Do You Need Rental References to Get Approved in Australia? (What Agents Really Look For)

Trying to rent in Australia without a reference can feel like starting a race a few steps behind and for many renters, it’s exactly that.

From what we've observed helping renters every day, a lot of people applying for the first time assume references aren’t a big deal. But when agents are comparing dozens of applications, even one missing detail can tip the scales.

In this article, we explain what agents really check when it comes to references, why it matters more than most expect, and what you can do if you don’t have one, especially if you're trying to apply on your own.

Yes, Agents Do Check Rental References

Most agents will contact your listed references once you're on their shortlist.

They’re looking for confidence:

• Was rent paid on time?

• Was the property looked after?

• Would the referee recommend this person again?

  
  

Even if not every call is made, the presence of a good reference sends a clear signal and the absence of one does too.

What Makes a Reference Worth Including

Strong references don’t just tick a box. They reassure the agent and move you closer to an approval. The best ones come from:

• A past property manager

• A private landlord (with supporting documentation)

• An employer or supervisor with a clear professional connection

  
  

A referee should be contactable, ideally from an agency or business email. If they’re overseas, written letters help, but not all agents take the time to chase international references, especially for high-demand properties.

If this all sounds complicated, it is. Most renters aren’t sure who to list, or worse, list the wrong person. That’s why applying through someone agents already know and trust can make all the difference.

No References? You’ll Need More Than Just Luck

If you don’t have a rental reference, your application needs to be even stronger in other areas. That’s not easy, especially when you’re applying alone.

Common situations that lead to no references:

• Living with family

• Renting informally or overseas

• Being new to Australia

• Renting for the first time

  
  

Without a structured approach, many renters end up:

• Guessing what to include

• Using weak or unverified references

• Leaving key documents out

• Relying on luck to stand out

We’ve also broken down why applying for too many rentals without a clear strategy can hurt your chances, not help them. You can read more about that here.

If you want to build a solid application without rental history, our article on what documents you need will help, but even then, doing it alone can still leave gaps.

The Risk of Guessing Your Way Through It

Many renters think “something is better than nothing” and list flatmates, friends, or even casual job contacts as referees.

But when agents call and the referee can’t confirm anything relevant or sounds unsure, it doesn’t help. It creates more doubt.

Worse, applying multiple times with inconsistent referees across different properties or agencies can damage your profile.

As we covered in Why Rental Applications Get Rejected, most renters don’t realise how quickly agents form an impression - and how hard it is to undo.

Having your application come from someone with experience - someone agents are used to dealing with - instantly adds credibility and control.

Quick Tips if You Don’t Have a Rental Reference:

• Use a formal character reference from a current or former employer

• Provide strong documents to show income and savings

• Write a short explanation as a first-time renter

• Ensure your application is complete, consistent, and professionally presented

• Consider applying through a structured, trusted process to strengthen your chances

Why Some Renters Still Get Approved Without References

There are renters being approved every week without rental history or formal references. But they’re not doing it alone.

They’re applying through a structured, trusted process that agents already know. The difference isn’t just in the paperwork, it’s in the confidence the application gives to the person reviewing it.

When the application is submitted professionally, backed by proven experience, and clearly presented, it doesn’t feel like a risk, it feels like a safe choice.

Final Thought

Rental references do matter and if you don’t have one, agents will be looking even closer at everything else.

Trying to handle it all yourself can work, but it’s inconsistent, stressful, and often leads to missed opportunities.

If you’re serious about getting approved, make sure your application is supported, structured, and submitted in a way agents already trust.

Need help getting approved without a rental reference?

Whether you're applying for the first time or trying to avoid another rejection, we help renters get approved through structure, clarity, and preparation.

See how it works at findmyhomeaus.com