This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunctions with the Terms
and Conditions.
1 INTRODUCTION
Hunt For A Property Ltd. ("HFAP") is dedicated to establishing
a trusting relationship with its users, based on respect for personal identity
and information, by promoting the use of fair information practices. This
privacy statement covers all Web properties owned, operated and maintained
by HFAP, including but not limited to www.HuntForAProperty.co.uk. Because
HFAP wants to demonstrate its commitment to our users' privacy, we are disclosing:
- What personally identifiable information HFAP collects;
- How HFAP uses the information;
- With whom HFAP may share user information;
- What choices are available to users regarding collection, use and distribution
of the information;
- What types of security procedures are in place to protect the loss, misuse
or alteration of information under HFAP control;
- How users can correct any inaccuracies in the information.
2 INFORMATION COLLECTION
AND USE
2.1 Information Collection
HFAP is the sole owner of the information collected on its web properties,
including www.HuntForAProperty.co.uk. HFAP collects information from its
Customers at several different points on our Web sites.
2.1.1 Registration
During registration a Customer is required to give contact information such
as name, email address and phone number. We use this information to contact
the Customer about services on our site for which the Customer has expressed
interest. It is optional for Customers to provide demographic information
(such as gender and sexual orientation), but encouraged so we can provide
a more personalized experience on our sites.
2.1.2 Order
When a Customer purchases a chargeable service, we request information from
the Customer on our order form. A Customer must provide contact information
(such as name, email, and billing address) and financial information (such
as credit card number, expiration date). This information is used for billing
purposes and to fulfill customer's orders. If we have trouble processing
an order, the information is used to contact the Customer.
2.1.3 Information Use
HFAP acts as a property advertising and matching service enabling Customers
to post their own adverts and profiles. HFAP will disclose Personal information
to a third party if HFAP in good faith believes that such action is necessary
to:
- conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served
on HFAP;
- protect and defend the rights or property of HFAP; or
- act under exigent circumstances to protect the personal safety of its
users or the public.
Your email address is not made available on screen. If you opt to contact
another customer of HFAP, HFAP will send the message on your behalf. Your
email address will be divulged to the receiving party. By contacting the
other customer, you consent to divulge your email address to the other party.
Your phone number may be made available on screen. If someone requests your
contact details, your phone number will be displayed if a Call Minder number
is not activated on your account.
We will send you emails relating to your advert / profile on the site. These
will include, but not limited to, registration confirmation, upgrade offers,
messages from other users, daily summaries, advert monitoring and statistics
and notice of advert expiry.
Optionally, we may send you new advert alerts, newsletters and other communications
that you have opted in for.
2.2 Profile
We store information that we collect through cookies, log files and third
parties to create a profile of our users. A profile is stored information
that we keep on individual users that details their viewing preferences.
Consequently, collected information is tied to the user's personally identifiable
information to provide offers and improve the content of the site for the
user. This profile is used to tailor a user's visit to our Web sites, and
to direct pertinent marketing promotions to them. We do not share personally
identifiable elements of your profile with other third parties. Your profile
is shared in aggregate form only.
2.3 Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user's computer tied to information
about the user. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable
information while on our site. We use both session ID cookies and persistent
cookies. Session ID cookies terminate once users close the browser. A persistent
cookie is a small text file stored on the user's hard drive for an extended
period of time. Persistent cookies can be removed by following Internet browser
help file directions.
By setting a cookie on our site, the log in process and searching can be
partially automated, thereby saving time while on our site. If users reject
the cookie, they may still use our site. The only drawback to this is that
the user will be limited in some areas of our site. Persistent cookies enable
us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience
on our site. See the "Profile" section, above.
Some of our business partners and affiliates use cookies on our site (for
example, advertisers). However, we have no access to or control over these
cookies, once we have given permission for them to set cookies for advertising.
2.4 Third Party Advertising
The ads appearing on our Web sites are delivered to users through various
third party advertising partners. Information about users' visits to our
Web sites, such as number of times they have viewed an ad (but not user name,
address, or other personal information), is used to serve ads to users on
the sites. Third party advertising partners do not have access to personally
identifiable information.
