1. Introduction

Welcome to Step 1 Tenant Referencing. We specialize in providing comprehensive tenant screening services to landlords and property management companies. This privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, protect, and share personal information to help our clients make informed rental decisions.

 

2. Information Collection

Personal Data Collected:

• Identification Information: Full name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license number.
• Contact Details: Current and previous addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses.
• Financial Data: Bank statements, pay slips, credit reports.
• Rental History: Previous tenancies, references from former landlords or property managers.
• Method of Collection: Directly from tenants via online forms, email, or in person; indirectly through third-party credit bureaus and background check services.

 

3. Use of Information

We use the personal information collected to:

• Conduct background checks including credit history, criminal record, and eviction history.
• Verify employment and income.
• Assess the suitability of tenants for specific rental properties.
• Fulfill contractual obligations with our clients (landlords and property managers).

 

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Sharing of Information:

• In order to process your application we will supply some of your personal information to TransUnion International UK Limited, which is a credit reference agency providing services such as credit risk and affordability checking, fraud prevention, anti-money laundering, identity verification and tracing.

  TransUnion will use your personal information to provide services to us and its other clients. We use their services in order to assess your creditworthiness and product suitability, check your identity, trace and prevent criminal activity such as fraud and money laundering. More information about TransUnion and the ways in which it uses and shares personal information can be found in its privacy notice at https://www.transunion.co.uk/legal-information/bureau-privacy-notice.

• With landlords and property management companies as part of the tenant screening report.
• With third-party service providers for data processing, such as credit reporting agencies and customer management systems.
• With legal or government authorities as required by law or in response to legal process.

 

5. Data Security

Step 1 Tenant Referencing employs robust security measures such as SSL encryption, access controls, and secure servers to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

 

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

 

7. Rights of Individuals

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data.
• Request correction or deletion.
• Object to processing and request restriction of processing.
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. For exercising these rights, please contact us using the details below.

 

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You can control the use of cookies at the individual browser level.

 

9. Changes to the Privacy Policy

This privacy policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our practices or regulatory changes. We will notify you of any significant changes through our website or through direct communication.

 

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about our use of your personal information, please contact us at:

• Email: info@step-1.co.uk
• Address: Fenlake Business Centre, Fenlake House, Peterborough, PE1 5BQ
• Phone: 01733 404700

 

Conclusion

Step 1 Tenant Referencing is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal data. We encourage you to review this policy regularly to stay informed of how we are protecting your information.