LeaseBuddy LLC Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

LeaseBuddy LLC ("LeaseBuddy," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy applies to all users of the LeaseBuddy website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). By using our Services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide a functional and secure roommate-matching experience.

• Voluntary Information: Name, email, profile preferences (lifestyle, major, gender), and listing content (photos, number of roommates, availability dates, rent price, titles, descriptions, etc.).
• Automated Data: IP addresses, device identifiers, browser types, and usage logs (clicks, navigation paths, and session time) to improve platform performance.

3. Public Visibility & Guest Access

To facilitate the discovery of housing opportunities, LeaseBuddy operates with different levels of data visibility:

• Public Information: Photos, pricing, general neighborhood/city, and property descriptions are visible to all visitors (including non-registered "Guests").
• Protected Information: The property owner's name, exact street address, precise map location, and the messaging interface are strictly restricted. This information is only visible to registered users who have authenticated their accounts.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your data for the following purposes:

• Core Functionality: To create accounts, facilitate user-to-user messaging, and match roommate profiles.
• Safety & Verification: To verify student status (where applicable) and monitor the platform for fraudulent listings or spam.
• Service Analytics: To identify bugs, optimize search results, and understand how users interact with our website and app.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:

• With Other Users: Your profile data is shared with users you choose to interact with or who view your active listings.
• Service Providers: We utilize trusted third-party vendors for database hosting, payment processing, and email delivery. These providers are contractually obligated to use your data only for the specific services they provide to us.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

6. User Rights & Data Control

You have the right to manage your information at any time:

• Access & Correction: You can review and edit your profile or listings through your account settings.
• Account Deletion: You may delete your account and all associated personal data at any time via the in-app settings or by contacting us. Upon deletion, your data will be removed from our active databases, subject to legal retention requirements.

7. Security

We employ industry-standard security measures, including SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit and secure server-side storage. However, as no method of electronic transmission is 100% secure, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such collection, we will take immediate steps to delete the data.

9. Contact Information

For questions regarding this policy or to submit a data deletion request, please contact us at: 📧 neven.stark@leasebuddy.org