Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 24, 2026

Housely respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information when you use the Housely website, mobile apps, and services (the "Service").

Housely is a South African rental-matching platform. We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other applicable laws.

1. Who we are

Legal entity: Housely (Pty) Ltd

Contact details are listed in Section 13 below.

2. Who this policy applies to

This policy applies to anyone who visits our website, creates an account, lists a property, applies to rent, uploads documents, or communicates with other users through the Service.

3. Information we collect

We collect personal information that you provide directly, including:

Account details (name, email, phone number, user type)
Profile information (bio, preferences, budget, pet details)
Property details (address, pricing, photos, availability)
Verification documents (ID, payslips, bank statements, proof of ownership)
Messages and communications sent within the Service

We also collect information automatically, such as:

Device and usage data (IP address, browser type, pages viewed)
Location information (based on address you provide or city-level data)
Cookies and similar technologies for functionality and analytics

Payment information is processed by our payment provider (PayFast). We do not store full card details.

4. Why we collect information

We use personal information to:

Provide and improve the Service (matching, listings, messaging)
Verify users and reduce fraud or scams
Process payments and maintain transaction records
Communicate with you about your account and support requests
Send updates and marketing communications where you have opted in
Comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes

5. Our lawful basis for processing

We process personal information based on your consent, our contract with you, legitimate interests (such as fraud prevention), and legal obligations under South African law.

6. How we share information

We may share information:

With other users when you choose to match or communicate
With service providers (hosting, analytics, payments, support)
With legal or regulatory authorities if required by law
As part of a business transaction (merger, acquisition, sale)

We do not sell personal information. Documents are shared only with matched parties or when you explicitly consent.

7. International transfers

We prefer to store data in South Africa, but some service providers may process data in other countries. When this happens, we use appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

8. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encryption at rest, access controls, and secure communications. No system is completely secure, but we continuously improve our safeguards.

9. Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to provide the Service and meet legal requirements. Typically, account data is kept while your account is active. Payment records may be retained for up to 7 years for tax and compliance purposes.

10. Your rights

You have the right to:

Access and update your personal information
Request deletion of your information, subject to legal limits
Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
Object to certain processing or request restrictions

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 13.

11. Children

The Service is intended for users who are 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will be posted on this page with an updated date.

13. Contact us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, contact us:

Email: housley.za@gmail.com

Phone: 0796076265

Location: Disa Park, Cape Town

Information Officer (data protection): housley.za@gmail.com