Rental application got rejected — no rental history in Australia. What do I do?

Anonymous Frustrated Numbat · 15 May 2026

Third rejection in two weeks. Have a stable job ($95k, 6 months), good savings, no kids, no pets. Every rejection email says some version of "stronger applicants" but I suspect it's the empty rental history field. What worked for people in this position? Pay 3 months upfront? Get a guarantor? Use one of those rent-guarantee services that everyone says are a scam? Genuinely lost.

3 replies

Anonymous Practical Kookaburra · 15 May 2026
Three things that worked: (1) attach payslips + bank statements showing your deposit, (2) reference from your overseas landlord (translated), (3) offer 2-3 months upfront. One of those usually does it.
Anonymous Honest Galah · 15 May 2026
Snug Match and Rentround are legit rent-guarantee services. Bivouac is not. Honestly the upfront cash is faster though.
Anonymous Kind Currawong · 16 May 2026
Agents are looking for risk reduction, not perfection. Short cover letter explaining your situation + showing you understand their concern goes a long way.

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