1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Alteum portal (alteumcr.com) and any of its associated services, operated by Cheryx ("Alteum," "we," "the platform"), you ("the user") accept these Terms of Use in their entirety. If you do not agree with any provision, you must refrain from using the portal.

These terms apply to all persons who interact with the platform, including: website visitors, property buyers and investors, property owners who list real estate, tenants and lessees, associated agents (operators), maintenance providers, and any other third party that uses Alteum's services.

Alteum reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Changes will take effect upon publication on this page. Registered users will be notified by email when substantial changes are made. Continued use of the portal after any modification constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.

2. Description of Service

Alteum is a professional real estate portal that connects associated real estate agents with buyers, sellers, tenants, and property owners in Costa Rica. The platform offers:

Search, filtering, and comparison of properties for sale, rent, and vacation rental
Public profiles of verified real estate agents
Management dashboard for agents: properties, leads, contracts, finances, internal chat, metrics, and commissions
Favorites system, property comparison, and prospect alerts
Automated communication via WhatsApp through artificial intelligence agents
Electronic contract signing in accordance with Costa Rica's Law 8454
Photography management pipeline with AI-assisted retouching
Commission engine with tiers, referrals, and automatic distribution
Management of owners, tenants, maintenance providers, and prospects

3. Buyers, Investors, and Visitors

3.1 Use of the portal

Anyone may browse the portal, search for properties, save favorites, and compare real estate without needing to register. By submitting a contact form or initiating communication via WhatsApp, the user agrees that their contact information will be shared with the agent responsible for the property.

3.2 Property information

Descriptions, prices, photographs, and property features are provided by the associated agents. Alteum does not guarantee the accuracy, availability, or condition of listed properties. It is the buyer's or investor's responsibility to independently verify information before making purchase or investment decisions.

3.3 Automated communication

By contacting Alteum through WhatsApp, the user agrees to interact with artificial intelligence agents that classify inquiries, present properties, and manage follow-up. At any time, the user may request assistance from a human agent.

3.4 Alerts and prospects

By registering as a prospect or subscribing to alerts, the user will receive email notifications about properties matching their search criteria. This subscription may be cancelled at any time through the link included in each email.

4. Property Owners

4.1 Listing and publication

Property owners wishing to list their property on Alteum may do so through an associated agent or by contacting the platform directly. The process includes data verification, property information collection, and, where applicable, signing an exclusivity agreement.

4.2 Truthful information

The owner guarantees that the information provided about the property is truthful, complete, and up to date, including: legal ownership, property condition, liens, mortgages, pending litigation, price, special conditions, and any other information relevant to marketing.

4.3 Exclusivity agreements

By signing an exclusivity agreement with Alteum, the owner grants the exclusive right to market the property during the agreed period. The specific terms, commissions, and conditions are governed by the individual contract signed between the parties. Electronic signatures are executed in accordance with Law 8454 (Certificates, Digital Signatures, and Electronic Documents) of Costa Rica.

4.4 Photographs and content

The owner authorizes Alteum to photograph, retouch, and publish images of the property for marketing purposes. Photographs may be processed using artificial intelligence tools to enhance their visual quality, always maintaining a faithful representation of the property.

4.5 Tenant approval

In rental operations, the owner will receive the candidate's information, including background check results where applicable, for their approval before formalizing the contract.

5. Tenants and Lessees

5.1 Application process

To rent a property through Alteum, the candidate must provide personal information, identification documents, and, when required, employment or personal references. This information will be used for background verification and will be shared with the property owner.

5.2 Background verification

Alteum may conduct background checks as part of the placement process. The candidate expressly authorizes this verification upon submitting their application. Results are shared only with the owner for decision-making purposes.

5.3 Administration during the contract

During the term of the lease agreement, Alteum may act as property administrator. Tenants may communicate inquiries, maintenance requests, and rent payments through WhatsApp and the platform. Maintenance requests are automatically managed according to cost thresholds:

Minor repairs (up to $500 USD): automatic approval
Medium repairs ($500 - $2,000 USD): require owner approval
Major repairs (over $2,000 USD): require administrator and owner approval

5.4 Payment reminders

The tenant will receive automatic rent payment reminders: 3 days before the due date, on the due date, 3 days after, and 7 days past due. These reminders are sent via WhatsApp and are an integral part of the administration service.

