Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal data when you use The Homes Lab marketplace.
The Homes Lab is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly, in full compliance with the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019 and applicable international data protection standards. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how we keep it safe.
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of The Homes Lab marketplace platform (the "Platform"), including:
By using the Platform, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Platform.
We collect information to provide and improve our services, facilitate connections between users, and comply with legal obligations. Data is collected through:
| Data Category | What We Collect | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Data | Full name, username, profile photo | Account creation, verification, public profile display | Contract performance, Legitimate interest |
| Contact Data | Email address, phone number | Account access, notifications, support communication | Contract performance, Legal obligation |
| Listing Data | Property details, photos, location, pricing, descriptions | Publishing listings on the marketplace | Contract performance |
| Financial Data | Payment information (processed by third parties only) | Processing platform fees, fraud prevention | Contract performance, Legal obligation |
| Technical Data | IP address, browser type, device information | Security, analytics, platform optimisation | Legitimate interest, Consent |
| Usage Data | Pages visited, listings viewed, search queries, time spent | Platform improvement, personalisation | Legitimate interest, Consent |
| Communications Data | Messages sent between users via the Platform | Facilitating user connections, dispute resolution | Contract performance, Legitimate interest |
Note on Payment Data: We do not store credit or debit card numbers or sensitive payment credentials. All payment data is processed securely by our certified payment processors in compliance with applicable PCI DSS standards.
Your data is used only for specific, legitimate purposes. We do not use it for any purpose that is incompatible with the reason it was collected.
Publish listings, facilitate connections between buyers, sellers, and professionals.
Verify identity, manage login access, and maintain account security.
Process platform fees, promotion purchases, and related billing.
Prevent fraud, enforce our Terms, and meet legal obligations.
Analyse usage patterns to improve features and user experience.
Send account alerts, listing updates, and service communications.
Legal Basis for Processing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for advertising or any other commercial purpose. Data sharing is strictly limited to what is necessary to operate the Platform and comply with the law.
| Third Party | Purpose | Data Shared | Safeguards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Processors | Processing platform fees and promotions | Name, email, transaction amount, IP address | PCI DSS compliant, Data Processing Agreements in place |
| Hosting Providers | Platform infrastructure and data storage | All platform data (stored encrypted) | Encryption at rest and in transit, access controls |
| Analytics Services | Usage analysis and platform improvement | Anonymised usage data only | Data anonymisation applied, opt-out available |
| Legal Authorities | Legal compliance and law enforcement | Only as required by law or valid court order | Each request reviewed for legal validity |
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and understand how the Platform is used. You can manage most cookie preferences through your browser settings.
When you first visit the Platform, you may be presented with a cookie notice. You can update your preferences at any time by clearing your browser cookies or adjusting your browser's cookie settings.
Under the Kenya Data Protection Act, 2019, you have the following rights regarding your personal data. To exercise any of these rights, contact us at support@thehomeslab.com. We will respond within 30 days as required by law.
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
Request deletion of your personal data where no longer necessary.
Request that we limit how we use your data in certain circumstances.
Request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
Complaints: If you believe we have not complied with data protection law, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner of Kenya.
Security Measures
Data Retention Periods
We review and purge data that exceeds its retention period on a regular schedule. You may request early deletion of your data subject to legal retention requirements.
The Homes Lab operates primarily in Kenya. However, some of our hosting and service providers may store or process data in other countries. Where data is transferred internationally, we ensure adequate protection through:
Our payment processors may transfer transaction data internationally solely for the purpose of processing payments, subject to their own compliance obligations and our Data Processing Agreements with them.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our data practices, services, or legal requirements. When we make changes:
Your continued use of the Platform after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
For privacy-related enquiries, data subject requests, or concerns about our data practices, please reach out through any of the channels below.
The Homes Lab
