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Renter shocked by 'inappropriate' request from real estate agent: 'This is an invasion of privacy'
A real estate agent has been slammed for asking a woman to provide 'proof of savings' as part of her rental application.
The woman, from Victoria, was taken aback by the request as she's never had to share her savings balance before.
After sharing the text message online, others were quick to criticise the agent and dubbed the behaviour an 'invasion of privacy'.
When applying for a rental, most Australians will only be asked for proof of income, reference letters and rental history.
However, bank statements can legally be requested for identity verification and proof of employment.
An Australian real estate agent has been slammed for asking a renter to provide 'proof of their savings' as part of her rental application
The text said the 'proof of savings balance' was required to 'start to process the application'.
Despite it being a legal request, many labelled the request as an 'unnecessary' and 'invasive'.
'Landlords should do the same then! So us tenants know they can pay for maintenance! It's a god damn joke,' one renter wrote.
'They have asked me for a six-month bank statement! I said it is my business where I spend my money. Be firm. That is personal information. Especially if you're full time employed,' another said.
'It's like you are trying to get a home loan not rent a place - insane!' a third wrote.
One tenant in New South Wales said: 'They are all asking for this now. I feel like it's so they can choose the person with the most money.'
'In Queensland they do this to make sure you have money for the bond, which is think is wrong,' another added.
However according to Rent.com.au, it's 'not unusual' for real estate agents or landlords to ask for bank statements to identity verification, verify financial stability and employment status.
It can also show the landlord that the tenant is able to pay rent on time.
But the tenant has a right to seek clarification and discuss alternative solutions to maintain their privacy.
