22/05/2026
As of March 31, 2026, it has changed for Melbourne property owners. If your agent is
still using a "custom" application form, you might be at risk of significant fines.
The new prescribed standard application form is now mandatory. Its goal is privacy and
fairness, but for many landlords, it feels like the "screening toolkit" has been cut in half.
❌ What we can NO LONGER ask for upfront:
• The "Side Hustle" Snooping: We cannot ask for bank statements that show daily transaction history. We can only see proof of balance or income.
• The Household Makeup: We can’t ask about kids, dependants, or their ages. The form simply asks for the number of occupants.
• The Pet Prelude: You can’t ask if they have a pet during the application screening. That conversation now happens after approval through the formal pet request process.
• The "Boss Call": We can no longer demand direct contact with an employer to verify a
job. Verification is now strictly document-based (contracts, payslips, or tax returns).
• Rental Bidding: Even if a tenant offers $50/week more to "secure the spot," we legally
cannot accept it.
So, how do we still find the "Best” Renters?
1. Deep Document Analysis: Since we can’t call an employer on a whim, we’ve doubled
down on document forensics. We look for consistency in payslips, and history that "adds
up."
2. The Reference "Gold Mine": While we are limited on who we can ask, we aren't limited on the quality of the conversation.
3. We actually meet the applicants. The "human" data points that aren't on any form but tell us exactly how they will treat your home.
The laws have changed, but the goal remains the same- stable, long-term returns and a tenant
who treats your property like their own.
In 2026, you don’t need a bigger agency; you need a more precise one.