Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

GoodLords (“GoodLords,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates the GoodLords tenant referencing and verification platform (the “Platform”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our website, services, and related features (collectively, the “Service”). By accessing or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not use the Service. We may update this policy from time to time; the “Last updated” date indicates the effective date of the current version.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following categories of information:

Account and registration

When you register or use the Service, we collect information such as your name, email address, password (stored in hashed form), role (e.g. Landlord or agent), and whether your email has been verified. We may also collect similar information for administrative accounts.

Application and verification data

When you create a tenant application or when an applicant completes our reference form, we collect: tenant/applicant name, email, phone number, property address, yearly rent, and move-in date (from the Landlord or agent); and from the applicant: date of birth, National Identification Number (NIN), current address, employment status, employer name and contact, job title, monthly income, previous Landlord name and contact, previous address and tenancy duration, character reference name and contact, guarantor name, contact and address, occupation and relationship, and any identity or supporting documents uploaded (NIN slip or passport biodata page). We use this information to perform verification checks and to generate and deliver reference reports to the relevant Landlord or agent.

Usage and technical data

We automatically collect information such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and approximate location to operate the Service, maintain security, and improve our offering. When you have given consent, we may use analytics tools that collect additional usage data.

Cookies and similar technologies

We use necessary cookies for authentication, security, and session management. With your consent, we may use analytics and marketing cookies. For a detailed description of the cookies we use and how to manage them, see our Cookie Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to: provide, operate, and maintain the Service; process applications and verification checks; generate and deliver reports; communicate with you (including transactional emails such as verification and password reset); enforce our Terms of Use and policies; protect against fraud and abuse; comply with legal obligations; and improve the Service. We do not use your information for purposes incompatible with these without notice or, where required by law, your consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your information where necessary to perform our contract with you (e.g. to provide the Service), where we have a legitimate interest (e.g. security, analytics, improvement of the Service), where we have your consent (e.g. optional analytics or marketing cookies), and where required by applicable law. You may withdraw consent where it is the basis for processing, without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.

5. Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information with: service providers who assist us (e.g. hosting, email delivery, storage, analytics when consented); the relevant Landlord, agent, or applicant in connection with a specific reference or verification, as necessary to provide the Service; professional advisers and law enforcement or regulatory bodies when required by law or to protect our rights; and in connection with a merger, sale, or restructuring of our business. We do not sell your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes. We require processors to protect your information in line with this policy and applicable law.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Account and application data may be retained for a period consistent with our business and legal requirements. You may request deletion of your personal data subject to applicable law and our need to retain certain data for legal or operational reasons.

7. Security

We implement technical and organizational measures intended to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We do not guarantee the absolute security of your data. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential and for any activity under your account.

8. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, secure your session, and—with your consent—for analytics and marketing. For full details, including a list of specific cookies and how to manage your preferences, please see our Cookie Policy.

9. Your Rights

Depending on applicable law, you may have the right to: access your personal data; request correction of inaccurate data; request deletion of your data; object to or restrict certain processing; data portability; and withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in the Contact section. We will respond in accordance with applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before processing a request.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

The Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.

11. International Transfer

Your information may be processed and stored in Nigeria or in other countries where our service providers operate. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to such countries, which may have different data protection laws. We take steps to ensure that your information receives an adequate level of protection in line with this policy and applicable law.

12. Children

The Service is not directed at individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us and we will take steps to delete such information.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the “Last updated” date. Material changes may be communicated by email or a notice on the Platform where practicable. Your continued use of the Service after the effective date of any change constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, or to exercise your rights, please contact GoodLords using the contact details provided on our website or through the Platform.