September 10, 2026
Rent tech is now common in renting, from inspection to exit. While tech can make processes more efficient, renters have little choice about what tech they have to use when applying for, and living in, their home.
In a highly competitive rental market, renters cannot control what data they are required to hand over or how it will be used, including if it’s used against their interests. This is why rent tech needs to meet high standards for data protection, privacy, and consumer protections, including fair designs.
This report provides an insight into practices across rent tech platforms in Victoria, including how some practices have changed since the new Victorian rental laws on data collection and third-party payments were introduced in March 2026.
Finding a home to live in shouldn’t come at the cost of privacy and security of someone’s personal data.
The power imbalance is already tipped against renters. There is a need to strengthen the protections within the rent tech ecosystem to ensure they are fair, safe and meaningful for all.
Rent tech platforms are collecting as much data about renters as possible – even when this isn’t in the interests of renters, agents or rental providers.
Rent tech platforms have streamlined what they ask Victorian renters during an application stage.
Sensitive information such as photos, pet details, student status, personality quizzes are all being asked as part of setting up a renter’s profile on the platform.
Rent tech can make paperwork and processes more efficient and transparent for renters, agents and rental providers.
Paid reward programs are being offered to renters. Dark patterns throughout the rent tech interface strongly encourage uptake to a loyalty program.
Rent tech is collecting and sharing renter data, including with debt collectors and finance providers.
Privacy policies are long, vague, contradictory and difficult to read, with an average Flesch-Kincaid readability score of 37.8 out of a possible 100.
CPRC welcomes the opportunity to work further on this issue with government, regulators, policy makers, and academics.
If you are in one of the above groups and would like a one-on-one briefing for your organisation, contact our team today
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