How to get a rental in Australia

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How do you get a rental in Australia with no history and a tough rental market? This blog outlines what is required to help secure a rental property in Australia as a traveler, student or returning resident.

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Been trying to get a rental in Australia but have had no luck with securing your dream apartment or home? I have also had the same trouble coming from living overseas for many years and have been unable to get a rental reference. However, after a couple of rental inspections, my partner and I were able to secure a lovely apartment for a great price in Melbourne. We believe these questions and information will help you get your apartment application approved in Australia during this crazy shortage of rental properties in 2023.

View as Many Listings as Posible

While trying to apply for a rental in Australia in 2023, it’s important to apply for as many properties as possible and view them in person. Many properties will have high competition and by viewing as many as possible will give you a better chance of viewing a property. By viewing as many properties and talking to the managers if they have time, you will be able to pick up tips and tricks and ask them different things to help be successful.

Should I Talk to the Property Manager?

If the property manager is busy or the apartment opens has multiple people viewing the property, the manager will not have time to answer many questions and will most likely be very busy or unable to talk. It’s best to send them an email or call after the viewing. However, do ask any important questions on the day if you feel you need to know prior to applying for the apartment. If the viewing is just yourself or one or two people I will take the time to ask questions and for any advice given my circumstances. This could include my prior history, where I was living, income, and jobs. Talking to the property manager at the viewing gives them a chance to put a face to the name when I apply after the viewing.

How to Apply for a Rental in Melbourne

To apply for an apartment in Melbourne Australia you will most likely need to view the apartment before you can apply. Go online to Domain.com or Realestate.com.au and search for rentals in the area you would like. You are able to filter apartments and houses by rooms, bathrooms, parking, and cost. Once you have a list of the ones you like you can send an inquiry and the property management firm will contact you by mobile text or email to select a viewing time. The reality is you will be sent to another app/ program and will need to make an account to view the previous apartments and select a booking time. The app will be TenantApp and will require you to log in.

 

How do I apply for a Rental without Income?

When we were applying for rentals in Melbourne, we did not have Australian rental history nor did we have current Australian pay slips. According to the property managers you are able to still apply for rental properties but can substitute a pay slip with a work contract, bank statement, or guarantor. It is also possible to submit any sort of income you receive including Centrelink payments or side hustles if you have proof of payment.
 
 

How do I Apply for a Rental in Australia without Rental History?

If you do not have a rental history you can still apply for an apartment or house in Australia. All you need is a reference or the ability to prove you were living where you were based. This could include utility, bank statements, or references from Airbnb host. We were traveling for many months and used the Airbnb host and payment slips as proof of our ability to pay rent and show our character to the property manager.

 

What can I do if I do not have Pay-slips for a Rental Application?

You can still apply for a rental in Australia without the need for payslips. Instead pay slips you can use a work contract, bank savings, and any other finance documents you have to prove you will hold a job or have held a job and have savings. You don’t necessarily need lots of money to get a rental, If you have Centrelink or Aus-Study payment receipts and can prove you can afford the rent then you will have a great chance of getting the rental.
 

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