Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you use HouseGini services, we collect information you provide directly to us:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Service Request Details: Description of service needed, property address, preferred service dates
• Account Information: Username, password (encrypted), profile preferences
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through third-party payment processors)
• Communications: Messages, reviews, feedback you send to us or service professionals

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website or use our services, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, time spent on site, search queries, click patterns
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (we request precise location only when necessary for service matching)
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: See Section 4 for details

Information from Third Parties

• Service Professionals: Completion status, work details, professional notes
• Background Check Providers: License verification, insurance confirmation, background check results (for professionals only)
• Social Media: If you connect social accounts, we receive basic profile information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Match you with service professionals, facilitate communication, process payments
• Improve Our Platform: Analyze usage patterns, develop new features, enhance user experience
• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, resolve disputes, provide assistance
• Safety and Security: Verify identities, prevent fraud, detect abuse, ensure platform integrity
• Marketing: Send promotional emails, service recommendations (you can opt out anytime)
• Legal Compliance: Comply with laws, respond to legal requests, enforce our terms
• Quality Control: Monitor service quality, collect feedback, maintain professional standards

3. Information Sharing

We never sell your personal information. We share your information only in these circumstances:

With Service Professionals

When you request service, we share necessary information (name, contact details, service address, problem description) with matched professionals so they can contact you and provide services.

With Service Providers

We share information with third-party vendors who help us operate:

• Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal)
• Cloud hosting providers (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Email service providers (SendGrid, Mailchimp)
• Analytics providers (Google Analytics)
• Customer support tools (Zendesk)

For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, subpoena, or to protect rights, property, and safety of HouseGini, users, or the public.

Business Transfers

If HouseGini is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

With Your Consent

We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience:

Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality (login, security)
• Performance Cookies: Analyze how you use our site to improve performance
• Functionality Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Advertising Cookies: Deliver relevant ads on other websites

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality. You can opt out of targeted advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance at optout.aboutads.info.

5. Data Security

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

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS) and at rest
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls limiting employee access to personal data
• Secure data centers with physical security measures
• Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures

No system is 100% secure. While we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please use strong passwords and never share account credentials.

6. Data Retention

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

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Closed Accounts: Most data deleted within 90 days; some records kept for legal/audit purposes
• Service Records: Transaction history kept for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Marketing Data: Deleted immediately upon opt-out request

7. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal obligations)
• Portability: Receive your data in machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Objection: Object to processing for certain purposes

To exercise these rights, email us at privacy@housegini.com or call (800) 555-1234.

8. Children's Privacy

HouseGini services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately at privacy@housegini.com and we will delete it.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
• Right to delete personal information (with exceptions)
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@housegini.com or call toll-free at (800) 555-1234. We will verify your identity before processing requests.

California "Shine the Light" Law

California residents can request information about personal information shared with third parties for direct marketing purposes. Contact privacy@housegini.com to request this information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice on our website

Your continued use of HouseGini services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, contact us: