top of page

Terms & Conditions

Effective Date: 24/01/2026

Welcome to ELARC™, operated by Civic Vault Group LLC. By using our website or purchasing certification, you agree to these Terms.

Accessibility Features:
To apply for certification, you must:

  • To apply for certification, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Be a legal owner of the property

  • Reside in the property as your primary residence (Phase 1)

  • Have legal authority to enter binding contracts

Certification Services

We certify self-contained suites in owner-occupied homes for long-term residential stays (31+ days). Certification includes:

  • Property evaluation against our standards

  • Personality interview through The Verification Institute™

  • Educational manuals and templates

  • Public Certification Directory listing

  • Unlimited verification access for 12 months

What We Do NOT Provide

We do NOT:

  • Match homeowners with residents or provide placement services

  • Conduct background checks, criminal checks, or credit checks

  • Provide legal advice

  • Guarantee your ability to find residents or generate income

  • Guarantee safety, habitability, or compliance with local laws

Your Responsibilities
You are solely responsible for:

  • Providing truthful information in your application

  • Complying with all local, state, and federal housing laws, zoning regulations, and Fair Housing laws

  • Maintaining safe living conditions

  • Obtaining proper insurance for residential hosting

  • Conducting your own background checks and resident screening

  • Creating legally valid residential agreements with qualified legal counsel

  • Paying all applicable taxes on rental income

  • Managing all aspects of the homeowner-resident relationship

Application and Payment

Deposit:

  • You submit a $1,000 deposit via Stripe ACH

  • We review your application within 24 hours

  • If you qualify: Deposit applies to certification fee; remaining balance ($9,000 or $11,000) due within 7 days

  • If you don't qualify: Full $1,000 refund within 48 hours

  • Payment Terms:

  • Failure to pay remaining balance within 7 days may result in forfeiture of deposit and founding member spot

  • All payments processed through Stripe

Certification Standards

Your property must meet Phase 1 standards:

  • Owner-occupied (you live on-site)

  • One certified suite only

  • Private bedroom (120 sq ft minimum)

  • Bathroom on same floor or ensuite

  • Onsite laundry access

  • No kitchen or common area access for residents

  • Property in good standing (current on mortgage and taxes)

  • Complete personality interview with TVI

Personality Interviews
The Verification Institute™ interviews:

  • Are recorded conversations, not evaluations

  • Show behavior at a point in time and cannot predict future actions

  • Do NOT replace background checks (you must conduct your own)

  • Participants may misrepresent themselves — we cannot verify truthfulness

  • You make all final decisions based on your own judgment

Intellectual Property
The ELARC™ name, logo, manuals, and materials are owned by Civic Vault Group LLC. You may not copy, resell, or distribute our content without written permission.
Certified homeowners receive limited license to use the ELARC badge according to our Badge Usage Guidelines.

Annual Renewal

  • Certification valid for 12 months

  • $1,500/year renewal fee (locked for founding members)

  • Includes certification renewal, directory listing, and unlimited verification access

  • Failure to renew results in loss of certification — you must remove all ELARC branding

Termination
We may revoke certification if you:

  • Violate these Terms

  • Misrepresent your certification status

  • Provide false information

  • Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities

  • Fail to pay renewal fees

Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:​

We are NOT liable for:

  • Outcomes of homeowner-resident relationships

  • Property disputes or resident behavior

  • Any use of certification to violate local laws

  • Criminal activity, property damage, or harm occurring on certified properties

  • Financial losses including lost rental income, eviction costs, or property damage

  • Any reliance on our materials in making decisions

MAXIMUM LIABILITY: Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid for certification.

No Warranties

Services are provided "AS IS" without warranties. We make no guarantees regarding:

  • Your ability to find residents

  • Rental income amounts

  • Resident behavior

  • Legal validity of arrangements

  • Compliance with local laws

Dispute Resolution

Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Arbitration: Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules. You agree to arbitrate disputes individually and waive any right to a jury trial.

Class Action Waiver: You agree to resolve disputes individually and waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

Changes to Terms
We may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted with a new "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services means you accept the modified Terms.

Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

Contact

Email: legal@elarcliving.com
Address: 1399 Hempstead Turnpike PMB 413, Elmont, NY 11003

bottom of page