5.5 Renewal and termination

Alteum will manage the contract renewal process 60 days before expiration. Upon contract termination, a property handover checklist will be applied. Satisfaction surveys are conducted periodically to improve the service.

5.6 Legal framework for leases (Law 7527)

All lease agreements managed through Alteum are governed by the General Law on Urban and Suburban Leases (Law 7527). This law is of public order and the tenant's rights are non-waivable (Arts. 2-3). In particular:

Minimum duration: lease agreements may not be shorter than 3 years. Contracts with shorter terms or without a specified term are considered to be for 3 years (Art. 70).
Security deposit: the security deposit is governed by what is agreed between the parties. The owner may not use it for personal expenses or apply it to rent except at the end of the contract and after verification of damages (Art. 69).
Rent adjustments: annual increases are calculated according to the official Consumer Price Index (CPI). Increases exceeding the limits of Article 67 are void (Art. 68).
Notice: the owner must provide 3 months' notice of non-renewal. The tenant must provide 3 months' notice for early termination (Arts. 71-72).
Repairs: the owner must initiate necessary repairs within 10 business days of notification. Failing to do so, the tenant may carry out the repair and deduct it from the rent (Art. 35).
Minimum conditions: the property must have basic services (water, electricity, sanitation) and be in adequate safety and health conditions (Arts. 20-22).

Any contractual clause that contradicts the provisions of Law 7527 is null and void by operation of law.

6. Associated Agents (Operators)

6.1 Registration and requirements

To become an Alteum associated agent, you must be at least 18 years of age, provide truthful and up-to-date information, and sign the associated agent agreement. Registration is subject to approval by Alteum's administration.

6.2 Regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering

Pursuant to Law 9449 (amendment to Law 7786) and SUGEF Agreement 13-19, the obligation to register with SUGEF falls on those who professionally and habitually engage in real estate brokerage. Alteum operates under a duly registered broker agent with SUGEF, in whose name all contracts, sales, and platform transactions are formalized.

Associated agents (operators) are commercial collaborators of Alteum. They do not act as independent brokers, do not sign contracts in their own name, and do not handle client funds or transaction monies. Therefore, they do not require individual SUGEF registration. Nevertheless, operators commit to:

Comply with Alteum's internal policies regarding due diligence (KYC) and anti-money laundering
Report to Alteum's administration any suspicious operation or behavior detected in the performance of their duties
Not receive, handle, or transfer funds from clients, owners, or third parties under any circumstances
Cooperate with internal verifications and compliance audits

Alteum, through its registered agent, complies with all regulatory obligations before SUGEF, including the confidential reporting of suspicious operations to the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF).

6.3 Tier system

Associated agents operate under a tier system based on accumulated GCI (Gross Commission Income):

Bronze (entry): 60% agent / 40% Alteum
Silver ($100K GCI): 70% agent / 30% Alteum
Gold ($300K GCI): 80% agent / 20% Alteum
Platinum ($600K GCI): 85% agent / 15% Alteum (scales to 90/10 upon reaching $40K paid to Alteum in the fiscal year)

GCI is calculated as the gross commission amount minus 13% VAT. The split is applied at the tier in effect at the time of the transaction.

6.4 Mentorship

New agents may be assigned a mentor. The mentor receives a 5% override on Alteum's margin for 24 months or until the mentee reaches the Gold tier, whichever comes first.

6.5 Annual fund

10% of each transaction is allocated to a shared annual fund. Distribution is proportional to each agent's contributions, subject to qualification thresholds: $2,500 (first year), $3,500 (second year), $5,000 (third year onward).

6.6 Referral program

Agents may register referrals that, upon converting into a transaction, generate a 10% bonus on the operator's split. Referrals have a validity period of 6 months from registration.

6.7 Badges and recognition

Alteum grants automatic recognition: quarterly badges (Agent of the Quarter, Top Lister, Best Rated) and achievement badges (First Sale, tier milestones, Streak 3, Star Mentor). These are displayed on the agent's profile.

