Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect information that you provide directly to us:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, preferences, service history
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address
• Service Address: Location where services will be performed
• Communications: Messages, reviews, support requests

Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on platform
• Location Data: IP address, GPS location (with permission)
• Cookies: Session data, preferences, analytics information

Information from Third Parties

• Social media profiles (if you sign up via social login)
• Payment processors for transaction verification
• Background check services for service provider verification

2. How We Use Your Information

Service Delivery

• Create and manage your account
• Process bookings and payments
• Match you with service providers
• Communicate service updates and confirmations
• Provide customer support

Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve features
• Develop new services and functionality
• Conduct research and testing
• Personalize your experience

Safety and Security

• Verify identities and prevent fraud
• Screen service providers with background checks
• Detect and prevent unauthorized access
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Comply with legal obligations

Marketing and Communications

• Send promotional offers and updates (with consent)
• Provide service recommendations
• Send newsletters and platform announcements
• Request reviews and feedback

3. How We Share Your Information

With Service Providers

We share necessary information with service providers to complete your bookings:

• Your name and contact information
• Service address and requirements
• Booking details and preferences

With Service Partners

• Payment Processors: To process transactions securely
• Cloud Hosting: To store and process data
• Analytics Providers: To understand platform usage
• Customer Support Tools: To provide assistance
• Background Check Services: To verify service providers

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes and obligations
• Respond to government requests
• Protect our rights and property
• Investigate fraud or security issues
• Protect user safety

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

Important: We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Data Security

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on need-to-know basis
• Secure Servers: Data stored on secure, monitored servers
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
• Payment Security: PCI-DSS compliant payment processing

Your Responsibilities

• Keep your password confidential
• Use strong, unique passwords
• Log out after using shared devices
• Report suspicious activity immediately

Note: While we use reasonable security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

5. Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain data processing activities
• Restriction: Restrict how we process your data

Marketing Preferences

You can opt out of marketing communications:

• Click "unsubscribe" in emails
• Adjust notification settings in your account
• Contact our support team

Note: You will still receive essential service-related communications.

Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings (block or delete cookies)
• Our cookie consent tool
• Opt-out of analytics tracking

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements

Retention Periods

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 3 years of inactivity
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax/legal purposes
• Marketing Data: Removed upon opt-out request

7. Children's Privacy

Housestars is not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly.

If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@housestars.com.

8. International Data Transfers

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

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

• Standard contractual clauses
• Data processing agreements
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Performance Cookies: Analyze how you use our platform
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

Third-Party Cookies

We use third-party services that may set cookies:

• Google Analytics for usage analysis
• Payment processors for transaction security
• Social media platforms for sharing features

10. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.

We will notify you of material changes via:

• Email notification
• In-app notification
• Platform announcement
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

Data Protection Officer

For data protection inquiries, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at:

Email: dpo@housestars.com