Privacy Policy

This page explains, in simple words, what information Hostezo collects, why, who sees it, how long we keep it, and what you can do about it. It covers the website hostezo.com and both Hostezo apps: the Hostezo app for residents, and the Hostezo Owner app for PG owners and managers.

1. Who we are

Hostezo is run by AK MEATSS (a sole proprietorship, Udyam registration UDYAM-TN-04-0130466), No 95/2, West Main Road, Pasikulam, Pelandurai, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu 606105, India. Each PG hostel on Hostezo is a separate, independent business, run by its own owner.

2. Information we collect

If you are a resident

• Mobile number and name — to log you in with a one-time code (OTP). Your PG owner adds your number first, so only you can join your PG.
• Your stay — your PG, room and bed, joining date, rent and deposit amount, and the date you tell your owner you are leaving.
• Rent records — each month's rent, whether it is paid, and the UPI reference number you type when you tap "I have paid".
• Food — veg or non-veg, the meals you skip, the days you go home, and your food ratings and comments.
• Complaints and messages — what you write to your PG owner, and any photo you add to a complaint.
• Your photo — only if you add one in the app.
• Emergency contact — a name and phone number, only if you give them.
• ID proof — only the last 4 digits of the ID number, and a photo of the ID only if your PG owner adds one.
• Notification ID — a code from your phone that lets us send you rent reminders and messages from your PG.
• Finding a PG — PGs you save, and visit requests you send (your name, the day and time you want to visit).

If you are a PG owner or manager

• Your name, mobile number, and the User ID and password Hostezo gives you (we keep only a scrambled form of the password).
• Your PG's name, address, map location, phone number, photos, rooms, beds, rents, menu and meal times.
• Voice messages you record for your residents (only when you tap the microphone).
• What you record in the app: your residents, rent received, notices, expenses, and your staff's names, phone numbers and pay.

Everyone

• Like every website, our server records basic technical details (IP address, device and browser type) for security and to fix problems.
• One login cookie keeps you logged in. We use no advertising or tracking cookies.
• The camera is used only when you scan your PG's QR code or take a photo.
• Location — only if you allow it. In the Hostezo app it shows PGs near you on the map; it stays on your phone and is not saved by us. In the Owner app it puts your PG's pin on the map, and only the PG's location is saved.
• The microphone is used only in the Owner app, when the owner records a voice message.

3. Why we use it

• To log you in and keep your account safe.
• To show your room, rent and menu, and let your PG owner run the PG.
• To tell the cook the exact number of plates for each meal.
• To send rent reminders, notices and messages from your PG as notifications.
• To answer questions and complaints.
• When Indian law requires it.

We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell or rent it to anyone.

4. Who can see your information

• Your PG owner and their managers — your details, stay, rent, food choices, complaints, ratings and photos, so they can run the PG. They cannot see residents of other PGs.
• The PG's cook — only the plate counts your PG owner shares with them.
• Our team — only what we need to set up a PG or help with a problem.
• Service providers we use:
  • Google Firebase — sends the OTP login code and app notifications (on iPhone, through Apple).
  • Hostinger — our web server and database, in India.
  • Google Maps — shows the map and PG locations.
  • Google Fonts — the website's text style.
• Government or police — only when Indian law requires it.

5. How long we keep it

• Your account — until you ask us to delete it.
• Your stay and rent records — while you live in the PG, and after you leave for as long as your PG owner needs them for their accounts, or the law requires.
• Residents can delete their account in the Hostezo app (Me → Delete my account): the login and photo go at once; a PG you still live in keeps your stay and rent records until you leave.
• PG owners can delete their account in the Owner app (Profile → Delete my account): the PG stops at once and is deleted for good after 30 days.
• Or email us: see Delete your account.

6. Your rights

Under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 you can:

• See what information we hold about you.
• Correct it. You can change your profile in the app, or ask your PG owner or us.
• Delete your account. Email us with your registered mobile number and we will delete it within 30 days.
• Withdraw your consent at any time. You can turn off notifications or camera access in your phone settings.
• Complain to our Grievance Officer (below). If you are not happy with our answer, you can complain to the Data Protection Board of India.
• Name someone who can use these rights for you if you die or cannot act.

Want this policy in Tamil? Email us and we will send it.

7. Children

Hostezo is for people aged 18 or older. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you think a child has an account, tell us and we will delete it.

8. How we protect it

• All connections use HTTPS (encrypted).
• Each PG can see only its own residents.
• We never store full ID numbers, UPI PINs or bank details.

If a data breach ever puts your information at risk, we will tell you and the Data Protection Board of India, as the law requires.

9. Changes to this policy

When we change this policy, we update the date at the top. The latest version is always on this page.

10. Grievance Officer

• Name: Anburaj K, Grievance Officer, AK MEATSS (Hostezo)
• Email: support@hostezo.com
• Phone: +91 97517 50691
• Address: No 95/2, West Main Road, Pasikulam, Pelandurai, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu 606105

We reply within 24 hours and solve your complaint within 15 days.