that affect shared living
- Include what you're looking for in a living arrangement
Community Safety
Keeping our community safe for everyone
Personal Safety
- Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, it probably is
- Meet in public places for initial meetings
- Tell trusted friends or family about your meetings
- Take time to get to know someone before making commitments
- Verify information and ask for references when appropriate
Information Security
- Don't share personal contact information too quickly
- Use the platform's messaging system for initial communications
- Be cautious about sharing financial information
- Protect your home address until you're comfortable
- Report suspicious behavior immediately
Financial Safety
- Never send money to someone you haven't met in person
- Be wary of requests for upfront payments or deposits
- Use secure payment methods for legitimate transactions
- Get written agreements for all financial arrangements
- Research fair market rates for your area
Prohibited Behavior
Behaviors that are not tolerated in our community
Harassment & Discrimination
- Harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind
- Discrimination based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics
- Unwanted romantic or sexual advances
- Persistent contact after someone has asked you to stop
- Threatening or abusive language
Fraudulent Activity
- Creating fake profiles or impersonating others
- Providing false information about housing or personal details
- Scamming or attempting to defraud other users
- Using the platform for commercial purposes without authorization
- Posting fake housing opportunities
Inappropriate Content
- Sexually explicit or inappropriate content
- Hate speech or offensive language
- Spam or repetitive messaging
- Content that promotes illegal activities
- Sharing personal information of others without consent
Reporting and Enforcement
How we handle violations and maintain community standards
How to Report
- Use the "Report" button on profiles or messages
- Contact our support team directly for serious concerns
- Provide specific details about the incident
- Include screenshots or evidence when possible
- Report immediately for safety concerns
Our Response Process
- All reports are reviewed promptly by our safety team
- We investigate thoroughly and fairly
- Appropriate action is taken based on severity
- We may contact you for additional information
- Serious violations may result in immediate account suspension
Consequences
- Warning for minor violations
- Temporary suspension for repeated violations
- Permanent ban for serious violations
- Legal action for criminal behavior
- Cooperation with law enforcement when necessary
Building a Positive Community
How you can contribute to making ShareSpace a welcoming place for everyone
Be a Good Community Member
- Welcome new members and help them feel included
- Share your positive experiences and success stories
- Offer support and encouragement to others
- Provide helpful feedback and suggestions
- Lead by example in all your interactions
Help Us Improve
- Provide feedback on platform features and functionality
- Suggest improvements to community guidelines
- Report bugs or technical issues
- Share ideas for new features or services
- Participate in community surveys and research
Questions or Concerns?
If you have questions about these community guidelines or need to report a concern, we're here to help.
For urgent safety concerns, contact our 24/7 emergency support line