Queensland renters will be able to refuse to allow property owners and agents to keep copies of their identity documents under proposed rental law changes.
Restrictions are also set to be placed on the number of supporting documents owners and agents can request in a rental application,which would be standardised to reduce the detail asked of renters.
Privacy for renters has emerged as a growing issue after high-profile data breaches involving real estates.Glenn Hunt
And the state’s rental umpire,the Residential Tenancies Authority,will be empowered to share information with other government entities – allowing it to collaborate with the Office of Fair Trading on greater enforcement and joint investigations.
“More than 600,000 Queensland households rent. These reforms are about making renting fairer,safer and easier,” Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said in a statement.
How we got here
Detail of the measures being introduced to parliament on Thursday,seen byBrisbane Times,come as part of a raft of changes as part of its housing strategy.
Many elements also cover off long-awaited changes floated under of the state government’s rental law reforms.
Why it matters
Privacy for renters has emerged as a growing issue after high-profile data breaches involving real estates,with some application platforms offering to withhold ID documents.
Australia's housing crisis will likely get worse before it gets better,with the pace of new home construction slowing.
Amid increased competition between prospective renters for fewer properties,applicants in some cases provide self-funded background checks,social media profiles and pet resumes,sparking.
What they said
Scanlon noted the bill would also include a ban on rent bidding,and make steps towards,framework for renters and owners to agree on installing modifications in rental homes,and a portable bond scheme.
“These important protections go alongside cost-of-living support we are rolling out for Queenslander renters to cover things like rent arrears and increases,and this bill will make sure they can get a home and stay in it,” she said.
What you need to know
The proposed changes will require that rental property owners or managers use an approved application form – with physical and electronic options – that can collect only a prospective tenant’s name and contact details,rental history,current employment,income,referees,and the desired lease length.
Only two types of supporting documents will be allowed to be requested:identity,financial ability to pay rent,and suitability for the tenancy.
It will be made an offence to request details from renters including any legal action taken or bond history,and renters must not be required to use an online or third-party application platform.
Renters would also be allowed to provide identity documents for sighting as part of an application,but could refuse requests for copies of the documents to be kept.
Restrictions would be placed around the taking and keeping of photos of renters’ personal belongings,and any information would be required to be destroyed three years after the end of a rental agreement – or three months after an unsuccessful rental application.
The bill would also change the act to ensure renters had a fee-free option to pay rent and limit break-lease or re-letting fees based on the time left on a tenancy agreement,require evidence from owners or managers for bond claims,and 48 hours notice of entry.