Looking for a rental property can be exciting, especially when you’ve found a home you love. However, before you can move in, you must submit a rental application to secure the property.

To help the landlord or property manager make an informed decision, you need to provide supporting documentation along with your completed rental application form.

In Australia, the application process typically involves filling out a form and providing all the necessary details requested.

Whether you’re a first-time renter or returning after a break, having your documents readily available can help speed up the process. The good news is that most tenancy applications are uniform throughout the country, whether you’re filling them out online or on paper.

However, it’s best to be prepared with all required documents, as some real estate agents may request more than others. Being prepared can ensure a smooth and efficient application process.

Why am I required to provide documents for a rental application?

When applying for a rental property, provide the necessary documentation to show the property manager or landlord that you’re a reliable and suitable tenant.

Property managers are responsible for protecting the interests of property owners and ensuring that the rental property is well-maintained and profitable. This is why they need assurance that you can meet your financial obligations, such as paying rent on time, and that you have a good rental history.

When applying for a rental property, provide the necessary documentation to show the property manager or landlord that you’re a reliable and suitable tenant. Property managers are responsible for protecting the interests of property owners and ensuring that the rental property is well-maintained and profitable.

This is why they need assurance that you can meet your financial obligations, such as paying rent on time, and that you have a good rental history.

Overall, submitting the required documents as part of your rental application helps the property manager or landlord make an informed decision and ensures a smooth rental process for both parties.

Should I mention any issues I had with my previous rentals?

Absolutely. It’s best to be upfront with your landlord or property manager if you’re aware of any negative reports on a tenancy database like the National Tenancy Database (NTD) or TICA.

Providing context and additional information can help you during the application process. Be transparent and honest because attempting to hide any adverse history could result in your application being declined if the property manager discovers it later.

Property managers conduct thorough screenings, and any undisclosed information will likely be uncovered anyway. Being transparent and providing context will increase your chances of securing your ideal rental property.

What documents are required for a rental application?

After attending an in-person inspection, you might want to proceed with the application process. To apply, you’ll have to complete an application form and have all of your additional documents readily available. The documents that are typically required are as follows:

Identification documents

When applying for a rental property, providing proper identification documents is crucial. Property managers need to verify your identity and conduct background checks, which is why it’s necessary to provide the most essential documents.

Usually, a valid driver’s licence or passport will suffice, but it’s good to be prepared to provide additional identification, such as a Medicare card, birth certificate, car registration, or health care card if necessary.

A rental ledger

Having a good rental payment history and taking good care of the property can boost your chances of being approved as a tenant. Include a rental ledger from your previous properties, which serves as evidence of your consistent and timely payment of rent. This document can increase your chances of being selected as a tenant.

Payslips to show proof of income

When applying for a rental property, provide proof of income. One of the best ways to do so is by submitting payslips, which show that you have steady employment and can afford the rent. You can also use bank statements to verify your income.

Payslips can be obtained from your employer or by requesting an income statement from Centrelink. Including these documents in your application can improve your chances of being chosen as a tenant.

References

When you apply for a rental property, the property manager may reach out to the individuals you have listed as references. These references can include previous managing agents, employers, or character references.

To ensure a positive recommendation, provide a comprehensive list of names and contact information for your references. Here are some tips to help you choose the best rental references.

Things to remember

  • When filling out your application, make sure to answer each question in detail. Omitting important information is a common reason for applications being rejected.
  • If you are applying with others, try to provide all of your information together. This will make it easier for the property manager to review your application.
  • Provide sufficient financial information that demonstrates your ability to pay the rent. Supporting your income with payslips, bank statements, and employment contracts or letters from your employer stating your salary is recommended.
  • Most applications require at least 100 points of identification before they are considered. If you are unable to achieve this, it is best to discuss it with the property manager.
  • To simplify the application process, consider using RentCheck. This service verifies your rental tenancy database record and identification in advance, potentially increasing your chances of having your application accepted quickly.
Rent.com.au
Rent.com.au | 1300 736 810 | [email protected]

Rent.com.au is Australia's largest company dedicated to renters and is owned and operated by ASX-listed Rent.com.au Limited (RNT:ASX). For over 15 years, Rent.com.au has exclusively focused on making renters' lives easier by making it easier to find a property, secure it, move in and pay rent.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. A person who rents or buys a house does not always want to provide his documents. There are certain reasons for this, first of all, the fear that the documents will not be protected and will be in other people’s hands. The real estate company should provide a digital opportunity to conclude a contract and sign documents.

  2. As a person who rents or buys a house, I may not always want to provide my documents. There are certain reasons for this, such as fear that the documents will not be protected and will end up in the hands of other people. It would be helpful if real estate companies provided a digital option for concluding contracts and signing documents.

  3. I’ve been having major problems with downloading and attaching my documents to the application form on the website. While it’s fine to download to the cloud, when I try to download to other formats like a small box with a “t” in it, my documents get blown up and I lose my application. The timer on the application doesn’t help either. I’m not used to filling out applications online like this and it takes a computer expert to know how to get through all the different types of downloads and attachments. I don’t appreciate how difficult they make it. Why? I’ve been trying to fill out these 2Apply forms and it’s a nightmare. It’s not fair, even though I’ve been in business and am now retired, I’ve never had to do things like this. It’s extremely frustrating. Where do I email to complain about this unfair way of doing rental applications? It might be fine for Universities, but not for the average person. This is not fair and I see myself ending up on the street because of these damn applications. No wonder so many people end up homeless. Thanks to this bullshit. Do you people realise the nightmares you put us through, and for what? Why make it so difficult?

  4. I am a returning resident who left the country when the border reopened to be with my fiancée. I am now back in Australia with enough money to pay my rent long-term while looking for a job. Please help me get approved to rent an apartment.

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