Why Your Rental Applications Get Rejected and How to Avoid It

Ever feel like your rental applications disappear into a black hole? You’re not alone.

If you're trying to rent a place in Australia, the process can be overwhelming and getting your application rejected can feel disheartening. The truth is, even reliable applicants get turned down, often for reasons that aren't explained.

We’ve helped hundreds of renters get approved - even those without local documents or rental history. Here are the most common reasons rental applications get rejected - and what you can do to avoid them.

Top Reasons Rental Application Get Rejected in Australia

1. Missing or Incomplete Documents

This is one of the most common issues. Agents often receive dozens of applications for a single property. If your application is missing documents or isn't presented properly, it might be skipped without a second look.

Our Recommendation: Always include clear copies of your ID (passport and visa), proof of income, any rental history (even from overseas), references, and a personal cover letter. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our rental documents guide.

2. No Domestic Income

Many applicants don’t yet have Australian income and some agents or landlords prioritise those with local employment or benefits.

Our Recommendation:

• Show your support: Attach bank statements or a letter confirming financial backing from family.

• Add a co-tenant or guarantor: This reduces risk in the agent’s eyes.

• Explain your situation clearly: A short note can make a big difference.

  
  

3. No Local Rental History

If you haven’t rented in Australia before, agents may be unsure about your rental reliability.

How We Can Help: We can act as your representative by holding the lease and subletting to you under a legally compliant agreement. This gives you a rental history and makes agents feel more confident in approving the application. You can also provide references from overseas landlords, student accommodation, or your employer and include a cover letter explaining your situation.

4. High Competition and Timing

In busy areas like Sydney, properties get flooded with applications. Even strong applicants can miss out simply because someone else got in quicker.

How We Can Help: We constantly monitor the market and apply for suitable properties on your behalf. This means you don’t miss out on opportunities just because of timing or high demand.

5. Confusion or Miscommunication

Agents may not understand your documents, financial situation, or background. If anything is unclear, they may reject your application rather than ask questions.

How We Can Help: We communicate directly with the agent or property manager on your behalf, helping explain your situation clearly and professionally so nothing gets lost in translation or overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Renting in Australia isn’t always easy, especially if you're new to the system. But that doesn’t mean you're not a great tenant. Often, it's just a matter of knowing how to present your application in the best light.

At Find My Home, we take the pressure off. We handle the application process, communicate with agents, and help you get approved - faster, fairly, and legally.

Ready to stop getting rejected? Start here, we’ll take care of the entire process for you.