Student Housing Abroad Privacy Policy

This site ("Site") is owned and operated by Student Housing Abroad LLC (referred to herein as "Student Housing Abroad," "we," "us," or "our"). Student Housing Abroad LLC is the data controller responsible for the processing of personal data on studenthousingabroad.com. This privacy statement sets forth our Privacy Policy ("Policy") for this Site.

We are committed to protecting your data in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable data protection laws. This Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information, and the rights available to you as a visitor or user.

Information We Collect and How We Use It

Nonpersonally Identifiable Information ("Anonymous Information")

This includes IP address, browser type, date/time of visit, pages visited, and path through the site. This data is used for system administration, analytics, site performance improvements, and security.

Cookies

Cookies help customize your experience. Most browsers accept cookies by default. You can disable them through your browser settings. Note: Disabling cookies may limit functionality.

Use of Anonymous Info

We may use and share aggregated, non-identifiable data with third-party partners to improve our services. No personal data is disclosed.

Personally Identifiable Information ("Personal Information")

We collect information such as your name, address, date of birth, contact details, financial details, identification documents, home university, and abroad university, only when voluntarily submitted. This typically occurs when you:

• Apply for housing
• Use payment or maintenance portals
• Subscribe to updates via email, text, or phone
• Use our Discord (@studenthousingabroad)

How We Use Personal Information

• Process rental applications
• Deliver services
• Communicate with you regarding your housing or inquiries
• Improve our offerings and support
• Share general (non-sensitive) information with your university advisor
• Fulfill contractual obligations with both students and landlords

Note: Private information is never shared with universities or third parties without your consent.

Student Identity & Verification Data

As part of our standard onboarding and housing placement process, we collect the following from students:

• First form of ID (e.g., passport, government-issued ID)
• Second form of ID (e.g., university ID, driver's license)
• Proof of sufficient funds to afford housing (e.g., bank statements, financial aid letters)

This data is used strictly to verify student identity and financial readiness to rent abroad.

We take privacy and control seriously:

• All submitted documents are encrypted at rest and in transit.
• Users can view or download this information at any time via their Account Dashboard.
• Users may delete these documents themselves from their account at any time.
• All such data is automatically deleted 2 years after the end of the student's lease, unless legal or regulatory retention is required.

Contractual Participation

We do not list any landlord's units on our Site unless they have signed our official Consultation Agreement. Similarly, students must provide an e-signature on our Placement Agreement in order to complete a booking. This agreement is available under the Booking Reminders on the unit listing page and within each user's account dashboard.

Email Consent and Opt-Out

By providing your information, you consent to receive updates, notifications, and promotional communications. You may opt out of marketing emails by following the instructions included in each message.

Disclosure of Personal Information

Third Parties

We share personal information only with trusted service providers (e.g., payment processors, landlords, utility providers, tech vendors) who assist us in operating our services. They are contractually obligated to protect your information.

Business Transfers

In the event of a sale, acquisition, or management transfer, your data may be transferred as part of that process.

Legal Compliance & Safety

We may disclose personal data to comply with legal obligations or to protect users, our company, or others.

Security of Information

We use reasonable organizational and technical safeguards to protect your personal data. This includes the use of secure user ID and session tokens. Private data is encrypted and can only be viewed by the user within their account dashboard. Access is limited to authorized personnel.

While we implement industry-standard measures to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure. As such, we cannot warrant the absolute security of your personal data.

Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that may compromise your personal information, we will notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by applicable laws.

Retention of Information

We retain your data only as long as necessary for business or legal purposes. All private information is securely deleted two years after the end of the lease term, unless longer retention is legally required.

Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies separately.

Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under the age of 18. If we discover such data has been collected, we will delete it promptly.

Your Rights Under GDPR & CCPA

You may:

• Request access to your personal data
• Request correction or deletion
• Object to or restrict certain uses
• Request data portability (GDPR)
• Opt-out of data sale (CCPA – we do not sell your data)
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (GDPR)

Requests may require identity verification and can be made by contacting support@studenthousingabroad.com.

Lawful Basis for Processing

We process personal data under lawful bases including the performance of contracts, compliance with legal obligations, your consent, and our legitimate interests (such as verifying housing and coordinating placements).

California Privacy Policy (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights regarding:

• Disclosure of data collected
• Right to delete (with exceptions)
• Right to opt out of sales (not applicable — we do not sell personal data)

For detailed requests, please email us or visit our web form.

International Data Transfers

As we work with international students, landlords, and universities, your data may be transferred outside your country. We ensure adequate protection via standard contractual clauses and secure processing agreements.

Accessibility

We aim to provide this Privacy Policy in accessible language and formats. If you require assistance understanding this document, please contact us.

Modifications to This Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. Changes will be completed on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of our site after changes signifies your acceptance.

Contact Us

For questions, complaints, or to exercise your rights: