What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Ignored

In most cases, when your rental application is ignored, it is not about you as a person. Real estate agents often receive dozens of applications per property, many of them within hours of a listing going live. If yours does not stand out immediately, is missing information, or is difficult to understand, it may be silently passed over.

This is especially common for renters who are new to Australia, do not have a rental history, or are unsure of what documents to include. If your file seems unfamiliar or incomplete, many agents will move on without providing feedback.

Rather than sitting in uncertainty, there are practical steps you can take to either re-engage or position yourself better next time.

Step 1: Review Your Application

Before doing anything else, go back and assess what you submitted. Ask yourself:

• Did I include all the required documents, such as photo ID, payslips, bank statements, and references?

• Was my information clearly presented and well-organised?

• Did I explain any gaps, like having no local rental history or a new job?

Even small mistakes, like separate attachments, unclear references, or missing visa documents, can result in your application being quietly dismissed.

Step 2: Follow Up Professionally

If you have not heard back within two or three days after applying, it is reasonable to follow up once by email or phone. Keep your message short, polite, and to the point.

For example:

Hello [Agent's Name], I submitted my application for [Property Address] on [Date] and just wanted to check that it was received. Please let me know if anything further is required.

Avoid sending multiple messages across different platforms, and do not follow up repeatedly. Agents are more likely to respond to applicants who are respectful, organised, and easy to deal with.

Step 3: Learn From the Outcome

If you still do not hear anything, treat it as a chance to improve. Many renters who are new to the process simply do not realise how much weight agents place on presentation, completeness, and confidence.

Start by asking yourself:

• Were my references strong and recent?

• Did I explain my circumstances clearly?

• Was I relying on weak documents like text message screenshots or family references?

If you are applying without a stable income or relying on savings, Can You Rent Without a Job in Australia? What Actually Matters to Agents outlines how to explain your situation in a way agents can understand.

Step 4: Broaden Your Approach

The most common mistake first-time renters make is putting all their hope into one application. In a market this competitive, it is important to apply for multiple properties at once.

• Have all your documents ready and up to date

• Attend several inspections

• Submit applications quickly after each one

• Choose a mix of listings to increase your approval chances

This process can be exhausting, especially when you are working or studying full-time.

That’s why many renters now turn to services like Find My Home, which manage the search and application process for you. Rather than sending off incomplete documents and hoping for a reply, your application is submitted using a strong profile already trusted by dozens of agents.

Step 5: If It Keeps Happening, Change the Process

If you are consistently being ignored or rejected, even after improving your documents, it may be time to consider a different strategy.

Find My Home was created for this exact situation. We apply for properties on your behalf under our own lease profile, using our established relationships with agents, clear supporting documents, and track record of securing approvals. You still move into the home and pay the rent, but the application is taken seriously from the start.

For many renters who do not fit the standard checklist, this is the easiest and most effective way to get approved.

Final Thoughts on What to Do If Your Rental Application Is Ignored

Getting no response after applying for a rental is frustrating, but it is also common, especially for new arrivals and first-time renters. The key is to take it as feedback, not failure. Improve what you can, follow up respectfully, and keep applying with a smarter, more strategic approach.

And if you are tired of doing it all yourself, Find My Home is here to help. We’ve helped hundreds of renters get approved, even when their applications were previously ignored.