Verification Summary for Telecom & Messaging Providers (Meta WhatsApp & Fast2SMS / DLT):
PG Management sends zero unsolicited promotional or marketing messages. All SMS and WhatsApp communications are strictly limited to (a) user-initiated one-time passwords (OTPs) for account sign-in, (b) transactional tenant check-in/app access invitations initiated by the tenant's housing provider, and (c) opt-in utility rent-due reminders for active residents.
1. Overview & Scope
PG Management provides occupancy and rent ledger software for Paying Guest (PG), hostel, and coliving properties in India. Communication between a property operator and its registered tenants uses two official channels:
- Authentication OTPs (SMS & WhatsApp): One-time verification codes requested directly by a tenant or staff member on the sign-in screen to verify ownership of their 10-digit Indian mobile number.
- Transactional / Utility Notifications (WhatsApp & SMS): Check-in welcome links and scheduled rent-due utility reminders for active stays where the tenant has provided consent.
2. User-Initiated OTP Authentication
Tenants sign in to the PG Management mobile or web app using their registered 10-digit Indian mobile number (`+91`).
- Trigger: An OTP is dispatched only when the user explicitly enters their phone number on the sign-in screen and taps "Send OTP".
- Validity & Rate Limits: Verification codes are numeric (4–8 digits), expire automatically within 10 minutes, and are never reused. Strict per-number and per-IP rate limits prevent automated abuse.
- Non-Sharing: Mobile numbers collected for authentication are never sold, rented, or shared with third-party advertisers or lead-generation networks.
3. Utility Rent & Stay Notifications
Properties on an active Pilot or Paid plan may enable scheduled WhatsApp or SMS rent-due reminders.
- Default Off at Property Setup: Outbound messaging is disabled by default for every new property until the owner previews their billing policy and explicitly enables reminder slots.
- Strict Utility Scope: Messages state only factual account details regarding the resident's active stay — specifically the property name, room/bed identifier, due date, and verified balance due.
- Frequency Cap: At most three reminder stages per billing cycle (e.g., before due date, on the due date, and overdue follow-up) may be configured per tenant stay, governed by server-side property allowances.
4. How Consent is Collected & Audited
Consent is collected and recorded through two auditable mechanisms:
- At Check-In Onboarding: When a resident checks into a participating PG property, their mobile number is recorded in the property's check-in agreement for stay administration, security authentication, and rent ledger updates.
- In-App Self-Service Consent Toggle: Inside the PG Management Tenant App, every resident has a dedicated WhatsApp & Messaging Consent switch on their home/profile screen. Every opt-in or opt-out change is timestamped in the database (`whatsapp_consent`, `consent_updated_at`) and logged in the audit trail.
5. Approved Message Categories & Sample Formats
| Message Type | Category / Route | Trigger & Recipient | Representative Wording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign-In OTP | Authentication (WhatsApp Auth / DLT OTP SMS) | User taps "Send OTP" on sign-in screen | {{1}} is your verification code for PG Management. Do not share this code with anyone. |
| Tenant App Invite | Transactional / Utility | Owner checks in tenant and triggers app access link | Welcome to {{1}}. View your room/bed stay and rent ledger in PG Management using your registered number: {{2}} |
| Rent Due Reminder | Utility Template | Scheduled morning window (IST) for opted-in active stay with open balance | Hello {{1}}, your rent of ₹{{2}} for {{3}} (Bed {{4}}) is due on {{5}}. Please check your PG Management app statement for details. |
6. Opt-Out & Revocation Controls
Tenants have unconditional control over reminder messages:
- In-App Toggle: Turn off WhatsApp Rent Reminders at any time inside the Tenant App. The worker immediately suppresses all future scheduled reminders for that tenant.
- Owner / Staff Override: A tenant can ask their PG owner or manager to disable reminders on their Tenant Profile page, which takes effect immediately.
- Direct Email Request: Email support@pgmanagement.in with your registered 10-digit mobile number to have messaging suppressed across the platform.