Item: Handy Terms of Service
Rating: 32
Author: Terms.Law Editorial Team

⚠ Key Concerns

Handy has faced multiple class action lawsuits alleging worker misclassification. The platform treats service providers as independent contractors while exerting significant control over their work. For customers, strict cancellation policies and limited recourse for poor service quality create frustrating experiences.

Score Breakdown by Category

How Handy's terms rate across my evaluation categories.

👥 Worker Classification (30%) 28/100

Why this score: Handy classifies workers as independent contractors while controlling pricing, scheduling, and service standards. Multiple lawsuits have challenged this classification, alleging workers should be employees entitled to benefits.

Industry comparison: TaskRabbit: 38/100 (clearer contractor model) | Thumbtack: 42/100 (true marketplace) | Angi: 35/100 (varies by service) | Category avg: 36/100

💰 Cancellation & Fees (25%) 30/100

Why this score: Handy charges aggressive cancellation fees, even for cancellations made with reasonable notice. Rescheduling can also trigger charges. Automatic rebooking features have frustrated users who didn't intend to set up recurring services.

Industry comparison: TaskRabbit: 38/100 (24hr policy) | Thumbtack: 36/100 (pro-focused) | Angi: 35/100 (membership traps) | Category avg: 36/100

🛡 Service Quality Recourse (20%) 32/100

Why this score: When service quality is poor, Handy offers limited recourse. While they may provide credits for rebooking, refunds are difficult to obtain. The platform disclaims liability for worker performance.

Industry comparison: TaskRabbit: 45/100 (Happiness Pledge) | Thumbtack: 40/100 (direct with pro) | Angi: 35/100 (limited protection) | Category avg: 38/100

🔒 Background Checks (15%) 40/100

Why this score: Handy conducts background checks on service professionals, but checks are point-in-time at signup. Continuous monitoring is limited, and the depth of checks has been questioned.

Industry comparison: TaskRabbit: 42/100 (similar limitations) | Thumbtack: 35/100 (optional) | Angi: 38/100 (varies) | Category avg: 39/100

⚖ Dispute Resolution (10%) 30/100

Why this score: Mandatory arbitration with class action waiver severely limits legal options. Customer support for disputes is often described as unhelpful, with responses focused on credits rather than resolution.

Industry comparison: TaskRabbit: 40/100 (some mediation) | Thumbtack: 38/100 (marketplace model) | Angi: 38/100 (complex process) | Category avg: 37/100

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

These provisions in Handy's terms create the most risk for users.

Worker Classification Issues

High Risk

Handy classifies service providers as independent contractors while controlling many aspects of their work. This has resulted in multiple lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny.

"Service Professionals are independent contractors and not employees of Handy. Handy does not control the manner or means by which services are performed." Handy Terms of Service

Strict Cancellation Fees

High Risk

Cancelling a booking, even with notice, often results in fees. The cancellation window is narrow, and policies favor charging customers over flexibility.

"Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled service will incur a cancellation fee. Additional fees may apply for same-day cancellations." Handy Cancellation Policy

Automatic Rebooking Traps

High Risk

Handy aggressively pushes recurring bookings. Users report being signed up for recurring services without clear consent, then facing fees when trying to cancel.

"Recurring bookings will automatically continue at the frequency you selected unless cancelled. Cancellation must be completed before the next scheduled booking." Handy Booking Terms

Limited Recourse for Bad Service

High Risk

When service quality is poor, Handy typically offers credits rather than refunds. Getting actual money back requires significant effort and isn't guaranteed.

"In the event of service issues, Handy may, at its discretion, provide credits toward future bookings. Refunds are not guaranteed." Handy Service Guarantee

Background Check Delays

Medium Risk

Background checks are conducted at signup but may not be continuously updated. Workers' status can change without immediate reflection in the system.

"Background screening is conducted during the onboarding process. Handy does not guarantee continuous monitoring of Service Professional backgrounds." Handy Trust & Safety

Mandatory Arbitration

Medium Risk

All disputes must go through binding arbitration. Class action lawsuits are waived, limiting collective action for widespread issues.

"Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration. You waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits." Handy Arbitration Agreement

Analysis

"Handy represents some of the worst practices in the gig economy. The worker classification lawsuits highlight a fundamental tension: the platform controls pricing, standards, and customer relationships while denying workers employee protections. This affects service quality because workers have less stability and investment in outcomes.

For customers, the aggressive subscription model is the biggest trap. Many users book a one-time cleaning and inadvertently sign up for recurring services. The cancellation process is intentionally friction-filled, designed to keep you paying rather than make it easy to leave.

My recommendation: if you use Handy, be extremely careful during checkout to avoid recurring bookings. Screenshot confirmation of one-time bookings. If you need to cancel, do so well in advance and document everything. Consider alternatives with clearer policies and better worker treatment."

Handy Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Handy Issues?

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Worker Classification Issues

Strict Cancellation Fees

Automatic Rebooking Traps

Limited Recourse for Bad Service

Background Check Delays

Mandatory Arbitration

Analysis

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Handy Terms of Service Review

⚠ Key Concerns

Score Breakdown by Category

Compare With Other Platforms

⚠ Handy Issues?

Related Resources

⚠ Key Clauses to Watch

Worker Classification Issues

Strict Cancellation Fees

Automatic Rebooking Traps

Limited Recourse for Bad Service

Background Check Delays

Mandatory Arbitration

Analysis

Need Help With Handy?

Schedule a Consultation