A petition calling for tighter legislation around third-party RentTech apps is gaining momentum as it passes 10,000 signatures.
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RentTech platforms such as Ailo, Rental Rewards, or Simply Rent are being used by real estate agents to collect rental payments but also store tenant data.
The petition on change.org calls on state and federal governments to protect tenants from being forced into using specific payment methods that carry additional costs.
Renters have slammed the apps describing them as "scummy", "unfair" and "exploitation".
One renter told ACM they were "transitioned" onto a rental app by a real estate agent after being told it would be "easier" for them.
"My main concern was the fact that I was going to be charged, to pay my rent via a direct debit," the person said.
"There was a fee-free option but, that meant, I would have to manually re-enter my details every time I wanted to pay rent.
"Due to my pay cycle and having to pay via bank transfer. This meant that by the time my funds would clear to their app, I would be in arrears (as the funds would take 3-5 days to land in their account if deposited on a Friday, before a weekend)."
Another renter complained she found the apps "time consuming and frustrating".
"It's yet another way you are made to feel like you have very few rights as a renter.
"They (the rental agents) can make things difficult for you to entice you to pay more fees so that they can make more money, and you can't do anything about it. They have you over a barrel and you can't complain."
A 2023 national CHOICE survey found 41% of people who rent said they were pressured to use a RentTech platforms.
The survey found 60 per cent of renters were uncomfortable with the amount of data collected.
CHOICE consumer data advocate Kate Bower said third-party rental apps were "taking advantage" of renters.
Among the concerns apart from excess fees is that data that is collected is stored allowing landlords and real estate agents to screen prospective tenants based on income, employment status, lifestyle and other criteria.
"Automated decision-making systems are becoming an increasingly common part of rental application systems," Ms Bower said in that report.
" A sore lack of regulation in this market means these automated decision-making systems could increase barriers and discrimination for renters, and potentially exclude them from housing."