The privacy commissioner has released a list of what can and can't be asked of new tenants.

It comes after a property manager checked bank accounts of prospective tenants to make sure they weren't spending too much on fast food.

Landlords will be able to check credit reports and criminal history but can't ask about previous rent payments, their current expenses or employment history.

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards told Mike Hosking it's another step towards removing the power imbalance.

"It can be really dehumanising having to provide information about your life just to secure a flat. Landlords still have to make their own decisions, but the list is there to help."

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