Privacy Policy

Table of Contents

Introduction

Tenand.co.za (project under Mhofela Trading) operates a property rental marketplace that connects renters with verified landlords and agents across South Africa. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of all users, including renters seeking apartments and agents/landlords listing properties, while ensuring clear and transparent payment terms. This Privacy and Payment Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information, as well as the payment obligations for agents and landlords and our no-refunded policy, in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), Act No. 4 of 2013, the Consumer Protection Act, and other applicable South African laws.

By using our platform (www.tenand.co.za), you consent to the practices described in this policy. Agents and landlords listing properties must explicitly agree to both the privacy and payment terms outlined herein as part of the listing process. For questions or concerns, contact us at info@tenand.co.za or via www.tenand.co.za/contact.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information to facilitate property rentals, enhance user experience, and process payments securely. The types of information depend on whether you are a renter, agent, or landlord.

1.1 Information from Renters

  • Personal Details: Name, email address, phone number, and other contact information provided when signing up, creating a profile, or contacting agents/landlords.
  • Rental Preferences: Details such as preferred location, budget, number of rooms, and other search filters.
  • Communications: Messages or inquiries sent to landlords, agents, or our support team via the platform.
  • Account Information: Login credentials and profile details for registered users.
  • Verification Data: Documentation such as ID numbers, proof of income, or credit checks, if required for tenant verification by agents or landlords.

1.2 Information from Agents and Landlords

  • Personal and Business Details: Name, contact information, business name, registration details, and banking information for listing properties or receiving payments.
  • Property Information: Details about listed properties, including addresses, descriptions, photos, and rental terms, which may include personal data (e.g., landlord contact details).
  • Verification Data: Documentation to verify identity or authority to list properties, such as proof of ownership or agency licenses.
  • Payment Information: Banking or payment details provided for processing listing fees or other charges.

1.3 Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage Data: Interactions with our website, such as pages visited, searches performed, properties viewed, or listings created.
  • Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers.
  • Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies to improve functionality, such as saving preferences, analyzing site usage, and enabling secure logins. You can manage cookie preferences via your browser settings.

1.4 Information from Third Parties

  • Verification Partners: Data from third-party services used for tenant, agent, or landlord verification (e.g., credit bureaus or licensing authorities).
  • Payment Processors: Transaction details when agents or landlords pay listing fees or receive payments through our platform.

2. How We Use Your Information

We process personal information to deliver a seamless rental marketplace experience and manage payments. Specific uses include:

  • For Renters:
    • Matching you with suitable properties based on your preferences.
    • Facilitating communication with landlords or agents.
    • Processing rental applications or tenant verifications.
  • For Agents and Landlords:
    • Displaying your property listings to potential renters.
    • Verifying your identity or authority to list properties.
    • Processing payments for listing fees or related services.
  • Platform Improvement: Analyzing usage data to enhance website functionality, search accuracy, and user experience.
  • Communication: Sending updates, property recommendations, listing confirmations, payment receipts, or responses to inquiries. Non-essential communications can be opted out of.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensuring adherence to POPIA, the Consumer Protection Act, the Rental Housing Act, and other laws, and responding to legal requests.
  • Marketing: With your consent, sending promotional materials or newsletters about new listings or services. You can unsubscribe at any time.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell personal information. We share data only as necessary to operate the marketplace, with the following parties under strict conditions:

  • Between Renters and Agents/Landlords: Renter contact details and preferences are shared with agents or landlords when you express interest in a property. Likewise, agent/landlord contact details are shared with renters for inquiries or applications.
  • Service Providers: Third-party vendors assist with website hosting, analytics, payment processing, or verification services. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and POPIA compliance.
  • Legal Authorities: We may disclose information if required by law, such as in response to a court order or regulatory request.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred to a new entity, with continued protection under this policy.

