No Mercy: The New World of Renting and the Rise of RentTech

This research examines the impact of automated decision making (ADM), artficial intelligence (AI) and RentTech platforms on disadvantaged renters in Australia. Through qualitative interviews with tenants and housing support workers, the study reveals concerns about automated decision making in the following areas: 1. Evidence of algorithmic bias leading to discrimination based on race, gender, income source, and other factors. 2. Excessive and intrusive data collection practices, raising privacy concerns. 3. Navigational challenges, particularly for older renters and those with limited digital literacy. 4. A lack of transparency in decision-making processes, with renters unable to obtain feedback on the rejection of their applications. 5. Forced trust (acceptance) in opaque systems due to technology design and limited alternatives in a tight rental market. These issues disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, potentially exacerbating existing inequalities in housing access. The research highlights the need for greater regulation and oversight of RentTech platforms to ensure fair access to housing. It also calls for improved transparency in automated decision-making processes and better protections for renters' data privacy.