Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 27/03/2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Housing Buddy. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you use our service to receive alerts about new housing listings.

2. Data We Collect

• Email Address: Used to send alerts and identify returning users.
• City Preferences: Used to tailor housing alerts to your interests.
• Technical Data: Includes IP addresses, browser type, and operating system for security and performance monitoring.

3. How We Use Your Data

• To send you alerts about new housing listings based on your preferences.
• To maintain security and prevent fraud.
• To improve our service by analyzing aggregated usage patterns.
• To recognize returning users through encrypted email storage after subscription expiry.

4. Data Retention

• Your email and city preferences are stored only for the duration of your active subscription.
• After your subscription ends, we retain only an encrypted version of your email to recognize returning users, ensuring it cannot be linked back to you without decryption.
• Technical data may be stored for security and analytics purposes but is not used to personally identify users.

5. Data Security

• Encryption: All data is transmitted securely using REST API over HTTPS.
• Access Control: Only authorized personnel have access to user data.
• Anonymization: We minimize personal data storage and encrypt email addresses after subscription termination.

6. Payments and Third-Party Processors

We use Stripe as our payment gateway to process transactions securely. We do not collect or store any payment details such as credit card numbers. Stripe handles all payment information in accordance with its own privacy policy. We encourage users to review Stripe's Privacy Policy at https://stripe.com/privacy. We are not responsible for Stripe’s data handling practices.

7. Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share data only in the following cases:

• With service providers who assist in delivering our services (e.g., cloud hosting), subject to strict confidentiality agreements.
• If required by law enforcement or other legal obligations.
• In case of a business transfer, such as a merger or acquisition, provided user rights are maintained.

8. Your Rights (GDPR & Other Privacy Laws)

Depending on your location, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Rectify inaccurate or outdated information.
• Request deletion of your data (subject to legal limitations).
• Withdraw consent for processing your data.
• Request data portability where applicable.
• Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority if you believe your rights have been violated.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies for essential site functionality, analytics, and improving user experience. You can manage cookie settings in your browser.

10. Third-Party Links

Our service may contain links to third-party housing websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies separately.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at:

Email: help.housingbuddy@gmail.com