In the ever-evolving landscape of the rental market, tenants are accustomed to a certain level of scrutiny when applying for a new home. However, a recent incident involving a Melbourne rental agent has left prospective renters and the wider community in disbelief, sparking a fiery debate about privacy and the boundaries of reasonable requests.


The situation unfolded when a renter, eager to leave their parents' nest, encountered what can only be described as an 'outrageous' demand from a real estate agent. The agent, representing DK Property Partners in the leasing of a three-bedroom home in West Footscray, sent an email that raised more than a few eyebrows.


The email, which was shared on Reddit to gauge public opinion, included a list of standard application documents. But it was the additional, unconventional requests that caught everyone off guard. The agent asked the applicant to provide a 'virtual tour' of their current residence by sending a video via WhatsApp, complete with their name and property address. If that wasn't enough to cause concern, the agent also requested the applicant's daily bank statements from the past three months.


This peculiar demand for a video tour of the applicant's current home, coupled with the intrusive financial scrutiny, has been met with a wave of criticism from social media users and tenant advocacy groups alike. Many were quick to label the request as 'sketchy,' with some suggesting it was a breach of privacy and potentially not even legally permissible.

Tenants Victoria, an organisation dedicated to protecting the rights of renters, weighed in on the controversy. Their chief executive, Jennifer Beveridge, advised that such requests should be flatly refused. 'It's a pretty strange request. Prospective agents don't have a right to tour your current home,' she stated. Furthermore, Tenants Victoria's website clearly outlines that rental providers or their agents are not allowed to ask for credit card or bank statements containing daily transactions during an application process.

The backlash was not just limited to online forums. Other renters shared their disbelief and discomfort, with one social media user suggesting a cheeky retort: 'Thanks. If I'm to provide a virtual tour via WhatsApp, could you please provide two written references for the lessor from previous tenants?'


The timing of this incident is particularly noteworthy as it coincides with a bill on housing reform that is set to return to the upper house in Victorian parliament. This bill aims to put a cap on what agents can request during rental applications, potentially preventing such invasive demands in the future.

For our members here at the Seniors Discount Club, this story serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and informed about your rights when searching for a rental property. It's essential to understand what is and isn't required of you during the application process. If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to seek advice from reputable sources such as Tenants Victoria or consult with a legal professional.
We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this topic. Have you ever encountered unusual or excessive demands when applying for a rental property? How did you handle the situation? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's support each other in navigating the sometimes tricky waters of the rental market.