Renter Background Checks

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS ().3 November 2022).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector):

The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs is concerned to hear about the practice of requiring renters to pay for their own background checks in order to receive a five-star rating when applying for a home.

The Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs has asked the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs for further information on this matter, including whether this conduct is prohibited under current provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 and if it is not, whether legislative amendment is required in this area.

The upcoming review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 will present an opportunity to examine the residential tenancies sector and ensure the fair treatment of tenants by third-party organisations.