Effective Date: 20 Sept 2024

Introduction to Our Data Privacy Policy

At Renticulate, we're not just another faceless rental platform. We're a bunch of folks who are passionate about making renting a property as easy and enjoyable as possible. Our Terms of Service? Well, they're like our rulebook for creating the best rental experience out there! Think of Renticulate as your friendly neighborhood hangout spot, but online. It's where you can chat with your mates, browse through rental listings, and maybe even find your dream home—all in one place. 

We've put a lot of thought into our Terms of Service to make sure that every time you hop onto Renticulate, you feel safe, respected, and well taken care of. Because that's what being part of the Renticulate community is all about: looking out for each other and having a blast while doing it!So, whether you're on the hunt for a cozy apartment or just here to catch up with friends, know that you're in good hands with Renticulate. We're here to make renting feel less like a chore and more like a fun adventure!"

Renticulate serves to provide the users with the services defined in the Terms of service. This includes the Renticulate platform, which users are able to access via mobile, tablet, and other devices that are able to connect to the web. 

Renticulate provides all basic features a rental platform should provide a user and more, however our main focus is to bridge the connection between tenants and homeowners through our amazing platform. When our product is updated, so will our services & policy too. 

Now the serious part: 

This Privacy Policy sets out the comprehensive data privacy practices of our social media and property management platform ("Platform") and explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of our users in compliance with the platform applicable data protection laws in Australia, including but not limited to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles ("platforms"), and any other relevant legislation or regulations. By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to the terms and conditions of this Policy. We encourage you to carefully review this Policy.

1. What information do we collect

As you use Renticulate, we collect specific details, including what you share, what we automatically gather, and any additional information from external sources to ensure we are continuously learning and improving the experience for our fellow users. 

1.1 Personal Information

When you sign up for a Renticulate account, you get to pick a username and password and share a way for us to reach you, like an email or phone number. We'll also need your birthday. Sometimes, we might need a bit more info to make sure you're old enough.. And hey, feel free to add your name or choose a display name if you want! This information is collected with the explicit consent of users and is necessary to provide our social media and property management services. We adhere to the principles of transparency, purpose limitation, and data minimization as outlined in the platforms.

1.2 Contents Created

When using the service, any content you create, including messages, posts (drafts included), messages, emojis, or other content generated with our features, is covered. You can also upload photos and share files, along with providing profile information and server details. However, if we were to change this in the future (for instance, to aid content moderation), we'll notify you beforehand. 

2. Information we collect

We collect usage information, such as social media data, property data, log data, device information, IP address, and geolocation data, to improve our Platform's functionality, personalize user experiences, and conduct research and analysis. We ensure that the collection and processing of usage information align with the platforms, particularly in terms of data security, accuracy, and accountability.

2.1 Other information 

Other information you provide directly to us includes details you may choose to submit while using Renticulate such as Bio in Rentsume etc.

When is your data collected 

We collect your data for full transparency and to identify and improve our services, user experience, and features as we grow. 

• Account Registration: Basic information like your name, email, and contact details.

• Rental Application: Details about your job, income, previous rentals, and references.

• Communication and Feedback: Messages and feedback you share on the platform.

• Rentsume Creation: Additional personal details to build your rental profile.

• Rental History: As you use Rentsume, your rental experiences will be recorded to create a complete profile in the rental world.

3. Cookies Management

We collect some information automatically as you are using our wonderful platform. This Includes: 

• Details about your device: We collect information about the device you're using to access our platform, such as your IP address, operating system, browser, and device settings like microphone and camera preferences.

• Insights into your app or website usage: We track your activity on our platform, including the pages, servers, and channels you visit, the actions you take, the features you use, and any embedded content you interact with.

• Other automatically collected data: Certain actions you perform on external sites may provide us with information. For instance, if you click on an advertisement on a third-party platform, we may receive details about the ad you viewed and the platform it was hosted on. Similarly, clicking on a referral link may provide us with insights about the source website.

