Sydney Real Estate Agency In Hot Water After Posting A Tenant’s Private Info Online

A Sydney real estate agency has been ordered to apologise after breaching privacy laws by posting a tenant’s private information online in response to a negative Google review.

Australia’s Information Commissioner ruled that Noonan Real Estate Agency violated privacy regulations by publicly posting tenant’s information and demanded a formal apology.

Dispute began after 1-star online review, allegations agency didn’t adhere to Fair Trading rules

The dispute began on July 31, 2021, when an unnamed tenant posted a one-star review of Noonan Real Estate Agency.

The review described the agency as “highly unprofessional” and accused them of poor communication, delayed emergency responses, and non-compliance with NSW Fair Trading rules.

The tenant concluded, “Shame on you. I wonder how low the competition should be in a market segment for a company like you to be able to continue to operate.”

NSW real estate agency publishes tenant’s information over a 1-star review

In response, Noonan Real Estate addressed the tenant by their full name, denying the allegations and referencing the tenant’s financial history.

The reply stated, “None of our 5-star reviews are fake. We abide by relevant legislation. I am not sure if we have upset you by chasing your unpaid rent so many times; we will not be apologising for that.”

The agency further called out the tenant’s LinkedIn profile, highlighting their profession and commenting on their alleged unpaid rent, claiming over 200 arrears notices had been sent.

Noonan Real Estate ordered to apologise by Australian Information Commissioner  for violating Privacy Act

After receiving a complaint from the tenant, who stated that Noonan Real Estate had “disclosed my personal information to worldwide public reviewing in their reply to my Google review,” the Australian Information Commissioner, Andre Castaldi, condemned the agency’s actions, calling for a written apology and staff training in privacy, mandating that they not repeat such conduct.

While the complainant sought $15,000 in compensation, the Commissioner declined, calling for the deletion of the offending response and the agency’s commitment to improved privacy practices, including thorough privacy training for staff.

Michael Noonan, principal of Noonan Real Estate, expressed regret to news.com.au for the incident, admitting, “A Google Review was posted accusing us of fake reviews and other bad practices, none of which were true. I responded in defence, including, regrettably, addressing the person by name. The way in which I went about this was an error in judgement that I now regret.”

The Commissioner’s findings should be taken as a sign that regardless of how tempting it might be, it’s never okay to doxx someone– especially when it’s your own tenant (Unless they’re maybe the “your body, my choice” guy).