This privacy statement covers the use of cookies by HFAP properties only
and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers.
2.5 Log Files
Like most Web sites, our servers use log files to analyze trends, administer
the site, track user's movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic
information for aggregate use.
2.6 Clear Gifs
Clear gifs are tiny graphics with a unique identifier, similar in function
to cookies, and are used to track the online movements of Web users. The
main difference between the two is that clear gifs are invisible on the page
and are much smaller, about the size of the full stop at the end of this
sentence. Clear gifs are not tied to users' personally identifiable information.
We may also use clear gifs in our HTML-based emails to let us know which
emails have been opened by the recipients. This allows us to gauge the effectiveness
of certain communications and the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns.
3 COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE
SITE
3.1 Special Offers and Updates
We send all new customers a welcoming email containing their Account information.
Established users will occasionally receive emails containing information
about us, updates on new service features, service usage tips, information
about third party services that are likely to be of interest to our members,
and member satisfaction questions.
3.2 Service Announcements
On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related
announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance
we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications,
though they can deactivate their account. However, these communications are
not promotional in nature.
3.3 Customer Service
We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services
and regarding issues relating to their accounts. We reply via email or phone,
in accordance with the users wishes.
3.4 Sharing
Any information, communication or other material you send or transmit to
HFAP by electronic or other means, other than personally identifiable information
about you, will be treated as non confidential and non proprietary.
4 SHARING
4.1 LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Though we make every effort to preserve user privacy, we may need to disclose
personal information when required by law or we have a good-faith belief
that such action is necessary
- to comply with laws, rule or regulations of governmental authorities
- to respond to a court order, subpoena, search warrant or other legal
instrument whether or not a response is required by law
- to protect the legal right of HFAP or enforce our Terms and Conditions
- to protect the safety and security of users or non users.
4.2 Aggregate Information (non-personally
identifiable)
We share aggregated demographic information with our partners and advertisers.
This is not linked to any personally identifiable information.
4.3 Third Party Intermediaries
We use an outside credit card processing company to bill users for goods
and services. These companies do not retain, share, store or use personally
identifiable information for any secondary purposes.
4.4 Business Transitions
In the event HFAP goes through a business transition, such as a merger,
being acquired by another company, or selling a portion of its assets, users'
personal information will, in most instances, be part of the assets transferred.
Users will be notified prior to a change of ownership or control of their
personal information. If as a result of the business transition, the users'
personally identifiable information will be used in a manner different from
that stated at the time of collection they will be given a choice not to
have their information used in this different manner, as described in the
notification of changes section, below.
4.5 Choice/Opt-out
Users are given the opportunity to 'opt-out' from having their information
used for purposes not directly related to our sites at the point where we
ask for information.
HFAP also sends its customers information on special promotions and partner
services that we think might be relevant to the user. Users of a free service
are automatically opted-in to receive this information. These materials are
monitored by HFAP for content and regularity to respect the wishes of our
free users. HFAP free users may opt-out of receiving these promotional materials
by either upgrading to a paid service or by cancelling their accounts.
Paying HFAP users who do not wish to receive our promotional communications
may opt-out from receiving these communications by clicking the opt-out link
included at the bottom of every promotional message.
4.6 Links
HFAP's Web sites contain links to other sites. Please be aware that HFAP
is not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage
our users to be aware when they leave our sites and to read the privacy statements
of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information.
This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by HFAP's
Web sites. HFAP has advertising and affiliate relationships with dozens of
third party sites which drive interested parties to our sites. Information
that is collected on these sites does not fall within the auspices of this
policy. HFAP has Co-Brand relationships with some websites. A site is a Co-Brand
of HFAP if it offers HFAP technology or services to its users under a different
brand. The Co-Branded sites will have their own privacy policies specific
to each site, and the user should read them carefully before registration.
4.7 Surveys
Periodically, our site requests information from users via surveys. Participation
in these surveys is completely voluntary and the user therefore has a choice
whether or not to disclose this information. The requested information typically
includes contact information (such as name and address), and demographic
information (such as Post Code). Survey information will be used for purposes
of monitoring or improving the use and satisfaction of HFAP's services. Users'
personally identifiable information is not shared with third parties unless
we give prior notice and a choice to opt-out. Though we may use an intermediary
to conduct these surveys, they may not use customers' personally identifiable
information for any secondary purposes.
