Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us. This policy explains how RentSmart collects, uses, and protects your personal information.
1. Overview
RentSmart operates a rental marketplace platform that connects landlords, real estate agents and tenants. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and related services.
By using our Services, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.
2. Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:
- Create an account or profile
- List or search for properties
- Complete applications or screening processes
- Communicate through our platform
- Contact customer support
- Subscribe to newsletters or marketing
| Category | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Information | Name, email, phone number, date of birth | Account creation, verification, communication |
| Financial Information | Income, employment status, but no official documents shall be shared via the RentSmart Platform. | Screening, and financial capacity confirmation or proof of income. |
| Property Information | Addresses, photos, descriptions | Listings, matching, record keeping |
| Documents | Utility bills | Identity verification, screening, platform compliance to confirm authenticity of listing in the case of resolving a reported misleading listing. |
Information We Collect Automatically
- Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns
- Device Information: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system
- Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address or GPS (with permission)
- Cookies & Tracking: Session data, preferences, analytics information
Information from Third Parties
- Marketing and analytics partners
3. How We Use Information
We use your information for the following purposes:
Service Provision
- Creating and managing your account
- Processing rental applications and screenings
- Facilitating communication between users
- Matching tenants with suitable properties
Platform Improvement
- Analyzing usage patterns and user behavior
- Improving our algorithms and matching systems
- Developing new features and services
- Conducting research and analytics
- Personalizing your experience
Communication & Marketing
- Sending service-related notifications
- Providing customer support
- Sharing relevant property listings
- Sending promotional materials (with consent)
- Conducting surveys and feedback collection
Legal & Compliance
- Complying with legal obligations
- Preventing fraud and ensuring security
- Enforcing our Terms of Service
- Protecting user safety and rights
- Responding to legal requests
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:
Technical Safeguards
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Encryption for data at rest
- Secure cloud infrastructure with regular backups
- Multi-factor authentication for sensitive accounts
- Automated threat detection and monitoring
Administrative Safeguards
- Role-based access controls and permissions
- Regular security policy updates
- Incident response and data breach procedures
Physical Safeguards
- Secure data centers
- Environmental controls and monitoring
- Asset tracking and disposal procedures
Despite our security measures, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to improve our protections.
6. Your Rights
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access & Portability
- View what information we have about you
Correction & Updates
- Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Update your profile and account details
- Modify your communication preferences
Deletion & Erasure
- Request deletion of your account and data
- Remove specific information or documents
- Exercise "right to be forgotten" where applicable
Control & Restrictions
- Opt out of marketing communications
- Restrict processing of your data
- Object to certain uses of your information
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Log into your account settings
- Email us at privacy@rentsmart.com
- Use our Data Rights Request form
- Contact our Privacy Team directly
Response Time: We will respond to your requests within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). Some requests may require additional verification for security purposes.
8. Third-Party Services
Our Services integrate with various third-party providers:
Analytics & Marketing
- Google Analytics - Usage analytics and insights
- Facebook Pixel - Advertising and remarketing
Financial Services
- Paynow ZW - Payment processing
Infrastructure & Security
- Cloudflare - Security and performance
These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them. We are not responsible for their privacy practices.
9. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.
If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe we may have collected information from a child, please contact us at privacy@rentsmart.com.
Parents and Guardians: If you believe your child has provided personal information to us, please contact us so we can delete it.
10. International Users
RentSmart is based in the Zimbabwean, Southern Africa region. If you access our Services from outside the region, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the region.
SADC Users
- We comply with GDPR and data protection laws
- Legal basis for processing includes contract, legitimate interests, and consent
- You have additional rights under GDPR
- Data transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards
Other Users
- Additional rights include right to know, delete, and opt-out
- We do not sell personal information
- No discrimination for exercising privacy rights
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 business operations.
How We Notify You
- Email notification to registered users
- Prominent notice on our website
- In-app notifications
- Updated "Last Modified" date
Types of Changes
- Material Changes: 30-day advance notice
- Minor Updates: Effective immediately upon posting
- Legal Requirements: May be effective immediately
Your continued use of our Services after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Us
Questions About This Privacy Policy?
We're here to help. Contact our Privacy Team with any questions, concerns, or requests.
Privacy Team
privacy@rentsmart.africa
Support Team
servicedesk@rentsmart.africa