• We might obtain data from cookies: (small text files stored on your computer or device) and similar technologies. For further details on how Renticulate uses cookies and how you can control your cookie preferences, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

• Information from 3rd party (Other sources): We may obtain information about you from various sources, including other users and third-party sources such as social media platforms, property management agencies, or verification services. We ensure that such information is obtained and processed lawfully, with consent for each user, and for specific and legitimate purposes consistent with the platforms. This information may be combined with the data we already have about you. For instance, if you link another social media platform to ours, we may receive certain details about you, such as your username and other information that exists on the linked platform, this information does not reside on our platform. 

We will only collect your data in compliance with Australian privacy laws.

3.1 Use of Microsoft Clarity

At Renticulate, we value transparency and your privacy. We use Microsoft Clarity, a tool that helps us understand how users interact with our platform by collecting anonymized usage data. This enables us to improve our services and provide a better user experience. Clarity may collect information like mouse clicks, scrolling, and navigation patterns but does not track personally identifiable information.

By using Renticulate, you consent to the collection of this data which will help us build and improve the platform for our users. 

3.2 Data  Retention 

We retain personal information for only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy and to comply with legal obligations. We adhere to the principle of data minimization and regularly review our data retention practices to ensure compliance with the platforms.

4. Data Breach Response & Measures 

4.1  Data breach Immediate Response

• Incident Identification: Utilize monitoring systems to detect and confirm a data breach. Initiate the Data Breach Response Plan.

• Containment: Immediately isolate affected systems to prevent further data exposure. Implement temporary security measures to halt unauthorized access.

• Notification: Alert the internal incident response team and senior management. Notify the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if required, with users and Individuals affected by the security breach.

4.2 Security Measures:

We maintain robust security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access rights controls, regular security audits, and staff training. We are committed to the principles of data security and take reasonable steps to prevent data breaches or unauthorized access to personal information.

4.3 Data Breach Response:

In the event of a data breach, we have established procedures to promptly detect, assess, and respond to such incidents in accordance with the platforms. This includes notifying affected individuals and the relevant authorities as required by law, and taking necessary remedial actions to mitigate any harm caused.

In case of a data breach, we will follow our Data Breach Response Plan, adhering to the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme if applicable.

4.4 Notification for Data Breach

• Customer Notification: Inform affected individuals as soon as practicable, providing details of the breach, risks, and steps they can take to protect themselves. Include the nature of the information breached, steps taken to control it, and how Renticulate will assist in mitigating risks.

• Regulatory Notification: If applicable, report the breach to the OAIC, including a description of the incident, the type of information involved, and the response plan.

5. Disclosure of Information

We treasure the content you share with us and guard it like it's our own, keeping it safe and only showing it to others when you say it's okay. Sometimes, we might need a little help from trusted partners to make your experience awesome, but don't worry – we're super picky about who we work with and make sure they treat your info with the same care we do.

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers:

We engage reputable third-party service providers to assist us in various functions, such as, data analysis, and hosting. We ensure that platform proprietary data processing agreements are in place with these providers to safeguard the privacy and security of personal information, in accordance with the platforms.

5.2 Legal Obligations:

We may disclose personal information if required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, or government request. We ensure that any such disclosures are made in compliance with the platforms and that platform appropriate safeguards are implemented to protect users' rights and privacy.

5.3 Business Transfers:

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity or third party involved in the transaction. We will ensure that any such transfers comply with the platforms and that platform appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the privacy and security of personal information. 

5.4 During emergencies:

We may share information to the relevant authorities if we genuinely believe it's necessary to prevent serious harm to an individual. 

6. User Rights and Choices

We make it seamless for you to manage your own information. Should you need to update, correct or delete your details, simply visit your account setting and do the necessary changes.

6.1 Access and Correction:

Users have the right to access, correct, update, or request the deletion of their personal information held by us, in accordance with the platforms. We provide users with access to their personal information through their account settings and offer assistance in exercising their rights.

6.2 Amendments & Verifications:

Amendments made to one’s profile will go through a verification process to ensure information is correct & true. Some information might be retained for legal reasons.  

6.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

Third party services that we use may collect anonymized data for analytics you may refer to their privacy policies:

• Squarespace

• Vercel

• Supabase

6.4 Do Not Track:

Our Platform does not respond to "Do Not Track" signals at this time. However, we respect users' choices and privacy preferences in accordance with the platforms. 

