Australians attending open houses and property viewings may soon have greater protection against unwanted spam messages from real estate agents. A new law is set to stop agents from using the mobile phone numbers collected during inspections for marketing purposes without explicit consent.
How Your Number Gets Used
When you sign in at an open home, you typically provide your name and mobile number. Many agents have used this information to send follow-up messages about other properties, market updates, or promotional offers. This practice has frustrated homebuyers and renters who feel their data is being misused.
Under the proposed legislation, agents will be required to obtain clear permission before adding your number to any marketing lists. The change aims to give consumers more control over their personal information and reduce unwanted communications.
What the New Law Means
The new law, expected to come into effect later this year, will make it illegal for real estate agents to use contact details gathered at open homes for anything other than the original purpose—such as following up on that specific property. Agents must now ask for separate consent to send marketing messages.
If an agent does not comply, they could face fines or other penalties. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will oversee enforcement, ensuring that spam laws are respected.
Tips to Protect Your Data Now
Even before the law takes effect, you can take steps to safeguard your mobile number:
- Ask directly: When signing in, ask the agent how they will use your details. If they say marketing, you can decline.
- Use a secondary number: Consider providing a secondary phone number or a temporary number for property inspections.
- Opt out: If you receive unwanted messages, reply with “STOP” to unsubscribe, or report the sender to ACMA.
Industry Reaction
Real estate industry bodies have expressed mixed reactions. Some argue that the law will reduce administrative burden and improve trust, while others worry it may limit legitimate follow-up communications. Consumer advocates, however, have welcomed the move as a win for privacy.
“This is a common-sense reform that puts people back in control of their personal information,” said a spokesperson for the Consumer Action Law Centre. “No one should feel pressured into receiving marketing just to view a property.”
What Happens Next
The legislation is currently before parliament and is expected to pass with bipartisan support. Once enacted, real estate agents will have a transition period to update their practices and systems. Home seekers are encouraged to stay informed about their rights and to speak up if they feel their data is being misused.
In the meantime, if you have been bombarded with messages after an open home, you are not alone. The new law aims to put an end to that, ensuring that your mobile number remains yours to control.
