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Renting
Win the rental before you see the place.
Agents shortlist within hours of an inspection, and a new arrival looks weak on
paper for reasons that have nothing to do with being a good tenant. Here is what
they ask for, and what to send when you cannot produce it yet.
0of 100 points
100 points to go
What you can prove today
Most agents ask for 100 points of ID. It is an industry convention rather than a legal requirement, and each agency and application portal counts documents slightly differently - treat this as a guide and check the scheme on the application form.
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What agents ask for beyond ID
Most of these assume you have been renting in Australia already. Where you have not,
open the substitute - it is what to send instead.
Rental history
The agent is testing whether you paid on time and left the place in good order.
Usually asked for
Tenancy ledger from your last Australian agent
Written reference from your previous property manager
You have not ticked this yet, so here is what to send
instead.
An overseas landlord reference does the same job, and savings evidence covers the rest.
A short signed letter from your overseas landlord or agent confirming the dates, the rent, and that it was paid on time
An English translation if the original is not in English - a plain typed translation with the original attached is normally accepted
Bank statements showing the rent leaving your account each month
Savings balance covering three to six months of rent
Proof of income
Most agencies want rent to sit near or below 30% of your gross income, and they want evidence the income is real.
Usually asked for
Your last two or three payslips
A recent tax assessment notice
You have not ticked this yet, so here is what to send
instead.
Before your first payslip, the contract is the evidence.
Signed employment contract or letter of offer stating your salary and start date
A letter from your employer confirming the role, salary and that the offer stands
Savings evidence if you have not started yet - agents weigh a visible balance heavily when there is no local income
For self-employed or remote work: your last two overseas tax returns plus recent invoices
Personal and professional references
They want a person who is not you to vouch that you are reliable.
Usually asked for
Two local referees, usually one professional and one personal
100 points of identification
A baseline identity check before they hand over keys.
Usually asked for
A mix of photo ID, government documents and account statements
Confirmation you can stay
An agent looking at a lease longer than your visa will want to know how that resolves.
Usually asked for
Not usually requested from citizens and permanent residents
You have not ticked this yet, so here is what to send
instead.
Address it before they ask. A visa shorter than the lease is a question, not a disqualifier.
Your visa grant notice showing the class and expiry
One line in the cover letter on your intention to extend or apply for permanent residence, if that is the plan
Offer a longer lease if your visa comfortably covers it - agents value the certainty
The rules where you are renting
Bond caps, condition report deadlines and who holds your money are set by state, not by
the agency.
Pick a state to see its bond cap and condition report deadline.