Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms & Conditions (“Agreement”) govern the provision of HouseControl managed smart home services and associated hardware by IT-Solve PTY LTD (ABN: 71 663 211 890) (“we”, “us”, “HouseControl”) to you (“Customer”).

By subscribing to a HouseControl plan, you agree to be bound by these terms.

2. Services

2.1 What We Provide

HouseControl is a managed smart home platform. We supply, install, and maintain dedicated hardware at the Customer’s premises that runs Home Assistant, Frigate NVR, Jellyfin media server, WebSSH, and other compatible open-source software. We also provide remote access, ongoing support, and system management.

2.2 Service Tiers

Three plans are available:

2.3 Service Exclusions

HouseControl does not sell, license, or provide Home Assistant, Frigate, Jellyfin, or any other open-source software as a standalone product. These platforms are included as part of the managed system. We are not affiliated with the Home Assistant, Frigate, or Jellyfin projects.

3. Hardware

3.1 Hardware Ownership and Rental Model

All hardware supplied as part of a HouseControl plan remains the property of IT-Solve PTY LTD. Hardware is provided on a rental basis and is included in your monthly plan fee. Title to the hardware does not pass to the Customer.

3.2 Hardware Care

The Customer agrees to:

• Keep the hardware in a safe, dry, ventilated location
• Not tamper with, modify, or attempt to repair the hardware
• Not remove or deface any serial numbers or labels
• Use the hardware only for the intended purpose of accessing HouseControl services
• Report any damage, malfunction, or loss promptly

3.3 Normal Wear and Tear

The Customer is not responsible for normal wear and tear that occurs during proper use. The Customer is responsible for damage caused by misuse, neglect, accident, modification, or unauthorised repair.

3.4 Hardware Replacement

If hardware fails due to normal use, we will replace it at no additional cost. If hardware is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond normal wear and tear, the Customer will be charged the replacement cost of the device.

4. Billing and Payment

4.1 Annual Commitment — Billed Monthly

All HouseControl plans operate on an annual commitment billed monthly model:

• When you subscribe, you commit to a 12-month term starting from the date of hardware installation
• Your monthly plan fee is billed each month via direct debit
• After the initial 12-month term, the agreement automatically renews for successive 12-month terms unless you notify us of cancellation (see Section 5.2)
• You may cancel at any time, subject to Section 5

This is the same model used by Microsoft 365 and similar subscription services: you enjoy the service for a full year while paying monthly, and the commitment simply ensures the hardware and setup costs are recovered.

4.2 Auto-Renewal Notice

We will send you a renewal reminder at least 30 days before your current annual term is due to renew. This notice will be sent to the email address you provided and will include:

• Your current plan and monthly fee
• The date your next annual term will begin
• Instructions on how to cancel if you do not wish to renew
• The deadline to notify us of cancellation (at least 30 days before the renewal date)

If you do not wish to renew for another 12-month term, you must notify us by the cancellation deadline stated in the notice. If you do not cancel, your agreement will auto-renew for another 12-month term.

4.3 Payment Method

Payments are processed via direct debit from your nominated bank account or credit card. We use secure payment processing and do not store full payment details.

4.4 Payment Failure

If a direct debit payment fails:

• We will attempt to notify you and re-process the payment
• If payment remains unpaid after 14 days, access to your portal and services may be suspended
• If payment remains unpaid after 30 days, we may recover the hardware (see Section 6)

4.5 Price Changes

We may adjust plan pricing with 30 days written notice. Price changes will not apply during your current annual commitment period.

5. Cancellation and Cooling-Off

5.1 Cooling-Off Period

You may cancel this Agreement for any reason within 30 days of your contract start date (being the date of hardware installation). In this case:

• You will receive a full refund of any monthly fees paid (excluding the first month’s service)
• You must return all hardware in good condition within 30 days of cancellation
• A prepaid return label will be provided

5.2 Cancellation After Cooling-Off

After the 30-day cooling-off period, this Agreement runs on consecutive 12-month terms (year-to-year). You may cancel:

• At the end of your current annual term — provide notice at least 30 days before your renewal date. Your service will continue until the end of the current term with no further charges.
• Mid-term (early cancellation) — you may cancel at any time, but you remain responsible for the monthly fee until the end of your current 12-month term. Your service will continue during this period. No refund is provided for unused months remaining in the term.

