Cookie Policy

1. Introduction and Jurisdiction

Open Linen ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website dedicated to exploring hidden costs in the Montreal real estate market. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about the technologies we use.

As we operate primarily within Montreal, Quebec, Canada, this Cookie Policy is drafted in compliance with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and, crucially, Quebec's Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (as amended by Law 25). We also adhere to international standards such as the GDPR for our European visitors where applicable.

2. What are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your browser or the hard drive of your computer or mobile device when you visit a webpage. They allow the website to recognize your device and store certain information about your preferences or past actions.

In the context of our Montreal Real Estate Guide, cookies help us understand which "hidden costs" (such as welcome taxes or notary fees) are of most interest to our users, allowing us to refine our content.

3. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze our traffic, and provide specialized content related to Quebec property law and financial readiness. Under Quebec's Law 25, we treat cookies that can identify you as personal information, requiring clear consent before activation, except for those strictly necessary for the site's functionality.

4. Categories of Cookies

A. Strictly Necessary Cookies

Duration: Session to 1 year

These are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences or logging into secure areas.

Example: session_id - Maintains your session across pages.
Example: cookie_consent - Remembers your choice regarding this policy.

B. Performance & Analytical Cookies

Duration: 24 hours to 2 years

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular, such as our "Quebec Real Estate Law" guide versus "Technical Inspection Costs".

Example: _ga (Google Analytics) - Used to distinguish users.
Example: _gid - Used to group user behavior for statistical analysis.

C. Marketing & Targeting Cookies

Duration: Up to 1 year

These may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites, specifically regarding Montreal mortgage rates or renovation services.

Example: _fbp (Facebook Pixel) - Tracks conversions from social media.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

In accordance with Quebec Law 25 and the GDPR, our legal basis for using non-essential cookies is your explicit, informed consent. By clicking "Accept" on our cookie banner, you consent to the placement of performance and marketing cookies. Strictly necessary cookies do not require consent as they are vital for the delivery of the requested service.

6. Managing Your Preferences

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie rights by setting your preferences in the Cookie Consent Manager.

Additionally, most web browsers allow some control of most cookies through the browser settings. To find out more about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set, visit www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.

7. Third-Party Cookies

In some special cases, we also use cookies provided by trusted third parties. The following section details which third party cookies you might encounter through this site:

Google Analytics: For tracking site usage to improve content on closing costs.
Social Media: Buttons and/or plugins that allow you to connect with your social network in various ways.

8. Contact Information

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact our Privacy Officer at Open Linen:

Open Linen Privacy Department

Address: 1250 Guy St, Montreal, QC H3H 2L3

Email:

Phone: +1 (489) 748-3531