So you found the perfect rental, applied with high hopes…
and heard nothing but crickets 🦗.
Or worse, you got hit with the dreaded “We’ve gone with another applicant” email.
You’re not alone.
Rental competition in Australia is brutal right now, especially in major cities where 40+ people apply for the same property.
But here’s the thing: most renters don’t get rejected because they’re bad applicants.
They get rejected because they made avoidable mistakes.
Let’s break down the most common reasons rental applications get tossed and how you can avoid them like a pro. 🧠💡
❌ Mistake 1: Sending an Incomplete or Messy Application
This is the most common (and most painful) reason for rejections.
If you forget documents, leave blank fields, or attach everything across five separate emails, your application is going straight to the “too hard” pile.
How to Fix It:
✅ Use a rental application checklist (we made The Renter’s Edge just for this).
✅ Upload everything in one go, neatly organised and easy to read.
✅ Save time with editable templates for your rental resume, cover letter, and pet documents.
🛠 Power Tip: Create a Google Drive folder with all your docs, ready to go. That way you’re not scrambling each time.
❌ Mistake 2: Weak or No Cover Letter
Most renters skip the cover letter. And that’s a huge missed opportunity.
A personalised, friendly cover letter helps you stand out and tells agents who you are beyond the forms. No letter = no connection = no approval.
How to Fix It:
✅ Use ChatGPT (or our AI Cover Letter Generator) to whip up a short, warm intro.
✅ Highlight your strengths: job stability, rental history, responsibility, hobbies.
✅ Mention specific features you love about the property. It shows you’re serious.
📝 Power Tip: Use our done-for-you cover letter templates to speed things up or let your dog write one themselves (seriously, we’ve seen it work).
❌ Mistake 3: Rent-to-Income Ratio is Too High
Landlords need reassurance you can actually afford the rent. If your income looks tight (especially if it’s above 35-40% of your earnings), they’ll start to worry.
How to Fix It:
✅ Provide proof of savings, a stable employment letter, or a guarantor letter.
✅ Offer to pay rent in advance (2–3 months) if you’re financially able.
✅ Use an accountant letter if you’re self-employed to prove income consistency.
💡 Real Talk: You don’t have to earn six figures but you do need to show you’re in control of your finances.
❌ Mistake 4: No Rental History or Poor References
If you don’t provide solid rental references, you’re basically asking the agent to take a gamble on you. And in a high-demand market, they don’t have to.
How to Fix It:
✅ First-time renter? Use a character reference from an employer, mentor, or teacher.
✅ No formal rental history? Explain your situation in a cover letter (living with parents, long-term housemate, etc).
✅ Include a bond refund receipt or rental ledger from previous places.
🧠 Pro Tip: Make sure your references know they’re listed and will actually pick up the phone!
❌ Mistake 5: You Didn’t Follow Up
Property managers are swamped. If your application isn’t memorable or you don’t follow up, it can get lost in the pile.
How to Fix It:
✅ Send a polite follow-up text or email 24-48 hours after submitting.
✅ Keep it short, upbeat, and professional. No chasing or begging.
✅ Use our Follow-Up Pack for pre-written texts and emails that get replies.
📬 Example Text: “Hi [Agent], just checking in on the application for [address]. Super keen and happy to provide anything else you need!”
🎯 Final Thoughts: Renting is Tough - But Avoiding These Mistakes Makes It Easier
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be prepared.
Here’s your fix-it toolkit:
✅ A complete, polished application
✅ Personalised cover letters & follow-up texts
✅ Strong references (or smart alternatives)
✅ Proof you can afford the place without stress
✅ Bonus points if you include a renter’s resume and a little charm 😉
If you’re ready to submit your best-ever application (with no missing pieces or second-guessing) then grab The Renter’s Edge Bundle. It’s packed with templates, tools, and cheat sheets to help you stand out, get approved, and finally move in.
