The Albanese government has launched a Digital ID and Consumer Data Right (CDR) pilot to simplify rental applications, making it faster and safer for Australians to prove their identity and affordability when applying for a property.
Instead of handing over sensitive documents like driver’s licences, passports or payslips, renters will soon be able to confirm their identity online with accredited Digital ID providers and share verified income data securely through the Consumer Data Right.
Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher (pictured) said the initiative will reduce the burden on renters and real estate agents while enhancing data protection.
“The Albanese Labor Government is making applications easier and safer for renters trying to get into their new home,” Gallagher said. “Applying for a rental shouldn’t take hours and it shouldn’t require mountains of sensitive information like your passport and fortnightly pay slips.
“This pilot is a no brainer – it will make people’s lives easier, reduce the risk of data theft, and reduce the burden placed on the real-estate industry.”
The pilot brings together accredited Digital ID providers, CDR data recipients, and real estate entities to create a unified, privacy-first process for rental applications.
Clare O’Neil, minister for Housing, Homelessness and Cities, said the project complements broader reforms under the National Cabinet’s Better Deal for Renters initiative.
“This builds on the leadership taken by the Albanese government to strengthen renters’ rights across the country,” O’Neil said. “As a result, most states have now banned ‘no grounds’ evictions, limited rent increases to once per year and set minimum rental standards.”
Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino said the pilot reflects how technology and policy can work hand in hand to improve consumer outcomes.
“Pilot programs offer new opportunities for government to work with industry to demonstrate impactful and cost-effective solutions for consumers and services across the economy,” Mulino said.
“This pilot will help to better protect the personal information of consumers and save them time when accessing important services such as housing.”
He added that the project will allow government to refine regulation and ensure the right settings are in place to support private investment in secure digital verification systems.
Commonwealth Bank has joined the pilot alongside ConnectID, Paypa Plane, Cuscal, and MRI Software, testing how renters can verify identity and demonstrate rental payment capacity through trusted, accredited platforms.
CommBank said the initiative aligns with the bank’s privacy-first digital approach.
“We’re testing how renters can verify their identity and demonstrate rental payment capacity through trusted organisations — reducing the need to share sensitive documents and enhancing data security,” the bank said in a LinkedIn post.
The initiative also supports the real estate sector as it prepares for new identity verification requirements coming into effect from July 2026.
Canberra renter Georgie* said the trial could save applicants significant time and stress.
“My roommates and I applied for approximately seven to ten rental properties before securing the current house,” she said. “It took quite a few hours to get all of the documents together to prove my identity and that I can afford the rent.
“The trial using digital identity and CDR-service will provide numerous benefits … it would streamline the rental application process, especially when students like myself also work full-time jobs.”
For brokers and property professionals, the pilot signals a shift toward digitally verified client data — reducing manual documentation, identity fraud risks, and processing delays.
As Australia’s property sector moves toward standardised digital verification of identity (VOI) by 2026, understanding these changes will be crucial for compliance and client onboarding.
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