How do you decide on a tenant? Is it against privacy laws to request information abou

[AlmostBob]

You're assuming that the prospective tenant in this instance has completed a contract with a specific landlord as distinct from completing a general application to the agent.

If it is the latter, which I would appear to be, the agent is responsible to ensure they only use and disclose said information in a way consistent with the terms of the Privacy Act.

If they **** up, it's their neck in the noose so it is perfectly reasonable for them to make the decision as to whether the tenant provided the information on the understanding all or part of it would be passed to a prospective landlord.

which even for the lacklustre pm-s described so often on this forum would be below par
there need be no explanation of whom only of why the information is collected

which particular officers looked at the last mortgage application?

not worth the argument, accept and enjoy the crappy service you pay for.