6.8 Agent obligations

The associated agent commits to:

Publish truthful and up-to-date property information
Maintain photographs that faithfully represent the property's condition
Respect the minimum prices set by owners
Not share confidential information about clients, owners, or the platform
Comply with all real estate regulations in effect in Costa Rica
Respond to leads and inquiries in a timely manner
Not use the platform for activities outside the real estate scope

6.9 Inactivity and termination

An agent without transactions for 365 consecutive days will be automatically downgraded one tier. The administration may suspend or terminate the relationship with an agent for breach of these terms, fraudulent conduct, or damage to Alteum's reputation. The agent may also request voluntary departure at any time from their profile.

6.10 Consequences of termination

Upon termination of the relationship (voluntary or involuntary), the agent's properties are transferred to the administration. The agent loses: active mentor overrides, participation in the undistributed annual fund, and dashboard access. Commissions already generated and pending payment will be settled according to the contract in effect.

7. Maintenance Providers

7.1 Registration and catalog

Maintenance service providers may be registered in Alteum's catalog by the administration. The catalog is used to quote and assign repair work on managed properties.

7.2 Quotes and assignment

When a repair is required, Alteum may request quotes from up to 3 providers. Selection is based on rating, availability, price, and specialization. Providers commit to providing accurate quotes and completing work within agreed timeframes.

7.3 Authorization limits

Maintenance work is authorized according to cost thresholds. Providers must not commence work exceeding the authorized amount without express approval.

7.4 Quality and liability

The provider is responsible for the quality of their work and any damage caused during execution. Alteum acts as an intermediary and does not assume responsibility for the quality of services rendered by third parties.

8. Property Listings

Agents and owners who list properties on Alteum guarantee that:

They have legal authorization to market the property
The published information (price, location, features, legal status) is accurate and up to date
Photographs correspond to the current condition of the advertised property
There are no legal impediments to the sale, rental, or management of the property
They comply with all real estate and tax regulations in effect in Costa Rica

Alteum reserves the right to reject, modify, or remove any listing that does not comply with these requirements or that it deems harmful to the platform.

9. Electronic Contract Signing (Law 8454)

Alteum facilitates contract signing by electronic means in accordance with Costa Rica's Law 8454 (Law on Certificates, Digital Signatures, and Electronic Documents). The law distinguishes three levels of signature:

Simple electronic signature: the mechanism used by default on the platform (acceptance via link with recording of IP address, date, time, and device). It has legal validity (Art. 3), but in case of dispute, the burden of proving authenticity falls on Alteum as the party invoking the signature (Art. 9).
Certified digital signature: a signature with a certificate issued by a registered certification authority, stored on a cryptographic device (token/smart card). It has a presumption of authorship (Art. 10): the signatory cannot deny its validity. Alteum may offer this modality for high-value contracts.

By electronically signing a document through the platform:

The signatory acknowledges that the electronic document has the same evidentiary value as a physical document (Art. 4)
A SHA-256 hash of the document is generated as a certificate of integrity and unalterability (Art. 6)
The signatory's IP address, date, time, browser, and device are recorded as evidence of authenticity
The signed document is securely stored for 10 years and is available for download

Pursuant to Article 12, legal validity shall not be denied to a signature solely for not having certification from a registered authority.

10. Use of Artificial Intelligence

Alteum uses artificial intelligence agents for:

Classifying and responding to inquiries received via WhatsApp
Generating SEO-optimized property descriptions
Retouching property and agent photographs
Calculating compatibility scores between prospects and properties
Generating market intelligence reports
Automating lead follow-up and reminders

AI agents are designed to assist, not replace, human decision-making. Any offer, contract, or transaction requires confirmation from a human agent or the client. AI never discloses minimum prices, confidential information about other clients, or protected personal data.

