PART 1: TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using StayFinder, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you must not use our platform. StayFinder is a digital marketplace designed to connect home seekers with verified listings, bypassing traditional physical house-hunting.
2. User Accounts and Verification
- Account Security: Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials.
- Identity Verification: To ensure platform security and protect tenants from fraudulent listings, StayFinder may require users (both seekers and posters) to verify their identity using official identification documents or phone number verification.
- Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and listing creation.
3. Tenant Safety and Security Guidelines
StayFinder prioritizes the safety of every tenant using the platform. By using StayFinder, you acknowledge and agree to the following safety protocols:
- In-Person Safety Precautions: While StayFinder minimizes physical scouting, if you choose to visit a property physically, always meet in daylight hours, inform a trusted friend or family member of your location, and verify the physical property matches the listing details.
- No Upfront Payments for Viewing: StayFinder strictly prohibits agents, landlords, or third parties from requesting viewing fees, reservation fees, or deposits before a physical or verified virtual tour has taken place and a formal agreement is initiated.
- Reporting Suspicious Activity: Users must immediately report any suspicious listings, fraudulent accounts, or unsafe behavior to our moderation team via the in-app reporting tools.
4. Platform Role and Limitation of Liability
- Marketplace Only: StayFinder acts solely as an online directory and connection platform. We do not own, manage, inspect, or guarantee the physical condition, legality, or safety of any listed property.
- Disclaimer of Warranties: StayFinder is not responsible for any financial loss, disputes, property discrepancies, or safety incidents arising between tenants and landlords or property managers. Users enter into rental agreements at their own discretion and risk.
5. Prohibited Conduct
Users are strictly prohibited from:
- Posting fraudulent, duplicate, or misleading property listings.
- Harvesting or collecting personal data of other users without consent.
- Using the platform for any illegal activities, including scams, harassment, or discrimination.
PART 2: PRIVACY POLICY
1. Information We Collect
To provide a secure house-hunting experience, we collect the following types of information:
- Personal Identification Data: Full name, email address, phone number, and identity verification documents (where applicable).
- Profile & Search Data: Saved properties, search preferences, chat logs, and interaction history on the platform.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and approximate location data to serve relevant listings.
2. How We Use Your Information
Your data is used strictly to enhance your experience and secure the platform:
- To match you with relevant housing listings.
- To verify user identities and prevent fraudulent activities or scams.
- To facilitate safe communication between prospective tenants and property managers/landlords.
- To comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes.
3. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We respect your privacy and do not sell your personal data. We may share your information only under the following circumstances:
- With Consent: When you explicitly request to contact a landlord or property manager regarding a listing.
- Legal Compliance: If required by law, court order, or government regulation to protect the safety and security of our users or platform.
- Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our website, conducting hosting, or verifying identities (under strict confidentiality agreements).
4. Data Security
We implement robust technical and organizational security measures—including data encryption, secure servers, and restricted access controls—to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.
5. Your Data Rights
You have the right to:
- Access, update, or correct your personal account information at any time.
- Request the deletion of your account and associated personal data, subject to legal retention requirements.
- Opt out of promotional communications.
6. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or safety reports regarding these Terms and Conditions or the Privacy Policy, please contact our support team at support@stayfinder.co.ke.