A real estate agent that is covered by the Privacy Act can disclose your personal information without your consent for the main reason they collected it (the primary purpose).

Example 1: they may collect your information so they can assess your application for a tenancy. 

In this case, they may disclose the fact that you have applied to rent the property to a residential tenancy database operator, the landlord, your most recent previous agent (if they are giving you a reference) and any other referee you have nominated.

Example 2: an agent collects your personal information to assess your application for a tenancy and your application is successful.

The agent can then use your personal information for other related purposes in ways you would reasonably expect.

Example 3: if you have a broken tap, the agent can give your phone number to a plumber so that the plumber can arrange a time to fix it. 

But, it would not be okay for an agent to tell your neighbour where you work.

More information

• FAQ 8 - Residential tenancy databases
• 10 steps guide to protecting your personal information
• 10 steps to protecting other people's personal information
• Use and disclosure (NPP 2) in the National Privacy Principles Guidelines

* Including property managers