1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how HomeStayForMe ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects your personal information when you use our website, mobile applications, and services (collectively, the "Services"). It applies to guests, hosts, and visitors.

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide

• Account details such as your name, email address, and password
• Profile information, including a photo and contact details
• Booking information, such as travel dates, guest counts, and messages exchanged with hosts or guests
• Property listings you create, including descriptions, photos, pricing, and location
• Reviews, ratings, and support requests you submit
• Payment information you provide to our payment processor when you make or receive a payment

2.2 Information collected automatically

• Device and connection data, such as IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Usage data, such as pages viewed, searches performed, and links clicked
• Approximate location derived from your IP address
• Cookies and similar technologies, as described in our Cookie Policy

2.3 Information from third parties

We may receive information about you from identity and authentication providers, payment processors, and travel partners, as well as from other users (for example, when a host reports an issue with a booking).

3. How We Use Your Information

• Create and manage your account and authenticate you when you sign in
• Process bookings and payments and facilitate communication between guests and hosts
• Provide customer support and respond to your requests
• Personalize search results, recommendations, and content
• Send transactional messages, and, where permitted, marketing communications
• Detect, prevent, and investigate fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service
• Analyze and improve our Services

4. Legal Bases for Processing

Where the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or similar laws apply, we process personal data on the following bases: performance of a contract with you, our legitimate interests (such as securing and improving our Services), your consent (which you may withdraw at any time), and compliance with legal obligations.

5. How We Share Your Information

• Between guests and hosts: when you make or accept a booking, we share the information needed to coordinate the stay, such as name and relevant booking details.
• Service providers: companies that perform services on our behalf, such as hosting, payment processing, analytics, email delivery, and customer support.
• Travel partners: third-party suppliers when you book a service they provide.
• Legal and safety: authorities or other parties when required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or the public.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this Policy.

We do not sell your personal information.

6. Data Retention

We keep personal information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Services. We may retain certain information after account closure to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, prevent fraud, and enforce our agreements.

7. Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please keep your account credentials confidential and notify us of any suspected unauthorized use.

8. Your Rights and Choices

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Object to or restrict certain processing, and request data portability
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
• Opt out of marketing emails using the unsubscribe link in each message
• Manage cookies through your browser settings and our cookie preferences tool

You can exercise many of these rights from your account settings or by contacting us using the details below. We will respond within the time frame required by applicable law.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed in countries other than the one in which you live. Where we transfer personal data internationally, we rely on appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps to delete it.

11. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites and services that we do not operate. This Policy does not apply to those third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy practices.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will revise the "Last updated" date and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Services after an update means you accept the revised Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Policy or how we handle your information, contact us at: info@homestayforme.com