Should a prospective tenant have to show their bank account to a landlord when trying to rent?

It has been revealed some landlords and property managers will ask for bank statements and analyse what the prospect is spending their money on.

Consumer NZ call it a very concerning and unethical practice while NZFirst MP Darroch Ball says it is a gross invasion of privacy?

So is it a case of landlords protecting their asset? Or is this going too far?

Director of Managemyproperty Wellington Richard Horne told Mike Hosking tenants can always refuse if they want to but landlords are under pressure too.

"If a property manager asks for bank statements a tenant is quite within their rights to say 'Sorry I am uncomfortable with that' but we are looking for tenants who can actually afford to pay the rent."

LISTEN ABOVE AS RICHARD HORNE TALKS TO MIKE HOSKING