Police checks for real estate agents

Why background checks matter in real estate

Trust is essential in the real estate industry.

Property professionals are often entrusted with:

• Access to residential and commercial properties
• Keys, access codes, and security information
• Sensitive client and tenant information
• Financial transactions and documentation
• Independent work conducted outside the office
• Responsibilities involving landlords, tenants, buyers, and vendors

Because of these responsibilities, many agencies incorporate police checks into their recruitment and onboarding processes.

A police check can provide additional information to help employers make informed hiring decisions and support a culture of trust, professionalism, and accountability. For roles involving trust accounts, rental income, deposits, and other financial responsibilities, some agencies may also choose to conduct financial checks as part of a broader screening process.

Supporting real estate agencies

Building a successful agency starts with building the right team.

Whether you're growing your property management department, recruiting experienced sales professionals, or hiring support staff, consistent screening processes can help support your recruitment strategy.

Background checks can be particularly valuable for organisations seeking to:

• Strengthen hiring processes
• Reduce recruitment risk
• Protect business reputation
• Support client confidence
• Maintain professional standards
• Create trusted workplace environments

Depending on the role, agencies may complement police checks with additional screening solutions such as identity verification and financial checks, helping provide greater confidence when recruiting for positions involving significant financial responsibility.

From boutique agencies to national property groups, police checks are commonly used to support workforce screening and responsible hiring practices.

Property management and client trust

Property managers often work closely with landlords, tenants, contractors, and maintenance providers while managing access to multiple properties.

Given the level of responsibility involved, many agencies choose to conduct police checks when recruiting property management professionals.

Screening can help support confidence when employees are entrusted with property access, tenant interactions, and day-to-day management responsibilities.

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Frequently asked questions

I have a criminal record, should I tell my Employer or Volunteer Organisation?

This depends on the role and your employer's requirements. Some positions require you to disclose certain criminal history, while others do not. If you're unsure, check the job requirements or speak directly with your employer. Being honest and upfront about your circumstances can help build trust with a prospective employer.

A criminal record does not automatically prevent someone from working or volunteering. Employers and organisations generally assess any disclosed information based on its relevance to the role and any applicable legal or regulatory requirements.

How long does it take to get a police check?

The majority of Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Checks are returned within minutes of final lodgment through the CrimCheck portal. Some checks are referred for manual review by police agencies and can take between 2 and 15 business days.

Are Financial checks useful in the Real Estate Industry?

For positions involving trust accounts, rental payments, deposits, and other financial responsibilities, many real estate agencies choose to complement police checks with financial checks. This can provide additional insight when recruiting for roles that involve managing client or business funds. Learn more about our other check types.

Do Real Estate Sales Agents require police clearance?

Many Agencies choose to obtain a police clearance as part of their hiring process, particularly for roles involving client trust, financial transactions, and independent work.

Do Property Managers need a police check?

Many Real Estate Agencies conduct police checks for property managers because the role often involves property access, tenant interactions, and significant responsibilities relating to landlords and assets.

All Frequently Asked Questions