Who we are
This privacy policy covers thehomeownerguide.com, published by The Homeowner Guide (“we,” “us”). For any privacy question or request, email [email protected]. We do not publish a phone number or street address; email and the contact form are the ways to reach us.
The short version
- You can read every guide without creating an account or giving us any personal information.
- We collect personal information only when you choose to send it, through the contact form or the newsletter.
- Analytics run only if you accept “analytics” in the cookie banner.
- We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising, and we do not use advertising or marketing trackers.
- We honor Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals as an opt-out.
Information we collect
Contact form
When you use the contact form, we collect your name, email address, the topic you choose and your message. We use this information only to read and reply to your message, including correction reports and privacy requests. The form is forwarded to our editorial inbox through a secure webhook. If you email us directly, we receive your email address and whatever you include in your message.
Newsletter
If you sign up for the newsletter, we collect your email address and your language preference, so we can send you new guides in the language you chose. We use it only to send the newsletter. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can ask us to delete your address at any time.
Newsletters will be sent through an email service provider. We have not yet chosen one. When we do, we will name it in this policy and update the date above.
Hosting and security logs
The site is hosted on Cloudflare Pages. To deliver pages and protect the site from abuse, Cloudflare processes technical information such as your IP address and request logs (for example, the page requested, time, browser type and referring page). This processing is necessary to run a website securely.
Analytics, only with your consent
If you accept “analytics” in the cookie banner, we load Cloudflare Web Analytics, a privacy-focused tool that gives us aggregate information such as which pages are popular and which countries visitors come from. It does not use cookies to track individuals across sites, and we do not use it to build profiles of visitors. If you decline or do not choose, the analytics script is not loaded.
Information stored in your browser
The site stores a few small items in your browser’s local storage to make it work as you expect: your cookie choices, your light or dark theme setting, and your recent searches. These stay on your device and are not sent to us. See our cookie policy for the full list.
What we do not do
- We do not sell personal information.
- We do not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
- We do not use advertising pixels, marketing trackers or third-party ad networks.
- We do not require accounts or collect payment information.
- We do not knowingly collect information from children.
How we use information
We use the information described above to reply to messages, handle corrections and privacy requests, send the newsletter to subscribers, keep the site secure and working, and, if you consent, understand in aggregate which guides are useful. We do not use your information for any unrelated purpose without telling you first.
Who processes your information
We share information only with service providers that help us run the site, and only for that purpose:
- Cloudflare: hosting, content delivery, security, and (with consent) web analytics.
- Email service provider: newsletter delivery, once chosen; it will be named here.
- Our email and webhook services: to deliver contact form messages to our editorial inbox.
We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety or security of our readers, the site or others.
How long we keep information
- Contact form messages and emails: as long as needed to answer you and handle any follow-up, and up to 24 months, then deleted.
- Newsletter address: until you unsubscribe or ask us to delete it.
- Hosting and security logs: held by Cloudflare according to its own retention practices for security and delivery.
- Browser storage: stays on your device; your cookie choices are kept for 12 months, and you can clear any of it from your browser at any time.
Your privacy rights
Residents of US states with consumer privacy laws, including California (CCPA/CPRA), Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Texas, Oregon and others, may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Correct inaccurate information.
- Delete your personal information.
- Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information and of targeted advertising. We do not do either, but you can still submit an opt-out request.
We extend these rights to all readers, wherever they live. To make a request, email [email protected] with the subject “Privacy request,” or use our Do Not Sell or Share / data request page. We verify requests by email, confirming that you control the email address the information is associated with, and we respond within 45 days. We will not treat you differently for exercising your rights. If we decline a request, we will explain why, and you may reply to appeal.
Global Privacy Control
If your browser sends a Global Privacy Control (GPC) signal, we treat it as a valid request to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information.
Children’s privacy
The Homeowner Guide is written for adults and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13, consistent with COPPA. If you believe a child has sent us personal information, email us and we will delete it.
Security
We use reasonable measures to protect information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS) and a secure webhook for contact form submissions. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, so please do not send sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, policy numbers or financial account details through the contact form.
Links to other websites
Our guides link to government agencies and other sources. Those sites have their own privacy practices, which this policy does not cover.
Changes to this policy
When we change this policy, for example when we name our email service provider, we will update it here and change the date at the top. If a change materially affects how we use information you have already given us, we will make that clear on this page.
Contact
Privacy questions or requests: [email protected], subject “Privacy request.” We aim to reply to general questions within 3 business days. Related pages: cookie policy, Do Not Sell or Share, terms of use.
Contact: /contact/