Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2, 2025

Smart Device Hub ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal and payment-related data when you use our mobile and web applications and related services. By using Smart Device Hub you consent to the practices described below.

1. Scope & Overview

This policy covers information collected from both registered users (Landlords and Tenants) and unregistered users who use the app to make payments. Where we refer to "account" or "registered user" the policy clarifies any rights that differ for unregistered users (payments-only).

2. Information We Collect

  • Personal Information: name, phone number, email (when supplied), and role type (Landlord or Tenant).
  • Account Credentials: email and password only if you create an account (account creation is optional).
  • Payment & Billing Data: transaction records, amounts charged, payment timestamps, payment method identifier (IOTEC transaction references), and mobile money wallet details necessary to disburse proceeds to landlords.
  • Meter & Usage Data: meter identifiers, meter assignments, electricity/water consumption statistics, tamper/alert logs and device status messages.
  • Technical & Analytics Data: device identifiers, IP addresses, operating system, app version, push token, and usage logs for troubleshooting and analytics.
  • Communications: messages exchanged with support and any dispute or investigation correspondence.

3. Optional Accounts & Guest Payments

Creating an account is optional. Users who do not register may still make meter payments (guest payments) but will have limited access: they may not view full usage statistics, receive role-specific notifications, or manage meters. Registered users have full access according to their role (Landlord or Tenant).

4. Payments, Charges & Disbursements

  • Payment Processing: All payments are processed via IOTEC and supported mobile money providers.
  • Unit Rates: Electricity is charged at 850 per unit. Water is charged at 6,000 per unit.
  • Transaction Fee: A flat fee of 15% is applied to each successful transaction and is disclosed on the payment screen prior to confirmation.
  • Disbursement: Tenant payments (less applicable fees) are disbursed to the landlord’s provided mobile money wallet immediately after successful processing, provided the landlord’s wallet details are valid and up to date.
  • Rate Changes: Unit rates and the transaction fee may change. Landlords will be notified of significant rate changes through the app and by any contact information on file.
  • Refunds & Disputes: No refunds are issued once a payment is successfully processed. If a service (e.g., provisioning of credit or meter top-up) fails or is not provisioned correctly, users should contact support promptly for investigation. Where we determine an error or service failure occurred, we will take corrective action which may include reversal or credit at our discretion and in accordance with applicable law.

5. How We Use Your Information

  • To process payments, issue receipts, and disburse funds to landlords.
  • To display meter assignments and consumption statistics to landlords and tenants.
  • To send role-based notifications (payment confirmations, tamper alerts, maintenance notices).
  • To verify identity, prevent fraud, and investigate disputes.
  • To improve the application, troubleshoot issues, and perform analytics.

6. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share data in the following limited circumstances:

  • Payment Processors: transaction and payment details needed by IOTEC and mobile money operators to complete and reconcile payments.
  • Landlords: tenant payment records and relevant meter usage information are shared with the landlord that owns the respective meter.
  • Service Providers: vendors who assist in app operations (hosting, analytics, support) may receive limited data under confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal & Compliance: where required by law, regulation, or to protect rights and safety, we may disclose data to authorities.

7. Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal and payment data (encryption in transit, access controls, secure storage practices). However, no system is 100% secure—if a breach occurs we will follow applicable notification procedures and remedial measures.

8. Data Retention

We retain payment, transaction, and meter activity logs for accounting, auditing, and legal compliance purposes for as long as required by applicable laws. Other personal data is retained only as long as necessary to provide the service, fulfill legitimate business needs, and comply with legal obligations.

9. Your Rights & Controls

  • Access & Correction: If you have an account you may view and update certain information via account settings. For guest payments, contact support to request changes.
  • Wallet Updates: Landlords should keep wallet details current to ensure timely disbursements.
  • Notifications: Push notifications may be controlled in your device settings; critical transactional notifications (e.g., payment receipts) may still be delivered.
  • Data Deletion: You may request deletion of your account and personal information; we will honor requests where legally permissible but may retain transactional records as required by law.

10. Children

Our services are not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

11. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. When we make material changes we will notify users via the app or other appropriate channels and update the "Last updated" date above.

By using Smart Device Hub, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

Note: Displayed rates and fees (Electricity: 850/unit, Water: 6,000/unit, Transaction Fee: 15%) are the current published values and are included here for transparency. These rates may change; when they do, updated rates will be posted in-app and communicated to landlords.