If you’ve ever scrolled through rental listings and thought, ‘Wow, that place looks too good to be true,’ you might be onto something.
The landscape of property rentals has shifted significantly with online platforms, offering both widespread access and new challenges.
Amongst these, the emergence of deceptive practices poses a notable concern for those seeking accommodation.
The digital age has brought us many conveniences, but it’s also opened the door to a new breed of trickery—one that’s now under the microscope in New South Wales, and could soon be tackled nationwide.
The rise of ai in real estate: A double-edged sword
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days, from your phone’s camera filters to the ads you see online.
But did you know it’s also being used by some real estate agents to spruce up rental listings? We’re not just talking about a bit of extra lighting or a wide-angle lens.
We’re talking about AI-generated furniture that makes a shoebox bedroom look like a master suite, or digital touch-ups that erase unsightly cracks and stains as if by magic.
It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s happening right now. And for renters—especially those under pressure to find a new home in a tight market—it can mean wasted time, dashed hopes, and even paying more than you should.
NSW leads the charge: New laws to protect renters
In response to these high-tech hijinks, the NSW government has announced new legislation that could set the standard for the rest of Australia.
The proposed laws will require real estate agents to clearly disclose when images in rental ads have been digitally altered to hide faults or mislead would-be tenants.
No more double beds squeezed into single-bed rooms, or magically repaired walls that look pristine online but are crumbling in real life.
If the bill passes, agents and landlords who flout these rules could face hefty fines—up to $49,500 for corporations and $11,000 for individuals.
Even failing to disclose altered photos could cost individuals $5,500 and businesses $22,000.
Protecting your privacy: More than just pretty pictures
But the reforms don’t stop at misleading images. The NSW government is also cracking down on the unnecessary collection of personal information during the rental application process.
Did you know that, on average, 187,000 pieces of identification are collected from NSW renters every week?
That’s everything from personal photos and social media accounts to, believe it or not, the number of tattoos you have.
The new laws would introduce a standard rental application form, making it clear what information can and can’t be collected.
This is a big win for privacy, especially in an era where cyber breaches are reported every six minutes in Australia.
As NSW rental commissioner Trina Jones put it, ‘Renters shouldn’t have to trade away their privacy just to find a place to live.’
A call for nationwide reform
Leo Patterson Ross, chief executive of the Tenants’ Union of NSW, says these protections shouldn’t stop at the border. ‘All renters in Australia should be granted these protections,’ he argues.
While some states have made progress on standardising application processes, few have tackled the full range of issues—from misleading advertising to the over-collection of personal data.
Ross also suggests that landlords should be required to disclose more information upfront, such as the age of listing photos, the property’s repair and compliance history, energy efficiency ratings, and even floor plans.
Imagine how much easier it would be to make an informed decision with all that information at your fingertips!
Why does this matter?
Being misled by a rental ad isn’t just an inconvenience.
It can mean missing out on other suitable properties, feeling pressured to apply (or even offer above the asking rent), and ultimately, making a decision based on false information.
In a market where competition is fierce and time is of the essence, transparency isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.
What about the real estate industry?
Not everyone in the industry is opposed to these changes.
Tim McKibbin, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, acknowledges that while agents do need to collect some personal information for legitimate reasons, it should be deleted when no longer needed.
He also agrees that uploading misleading photos is a ‘false and misleading’ practice.
What’s next?
If the NSW bill passes, it could pave the way for similar reforms across Australia. Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong, hopes other states and territories will follow suit, calling the reforms ‘a very commonsense solution to a very real problem’.
Your voice matters
Have you ever turned up to a rental inspection only to find the property looked nothing like the photos?
Or been asked for personal information that felt a bit too personal? We want to hear your stories! Share your experiences in the comments below—your insights could help shape the future of renting in Australia.
Let’s keep the conversation going
As technology continues to evolve, so too must our laws and protections. Whether you’re a seasoned renter or just starting out, staying informed is your best defence against digital deception.
And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it just might be.
Have you been caught out by misleading rental ads or invasive application forms? What changes would you like to see in the rental market? Join the conversation below!
Also read: Will the fresh aged-care rules ease Australia’s housing squeeze?
One thing to add to the photos is a date stamp of when the photos were taken, which is available with most cameras, etc these days. This would guarantee that the photos we’re looking at are the most recent representation of the condition of the property.