Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 15, 2025
Last Updated: January 15, 2025
The domain flashmates.tech is owned and operated by Flashmates, which is incorporated in the United States as Flashmates, Inc. and in India as Flashmates Private Limited (collectively referred to as "Flashmates," "we," "us," or "our").
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our real estate technology platform and services. By using Flashmates, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
When you create an account or use our services, we collect:
Account Information: First name, last name, email address, phone number, and password
Profile Information: Profile photo, bio, preferences, and verification documents
Property Listings: Property details, addresses, descriptions, photos, rent/price information, and amenities
Communication Data: Messages exchanged through our chat system, inquiries, and support communications
Payment Information: Billing details processed through our payment partners (Razorpay, Stripe, PayU)
Search and Tracking Preferences: Your property search criteria and saved preferences
1.2 Information We Collect Automatically
Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on platform, and interaction patterns
Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address and precise location if you grant permission
Cookies and Tracking: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience
Analytics: We use Firebase Analytics and Google Analytics to understand platform usage
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our platform and services
Property Matching: To connect property seekers with property owners and listers
Communication: To facilitate messages between users and send important notifications
Personalization: To customize your experience and provide relevant property recommendations
Payment Processing: To process transactions and manage subscriptions
Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
Analytics: To analyze platform usage and improve our services
Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide assistance
3. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
With Other Users: Property listings and associated contact information are visible to interested users
Service Providers: We share data with third-party service providers including:
- Firebase (database and authentication)
- Razorpay, Stripe, PayU (payment processing)
- Resend (email services)
- Google Maps (location services)
- AI services (property recommendations)
Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or sale of assets
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
Protection of Rights: To enforce our terms, protect our rights, or ensure user safety
With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information
We will never:
Sell your personal information to third parties
Share your information for third-party marketing without your consent
4. Email Communications
We will never send unsolicited marketing emails
If you post a listing, you will receive email notifications when someone responds or chats with you
You will receive transactional emails related to your account and listings
You can manage email preferences in your account settings
You cannot opt out of essential service-related emails
5. Data Storage and Security
We use Firebase Realtime Database and Firestore to store your data
Images and files are stored in Firebase Storage
Data is encrypted in transit using SSL/TLS
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information
Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel only
We regularly review and update our security practices
No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active
Property listings remain visible until you remove them or your account is deleted
Chat messages are retained for the duration of your account
After account deletion, we may retain certain information for legal compliance and legitimate business purposes
Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely for analytics purposes
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Access: Request access to your personal information
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
Restriction: Request limitation of processing your personal information
Objection: Object to processing of your personal information
Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below.
8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies to maintain your session, remember preferences, and analyze usage
You can control cookies through your browser settings
Disabling cookies may limit functionality of the platform
We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with our platform
9. Third-Party Services
Our platform integrates with third-party services. Each has its own privacy policy:
Firebase: Firebase Privacy Policy
Google Maps: Google Privacy Policy
Razorpay: Razorpay Privacy Policy
Stripe: Stripe Privacy Policy
10. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age
We do not knowingly collect information from children
If we discover we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly
11. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers
By using our services, you consent to such transfers
12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you 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
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights
13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation including:
Right to access and receive a copy of your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time
We will notify you of material changes by email or through the platform
Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance
We encourage you to review this policy periodically
15. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Email: privacy@flashmates.tech
For US inquiries: Flashmates, Inc.
For India inquiries: Flashmates Private Limited