RentTech companies still asking tenants for personal details ‘completely outside’ new Victorian laws
Summary
A review found that RentTech companies in Australia are still asking tenants for personal details outside the new limits set by Victorian laws. These platforms collect more information than allowed, risking tenants’ privacy, and use screening tools and fees that may harm renters.Key Facts
- Victorian laws introduced a standard rental application form to limit what personal data rental agents can request.
- RentTech companies sometimes bypass these laws by asking tenants for extra personal data beyond the official form.
- The Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) reviewed six RentTech platforms and found excessive data collection and ongoing use of screening tests and reward schemes.
- RentTech platforms store sensitive information and may share it with debt collectors or financial service providers.
- In some Australian states, such as New South Wales and South Australia, RentTech companies cannot charge tenants for background checks but can still request them.
- Tenants have little choice but to use these platforms, creating a power imbalance between renters and RentTech companies.
- An April report by the privacy commissioner revealed that a major RentTech platform collected unnecessary personal information unfairly over five years.
- The CPRC suggests that improvements in Victoria have not been matched in other states.
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