7. Termination policy 

We reserve the right to terminate any user that violates our terms of service, or have been discovered to engage in malicious activities or intent while using the platform. Any termination or suspension will be carefully reviewed by our compliance team prior to the deletion of the account. 

7.1 User notification of violation 

Users will be notified via email when a violation has been detected. Users can choose to appeal their cases to our support team at hello@renticulate.com . 

7.2 Reactivation 

Renticulate reserves the right to refuse reactivation of terminated accounts. In any case where reactivation is granted, users may be required to agree to additional terms or monitoring by our team. 

7.3 Renticulate may terminate an account based on the following infringement: 

• Engages in fraudulent activities

• Posts false, misleading, or inappropriate content

• Harasses, threatens, or abuses other users

• Attempts to manipulate the platform's systems or data

• Violates local, state, or federal laws

• Repeatedly violates Renticulate's terms of service

• Uses the platform for any unlawful purpose

• Impersonates another individual or entity

• Attempts to gain unauthorized access to other users' accounts

• Engages in any activity that disrupts or interferes with the Renticulate service

We may not have listed every possible cause for termination. As such, Renticulate reserves the absolute right to investigate and terminate an account should any malicious, fraudulent or unlawful act is reported.

7.4 Legal Action

Renticulate reserves the right to pursue legal action against any user who engages in serious violations of our terms of service or illegal activities that cause harm, distress, or damage to other users, groups, or to Renticulate itself. 

Such actions may include, but are not limited to, civil litigation, reporting to law enforcement agencies, and cooperation with legal authorities in criminal investigations. Users found to be in violation may be subject to immediate termination of services and held financially responsible for any damages incurred.

8. Cross Border Information Sharing

We anticipate that users will be sharing their “Rentsume” or “Listing” with overseas counterparts. As such, Renticulate is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and will take reasonable steps to ensure that any overseas recipient handles personal information in accordance with the APPs and in compliance to the closest degree to the local laws whenever possible.

8.1 Consent

Where possible, Renticulate will seek explicit consent from individuals before disclosing their personal information to overseas recipients. The consent process will clearly inform individuals of the countries where their information may be disclosed.

8.2 Data Portability 

We respect your right to data portability as provided by applicable data protection laws. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.

You have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from us. This right allows you to move, copy, or transfer your personal data easily from our IT environment to another.

To exercise your right to data portability, please contact our Data Protection Officer at hello@renticulate.com . Renticulate reserves the right to reject any Data Portability request if any malicious intent is found.  

We remind you to carefully consider the personal data you transmit to other controllers, as we are not responsible for the privacy practices of other organizations. 

9. Liability Policy

In case of a data breach, we'll act quickly to minimize harm, notify affected individuals, and implement our Business Continuation Plan.

While we take all reasonable steps to protect your data, we can't guarantee absolute security. Our liability is limited as per our Terms of Service, and we're not responsible for breaches caused by user negligence.

10. Reminder 

We are here to remind users to:

1. Keep your account credentials confidential.

2. Report any unauthorized account use or security breaches immediately.

3. Do not share any private information such as bank details, personal identification card, passport number, exact location of your current house via this platform to another party. 

Renticulate, its board members, officers, employees, and agents shall not be held liable for any damages, losses, injuries, or theft that may occur in connection with the use of our services or products. 

This includes, but is not limited to, direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of or inability to use our services or products. By engaging with Renticulate, you acknowledge and agree to assume all risks associated with such engagement and waive any claims against Renticulate and its affiliated parties to the fullest extent permitted by law.

By using Renticulate, you agree to these terms and acknowledge your role in maintaining data security.

11. Indemnity Clause

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Renticulate and its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or in connection with your use of our platform or violation of these Terms.

This indemnity doesn't cover issues caused by our negligence or misconduct. By using Renticulate, you agree to accept these terms.

12. Children's Privacy

Our Platform is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of inadvertently collecting personal information from a child, we will take immediate steps to delete such information in accordance with the platforms.

13. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Policy at any time to reflect changes in our privacy practices or legal requirements or when new features are added. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting the revised Policy on our Platform. We encourage users to review this Policy periodically for any updates. 

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out to us at hello@renticulate.com if you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information. We're here to assist you.