TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: November 19, 2025

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering an account, ordering services, or accessing Blacktop Hosting's game server hosting, web hosting, VPS, or dedicated server services, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, you must immediately cease using our services.

2. Service Description

Blacktop Hosting provides the following services:

  • Game Server Hosting: Powered by Pterodactyl panel for Minecraft, Rust, ARK, and other games with instant provisioning, FTP access, and automatic backups
  • Web Hosting: Managed through Webuzo control panel with SSL certificates, one-click installers, and daily backups
  • VPS Hosting: Virtual private servers with full root access
  • Dedicated Servers: Physical server rentals with custom configurations

We reserve the right to modify, upgrade, downgrade, suspend, or discontinue any service with or without notice. Scheduled maintenance will be announced when possible.

3. Account Registration & Eligibility

To use our services, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old or have parental consent
  • Provide accurate, current, and complete registration information
  • Maintain and update your account information
  • Keep your password secure and confidential
  • Notify us immediately of unauthorized account access

You are fully responsible for all activities conducted through your account. One person or entity may not maintain multiple accounts to circumvent suspension or termination.

4. Billing & Payment Terms

Payment Processing: All payments are processed securely through Stripe. We accept major credit cards and debit cards.

Billing Cycles: Services are billed monthly in advance unless otherwise specified. Your billing cycle begins on the date of service activation.

Automatic Renewal: Services automatically renew at the end of each billing period unless cancelled before the renewal date.

Late Payments: Invoices are due within 7 days of issuance. Failure to pay will result in:

  • Service suspension after 7 days
  • Service termination and data deletion after 14 days
  • Account closure and debt collection referral if applicable

Refund Policy: We offer a 7-day money-back guarantee for new services only. Refunds are not provided for renewals, upgrades, add-ons, or services terminated for Terms of Service violations. Refunds are processed within 5-10 business days.

Price Changes: We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days notice. Existing customers will be grandfathered at their current rate for the remainder of their billing cycle.

5. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree NOT to use our services for:

  • Illegal Activities: Any activity that violates local, state, federal, or international law
  • Malicious Software: Hosting, distributing, or executing malware, viruses, trojans, or ransomware
  • Network Abuse: Port scanning, DDoS attacks, brute force attacks, or network flooding
  • Spam & Phishing: Sending unsolicited emails, SMS, or operating phishing websites
  • Copyright Infringement: Hosting pirated software, games, movies, music, or warez
  • Adult Content: Pornography or sexually explicit material (requires prior written approval)
  • Hate Speech: Content promoting violence, discrimination, or harassment
  • Resource Abuse: Cryptocurrency mining, excessive CPU usage, or bandwidth abuse beyond fair use
  • Proxy/VPN Services: Operating public proxies or VPN services without authorization
  • Game Server Violations: Running cracked game servers, violating game EULAs, or hosting illegal game modifications

Violation of this policy will result in immediate service suspension or termination without refund.

6. Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Uptime Guarantee: We target 99.9% uptime for all services. This excludes scheduled maintenance and circumstances beyond our control.

DDoS Protection: Basic DDoS mitigation is included. We reserve the right to null-route IPs under sustained attack to protect network infrastructure.

Support Response Times:

  • Critical issues (server down): 1 hour response time
  • High priority: 4 hour response time
  • Normal priority: 24 hour response time

Maintenance Windows: Scheduled maintenance is performed during low-traffic periods with advance notice when possible.

7. Data Backup & Responsibility

While we perform automated daily backups for disaster recovery purposes, YOU are solely responsible for maintaining your own backups. Our backups are not guaranteed and may not be available upon request.

We are NOT liable for:

  • Data loss due to hardware failure, software bugs, or human error
  • Corrupted game server files or databases
  • Lost website data or configurations
  • Deleted files or databases

Game servers include FTP access for manual backups. Web hosting includes backup tools in the Webuzo control panel.

8. Resource Usage & Fair Use

All services are subject to fair use policies:

  • Game Servers: CPU and RAM usage must not consistently exceed allocated resources
  • Web Hosting: Unlimited bandwidth is subject to normal website usage (not file hosting or streaming)
  • Storage: Excessive storage usage may require upgrade to higher tier
  • Bandwidth: Sustained high bandwidth usage may be throttled or require upgrade

We will contact you before taking action on resource abuse.

9. Service Provisioning & Setup

Instant Provisioning: Game servers and web hosting are typically provisioned within 5 minutes of payment confirmation.

Manual Setup: VPS and dedicated servers may require 24-48 hours for provisioning and configuration.

Access Credentials: Login details are sent to your registered email address. Check spam folders if not received.

10. Cancellation & Termination

Client Cancellation: You may cancel services anytime through your client portal. Cancellations take effect at the end of the current billing period. No partial refunds for unused time.

Company Termination: We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your services immediately for:

  • Violation of Terms of Service or Acceptable Use Policy
  • Non-payment of invoices
  • Fraudulent activity or chargeback abuse
  • Abusive behavior toward staff
  • Legal requirements or court orders

Data Retention: After termination, data is retained for 7 days then permanently deleted. No data recovery is possible after deletion.

11. Support & Ticket System

Technical support is provided through our ticket system in the client portal. We provide support for:

  • Server connectivity and access issues
  • Control panel (Pterodactyl/Webuzo) assistance
  • Billing and account questions
  • Service configuration guidance

We do NOT provide support for custom scripts, game mods, plugin configuration, or third-party software troubleshooting.

12. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:

  • Blacktop Hosting is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
  • Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid for services in the past 3 months
  • We are not responsible for loss of profits, revenue, data, or business opportunities
  • Services are provided "AS IS" without warranties of any kind

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Blacktop Hosting from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of services, violation of these terms, or infringement of third-party rights.

14. Modifications to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. Continued use of services after changes constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated via email.

15. Governing Law & Disputes

These terms are governed by applicable laws. Any disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration. You waive the right to participate in class action lawsuits.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please submit a support ticket through your client portal or contact us at the email address listed in your account dashboard.