Rental Application Asking for Identity Documents, Is It Normal?

l0nglive on 21/08/2023 - 14:21
Last edited 21/08/2023 - 17:53 by 1 other user

Rental application asking for Identity documents, is it normal?

I am looking for a new place closer to work. I have come across two listings that require me to apply before inspection. The application process is through TApp, and it asks for a lot of information. I must submit two scans of ID satisfying 100 points, pay slips, employment contract, utility bill…before even seeing the property.

I understand the need for Rral Estate Agent to have a strong grip on the tenants so that they can grab the money if needed. But this seems too much.

At first I thought it's a rental scam because of the low price, I did a search on the name of the agent, the app, and it seems legit. They do have other property listings which look very genuine. I believe the RE industry is highly regulated and I guess realestate.com.au did their verification as well, so I went ahead with the application, giving them scans of requested papers.

What is your thought on this? AM I scammed?

Home & Garden Rental

Comments

    • soan papdi on 21/08/2023 - 14:30

      I must submit two scans of ID satisfying 100 points, pay slips, employment contract, utility bill…before even seeing the property.

      mmm nope. Should not be required to submit paperwork to inspect.

      • SnowDragon on 21/08/2023 - 14:31

        Removed comment cause I misread OP lol.

    • rumblytangara on 21/08/2023 - 14:31

      I've received this sort of information before renting my place out, but this was after the property was shown and during the application stage.

      Sounds like a total waste of time to have to submit this information prior inspection.

  • 87percent on 21/08/2023 - 14:29
    +4

    bit late to be asking "am i scammed" AFTER you upload all the required information

    • Nugs on 23/08/2023 - 07:28

      can't ask "AM I scammed?" before though
      .

  • trapper on 21/08/2023 - 14:34
    +1

    Just to go along to an inspection? Not normal.

  • Tech5 on 21/08/2023 - 14:35

    This is also to protect any tenants currently living there as some "applicants" have very light fingers

    • cookie2 on 21/08/2023 - 21:39

      You think payslips protect tenants residing there? It worries me when ppl try and think up reasonable reasons for excessive personal data collection.

      • Tech5 on 22/08/2023 - 00:02

        I think you are being intentionally obtuse?

        They are asking for 100 points of ID. You can provide whatever you like. The 100 point ID system is used routinely privately and by the government for a reason.
        I also didn't say it was the only reason why it might be collected. I am just providing additional information that you can use as you will.

        I am currently renting and I made sure our agent pre-collected ID's of anyone who came in after I lost a $8000 watch 3 years ago

      • Sinnerator on 22/08/2023 - 08:49
        +1

        like torch apps on your phone, that require permissions FOR EVERYTHING

  • Hybroid on 21/08/2023 - 14:42
    +2

    tApp is used by some agents for the actual tenancy sign up process once you have agreed to rent the place.

    You do not need to sign up just to view but not surprised they’re pushing everyone to sign up for it to “streamline IF you win”. There’s probably kickbacks or bonuses to get users signed up.

    Unless it’s a private viewing, you can just show up.

  • freefall101 on 21/08/2023 - 14:57

    It sounds like you just put in an application for the property, not a request for a viewing. Which isn't uncommon these days, places are in such high demand and REs are pretty lazy so they usually rent themselves. Place next door to me was up for rental, was taken down before the first viewing happened.

  • AustriaBargain on 21/08/2023 - 15:18

    Maybe they get so many applicants they are expecting people to "pre-apply". There is a housing shortage.

  • Bman17 on 21/08/2023 - 15:26

    what is worst is - most of the pubs scan the ID!

  • techno2000 on 21/08/2023 - 15:32
    +2

    I had bought 2 properties before and it was easier than getting my latest rental.

  • Duckie2hh on 21/08/2023 - 15:43

    How would you expect to rent a property without ID verification?

    • l0nglive on 21/08/2023 - 16:32

      I expect to give 1 ID and payslips, not 2 IDs, 1 utility bill, 2 address history, and 1 labor contract

      • Duckie2hh on 21/08/2023 - 17:18

        Pretty easy for anyone to commit identity theft with only one form of ID for verification.

        • soan papdi on 21/08/2023 - 21:10
          +1

          This is before inspection, not the application process. Sounds unreasonable to me.

        • cookie2 on 21/08/2023 - 21:41

          That's more than my recent wwcc. How much info are you freely happy to share with anyone?

  • djsweet on 21/08/2023 - 18:36

    Usually you need to provide that level of ID in an application. The issue appears to be the requirement to “apply” before you are allowed to view. It’s becoming more common. Good for the RE, but of no benefit to the tenant. Essentially tenants bring screwed over “because they can”.

  • tsunamisurfer on 21/08/2023 - 19:37

    What is your thought on this?

    I am an investor.

    I think its silly to make people apply before they inspected the property.

    Imagine having to write out a contract before inspecting a property to buy, or test driving a car or giving your funds to the broker before a buy of shares has even been struck.

  • JIMB0 on 21/08/2023 - 20:22

    Recently rented out a property here. After the inspection we got applications from the agent that had 2 forms of ID including front and back of drivers licenses. I was rather shocked that they would just send this via email for the owner to look at.

  • bobbified on 21/08/2023 - 21:51

    The harsh reality is, they (the agency & owner) make the decision on who gets it. As long as they're not doing anything illegal, then you have to play by their rules. If you don't want to play, then simply go somewhere else… because, the way the market is, there are plenty of other people who are willing.

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