Rent-tech platforms sidestepping credit card surcharge ban with new fees and paid ‘memberships’
Australian rent-tech platforms are introducing new fees and mandatory memberships to circumvent a recent government ban on credit card surcharges for rental payments. Tenants are being advised to seek alternative payment methods to avoid these additional costs.
Why it matters
This reflects a regulatory cat-and-mouse game where service providers adapt business models to maintain revenue streams despite new consumer protection laws.
Victoria will ban rental providers and real estate agents from charging fees to pay rent or submit tenancy applications later this month. Photograph: Steve Christo/Corbis/Getty Images Victoria will ban rental providers and real estate agents from charging fees to pay rent or submit tenancy applications later this month. Photograph: Steve Christo/Corbis/Getty Images Renting Rent-tech platforms sidestepping credit card surcharge ban with new fees and paid ‘memberships’ Tenants encouraged to seek free options after online property platforms respond to Reserve Bank’s credit card payment reform
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Online property management platforms are charging renters new fees or pushing them on to paid “memberships” to avoid processing costs associated with card payments in the wake of the ban on surcharges.
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