What Real Estate Agents Look for in a Rental Application (2025 Edition)

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Rental applications in 2025 are more competitive than ever. With high demand and low vacancy rates across major cities, agents are under pressure to approve tenants quickly and confidently.

To stand out, it’s important to understand what agents look in rental application reviews. They want to see that you are financially stable, low risk, and reliable. Many applicants miss out not because they are unqualified but because their documents do not clearly reflect these traits.

If you are new to Australia or applying for your first rental, knowing what agents prioritise can help you prepare a stronger application even without local rental history.

What Agents Are Looking For in 2025

1. Proof of Financial Stability

This is the first thing agents check. They need to feel confident you can pay rent on time. Most will expect:

• Three recent payslips

• A bank statement showing regular income or savings

• A letter of employment or contract

• Other income documentation such as scholarships, Centrelink, or family support

If you do not have an Australian job yet, it is especially important to explain your financial situation clearly. Agents need to see that you can meet rental payments consistently, even without local employment.

Not sure how to show that? Read more in our guide: Can You Rent Without a Job in Australia? What Actually Matters to Agents.

2. A Complete and Clear Application

Agents are busy. If something is missing or hard to understand, they will often move on to the next applicant. Successful applications are:

• Fully completed without blank sections

• Presented clearly in a single, well-labelled file

• Easy to read and quick to verify

• Accompanied by a short, respectful introduction

Even if you are a strong tenant, a messy or confusing application can get you overlooked.

3. A History of Reliability

Not everyone has rented before, and most agents understand that. What matters more is whether you can show you are responsible and trustworthy. This can be done through:

• References from previous landlords or agents

• Informal references from housemates or property owners you have paid

• Employer letters confirming your reliability

• Character references from teachers, advisors, or professionals

  
  

If you do not have formal references, you can still create a strong application with alternative documents.

4. Strong Supporting Documents

Additional documents can often strengthen your application, especially if your situation is not straightforward. These might include:

• Passport and visa details

• Letter of offer from a university or employer

• Reference letters translated into English

• Guarantor support or co-signer documentation (if needed)

The more organised and complete your application is, the easier it becomes for agents to recommend you.

5. Clear Communication and Purpose

Agents want tenants who are responsive, clear, and realistic. If you are applying from overseas or interstate, they want to know when you plan to arrive, whether you have inspected the property, and if you are ready to sign quickly. Being transparent about your plans and limitations helps build trust from the start.

Where Most People Go Wrong

Too many renters, especially newcomers, submit applications that are vague, incomplete, or hard to verify. Some miss required documents, others forget to explain gaps or unusual details. In most cases, the agent simply skips over the file without saying why.

This is where Find My Home changes the process.

Why Find My Home Works

We know what agents expect. Our team prepares and submits rental applications on your behalf, using a clear and credible profile that has already been accepted by over 50 agencies. We understand how to package your documents, how to address potential weaknesses, and how to follow up without being ignored.

Instead of applying alone and hoping for a response, our renters gain access to faster approvals and stronger consideration, even without rental history or local references.

Final Thoughts on What Real Estate Agents Look for in a Rental Application

Real estate agents in 2025 are not just looking for the perfect tenant. They are looking for someone who is easy to trust, simple to verify, and ready to move in without delay. Whether you are a student, a new arrival, or a first-time renter, your application must answer their key questions before they need to ask.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, Find My Home is here to make the process easier and more effective. With the right documents and the right team behind you, securing a rental in Australia becomes a lot more achievable.