This Policy explains how Hawlt (“we”, “us” or “our”) handles information when you use our website, applications and PG discovery services (the “Platform”). By using Hawlt, you acknowledge this Policy and our Terms & Conditions.
1. Information we collect
- Account details: name, email, phone number, password hash, city and account role.
- PG requirements: budget, preferred sector, move-in timing, gender preference, occupation, workplace location, food, sharing, amenities, languages and living preferences.
- Owner and listing details: identity/contact details, property address and map coordinates, photos, videos, rent, deposit, availability, rooms, amenities, rules and languages.
- Activity: saved PGs, enquiries, visit requests, booking requests, payment status, reviews, reports and support communications.
- Technical data: IP address, device/browser details, referral pages, cookies, logs and interaction events.
2. Location information
When you choose to provide a workplace or property location, we process its map coordinates to calculate distance, improve matching and display the property on a map. Browser location access requires your permission. You can deny location access and enter an area manually, although some distance features may be unavailable.
3. How we use information
- create and secure accounts;
- publish and review PG listings and owner applications;
- calculate match percentages and recommendations;
- support saved listings, enquiries, visits, bookings, reviews and reports;
- process platform fees and maintain transaction records;
- send service messages and respond to support requests;
- prevent fraud, abuse and security incidents; and
- measure and improve Platform performance and comply with law.
4. Information visible to others
Approved PG listing details are publicly visible. Owner contact details may be shown or shared to support genuine enquiries and bookings. Your public review may display the content you submit. Requirement and language visibility follows the privacy choice shown in your account; private details are not intentionally published.
5. Sharing
We share information only as needed with PG owners or seekers involved in an enquiry, visit or booking; with infrastructure, authentication, email, analytics, maps, messaging, customer-support and payment providers; with professional advisers; or with authorities where legally required. We may transfer information during a merger or business transfer under equivalent protections. We do not sell personal information.
6. Payments
Payments are handled by third-party payment processors. Hawlt may retain transaction identifiers, amount, status and timestamps, but does not store full card numbers, CVVs, UPI PINs or online-banking credentials.
7. Cookies and analytics
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember preferences, measure usage, protect the Platform and improve marketing. Browser controls can restrict cookies, but some features may stop working.
8. Retention
We retain account and Platform records while needed to provide the service and for legitimate security, dispute, accounting and legal purposes. Diagnostic logs are generally kept for shorter periods. When information is no longer required, we delete or anonymise it, subject to lawful retention obligations.
9. Security
We use HTTPS, hashed passwords, access controls, row-level database security, least-privilege administration and audit logging. No internet system is completely secure, so please use a unique password and contact us if you suspect unauthorised access.
10. International processing
Our service providers may process data outside your state or country. Where required, we use contractual or equivalent safeguards for such transfers.
11. Your choices and rights
Subject to applicable law, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, portability or withdrawal of consent. You can update many profile and requirement fields in the app and unsubscribe from marketing messages. Essential service messages may still be sent.
12. Account deletion
Request deletion through your account or email support@hawlt.com from your registered address. We will verify the request and delete or anonymise eligible data, retaining only records required for security, disputes or law.
13. Minors
Hawlt is not intended for anyone under 18. If we learn that we collected a minor’s personal information, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.
14. Changes
We may update this Policy. Material changes will be communicated through the Platform or by email where appropriate.
15. Contact and grievance officer
- Support: support@hawlt.com
- Grievance Team: grievance@hawlt.com