Personal data requested by letting agents

mayara

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me in relation to letting agents rights in asking for my personal data and also what protection of my data can I expect to have? I am looking for an apartment to rent in Dublin and coming from the south where I used to live in a family house I am quite shocked at the amount of stuff letting agents request as part of the standard package. In addition to the letter from my employee, my bank account statement, and previous landlord reference I am asked to provide my PPS number. Another shocking part is that some agents and even people who are letting privately suggest that if I like the place from photos etc I should bring the deposit and first months rent in cash to hand in there and then (when viewing apartment).
I would like to know if they are under any legal obligations to protect my privacy, considering that all the data will be handed at least to the landlord-who to me is a total stranger. To be honest, I dont even know what they can obuse my private details for, but I dont feel comfortable even handing it out without knowing what/who protects me. Can I ask for the same package to be provided to me about the landlord should I decide to rent, as I too would like to know whose place I'm going to be living in?
I understand that the demand is high, and I have seen people paying the requested sum at the time of viewing just to get it first, but the whole business seems quite strange.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks

Paulw

Your PPS is required for registration with the PRTB.

Bepolite

To be blunt if you don't comply you're simply not going to find somewhere to rent, such is the current demand. You can expect the regular data protection systems to be in place. If you're going through an EA and this is breached you can make a complaint. As for getting the LL details from the EA I wouldn't live in too much hope.

Pro Hoc Vice

mayara wrote: »

Hi, I was wondering if anyone could advise me in relation to letting agents rights in asking for my personal data and also what protection of my data can I expect to have? I am looking for an apartment to rent in Dublin and coming from the south where I used to live in a family house I am quite shocked at the amount of stuff letting agents request as part of the standard package. In addition to the letter from my employee, my bank account statement, and previous landlord reference I am asked to provide my PPS number. Another shocking part is that some agents and even people who are letting privately suggest that if I like the place from photos etc I should bring the deposit and first months rent in cash to hand in there and then (when viewing apartment).
I would like to know if they are under any legal obligations to protect my privacy, considering that all the data will be handed at least to the landlord-who to me is a total stranger. To be honest, I dont even know what they can obuse my private details for, but I dont feel comfortable even handing it out without knowing what/who protects me. Can I ask for the same package to be provided to me about the landlord should I decide to rent, as I too would like to know whose place I'm going to be living in?
I understand that the demand is high, and I have seen people paying the requested sum at the time of viewing just to get it first, but the whole business seems quite strange.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Thanks

All the information requested is very normal and if you think about reasonable. Letter from employer to prove you have a job and income, bank account details for the setting up of DD and again statements to show to show solvent and proof of who you are and as said PPS to give to PRTB. I assume you don't have a bill phone because the require your driving licence or passport and a recent bank statement or utility bill. Why would an owner if a property not want to know a bit about the person he is going to rent to. In relation to deposit arrange to pay by cheque for security reasons, I do think its silly of letting agents to require cash to be exchanged at viewings, and also dangerous.

In answer to your question the letting agent will be considered a data processor under the relevant legislation and must comply with the Acts. You can look at the data protection commissioners website for further info.

Carawaystick

I wouldn't set up a direct debit. As your rent is going to be fixed and only change once a year, a standing order is the way to go

mayara

Thank you all for advice!

Does anyone know if agents are are allowed to use my details to contact my employer etc. without asking my permission? I have only started work in Dublin a month ago and I wouldn't like them to start ringing every day (considering the current demand for renting I'd have to leave my details to 3-4 agents a week, and if they all call my office/bank I wonder if I should announce that to my employer)?