The RTA's Administrative Access Scheme allows customers to access their own personal information through a streamlined process. Where possible the RTA will release information this way. It is an easier and faster process than the formal RTI Act application process.

Anyone can apply for information, however there is no guarantee that access will be given.

The scheme is intended for people wanting to access their own personal information.

The scheme does not include information exchanged in the course of routine RTA business activity (e.g. bond processing, conducting an investigation, dispute resolution) or resulting from an error in routine business processes (e.g. where incorrect details have been entered, where a receipt or notice has not been received and needs to be sent again). 

In these circumstances, please contact the RTA.

There is no ability to seek a review of an access decision made under this scheme, however applicants dissatisfied with a decision may make a complaint to the RTA.

One of the main statutory duties of the RTA is to receive, hold and pay rental bonds under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. Any information belonging to you held by the RTA, as long as it does not fall within the below list of exempt information, may be accessed. The types of documents that are generally suitable for administrative release include those documents that:

• you have provided to the RTA
• the RTA has provided to you
• are publicly available.

The RTA may redact some information before providing it to protect a person’s privacy or to protect confidential information.

Information that is exempt under this scheme includes information:

• that is prohibited under law from being released
• relating to a current investigation or prosecution (not closed) or other law enforcement activity
• that is subject to legal professional privilege
• relating to a current dispute resolution (conciliation) case, except where the applicant is a party to the dispute or acting on behalf of a party to the dispute.

• Personal information of others (unless the other party has provided consent for RTA to release their information).
• Forwarding addresses of clients. Applications for such information must be made under the RTI Act.
• Documents relating to conciliation (dispute resolution matters), except where the applicant is a party to the dispute or acting on behalf of a party to the dispute.
• Documents concerning deceased persons. An application for such information must be made under the RTI Act.
• Documents concerning investigations and prosecutions. Applications for such information must be made under the RTI Act or Privacy Act.
• If you are seeking this information for QCAT, please be aware the RTA’s dispute resolution service is a confidential process and evidence of anything said or an admission made during the conciliation process for a dispute is inadmissible at a QCAT hearing, or in court documents concerning deceased persons. An application for such information must be made under the RTI Act.

Applications can be made in writing, by email, in person or over the phone. See the RTA's contact details for more information. Requests must include:

• applicant's full name
• applicant's signature
• applicant's contact details
• details about the information being requested.

For requests via phone call (verbal), the RTA will ask you a series of questions to verify your identity.

Email requests can be sent to the RTA and must include a scanned attachment containing the applicant’s evidence of identity documentation.

Third party/legal representation applications must be in writing and include:

• the applicant/s full name and contact details
• letter authorisation from the applicant stating the scope of the third party or legal representative’s authority to act as the applicant’s agent
• the full name of the third party or legal representative and their contact details
• evidence of the third party or legal representative’s identity and applicant’s identity.

The RTA is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and will not disclose personal information to a third party without the relevant individual’s consent or unless authorised or required by law.

The RTA may refuse to deal with an application that either does not meet these requirements or is unreasonable (e.g. very large amounts of information or information that has already been provided).

There is no application fee associated with making a request. The RTA may charge a fee to reproduce or provide access to the information.

• Make a formal application under the RTI Act or Privacy Act.
• Subpoena the RTA if there is a current court case.

Contact us for further information about making an application under the Administrative Access Scheme and to provide your feedback.