RentEscrow

Inspiration

• A Brooklyn tenant’s dispute ended with nearly $24,000 returned by court order. We wanted clearer records for repairs, rent, and accountability.

What it does

• Helps tenants and landlords track repairs, share evidence, exchange messages, and manage simulated escrow.

How we built it

• Built with Next.js, TypeScript, and MongoDB.
• Integrated NYC Open Data, Gemini, Photon messaging, Nessie’s banking sandbox, and XRPL Testnet.

Challenges we ran into

• Handling unclear evidence and unavailable services.
• Protecting private data and preventing unauthorized or duplicate payments.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• Connected repair reporting, evidence review, tenant confirmation, and guarded settlement in one working prototype.

What we learned

• Trust requires clear records and honest uncertainty.
• AI can support evidence review, but payment authority needs strict rules.

What's next for RentEscrow

• Test with tenants, landlords, and housing advocates.
• Improve evidence review and support more repair scenarios.

Built With

• css3
• google
• mongodb
• nessie
• python
• ripple
• typescript