Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

YaarGhar Technologies Pvt Ltd ("YaarGhar", "we", "us", "our") operates the YaarGhar platform — a broker-free property marketplace connecting property seekers directly with verified owners. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website (www.yaarghar.com), mobile application, and related services (collectively, the "Platform").

By using the Platform, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: Name, phone number, email address (optional), password/hash
• Profile Information: Profile photo, preferred language, notification preferences
• Verification Documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card (voluntary, for verification badge)
• Listing Data: Property details, photos, location, pricing, amenities, descriptions
• Communications: Chat messages with other users, feedback, support tickets
• Payment Data: Subscription purchases, transaction IDs (processed by payment gateway; we store only minimal records)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, searches performed, listings viewed, time spent, clicks
• Device Information: Device type, OS, browser, IP address, unique device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location (city-level) from IP or GPS (with consent) for search relevance
• Log Data: Access times, error logs, crash reports, performance metrics

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Payment gateway partners (Razorpay/PayU) for transaction status
• Twilio for SMS OTP delivery (phone number, delivery status)
• Analytics providers (Google Analytics) for aggregated usage insights

3. How We Use Your Information

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Platform
• Authenticate users and prevent fraud (OTP verification, device tracking)
• Enable direct communication between seekers and owners
• Display and manage property listings
• Process subscription payments and manage entitlements
• Send transactional notifications (OTP, listing updates, messages)
• Personalize experience (language, saved searches, recommendations)
• Comply with legal obligations (KYC, tax, law enforcement requests)
• Analyze usage trends to improve features and performance
• Send promotional communications (with consent; opt-out available)

4. Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We share information only as described below:

• With Other Users: Your name and phone number are shared with the other party when you initiate a chat or request contact details. Verified badge status is publicly visible.
• Service Providers: Twilio (SMS), Razorpay/PayU (payments), Google Analytics (analytics), cloud hosting (Google Cloud), email providers — all under data processing agreements.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose data to comply with applicable law, regulation, legal process, or government requests.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred (with notice).
• Safety & Security: To protect rights, property, or safety of YaarGhar, our users, or the public.

5. Data Retention

• Account data: Retained while account is active; deleted within 30 days of account deletion request
• Listings: Retained until deleted by owner or account deletion
• Chat messages: Retained for 2 years after last activity for dispute resolution
• Verification documents: Deleted immediately after verification or upon request
• Transaction records: Retained for 7 years for tax/compliance (Indian law)
• Analytics/logs: Aggregated/anonymized after 13 months

6. Your Rights (Under Indian IT Act & DPDP Act)

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Restriction: Limit processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to direct marketing and certain processing
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for optional processing (e.g., marketing) at any time

To exercise these rights, email privacy@yaarghar.com. We respond within 30 days as per DPDP Act.

7. Security Measures

• Encryption in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256)
• OTP-based authentication (no passwords stored in plaintext)
• JWT tokens with short expiry and secure storage
• Regular security assessments and penetration testing
• Access controls: principle of least privilege, role-based access
• Incident response plan with 72-hour breach notification (per DPDP Act)

8. International Transfers

Our servers are hosted in India (Google Cloud Mumbai region). Some subprocessors (Twilio, Google Analytics) may process data outside India under approved transfer mechanisms (Standard Contractual Clauses, adequacy decisions).

9. Children's Privacy

The Platform is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a minor has provided data, contact us for immediate deletion.

10. Cookies & Tracking

We use:

• Essential cookies: Authentication, session management, security
• Analytics cookies: Google Analytics (aggregated, IP-anonymized)
• Preference cookies: Language, theme, saved filters

You can manage cookies via browser settings. Disabling essential cookies may break core functionality.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be notified via email or in-app banner. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance. The "Last updated" date reflects the latest revision.

12. Grievance Officer (Per IT Rules 2021 / DPDP Act)

13. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices?

• Email: privacy@yaarghar.com
• General Support: support@yaarghar.com