Whether you’re applying with Ledger & Lane or another real estate agency, these tips can help your application stand out in a competitive rental market. The goal is to make it easy for agents and owners to see that you are reliable, responsible, and ready to move in.

1. What agents and owners are looking for

When processing an application, the agent and owner are generally checking three key things:

• Ability to pay rent reliably – Household income should generally be around 3 times the weekly rent. Evidence of regular rent, mortgage payments, or a savings plan helps demonstrate reliability.

• Care of the property – Owners want tenants who will look after the home, including lawns, pools, appliances and general cleaning.

• Responsiveness and communication – Agents value tenants who are polite, professional and responsive. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures a smooth tenancy.

When completing an application, these are the kind of things you should attempt to produce evidence of.

Ledger & Lane invites applications through realestate.com.au and these tips refer specifically to that platform.

2. Who should apply

• It is recommended that anyone over 18 or earning an income be listed as a “leaseholder”.

• Anyone under 18 should be listed as an “occupant”.

• All “leaseholders” must complete an application, your application will not be submitted to us until they are all complete.

• If someone over 18 does not want to be a “leaseholder” that is fine, but we recommending explaining why in the “About Me” section.

3. About Me

• Always customise this section so it’s current and relevant.

• Let the agent know about your family dynamic and household setup.

• Include supporting documents like a resume, pet resume, or written references.

4. Application Summary

• You should always state your preferred lease commencement date. If the dates don’t align with what the owner is after, the agent may discuss alternatives with you.

• If you wish to offer a lower rent it is important to understand what is realistic, most landlords wont consider more than ~5% below asking if other strong applications exist.

5. Residential History

• Provide accurate contact details for your references (email and phone). Double-check spelling and that they are still employed at the company.

• If you don’t have current rental history, references can include private landlords, previous property managers, sales agents, or parents. Notify them to expect an email and ask them to respond promptly.

6. Employment

• Include correct contact details for your employer (boss, manager or HR department) or if you are self-employed, your accountant . Double-check spelling and that they are still employed at the company.

• Make sure you use their business email address, not their personal one.

• Check your references are available and not on leave, so the agency can verify your employment quickly. Notify them to expect an email and ask them to respond promptly.

7. Finances

• Whether you are submitting payslips or bank statements, provide evidence of income for at least 3 pay cycles (more is fine).

• Provide statements confirming savings, investments, Centrelink statements, or child support as additional evidence. This helps demonstrate you can meet rent, bond, and living expenses reliably.

8. Identity Documents

• Photo ID (driver’s license and/or passport)

• Proof of name and address (Medicare card and/or utilities bill)

• If you own property: council rates

• If you own a business: business registration

Quick Communication & Complete Applications

Finally, be thorough and honest, every extra piece of relevant information increases confidence in your application and improves your chances of approval and the faster you or your references provide information and submit documents, the more likely your application will be considered.

Best of luck and we hope to see your application soon!