1. Information We Collect

• Account details: name, email address, mobile number
• Verification: we verify your mobile number via a one-time SMS code
• Location: with your permission, we use your device's or browser's location to show you rental listings near you; you can also manually search a different location
• Merchant information: for merchants, we additionally collect business name, ABN, business address, and payout details
• Booking and payment information: hire dates, items booked, delivery address (if applicable); payments and bonds are processed through Square, our third-party payment processor — we do not store your full card details ourselves
• Photos: if a bond deduction is submitted, we collect photos of the item's condition before and after a hire period, and any supporting invoices, to help resolve the claim fairly
• Communications: messages you send through our support or contact forms
• Usage data: general information about how you use our site/app, to help us improve it

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account and bookings
• To verify your identity via SMS
• To show you nearby rental listings based on your location
• To process payments, bonds, and any approved bond deductions or refunds
• To resolve disputes between renters and merchants fairly, using photo and invoice evidence
• To communicate with you about your bookings, account, or optional promotions
• To meet our legal and tax obligations, including ABN and GST record-keeping

3. Who We Share Information With

• Square, our payment processor, to process payments and bond charges
• Google, for location search and address verification
• Our SMS provider, to send verification codes
• Merchants, who receive the contact and booking details needed to fulfil your rental
• Law enforcement or regulators, if required by law

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Bond Deductions and Photo Evidence

When you make a booking, you pay a refundable bond in addition to the hire price. If a merchant believes a deduction is warranted (for example, cleaning or damage), they must submit photo evidence and a description through our platform. Our admin team reviews this evidence before approving any deduction — merchants cannot deduct from your bond unilaterally. You will be notified of any proposed deduction and have an opportunity to respond before it is finalised. If verified costs, supported by a third-party invoice, exceed your bond amount, we may charge the payment method on file for the additional verified amount after review.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your information is stored and processed using our hosting platform and the third-party services listed above. We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no method of storage or transmission is completely secure.

6. Your Rights

You can ask to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you by contacting support@therentalnest.com. If you are not satisfied with our response, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.

7. Cookies

We may use cookies or similar technology to remember your location preference and keep you signed in.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "last updated" date above reflects the most recent version.

10. Contact Us

The RentalNest — ABN 83 499 868 985 — Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Email: support@therentalnest.com