HousingPulse is a public-data intelligence tool. We do not sell your personal information and we never will.
1. What We Collect
We collect only what is necessary to operate the service:
- Usage data — pages visited, searches performed, features used. This data is anonymous and aggregated.
- Account information — if you create an account: email address and, optionally, a display name.
- Device & session tokens — short-lived tokens used to link your web session to the iOS app for QR unlock. These expire after 5 minutes and are never stored permanently.
- Saved buildings — the list of NYC buildings you bookmark within the app, stored on our servers so they sync across your devices.
We do not collect: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, precise location data, or health information.
2. How We Use Your Data
- To provide and improve HousingPulse features
- To sync your saved buildings and preferences across devices
- To send product updates or important notices (you can opt out at any time)
- To detect and prevent abuse or fraud
We do not use your data to train AI/ML models offered to third parties, and we do not serve behavioral advertising.
3. Data Sources
HousingPulse displays publicly available New York City government data, including but not limited to:
- NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) inspection and violation records
- NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) complaint and violation records
- NYC Department of Finance property transaction records
- NYC Environmental Control Board (ECB) records
This data is sourced from the NYC Open Data platform and related city APIs. HousingPulse is not affiliated with any government agency.
4. Data Sharing
We share data only in these circumstances:
- Service providers — we use infrastructure providers (hosting, database, analytics) who process data on our behalf under strict data processing agreements.
- Legal requirements — if required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users.
- Business transfer — in the event of a merger or acquisition, data may transfer to the successor entity under the same privacy commitments.
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
5. Data Retention
Account data is retained as long as your account is active. You may request deletion at any time by emailing us. Anonymous usage analytics are retained in aggregated form for up to 24 months.
6. Security
We use industry-standard security practices: TLS encryption in transit, encrypted storage at rest, and least-privilege access controls. No system is perfectly secure, but we take reasonable measures to protect your information.
7. Children's Privacy
HousingPulse is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it promptly.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Opt out of marketing communications
To exercise these rights, email us at privacy@housingpulse.app.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we'll notify you via email or a prominent notice in the app at least 14 days before the changes take effect. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page always reflects the most recent revision.
10. Contact
Questions or concerns? Email us at privacy@housingpulse.app.