RentTech companies still asking tenants for personal details ‘completely outside’ new Victorian laws
News Source
•Wed, 09 Sep 2026 14:01:00 GMT
📰 What Happened
Companies that run online rental application platforms may be dodging new Victorian privacy laws. A review by the Consumer Policy Research Centre found they ask tenants for an excessive amount of personal information. Some questions were completely outside the new rules.
These platforms, sometimes called RentTech, are now widely used by real estate agents. Renters send their applications and documents through them, so the companies hold very sensitive data. The review also flagged screening tests and rewards schemes that push people to share even more.
🔍 The Backstory
Victoria brought in new laws to protect renters' personal information. But the review found platforms simply ask for details outside the application process instead. Renters often have no choice but to use whichever platform the agent chooses.
A January report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute warned that collecting too much data puts renters' privacy at risk. Housing pressure makes it worse. Rents now cost more than half a typical worker's pay in every capital city. Desperate tenants will hand over almost anything to win a lease.
🎯 Why It Matters
Renting already costs a fortune, and now tenants must hand over sensitive details just to apply. If that data is misused or leaked, people can face fraud and invasion of privacy. Strong rules that actually work protect everyone who rents.
Companies that run online rental application platforms may be dodging new Victorian privacy laws. A review by the Consumer Policy Research Centre found they ask tenants for an excessive amount of personal information. Some questions were completely outside the new rules.
These platforms, sometimes called RentTech, are now widely used by real estate agents. Renters send their applications and documents through them, so the companies hold very sensitive data. The review also flagged screening tests and rewards schemes that push people to share even more.
Victoria brought in new laws to protect renters' personal information. But the review found platforms simply ask for details outside the application process instead. Renters often have no choice but to use whichever platform the agent chooses.
A January report from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute warned that collecting too much data puts renters' privacy at risk. Housing pressure makes it worse. Rents now cost more than half a typical worker's pay in every capital city. Desperate tenants will hand over almost anything to win a lease.
Renting already costs a fortune, and now tenants must hand over sensitive details just to apply. If that data is misused or leaked, people can face fraud and invasion of privacy. Strong rules that actually work protect everyone who rents.