Safety, FAQs & Policies
We designed NeedANeighbor to be simple, safe, and community-driven. This page explains how we think about safety, how the platform works, and what you’re agreeing to when you use it.
Who This Platform Is For
Safety Guidelines for Neighbors
These are practical suggestions to help keep everyone safer. Please use good judgment.
For people posting jobs or asking for help
- Be clear about the task, expectations, and timing.
- Meet in visible or public locations when possible.
- Check references or past jobs before inviting someone into your home.
- Never send payment in advance.
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, choose someone else.
For neighbors offering help or work
- Only accept tasks you feel comfortable doing.
- Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Let someone know where you’re going.
- Don't share sensitive personal info unnecessarily.
- Stop immediately if you feel unsafe.
How We Discourage Misuse and Scams
We built NeedANeighbor to make helpful, healthy use of the platform easier and more rewarding than misuse. While no platform can eliminate all risk, we take steps to discourage bad-faith activity:
- Pattern monitoring: We watch for patterns of spam or abuse.
- Limited exposure: New or suspicious listings may receive limited visibility.
- Misuse removal when detected: Obvious misuse is slowed or removed.
- Reporting: Users can report suspicious or harmful behavior anytime.
How NeedANeighbor Works
Connection Board Only
NeedANeighbor is a connection board only. We do not employ, supervise, or directly control users, and we do not guarantee the quality, timing, legality, or suitability of any job or person. All agreements and payments are solely between users.
Basic Flow
- Someone posts a job or neighborhood request.
- Neighbors browse and express interest.
- Two parties communicate and agree on details.
- Work is performed directly between neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NeedANeighbor free to use?
During our early launch, many features are free to use. Browsing and basic posting are designed to stay affordable and accessible.
Does NeedANeighbor vet or background-check users?
No. NeedANeighbor is a connection board, not an employer. We do not perform formal background checks on every user. We use pattern monitoring and misuse detection to discourage obvious scams or abuse, but we do not guarantee any person’s identity, history, or suitability. Please use good judgment, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
How do I know if a job or person is trustworthy?
Look at how clearly the listing is written, how the person communicates, and any available references or past activity. Meet in visible locations when possible, ask specific questions, and only move forward if you feel comfortable. If something doesn’t feel right, you’re never obligated to say yes.
What should I do if something seems suspicious or unsafe?
Stop the interaction immediately. Do not share more information or agree to meet. If a user or listing feels abusive, exploitative, or like a scam, please report it so we can review and remove misuse when detected. Your reports help protect the community.
Who handles payment for the job?
All payment and arrangements are handled directly between neighbors. NeedANeighbor does not process or guarantee payments. Agree on pay, timing, or expectations before work begins. Avoid sending advance payments to people you don’t know or trust.
What kinds of jobs can be posted?
Most neighbor-friendly tasks are welcome: yard work, pet care, cleaning, errands, light organizing, moving help, tutoring, and simple odd jobs. Jobs must be legal, safe, and appropriate for community use. Tasks that require professional licensing should only be posted or accepted by qualified individuals.
How do I edit or remove a listing I posted?
You can edit or remove a listing using the link in your confirmation email. If your job has been filled or is no longer needed, please remove the listing so neighbors don’t keep contacting you.
What if the job isn’t completed or there’s a disagreement?
NeedANeighbor is not a party to your agreements and does not mediate disputes. Most problems can be avoided by clearly discussing expectations, pay, timing, and responsibilities before work starts. If things don’t go as planned, communicate honestly and decide together how to move forward.
