✅ Plain English Summary
Here is what this policy means in simple terms:
- ✅We collect only what we need to run HausLink
- ✅We never sell your data to anyone
- ✅Your payment details are encrypted and secure
- ✅You can request your data or delete your account anytime
- ✅We use cookies only to make the platform work better
- ✅We comply with Rwanda data protection law
1. Our Commitment to Privacy
HausLink (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all users of our platform. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and what rights you have over your data.
We comply with the Rwanda Data Protection Law (Law No. 058/2021) and applicable East African data protection regulations.
By using HausLink, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our platform.
2. Who This Policy Applies To
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- —All registered users (landlords and tenants)
- —Visitors to hauslink.com
- —Anyone who contacts HausLink support
- —Anyone who uses the HausLink mobile app
This policy does not apply to third-party websites or services linked from HausLink. We recommend reading the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.
3. Information We Collect
3.1 Information You Provide Directly
Registration Information:
- —Full name
- —Email address
- —Phone number
- —WhatsApp number
- —Date of birth
- —National ID number
- —Profile photo
- —Address
For Tenants (application forms):
- —Employment status and employer details
- —Monthly income information
- —Identity documents (National ID, passport)
- —Proof of income documents
- —Bank statements
- —Employment and reference letters
For Landlords (property listings):
- —Property address and location
- —Property photos and descriptions
- —Bank account details for payments
- —Property title documents
Payment Information:
- —Mobile money account numbers
- —Card details (encrypted — never stored on our servers)
- —Payment transaction history
- —Billing address
Communication Data:
- —Messages sent through HausLink
- —Support tickets and emails
- —Feedback and reviews
3.2 Information We Collect Automatically
When you use HausLink we automatically collect:
- —IP address and approximate location
- —Device type and operating system
- —Browser type and version
- —Pages visited and time spent
- —Features used and actions taken
- —Login times and session duration
- —Crash reports and error logs
3.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from:
- —MTN Mobile Money and Airtel Money (payment confirmation data only)
- —Stripe (payment processing data)
- —Google Maps (location data for listings)
- —Identity verification services
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information through:
Direct input
When you register, update your profile, submit an application, create a listing, send a message, or contact support.
Automated collection
Through cookies, server logs, and analytics tools when you browse and use the platform.
Payment processing
When you make or receive payments through HausLink's payment partners.
Third-party services
When you use integrations such as Google Maps or social login options.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Platform Operation:
- ✅Create and manage your account
- ✅Match tenants with suitable properties
- ✅Process rental applications
- ✅Facilitate landlord-tenant communication
- ✅Process rent payments and subscriptions
- ✅Generate receipts and financial reports
- ✅Handle maintenance requests
Safety & Security:
- ✅Verify user identities
- ✅Detect and prevent fraud
- ✅Investigate reported violations
- ✅Enforce our Terms of Service
- ✅Protect platform integrity
Communication:
- ✅Send account notifications
- ✅Payment confirmations and reminders
- ✅Application status updates
- ✅Maintenance request updates
- ✅Important platform announcements
Improvement:
- ✅Analyse how users interact with the platform
- ✅Fix bugs and technical issues
- ✅Develop new features based on usage patterns
- ✅Conduct user research and surveys
Legal Compliance:
- ✅Comply with Rwanda tax regulations
- ✅Respond to lawful government requests
- ✅Resolve legal disputes
- ✅Maintain required business records
What we NEVER do with your data:
- 🚫Sell your personal data to any third party
- 🚫Share your data with advertisers
- 🚫Use your data to send unsolicited commercial messages from third parties
- 🚫Use your National ID for purposes beyond identity verification
- 🚫Share your income details with anyone other than the landlord of a property you apply for
6. Who We Share Data With
We share your data only in the following circumstances:
Between Users (with your consent)
When a tenant applies for a property, their application details are shared with the relevant landlord only. This includes name, contact details, income information and uploaded documents.
Payment Partners
We share necessary payment data with MTN Mobile Money (Rwanda), Airtel Money (Rwanda), and Stripe (international card processing). These partners process payments on our behalf and have their own privacy policies governing their data use.
