If you’re applying for a rental in Australia without any rental history, you’re already at a disadvantage and most people don’t realise how tough it really is until they’ve been rejected multiple times.
Rental history is one of the first things agents look for. Without it, even the strongest applications are often overlooked. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve done everything right.
But while getting approved is still possible, the reality is that most renters without rental history face a much harder road.
Why You Need Rental History to Get Approved for a Rental
Rental history tells agents how long you’ve stayed in previous homes, whether you paid on time, and how well you looked after the property. It helps them feel confident that you’ll be a safe, responsible tenant.
When there’s no history to refer to, many agents simply move on, especially in a market where they’re choosing between 20 or more applicants for one property.
We talked more about this in Why It’s So Hard to Get a Rental in Sydney Right Now, where we break down what agents actually look for and why having the right strategy makes all the difference.
What Most Renters End Up Doing and Why It Doesn’t Work
Without rental history, renters often feel like they have no choice but to take whatever they can get. We’ve seen it many times:
Choosing lower-quality homes just to get approved
Accepting properties with poor conditions or far from study/work locations
Responding to private listings that offer no legal protections
Submitting application after application with no feedback or response
Some even ask a parent or friend to apply for them instead, but these workarounds don’t solve the underlying problem.
They don’t build your rental profile, and often lead to more issues down the track.
We explained how these situations lead to rejection in Why Rental Applications Get Rejected and How to Avoid It including mistakes many renters don’t realise they’re making.
The Real Reason Some First-Time Renters Still Get Approved
It’s not luck. It’s not about offering more rent or having perfect paperwork.
The difference usually comes down to how they apply, not what they apply with.
Applications submitted through experienced profiles, ones that agents already know and trust are viewed differently. Instead of feeling risky, the renter is backed by a structure that already works.
If you’re unsure what’s considered a strong application, we covered this in Documents You Need to Apply for a Rental in NSW and how missing even one item can impact your chances.
We See It Every Week
We regularly support renters who’ve been turned down multiple times, only to get approved once they stop applying alone and instead apply through the right structure.
When a trusted leaseholder applies on your behalf, with existing rental history, references, and a proven track record. It shifts the agent’s mindset. You’re no longer “unproven”, you’re part of something that works.
Final Thought
Can you get approved without rental history? Yes, but not by doing the same things everyone else is doing.
You don’t have to settle for a place you don’t want.
You don’t have to chase agents or apply endlessly.
And you don’t need to take risks with unprotected rentals.
There’s a better way and it’s already helping renters just like you get approved every week.
Ready to make your rental application count?
We’ve helped countless renters secure great homes without the stress, rejections, or delays.
Learn how we can help at findmyhomeaus.com