Data Security

Data Security Policy PDF (English)

We, the Vitus Immobilien S.à.r.l., Goebenstraße 4, 41061 Mönchengladbach, take the protection of personal information very seriously and adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by data protection laws (‘Datenschutzgesetze’).  The following statement provides an overview of how we ensure this protection, what kind of data is collected, and for what purpose it is used.

1. Data on this Website

Vitus Immobilien S.à r.l. automatically collects and stores in its server log some commonly transmitted browser information--to the extent that one’s browser makes this information available.  Before saving any data set, Vitus first alters (truncates) the IP address in order to make this information anonymous.

The following data are collected upon each visit:

• Browser type and version;
• Operating system;
• Referrer URL (previously visited site);
• Anonymous host name of accessing computer (truncated IP address);
• Time of server request.

Once transmitted, Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l. does not assign this information to any specific individual.  Furthermore, the data are kept separate from all other data sources belonging to Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l.  The data are used for statistical purposes only and then deleted, and will not be shared with any third party. 

2. What is personal data?

Personal data is any information that helps establish identity.  This includes, for example, information such as name, address, or phone number.  E-mail addresses are included as well if, from this information, one’s identity (name) can be determined.  

In accordance with the provisions of German Data Protection Law (Datenschutzrechts), Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l. may not save, collect, process, or use any personal data without the explicit consent of the user (you).

3. For what purposes are personal data collected and stored?

Visits to the Vitus “Angebote” (Offers) page can take place without disclosing personal data.  If one visits the „Wohnung suchen“ - „Sofortkontakt“ (“Flat Search” – “Immediate Contact”) page for information regarding a particular apartment, Vitus will collect the following personal information from you and save it: title, first name, last name, street and house number, postal code, city, E- mail address and telephone number.  These online inquiries result in discreet handling of personal data, without which we would not be able to process your request or make a unique (personalized) housing offer.  We adhere to the principle of Datensparsamkeit (Data Discretion), and collect, process and use only the personal information needed  to complete the task required.

Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l. will not supply information to third parties without the expressed consent of the individual(s) involved, unless one of the following situations arise:

• the transfer is needed for the implementation of the offer that you want to take advantage of
• a contractor—which we use for the provision of a service—requires these data (subcontractors are entitled to use only the data that is necessary for the provision of the offer or service.  Vitus Immobilien S.à.r.l. committed partners are contracted to ensure compliance with data protection regulations).
• there exists an official (and enforceable) court order or subpoena

4. Cookies

Vitus Immobilien S.à r.l.  uses what are called "session cookies."  A cookie is a small text file containing information to identify returning visitors—exclusively for the duration of the visit to the Vitus website.  Cookies are stored on the hard drive of one’s computer, and make it possible for Vitus to adapt its (online) services to visitors’ interests.  Cookies provide no personal data to Vitus web servers: they simply identify the computer in order to determine whether or not the visitor has previously accessed our site.  Session cookies are deleted at the end of the site visit.

5. Using Google Analytics

The Vitus website uses Google Analytics, a web traffic analytics service provided by Google Inc. ("Google").  Google Analytics uses "cookies", i.e. text files that are stored on one’s computer, to analyze the use of this website by its visitors.  The information generated about the use of this site (including a truncated IP address in anonymous form) by the cookie is anonymous to the Google server in the United State—where it is stored.  Google uses this information to evaluate Vitus Imobilien S.a.r.l. website user retention, compiling reports on website activity, visitor use, and other internet-related metrics.  Google may only transfer this information to a third party if required by law or if the third party directly processes the data on Google’s behalf.   One may disable the use of cookies by changing the settings of his or her browser software; however, in some cases websites will lose features and/or functionality.

By using this site, the visitor (you) agrees to the processing of data (about your visit) by Google in the manner described and for the purposes set out above.

Given the debate about the use of analytical tools with full IP addresses, we would like to point out that our website uses Google Analytics with the "_anonymizeIp ()" code snippet, and therefore only truncated, non-personalised IP addresses will be processed.

6. Right / revocation

On request, Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l. will provide its online visitors with information regarding data content and storage, as well as the data’s final destination and purpose.  To do so, please contact our Data Privacy Officer (Datenschutzbeauftragten)—whose contact details may be found below under section 6.  Individual consent to the storage and use of personal data (including email address) by Vitus Immobilien S.a.r.l. may be revoked at any time.

7. Contact

For problems, questions and/or suggestions, please contact the Supervisor of Vitus Immobilien  S.à r.l. at datenschutz@vitus-gruppe.de.

8. Changes to this Privacy Statement

Constant advancement and development of internet technology requires occasional adjustments to this privacy policy; therefore, we reserve the right to make any appropriate changes herein.

IMPORTANT: please take note of the date printed on this privacy policy.  This statement is made as of February 8th, 2011.