This means if you cancel on month 4 of a 12-month term, you continue to receive services through month 12 at the agreed monthly rate. This is the same approach used by Microsoft 365 and similar annual commitment models — the commitment ensures hardware and setup costs are recovered, while you get the flexibility of monthly payments.

5.3 How to Cancel

To cancel, contact us at support@housecontrol.au or via the contact form at housecontrol.au/contact/. We will confirm receipt and provide return instructions for hardware.

6. Hardware Return

6.1 Return Upon Cancellation

Upon cancellation of services, you must return all HouseControl hardware within 30 days. We will provide a prepaid shipping label.

6.2 Condition Requirements

Hardware must be returned in good condition, excluding normal wear and tear. You must include all components that were originally supplied (power adapter, cables, mounts, etc.).

6.3 Non-Return Penalty

If hardware is not returned within 30 days of cancellation, or is returned damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you will be charged the full retail replacement value of the missing or damaged hardware. This charge will be processed via the payment method on file.

6.4 Shipping Responsibility

You are responsible for ensuring the hardware is properly packaged and shipped. We recommend using a trackable shipping method. HouseControl is not responsible for hardware lost or damaged in transit during return.

7. Remote Access and Data

7.1 Remote Access

Your HouseControl system includes secure remote access via Cloudflare tunnel and/or Tailscale mesh networking. This allows you to access your home system from outside your premises.

7.2 Data Handling

HouseControl operates as a local-first system. Your data (automations, camera feeds, sensor data, media) remains on your local hardware and is not stored on our servers. We only facilitate secure remote connectivity.

7.3 Monitoring

We do not monitor your system usage, camera feeds, or personal data. We may access your system remotely for support, maintenance, and troubleshooting purposes, only with your prior consent.

7.4 Internet Requirement

HouseControl services require a working internet connection at the Customer’s premises. We are not responsible for service interruptions caused by your ISP, power outages, or other factors beyond our reasonable control.

8. Limitation of Liability and Component Disclaimers

8.1 “As-Is” Open-Source Software and Hardware Platform

The HouseControl platform functions as an integration layer combining third-party consumer electronics, refurbished enterprise computing hardware, and independent open-source software projects (including but not limited to Home Assistant, Frigate, and Docker).

• All software and firmware configurations are provided on an “as-is” and “as-available” basis without warranties of any kind regarding constant uptime, flawless operation, or compatibility with future third-party device updates.
• To the maximum extent permitted by law, we do not guarantee that the operation of integrated components will be uninterrupted or error-free.

8.2 Third-Party and Low-Cost Hardware Integration

Where HouseControl sources, bundles, or installs low-cost or budget electronics (e.g., specific sub-assembly sensors, modules, or smart peripherals sourced internationally), the Customer acknowledges and accepts that:

• These peripheral devices are manufactured by external third parties.
• While HouseControl provides a voluntary Hardware Replacement Guarantee (as detailed in Section 3.4) to replace failed hardware free of charge during an active subscription period, this guarantee is strictly limited to the physical replacement of the faulty module itself.

8.3 Absolute Exclusion of Property and Consequential Damages

To the maximum extent permitted under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and South Australian civil liability legislation, IT-Solve PTY LTD accepts zero liability and will not be held responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages resulting from the use, operation, or failure of the system. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Property Damage: Any damage to household appliances, electrical wiring, fixtures, structural elements, or premises resulting from a hardware malfunction, component failure, thermal event, or short-circuit of any integrated device.
• Automation Failures: Damages caused by automated triggers failing to execute, executing incorrectly, or executing unexpectedly (e.g., automated valves failing to close, heating elements remaining active, or security alerts failing to route).
• Misuse and Tampering: Any damage resulting from the Customer or any unauthorized third party altering, modifying, opening, re-wiring, or misusing the provided hardware or connected electrical components.
• Data and Security: Loss of local data, video footage, configuration scripts, or network security breaches resulting from misconfigured remote access tools or open-source exploits.

8.4 Australian Consumer Law (ACL) Statutory Limit

Our goods and services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. For any breach of a statutory guarantee that cannot be legally excluded, the liability of IT-Solve PTY LTD is strictly limited, at our sole discretion, to:

• The replacement of the specific physical hardware component or the supply of equivalent hardware; or
• The refund of the subscription fees paid by the Customer for the specific billing cycle in which the incident occurred.

9. General Provisions

9.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions, arrangements, or agreements.

9.2 Amendments

We may amend these terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes at least 14 days in advance. Continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.

9.3 Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of South Australia, Australia.

9.4 Contact

Last updated: June 2026