Service Providers
We use trusted third-party services for email delivery, SMS alerts, cloud document storage, anonymous analytics, and Google Maps for property locations. All service providers are contractually bound to protect your data.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your data if required by Rwanda law, court order, or government authority. We will notify you of such requests unless prohibited by law.
Business Transfers
If HausLink is acquired or merged with another company, your data may be transferred. You will be notified of any such transfer and your rights will be protected.
7. Data Storage & Security
7.1 Where We Store Your Data
Your data is stored on secure servers hosted in Rwanda and the European Union (for backup purposes) in compliance with Rwanda data protection law.
7.2 Security Measures
We protect your data using:
- ✅SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted to and from HausLink
- ✅AES-256 encryption for stored documents
- ✅Secure password hashing (bcrypt)
- ✅Two-factor authentication (optional)
- ✅Regular security audits
- ✅Access controls limiting data access to authorised HausLink staff only
- ✅Automatic session expiry
7.3 Payment Security
Credit and debit card details are processed by Stripe and never stored on HausLink servers. Mobile Money transactions are processed through official MTN and Airtel APIs.
7.4 Document Security
Documents you upload (ID, payslips, bank statements) are encrypted at rest and accessible only to:
- —You (the uploader)
- —The landlord of properties you have applied for
- —HausLink administrators for verification purposes only
7.5 Data Breaches
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal data, we will notify you within 72 hours as required by Rwanda law, and take immediate steps to contain the breach.
8. Cookies & Tracking
8.1 What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit HausLink. They help us remember your preferences and improve your experience.
8.2 Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
RequiredNecessary for the platform to function. Cannot be disabled.
- —Session management (keeping you logged in)
- —Security tokens (CSRF protection)
- —Language preferences
Performance Cookies
OptionalHelp us understand how the platform is used.
- —Page visit analytics
- —Feature usage tracking
- —Error and crash reporting
Preference Cookies
OptionalRemember your settings between sessions.
- —Dashboard layout preferences
- —Filter and sort preferences
- —Notification settings
8.3 Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may affect platform functionality. You can opt out of performance and preference cookies in your account Settings under Privacy & Data.
8.4 Third-Party Cookies
Google Maps may set cookies when you view property maps. These are governed by Google’s Privacy Policy and are not under HausLink’s control.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Under Rwanda Data Protection Law and applicable regulations, you have the following rights:
Right to Access
Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you. We will respond within 30 days.
Right to Correction
Update or correct your personal information at any time through your account Settings or by contacting us.
Right to Deletion
Request deletion of your account and personal data. We will delete your data within 30 days except where required by law.
Right to Data Portability
Request your data in a machine-readable format (JSON or CSV) for transfer to another service.
Right to Object
Object to specific uses of your data, including marketing communications.
Right to Restrict Processing
Request that we limit how we use your data while a complaint is being resolved.
10. Children's Privacy
HausLink is not intended for use by anyone under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 18.
If you believe a child under 18 has provided us with personal data, please contact privacy@hauslink.com immediately. We will delete such data promptly upon verification.
11. Data Retention
We retain your data for the following periods:
After the retention period, data is securely deleted from all HausLink systems and backups.
12. International Data Transfers
Some of our service providers are located outside Rwanda. When we transfer data internationally we ensure:
- ✅Transfers comply with Rwanda Data Protection Law requirements
- ✅Receiving countries provide adequate data protection standards
- ✅Contractual data protection agreements are in place
- ✅Your rights are maintained regardless of where data is processed
Countries where data may be processed:
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.
When we make significant changes we will:
- —Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page
- —Send an email notification to all registered users
- —Display a notice in the platform for 30 days after changes
Your continued use of HausLink after changes are notified constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
14. Contact & Complaints
For privacy questions or to exercise your rights, contact us:
Postal Address
HausLink Privacy Officer
HausLink Ltd
Kigali, Rwanda
How to Make a Privacy Complaint
Contact us at privacy@hauslink.com with details of your complaint
We acknowledge within 2 business days and investigate within 30 days
We provide a written response with our findings and any remedial action taken
If unsatisfied, escalate to the Rwanda Data Protection Authority (Rwanda Data Protection Authority)