4. Agent and Landlord Responsibilities

Agents and landlords listing properties on Tenand.co.za must agree to this Privacy and Payment Policy and comply with POPIA and other applicable laws. Responsibilities include:

  • Responsible Data Handling: Using renter data (e.g., contact details or verification documents) solely for legitimate rental purposes and protecting it against misuse.
  • Confidentiality: Not sharing renter information with unauthorized parties.
  • Compliance: Adhering to POPIA, the Consumer Protection Act, and the Rental Housing Act when processing personal data.
  • Verification: Providing accurate information about themselves and their properties, including verification documents if requested.
  • Payment Obligations: Complying with the payment terms outlined in Section 6, including timely payment of listing fees.

Failure to comply may result in suspension or removal of listings from the platform.

5. Data Storage and Security

We implement reasonable measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, including:

  • Encryption: Using secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS) for data transmission.
  • Access Controls: Restricting access to authorized personnel only.
  • Secure Storage: Storing data on servers with robust security measures.
  • Payment Security: Using PCI-compliant payment processors to safeguard financial information.

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law. Data no longer needed is securely deleted or anonymized.

6. Payment Policy for Agents and Landlords

Agents and landlords listing properties on Tenand.co.za are subject to the following payment terms, which must be agreed to as part of the listing process:

  • Listing Fees: Agents and landlords may be required to pay a fee to list properties on the platform. Fees may be charged per listing, on a subscription basis, or as a percentage of rental transactions, as specified during the listing process.
  • Payment Methods: Payments must be made through approved methods (e.g., credit/debit card, EFT, or other secure payment gateways). Banking details or payment credentials must be provided accurately.
  • Payment Schedule: Fees are due at the time of listing or as per the agreed subscription plan. Late payments may result in temporary suspension of listings until payment is received.
  • Transparency: All fees will be clearly communicated before listing. No hidden charges will be applied.
  • Compliance: Agents and landlords must ensure payments comply with South African financial regulations, including providing valid tax invoices where applicable.
  • Disputes: Any payment disputes must be reported to info@tenand.co.za within 7 days of the transaction. We will investigate and respond within 14 days.

By listing a property, agents and landlords agree to these payment terms and acknowledge that failure to comply may result in listing removal or account suspension.

7. No-Refund Policy

Tenand.co.za operates a strict no-refunded policy for all payments made by agents and landlords, including listing fees, subscription fees, or other charges:

  • Non-Refundable Fees: All payments are final and non-refunded, regardless of whether a property is rented, removed from the platform, or the agent/landlord account is terminated.
  • Reason for Policy: This policy ensures the sustainability of our platform and covers costs associated with listing verification, platform maintenance, and user support.
  • Exceptions: Refunds will not be issued unless required by South African law (e.g., under the Consumer Protection Act in cases of proven service failure). Any refund requests must be submitted in writing to info@tenand.co.za and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Acknowledgment: By listing a property or making a payment, agents and landlords acknowledge and agree to this no-refunded policy.

Renters are not charged fees by Tenand.co.za for browsing or inquiring about properties, so this refund policy does not apply to them.

8. Your Rights Under POPIA

Under POPIA, all users (renters, agents, and landlords) have the following rights:

  • Access: Request access to the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
  • Objection: Object to data processing for specific purposes, such as marketing.
  • Restriction: Request restriction of data processing in certain circumstances.
  • Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise these rights, contact us at info@tenand.co.za. We will respond within 30 days, as required by POPIA.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience, such as remembering preferences, securing logins, and analyzing site performance. You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect platform functionality. For details, request our Cookie Policy at info@tenand.co.za.

11. Children’s Privacy

Tenand.co.za is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If such data is identified, we will take steps to delete it.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy and Payment Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted at www.tenand.co.za/privacy-policy, with the “Last Updated” date revised. Agents and landlords will be notified of material changes affecting their obligations.

Last Updated: August 24, 2025

13. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, contact us:

We aim to respond within 24 hours, as stated on our contact page.

14. Compliance with South African Law

This Privacy and Payment Policy complies with POPIA, the Consumer Protection Act, the Rental Housing Act, and other relevant South African laws. We are committed to protecting your constitutional right to privacy and ensuring lawful data processing and payment practices.