4.8 Tell-A-Friend
If a user elects to use our referral service for informing a friend about
our services, we ask them for the friend's name and email address. HFAP will
automatically send the friend a one-time email inviting them to visit HFAP's
Web sites. HFAP stores this information for the sole purpose of sending this
one-time email and tracking the success of our referral program.
4.9 Profile Sharing
To bring you the possible exposure for your advert, HFAP may share your
information with selected HFAP affiliates. Affiliate sites my post your HFAP
advert in order to further advertise your property. No contact or billing
information is ever shared.
5 SECURITY
HFAP takes every precaution to protect its user's information. When users
submit sensitive information via HFAP's Web sites, their information is protected
both online and off-line.
When our registration/order forms ask users to enter sensitive information
(such as credit card number), that information is encrypted and is protected
by SSL certificate encryption. While on a secure page, such as our paid order
form, the lock icon on the bottom of Web browsers such as Netscape Navigator
and Microsoft Internet Explorer becomes locked, as opposed to un-locked,
or open, when users are just 'surfing'.
While we use SSL encryption to protect sensitive information online, we also
employ security measures to protect user-information off-line. All of our
users' information, not just the sensitive information mentioned above, is
restricted in our offices. Only employees who need the information to perform
a specific job (for example, our billing clerks or a customer service representative)
are granted access to personally identifiable information. Finally, the servers
that store personally identifiable information are in a secure environment.
5.1 Supplementation of Information
In order for HFAP to properly fulfil its obligations to users it is necessary
for us to supplement the information we receive with information from 3rd
party sources. HFAP verifies the billing address on all credit card transactions
and may obtains credit reports for some corporate customers. The information
obtained from these third party sources is maintained in a manner consistent
with HFAP's Privacy Policy.
5.2 Correcting/Updating/Deleting/Deactivating
Personal Information
If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as Post Code,
phone, email or postal address), or if a user no longer desires our service,
we provide a way to correct, update or delete/deactivate users' personally
identifiable information. This can usually be done at the profile page of
the HFAP service.
5.3 Notification of changes
If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes in
this privacy statement, and other places we deem appropriate, so our users
are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under
what circumstances, if any, we disclose it. We will use information in accordance
with the privacy policy under which the information was collected.
5.4 Civil Subpoena Policy
HFAP does not release personally identifying information about our customers
except in limited instances related to law, security, or safety. To request
customer information from HFAP in a civil case, you must serve HFAP with
a valid subpoena, court order, or search warrant and agree to HFAP's terms
of compensation below.
All civil subpoenas should be directed to:
Hunt For A Property Ltd
Mulberry House
53 Church Street
Weybridge, Surrey
KT13 8DJ, UK
HFAP charges £45 per hour for research (plus additional fees if testimony
or deposition is required), £0.20 per page, and £14 to respond
via courier. We will invoice the person or entity submitting the subpoena
following receipt and the subpoena proponent must make payment within 15
days from the date of receipt of our invoice. VAT at the prevailing rate
will be added to the invoice total. Checks should be made out to Hunt For
A Property Ltd.
It is HFAP's policy to release information sufficient to identify our customer
only where the party seeking the information has filed a legal action that
implicates our customer in some legally cognizable impropriety or wrongdoing
or can show that the information requested is material to the issues involved
in the underlying case. HFAP requests a copy of the complaint and all supporting
documentation to indicate how the customer's account information is related
to the pending litigation. Note that HFAP reserves the right to determine
in its sole discretion the applicability of this policy to any particular
request and, further, this policy does not create any enforceable legal rights,
either for our customers or for requesting parties.
HFAP is registered with and complies with the UK Data Protection Act (PZ9834904).
www.huntforaproperty.co.uk is owned and operated
by Hunt For A Property Ltd. (UK Company Registration Number - 05617664) whose
registered office is Mulberry House, 53 Church Street, Weybridge, Surrey.
KT13 8DJ, UK