11. Acceptable Use

The following is prohibited for all users:

Using the portal for illegal, fraudulent, or money laundering activities
Publishing false, misleading, defamatory, or offensive content
Attempting to access other users' data without authorization
Automated scraping of the portal without written permission
Interfering with the portal's technical operation, including DoS attacks, code injection, or data manipulation
Impersonating another person, agent, or entity
Circumventing security mechanisms, authentication, or access controls
Sending spam or unsolicited communications through the platform
Using the internal chat for purposes other than real estate operations
Manipulating metrics, scores, badges, or performance data

12. Intellectual Property

The design, source code, logos, brand, original texts, algorithms, and other Alteum content is the property of Cheryx and is protected by the intellectual property laws of Costa Rica and applicable international treaties.

Agents and owners retain the rights to the images and descriptions they provide, granting Alteum a non-exclusive, revocable license to display, reproduce, and distribute said content for marketing purposes on the portal and associated channels (including social media and WhatsApp).

Descriptions generated by artificial intelligence from property data are shared property between Alteum and the agent who requested them.

13. Commissions, Payments, and Tax Obligations

Real estate commissions are governed by the individual contract between Alteum and the associated agent. The commission engine automatically calculates distribution according to the agent's tier, applying the split, VAT, mentor override, referral, and annual fund rules in effect at the time of each transaction.

Alteum does not charge commissions or fees to buyers, tenants, or portal visitors. Commissions are paid by selling parties as agreed in the marketing contracts.

13.1 Value Added Tax (Law 9635)

Real estate brokerage services are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at the current rate of 13%, pursuant to the Public Finance Strengthening Law (Law 9635). Alteum issues electronic invoices for all services rendered through the system authorized by the General Tax Directorate (DGT).

13.2 Tax document retention

Pursuant to the Tax Code of Standards and Procedures (Art. 109), Alteum retains all tax documents (electronic invoices issued and received, correspondence with the DGT) for a minimum of 5 years. Accounting books (journal, ledger, inventories, balance sheets) are retained indefinitely pursuant to the Commercial Code (Art. 270).

14. Consumer Protection (Law 7472)

Pursuant to the Competition Promotion and Effective Consumer Protection Law (Law 7472):

Truthful information: all information published on the portal about properties, services, and prices is presented in a clear, truthful, and timely manner (Art. 32). Prices include applicable taxes.
Advertising: property descriptions and photographs must correspond to the actual characteristics of the property. Misleading advertising or advertising that induces error is prohibited (Art. 37).
Unfair clauses: pursuant to Articles 39-42 of Law 7472 and the powers of the National Consumer Commission (CNC), any clause of these terms that unduly restricts the user's rights, limits Alteum's liability for damage or breach, or disproportionately favors Alteum, is null and void by operation of law. In case of doubt, the interpretation most favorable to the consumer shall prevail.
Service guarantee: the services provided by Alteum are subject to a minimum guarantee of two (2) months pursuant to Article 41, during which the user may claim for service deficiencies.

These terms are drafted in Spanish as the official language of Costa Rica. In the event of a discrepancy between versions in different languages, the Spanish version shall prevail (Art. 34).

15. Limitation of Liability

Alteum acts as a technological intermediary and is not a party to real estate transactions between agents, buyers, sellers, owners, and tenants. Alteum does not guarantee:

The availability, price, legal or physical condition of listed properties
The solvency, background, or conduct of buyers, tenants, or owners
The quality of services rendered by maintenance providers
Uninterrupted service continuity (subject to maintenance and updates)
The results of background checks conducted by third parties

In no event shall Alteum's total liability exceed the amount of commissions paid by the user in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

16. Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute between platform users (agent-buyer, owner-tenant, agent-agent), Alteum may act as a mediator at the parties' request, but is not obligated to do so. Alteum is neither an arbitrator nor a judge of disputes between users.

Disputes between a user and Alteum shall first be resolved through direct negotiation. If no agreement is reached within 30 days, the matter shall be submitted to mediation before an authorized mediation center in Costa Rica.

17. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica. Any dispute that is not resolved through mediation shall be resolved before the competent courts of San Jose, Costa Rica.

18. Severability

If any provision of these terms is declared invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

19. Contact

For inquiries about these terms:

Company: Cheryx
Portal: alteumcr.com
Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
Contact: contact form