Privacy Policy

At HMO Reporter (“we,” “us,” or “our“), we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information when you use our website www.hmoreporter.co.uk (the “Site“) and any related services (collectively, the “Services“). By accessing or using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Introduction

  • Purpose of Policy: To inform you about how we handle your personal data.
  • Compliance: We adhere to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR“) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you use our Services, you may provide us with:

  • Contact Details: Name, email address (e.g., info@hmoreporter.co.uk), telephone number.
  • Account Information: Username, password, profile picture.
  • Property Listings: Details about properties you list, including images and descriptions.
  • Communication Content: Messages or feedback you send to us.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

We may collect certain information automatically when you visit our Site:

  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device information.
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, time and date of visit, time spent on pages, referral URLs.
  • Cookies and Similar Technologies: See Section 5 for more details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our Services.
  • Account Management: To manage your account and provide customer support.
  • Communication: To send you updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (you can opt-out at any time).
  • Compliance and Protection: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and interests.
  • Analytics: To analyze usage patterns and improve user experience.

4. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

  • Performance of a Contract: Processing is necessary to provide the Services you have requested.
  • Consent: Where you have given explicit consent (e.g., subscribing to newsletters).
  • Legal Obligation: Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Legitimate Interests: For our legitimate business interests, provided they do not override your rights.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies

5.1 What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device to store data that can be recalled by a web server.

5.2 How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

  • Essential Functions: Enable core functionalities like security and network management.
  • Analytics: Understand how users interact with our Site to improve functionality.
  • Advertising: Deliver relevant advertisements and measure their effectiveness.

5.3 Managing Cookies

  • Browser Settings: You can control cookies through your browser settings.
  • Opt-Out: Some cookies are essential; disabling them may affect the functionality of the Site.

6. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

6.1 Service Providers

  • Third-Party Partners: With trusted third parties who assist us in operating our Services (e.g., hosting providers, payment processors).
  • Data Processing Agreements: All third parties are subject to obligations consistent with this Privacy Policy.

6.2 Legal Requirements

  • Compliance: To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or governmental requests.
  • Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of HMO Reporter, our users, or others.

6.3 Business Transfers

  • Corporate Transactions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your personal data may be transferred.

7. International Data Transfers

  • Data Transfer: Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK and the European Economic Area (“EEA“).
  • Safeguards: We ensure adequate protection through standard contractual clauses or other legal mechanisms.

8. Data Security

  • Protection Measures: We implement technical and organizational measures to safeguard your personal data.
  • No Absolute Security: While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the Internet is entirely secure.

9. Data Retention

  • Retention Period: We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy.
  • Criteria: Retention periods are determined based on legal obligations, the nature of the data, and our legitimate interests.

10. Your Rights

Under the UK GDPR, you have the following rights:

10.1 Access

  • Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

10.2 Rectification

  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

10.3 Erasure

  • Right to be Forgotten: Request deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.

10.4 Restriction of Processing

  • Limit Processing: Request that we restrict the processing of your data under specific circumstances.

10.5 Data Portability

  • Transfer Data: Receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used format.

10.6 Objection

  • Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.

10.7 Withdraw Consent

  • Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

10.8 Automated Decision-Making

  • Human Intervention: Request human intervention in automated decisions that affect you significantly.

10.9 How to Exercise Your Rights

  • Contact Us: Email us at info@hmoreporter.co.uk to exercise your rights.
  • Verification: We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.

11. Third-Party Links

  • External Sites: Our Site may contain links to third-party websites.
  • No Control: We are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites.
  • Recommendation: Review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Children’s Privacy

  • Not Intended for Minors: Our Services are not directed at individuals under the age of 18.
  • Parental Consent: We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors without parental consent.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

  • Updates: We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
  • Notification: Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Effective Date.”
  • Material Changes: For significant changes, we may provide additional notice (e.g., email notification).

14. Contact Us

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

15. Complaints

  • Supervisory Authority: If you believe we have not complied with data protection laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO“):

Disclaimer: This Privacy Policy is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations may change over time and can vary based on specific circumstances. HMO Reporter strongly recommends consulting a qualified legal professional to ensure that your Privacy Policy complies with all applicable laws and is tailored to your specific business needs.