What information should i include in my rental application? 

Highlands Property | October 2026

A good rental application gives the property manager the information reasonably needed to confirm who you are, whether you can meet the rent and whether you're likely to care for the property. It should be complete and accurate without providing large amounts of personal information that have no bearing on the tenancy.

NSW Fair Trading specifically recommends that landlords, agents and application platforms collect only the minimum personal information reasonably necessary to assess an application.

What documents will usually help support my application?

You may be asked for identification, evidence showing your capacity to pay the rent and information about your rental history.

NSW Fair Trading gives examples such as a current rental ledger and income information such as a payslip. If you don't receive a regular employment income, other evidence may be considered instead.

Previous rental references can also help show that you have looked after a property and met your tenancy obligations.

Do I need to provide lots of identification?

Not necessarily.

NSW Fair Trading's privacy guidance says agents should only request what is reasonably necessary to verify identity. It gives sighting identification rather than keeping unnecessary copies as an example of better privacy practice.

That is particularly important given the amount of personal information contained in passports, licences and other identity documents.

What if I'm asked for bank statements?

If evidence of savings is needed because you do not have conventional payslips, NSW Fair Trading recommends allowing applicants to redact everyday transaction history and provide the information actually needed to demonstrate their financial position.

Your grocery purchases or where you had coffee last Tuesday generally have nothing to do with whether you can sustain a tenancy.

Should I include a long personal letter?

You can provide relevant information that helps explain your application, but more information is not automatically better.

For most applications, a clear and complete application is more useful than a lengthy personal story. Make sure your contact details are correct, required documents are attached and your referees know they may be contacted.

The main assessment should relate to matters such as capacity to pay the rent and likely conduct of the tenancy.

Do I need to pay for a background or credit check?

A prospective tenant cannot be charged extra fees associated with searching for, applying for or starting a tenancy, including fees for background checks. These protections have applied in NSW since 31 October 2024.

NSW Fair Trading's privacy guidance also states that there is no obligation for a prospective tenant to provide a consumer credit report to a real estate agent.

What makes an application easier to assess?

Completeness helps.

Submit the information requested, make sure it is readable, provide current supporting information and let your referees know an agent may contact them. If something about your circumstances is unusual, a short explanation can often be more useful than leaving the property manager to guess.

If you're applying for one of our rental properties in Bowral, Moss Vale or elsewhere in the Southern Highlands and you're unsure what to provide, contact the Highlands Property team and we would be happy to help.