RentTech Platforms Risking Privacy in Victoria, CPRC Report Warns
A new report from the Consumer Policy Research Centre reveals that RentTech platforms operating in Victoria may be circumventing state laws. The investigation highlights significant data privacy risks and a severe power imbalance for tenants.
RentTech platforms operating in Victoria are potentially circumventing newly established state laws by continuing to request excessive personal information from prospective tenants. According to a comprehensive new report released on Thursday by the Consumer Policy Research Centre, an independent NGO, these technology platforms are probing deeply into renters' private lives despite regulatory efforts to curb such intrusive data collection practices.
The findings stem from a detailed review conducted by the Consumer Policy Research Centre, which examined six distinct RentTech platforms over a significant period between November 2025 and March 2026. This investigation highlights how digital application systems continue to demand extensive details from individuals seeking housing, raising serious questions about data security and compliance within the burgeoning rental technology sector.
To address historical concerns surrounding excessive data harvesting, the Victorian government established a new standard rental application form back in March. This regulatory measure was specifically designed to limit the type and amount of information landlords and property platforms are legally permitted to request from renters during the application process.
Addressing the findings of the report, Chandni Gupta, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, expressed deep concern over the trajectory of technology companies in the rental market. Gupta stated that big tech will move the needle just enough and will narrowly follow, but likely won’t offer that same service outside of where there’s no obligations to do so.
Gupta further elaborated on the opaque nature of data collection and the potential negative consequences for applicants navigating the digital housing market. She noted that it is really difficult to ascertain how that data will be used for or against you and whether it might exclude you from the actual rental process, or whether it might even expose you to personalised particular products and services outside of that.
Underscoring the systemic vulnerability faced by individuals searching for accommodation, Gupta pointed out the acute lack of consumer choice within the current housing landscape. She concluded that there is a power imbalance between renters and the platforms they have to use because pushing back or finding an alternative is not an option.
