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Privacy Policy

Last updated February 20, 2026

How we collect and use your information at Hometrace.

This Privacy Policy explains what information Hometrace collects and how we use it. By using Hometrace, you agree to this policy.

1. Information We Collect

  • Account details – such as your name, email address, and phone number when you sign up or accept an invite.
  • Property information – addresses and appliance details you enter into the platform.
  • Usage data – like log files and device information to keep the service secure and improve features.
  • Payment information – handled by Stripe when you purchase a subscription. We receive a Stripe customer ID but not your full card details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  1. Provide and maintain the Hometrace service
  2. Send maintenance reminders and other notifications
  3. Process payments and manage subscriptions
  4. Respond to your requests and provide support
  5. Improve the service through aggregated analytics

3. SMS/Text Messaging

We use your phone number to send SMS text message notifications related to your use of Hometrace. These transactional messages may include home inspection appointments, payment confirmations, inspection status updates, and report availability. Message frequency varies based on your activity.

By checking the SMS consent checkbox in the application's notification settings, you consent to receive text messages from Hometrace. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to unsubscribe. For assistance, reply HELP. Msg & data rates may apply.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. We will not sell, rent, or share your mobile phone number, SMS opt-in consent data, or text messaging originator information with any third parties, except service providers who assist in delivering SMS messages (such as Twilio, our SMS platform provider). All categories of information above specifically exclude text messaging opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties for any purpose other than message delivery. Such sharing with service providers is subject to strict confidentiality requirements and solely for the purpose of providing the SMS service.

4. Sharing Your Information

We share information only as needed to operate the service:

  • Service providers – such as Stripe for payments, Twilio for SMS, and Resend for email delivery
  • Authorized inspectors or homeowners – when you collaborate on a property
  • Legal or security reasons – if required by law or to protect Hometrace and its users

We do not sell your personal information.

5. AI-Powered Photo Analysis

Hometrace offers an optional automated analysis feature that uses OpenAI's services to help inspectors classify and analyze inspection photos. This feature is opt-out and can be disabled in your account settings.

What we send to OpenAI:

  • Inspection photos (for classification and appliance data extraction)
  • Generic room/area names from your inspection template (e.g., "Kitchen", "Bathroom")
  • Appliance type names (e.g., "Furnace", "Water Heater")

What we do NOT send to OpenAI:

  • Your name, email, or any account information
  • Property addresses or location data
  • Client or customer information
  • Any other personally identifiable information

OpenAI's data handling:

OpenAI does not use API data to train their models. Data sent via their API is retained for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring purposes only, after which it is deleted. For more details, see OpenAI's API Data Usage Policy.

6. Data Retention and Security

We keep your information while your account is active and for as long as necessary to comply with our legal obligations. We use industry‑standard measures to protect your data, but no method is 100% secure.

7. Administrative Access for Support

Authorized Hometrace staff may temporarily access your account to diagnose issues, respond to support requests, or troubleshoot problems you report. These sessions are:

  • Restricted – only a limited number of authorized administrators can initiate account access
  • Time‑limited – sessions expire automatically after a short period of inactivity or a maximum duration
  • Logged – every session is recorded, including who initiated it, when it started, and when it ended

During these sessions, staff can view your account data as you would see it. They cannot modify your password or payment details. This access is used solely for providing customer support and maintaining the service.

8. Your Choices

You can update your profile information or delete your account by contacting support. You may also unsubscribe from marketing or reminder emails at any time using the links in those messages.

9. Children's Privacy

Hometrace is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from them.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by email or through the app.

11. Contact Us

For questions about privacy at Hometrace, contact support@hometrace.co.