How disputes work

If a milestone isn't done the way you agreed, the money for it stays put while a person looks at the evidence.

1. Open a dispute. Homeowners can dispute a milestone within 30 days after it's released. Pick a reason, describe the problem, and add at least one job-site photo. The payout for that milestone is held right away.
2. Contractor responds. The contractor has 5 business days to reply with notes, permits, or new on-site photos.
3. Fix-it window. Where it makes sense, the contractor gets up to 10 business days to fix the work and upload new photos for a re-check.
4. A mediator decides. If it isn't settled, a JobDeposit mediator (a person, not the AI) reviews the scope, checklist, photos, photo checks and messages, and decides within 5 business days: release, refund, or a split.
5. One appeal. Either side can ask for one re-review within 5 business days of the decision by sending new evidence.

What counts as evidence

• Photos from the job site, before and after
• The milestone scope and checklist both sides approved
• Photo date, location and duplicate checks
• Messages in the job thread
• Permits, inspection reports, or an independent inspector's report

Card chargebacks

If you file a chargeback with your card company, our review pauses for that payment and the card network's process takes over. We send the card network the same job record. If the chargeback is decided in the contractor's favor, our review picks up where it stopped.

A mediator's decision only controls money held on JobDeposit. It isn't a court ruling. Full terms: Dispute Resolution Policy. Need help? See the Help center or email support@jobdeposit.com.