Privacy Policy

Introduction

PataStay respects the privacy of guests, hosts and other users of the platform. This Privacy Policy explains the types of personal information we may collect, why we use that information, when it may be shared and the choices available to users.

This policy applies when you access patastay.com, create or use a PataStay account, submit or manage a property listing, unlock host information, communicate through PataStay or otherwise interact with our services.

Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy covers personal information processed by PataStay in connection with its website, platform features, user accounts, host dashboard, property listings, paid unlocks, support services and on-platform messaging.

This policy does not control how an independent host uses information obtained directly from a guest outside PataStay, although hosts using PataStay are required to respect user privacy and comply with applicable laws and PataStay policies.

Information We May Collect

The information PataStay collects depends on how you use the platform.

Information We May Collect From Guests

Guests may provide information when browsing properties, unlocking host information, contacting a host or communicating with PataStay.

Guest information may include:

• Name.
• Email address.
• Telephone number.
• Selected stay dates where provided.
• Property unlocked.
• Unlock transaction reference.
• Payment status.
• Messages sent to a host.
• Support requests or complaints.

PataStay may associate this information with a particular unlock or property enquiry so that communication and support can be provided correctly.

Information We May Collect From Hosts

When a person registers as a host, PataStay may collect information necessary to create and manage the host account and listings.

This may include:

• Host name.
• Email address.
• Telephone and WhatsApp number.
• Account login information.
• Property information.
• Property photographs.
• Approximate or exact property location where required.
• Host package or subscription information.
• Payment references.
• Guest communication history through PataStay.
• Support and administrative communications.

PataStay may also retain records of host account status, subscription status, listing approvals and administrative actions.

Payment and Transaction Information

PataStay may process payments relating to platform services such as guest access fees and host subscription or package fees.

Depending on the payment method used, payment processing may be handled by third-party payment providers.

PataStay may receive or retain information such as:

• Amount paid.
• Payment date.
• Transaction reference.
• Payment status.
• Payment method.
• Related guest unlock or host package.

Accommodation payments made directly from a guest to an independent host are generally outside PataStay's payment processing system unless expressly stated otherwise.

Messages and Communications

PataStay may provide an on-platform chat feature that allows a guest who has successfully unlocked a property to communicate with the property's host.

Messages sent through PataStay may be stored together with information about:

• The guest.
• The host.
• The property involved.
• The relevant unlock.
• Message date and time.
• Read or unread status.

Hosts may receive email notifications when they have unread guest messages.

Information Collected Automatically

When you use PataStay, certain technical information may be collected automatically by the website, hosting infrastructure, security tools, analytics services or other technologies used to operate the platform.

This may include:

• IP address.
• Browser type.
• Device type.
• Operating system.
• Pages viewed.
• Date and time of access.
• Referring pages.
• Security and login information.

This information may be used to maintain website security, troubleshoot technical problems, understand platform usage and improve performance.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

PataStay may use cookies and similar technologies to operate the website and provide features such as login sessions, security, preferences and performance measurement.

Cookies may be used for purposes including:

• Maintaining user login sessions.
• Remembering user preferences.
• Securing website forms.
• Preventing abuse.
• Understanding how visitors use the website.
• Improving website performance.

Your browser may allow you to control or delete cookies. Disabling essential cookies may affect some PataStay functionality.

How We Use Personal Information

PataStay may use personal information for legitimate platform and business purposes including:

Legal Grounds for Processing

Depending on the circumstances, PataStay may process personal information where necessary to provide requested services, perform contractual obligations, pursue legitimate operational interests, comply with legal obligations or where valid consent has been provided.

Legitimate operational purposes may include:

• Maintaining platform security.
• Preventing fraudulent activity.
• Investigating user complaints.
• Improving services.
• Protecting users and platform integrity.

PataStay aims to process personal information in accordance with applicable data protection requirements in Kenya.

When We May Share Information

PataStay does not need to publicly disclose all personal information it collects. Information may be shared where reasonably necessary for operation of the platform or where permitted or required by law.

Information may be shared with:

• A guest or host where necessary for a property enquiry.
• Payment processors.
• Hosting and technology service providers.
• Email delivery providers.
• Security or fraud-prevention providers.
• Professional advisers where appropriate.
• Government authorities or law enforcement where legally required.

We aim to limit shared information to what is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

Information Shared Between Guests and Hosts

PataStay is designed to help guests connect with independent property hosts.

Following a successful guest unlock, PataStay may reveal available host information such as:

• Host telephone number.
• WhatsApp contact option.
• Other property contact information made available for the listing.

When a guest uses PataStay Chat, the host may receive information necessary to identify and respond to that enquiry, which may include the guest's name, contact information, property unlocked and selected stay information.

Guests and hosts must not misuse personal information obtained through PataStay.

Third-Party Service Providers

PataStay may use third-party services to operate parts of the platform.

These may include providers of:

• Website hosting.
• Payment processing.
• Email delivery.
• Website security.
• Analytics.
• Cloud or data infrastructure.
• Customer support technology.

Such providers may process information only to the extent reasonably necessary to perform the services they provide or as otherwise permitted by applicable law and their own terms.

How Long We Keep Information

PataStay may retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy.

The appropriate retention period may depend on factors such as:

• Whether a user account remains active.
• The nature of the information.
• Transaction record requirements.
• Fraud and security considerations.
• Disputes or complaints.
• Legal or regulatory obligations.

Information that is no longer reasonably required may be deleted, anonymized or otherwise securely handled where appropriate.

Information Security

PataStay takes reasonable technical and administrative steps intended to protect information against unauthorized access, misuse, alteration, loss or disclosure.

Measures may include:

• Account access controls.
• Password protection.
• Secure website connections.
• Administrative access restrictions.
• Security monitoring.
• Software updates and maintenance.
• Access controls for sensitive platform information.

Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law and relevant exceptions, users may have rights regarding personal information held by PataStay.

These may include the right to:

• Ask whether PataStay holds personal information about you.
• Request access to personal information.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion where applicable.
• Object to certain processing where applicable.
• Withdraw consent where processing depends on consent.
• Raise a concern about how personal information is handled.

We may need to verify your identity before acting on a privacy request.

Children and Minors

PataStay is not intended to encourage children to independently enter into accommodation or payment arrangements where they do not have the legal capacity to do so.

Users responsible for making accommodation arrangements should have the legal authority and capacity required under applicable law.

If PataStay becomes aware that personal information has been provided in circumstances where it should not have been collected, appropriate steps may be taken in accordance with applicable law.

Third-Party Websites and Links

PataStay may contain links or communication options that direct users to third-party platforms or services, including WhatsApp, payment providers or other external websites.

Once you leave PataStay or interact directly with another platform, the privacy practices of that third party may apply.

PataStay is not responsible for the privacy practices of independent third-party websites or services.

Storage and International Data Transfers

Some technology providers used by PataStay may operate servers or infrastructure outside Kenya.

Where personal information is processed or stored across borders, PataStay will seek to use service providers and arrangements that provide appropriate protection consistent with applicable legal requirements.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

PataStay may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to platform functionality, technology, business operations, legal requirements or privacy practices.

The current version will be published on this page together with the latest revision date.

Significant changes may also be communicated through the website, account notices or other appropriate methods where necessary.

Contact PataStay About Privacy

If you have a question about this Privacy Policy, personal information held by PataStay or a privacy-related request, you can contact us.