Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 6/10/2025
1.0 Introduction
Welcome to Hombie. (“we,” “our,” or “us”).
We operate an online platform that connects homeowners, house swappers, and house sitters (“members,” “you,” or “your”) for the purpose of home exchanges, house swaps and house sitting.
We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data when you use our website, membership system, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”).
By using our Platform, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please stop using the Platform immediately.
2.0 Information We Collect
a) Information You Provide
When you use our Platform, you may provide personal information such as:
- Full name, contact details (email, phone number)
- Account and membership details
- Property listing information (address, description, photos, amenities)
- Personal profile information (bio, pets, travel preferences)
- Communication records and messages exchanged with other members
- Payment or billing information (processed securely by third-party providers)
- Reviews, feedback, or other content you voluntarily post
b) Information Collected Automatically
We may automatically collect:
- IP address, browser type, and operating system
- Device information and time zone
- Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
- Cookies and tracking data (see Section 9)
c) Information from Third Parties
We may receive additional data from:
- Payment processors (for verifying and completing transactions)
- Analytics or marketing tools (for understanding website performance)
- Authentication providers (if you log in via social accounts)
3. How We Use Your Information
We process your information for the following purposes:
- To create and manage your account or membership
- To publish listings and connect members for exchanges or house sits
- To facilitate communication between members
- To process payments, invoices, and renewals
- To send updates, confirmations, and relevant notifications
- To improve website performance and member experience
- To ensure legal compliance and platform integrity
We rely on lawful bases for processing, including consent, contractual necessity, and legitimate interest.
4. Sharing of Information
We may share information in the following ways:
- With other members: Certain profile and listing details are visible to other registered members to facilitate connections.
- With service providers: Trusted third parties who assist with hosting, analytics, payment processing, and communication delivery.
- For legal purposes: If required by law, court order, or to protect our legal rights or those of our users.
- In business transfers: If our business or assets are sold or merged, member data may be transferred under similar privacy safeguards.
We do not sell or rent your personal information to any third party.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable precautions to safeguard your data against unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or disclosure, including:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure data storage and access controls
- Regular website and server maintenance
- Staff access limited to essential personnel only
While we take strong security measures, no online system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to:
- Maintain your account and deliver our services, and
- Comply with legal, tax, or accounting requirements.
Once data is no longer needed, it will be deleted or anonymized.
If you delete your account, most personal data will be removed within a reasonable timeframe, except where legal obligations require retention (e.g., payment or tax records).
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and request a copy of your personal data
- Correct or update inaccurate information
- Request deletion (“Right to be Forgotten”)
- Restrict or object to data processing
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Request data portability
To exercise your rights, please contact us at info@hombie.com.au
We may need to verify your identity before completing your request.
8. International Data Transfers
Our website may be hosted on servers located outside your country.
By using the Platform, you consent to the transfer, storage, and processing of your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
All transfers are performed with appropriate safeguards and compliance with applicable data protection laws.
9. Cookie Policy
a) What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device to help the website function properly, remember your preferences, and improve your experience.
b) Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies – Necessary for the website to function (e.g., login, navigation).
- Performance Cookies – Collect anonymous data to understand visitor behavior and improve site performance.
- Functional Cookies – Remember preferences such as language and location.
- Marketing Cookies – Track browsing behavior to show relevant offers or promotions (only with your consent).
c) Managing Cookies
You can accept or reject non-essential cookies via our cookie banner or your browser settings.
Most browsers allow you to disable or delete cookies, but doing so may affect website functionality.
You may also opt out of analytics tracking via:
https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
10. GDPR Compliance Statement
We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK GDPR, ensuring:
- Transparent and lawful data collection
- Data minimization — only what is necessary
- Secure processing and limited retention
- Rights to access, correction, and erasure
- Explicit consent for non-essential cookies and marketing
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
If you are in Australia, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) for further assistance.
11. Communication Preferences
We send essential system notifications such as registration confirmations, password resets, and payment receipts.
Marketing communications are optional and require your explicit consent. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in each email or by contacting us directly.
12. Links to External Websites
Our Platform may include links to third-party websites or resources.
We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or data policies.
Please review each external site’s privacy policy before submitting personal data.
13. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for adults aged 18 and over.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors.
If you believe a child has used our Platform, please contact us to request removal of their information.
14. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal obligations.
Any updates will appear on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.
Your continued use of the Platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of those changes.
15. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Hombie
Email: info@hombie.com.au
Address: PO Box 1790, Burleigh Town, QLD, 4220, Australia
Website: hombie.com.au