Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

When you register, list properties, or use our services, we collect:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), account type (tenant/owner)
• Property Information: Property details, addresses, photos, rental prices, descriptions
• Payment Information: Billing details, transaction history (processed through secure payment gateways)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform, contact requests, customer support inquiries
• Verification Documents: ID proofs, property ownership documents (when required)

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you access our platform, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, search queries, time spent on pages, click patterns
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Session data, preferences, authentication tokens
• Log Files: Server logs, error reports, security events

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social media platforms (if you choose to link accounts)
• Payment processors and financial institutions
• Background check services (for verification purposes)
• Analytics providers and advertising partners

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Delivery

• Creating and managing your account
• Processing property listings and rental transactions
• Facilitating communication between tenants and property owners
• Processing payments and managing subscriptions
• Providing customer support and responding to inquiries

2.2 Platform Improvement

• Analyzing user behavior to enhance platform functionality
• Conducting research and statistical analysis
• Testing new features and services
• Personalizing your experience and search results

2.3 Communication

• Sending account notifications and updates
• Delivering marketing communications (with your consent)
• Sending property alerts and recommendations
• Providing important service announcements

2.4 Security and Compliance

• Preventing fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Enforcing our Terms of Service
• Complying with legal obligations and regulations
• Protecting the rights and safety of our users
• Resolving disputes and investigating complaints

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 Public Listings

Property listings you create are publicly visible and include selected information you choose to display (property details, owner name, contact preferences).

3.2 Between Users

When you express interest in a property or send a message, your contact information may be shared with the relevant property owner or tenant.

3.3 Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us with:

• Payment processing and financial services
• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Email delivery and communication services
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Customer support tools
• Marketing and advertising platforms

3.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (court orders, subpoenas, warrants)
• Government or regulatory requests
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Prevention of fraud or illegal activities
• Emergency situations involving personal safety

3.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change in ownership.

4. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

4.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption: SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission, BCRYPT hashing for passwords
• Access Controls: Role-based access, authentication systems, session management
• Security Monitoring: 24/7 system monitoring, intrusion detection, regular security audits
• Data Backup: Regular automated backups with secure storage
• CSRF Protection: Token-based protection against cross-site attacks

4.2 Organizational Safeguards

• Employee training on data protection and privacy
• Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors
• Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular security policy reviews and updates

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

5.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality (login, session management)
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Collect data about platform usage and performance
• Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

5.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit platform functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (not recommended)
• Clear cookies when closing the browser

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

6.1 Access and Portability

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

6.2 Correction and Update

• Update your profile information at any time through your account settings
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

6.3 Deletion

• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Delete specific property listings or information
• Note: Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes

6.4 Restriction and Objection

• Restrict processing of your personal information in certain circumstances
• Object to processing for direct marketing purposes
• Opt-out of promotional communications (unsubscribe link provided)

6.5 Communication Preferences

• Manage email notification preferences in your account settings
• Opt-out of marketing emails while still receiving essential service communications
• Choose how property owners can contact you

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and maintain your account
• Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Prevent fraud and abuse
• Protect our legitimate business interests

Retention Periods

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 2 years of inactivity (with prior notice)
• Deleted Accounts: Most data deleted within 30 days; some data retained for 7 years for legal compliance
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Communications: Retained for 3 years or as required by law

8. Children's Privacy

RentBHK is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are under 18, please do not use our platform or provide any personal information.

If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will promptly delete that information. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at privacy@rentbhk.com.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws.

When we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent protection levels
• Certifications under recognized data protection frameworks
• Your explicit consent where required

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. This Privacy Policy applies only to RentBHK.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our platform. Third-party services may include:

• Payment processors and financial services
• Social media platforms
• Map and location services
• Analytics and advertising networks

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• For material changes, we will provide prominent notice through email or platform notification
• Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance
• We encourage you to review this policy periodically

Previous versions of this policy are available upon request.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days. For urgent matters concerning data security, please mark your communication as "URGENT - DATA PRIVACY".