Data deletion instructions

Stop messages straight away

If you are a guest, reply STOP to any WhatsApp message you received through StayRated. It takes effect immediately. You will get one message confirming that you have opted out, and no further messages after that.

Replying STOP stops messages. It does not, on its own, delete your data. To delete it, follow the steps below.

If you are a guest

1. Send an email to privacy@stayrated.co with the subject "Data deletion request".
2. Include the phone number you used on WhatsApp (with country code), and if you can, the name of the property you stayed at and your stay dates. This helps us find your data.
3. We may reply to confirm the request is yours, for example by sending a message to that WhatsApp number.
4. We delete your data within [NUMBER OF DAYS, e.g. 30 - TO FILL] days and email you to confirm it is done. We also let the property owner know, because they are responsible for your data under the law.

You can also ask the homestay directly. They can delete your guest record from their StayRated dashboard.

If you are a homestay owner

1. Email privacy@stayrated.co from the email address on your account, with the subject "Account deletion request".
2. Tell us whether you want to delete your whole account, or only the data of particular guests.
3. If you want a copy of your guest feedback first, say so and we will send an export before deleting.
4. We stop all messages for your property, delete your account and your guests' data within [NUMBER OF DAYS, e.g. 30 - TO FILL] days, and confirm by email.

What we delete

• Guest name, WhatsApp number and stay dates.
• Ratings, feedback text and message history.
• Message delivery records.
• For owners: account details, property details and the guest records of the property.

Copies in our backups are overwritten as the backups expire on their normal schedule, and are not used in the meantime.

What we keep, and why

We keep a small amount of data only where we must:

• An opt-out record: if you replied STOP, we keep your phone number on a do-not-message list (without your name or feedback) so that you are never messaged again by mistake.
• A record of your deletion request: the date and what was deleted, so we can show we acted on it.
• Consent records, where we may need them to show that messages were sent with consent, for no longer than the retention period in our Privacy Policy.
• For owners: invoices and payment records, which Indian tax and accounting laws require us to keep.

WhatsApp may keep its own copy of messages you sent or received, under WhatsApp's own privacy policy. You can delete chats from your phone at any time.

Need help?

Email privacy@stayrated.co or see our contact page for other ways to reach us, including our grievance officer. Our Privacy Policy explains your other rights.