7 Tips to Make Your Rental Application Shine in Adelaide’s Market

With immigration on the rise, Adelaide’s rental market is more competitive than ever. Strong demand continues to drive fierce competition among renters, but with the right rental application strategy, you can stand out from the crowd.

We’ve gathered top tips from OC’s property management experts to help you secure your dream rental this New Year:

Tip 1 //  Nail the Basics – Complete Applications Win the Race

“Not providing all their reference details is the most common mistake renters make. This delays the processing of their application.” – Rose Liston, PM Team Leader

Don’t leave anything blank. Your rental application should be a no-fuss, ready-to-process masterpiece. Include all the essentials: photo ID, proof of income, rental history, and references. Bonus points if you’ve already given your referees a heads-up—they’ll thank you for it when the calls start rolling in.

Tip 2 // Show You’re Reliable

“Positive rental history detailing tenants who pay rent on time, present the property well, and communicate effectively really stands out.” – Merina Caputo, PM Operations Coordinator

Think of your application as a snapshot of your reliability. Highlight your track record: on-time rent payments, well-maintained properties, and stellar communication skills. If you’re new to renting, lean on references that speak to your character, like employers or personal referees.

Tip 3 // Prove Affordability

“Make sure you’ve applied for a property within your affordability so that it doesn’t stretch your budget.” – Adam Blight, PM Director

Landlords want peace of mind that you won’t be under financial strain. Show your budget maths: earning 3x the monthly rent is a good rule of thumb. Include payslips, bank statements, or a letter from your employer to back it up.

Tip 4 // Get Reference-Ready

“References are crucial because they paint the picture for the landlord.” – Rose Liston, PM Team Leader
“A strong reference comes from a credible source and provides specific examples of reliability.”– Merina Caputo, PM Operations Coordinator

Your references are your cheer squad. Make sure they’re prepped and ready to back you up. Previous landlords, employers, or even volunteer coordinators can be great options—just ensure they can speak to your reliability and respect for commitments.

Tip 5 // Speed is Your Secret Weapon

“Apply as soon as you’ve viewed the property.” – Rose Liston, PM Team Leader
“Be proactive and prepared. Respond quickly to property listings.”– Adam Blight, PM Director

Time is of the essence in Adelaide’s rental market. View the property, then submit your application without delay. The faster you’re in, the better your chances of standing out among the sea of other applicants.

Tip 6 // Make a Great First Impression

“Make a positive impression at the open inspection.” – Adam Blight, PM Director

You don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Be punctual, polite, and show genuine interest during the property inspection. A friendly chat with the property manager can make your name stand out when they’re reviewing applications.

Tip 7 // Stay Flexible in a Tough Market

“The rental market is dynamic, especially in Adelaide, where demand often surpasses supply in sought-after suburbs.” – Merina Caputo, PM Operations Coordinator

If you’re struggling to land your dream rental, keep your options open. Expand your search radius, consider short-term solutions, or look at properties slightly under budget to give you breathing room for rising costs.

 

Securing a rental doesn’t have to be a battle if you’ve got your game face on. Looking for expert advice or the latest listings? Contact OC Property Management today and let us help you find your perfect rental home.