Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RentRateSA ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform and services.

By using RentRateSA, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. This policy complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable South African privacy laws.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• Name, surname, and contact details (email, phone number, address)
• Identity document or passport number
• Professional credentials (EAAB/PPRA registration numbers)
• Employment and income information
• Banking and payment information
• Property ownership and rental history

2.2 Usage Information

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on our platform
• Search queries and interactions with other users
• Location data (with your consent)

2.3 Third-Party Information

• Credit reports from TPN, TransUnion, and other credit bureaus
• Employment verification from employers
• Professional verification from regulatory bodies
• Social media profile information (if you choose to connect)

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and maintain our platform services
• To verify your identity and professional credentials
• To conduct background checks and credit assessments
• To facilitate connections between landlords, agents, and tenants
• To process payments and manage subscriptions
• To send important notifications and updates
• To improve our services and develop new features
• To comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud
• To provide customer support and respond to inquiries

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Your Consent

We share your information with other users when you choose to make it public through your profile or when you apply for rentals or engage with agents.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers including credit bureaus, payment processors, and verification services. These providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:

• 256-bit SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure data centers with physical access controls
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Employee background checks and confidentiality agreements
• Multi-factor authentication for sensitive operations
• Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

6. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Object: Object to processing for direct marketing
• Right to Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we process your information
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Account information: Until account deletion plus 7 years for legal compliance
• Transaction records: 7 years as required by financial regulations
• Background check results: 5 years or as required by law
• Communication records: 3 years for customer service purposes
• Marketing data: Until you opt out or 2 years of inactivity

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how you use our platform
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information is primarily stored and processed in South Africa. If we transfer data internationally, we ensure adequate protection through appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses or adequacy decisions.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our platform and sending you an email notification. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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