Guide to completing your Tenancy Application

An application form is required to be completed by each person listed on a lease.

When an application is complete and includes all supporting documentation we need, we’re able to process it much quicker.

This guide can be used to help you through the application process so we can make the best use of your time.

Identification

We require a total of 100 points of ID which must include:

At least one form of ID from each category
One form of photo ID

Identification categories are below

Category A (Primary Documents) - please include at least one

Passport: 70 points
Citizenship certificate: 70 points
Birth certificate: 70 points
Australian Drivers Licence: 40 points
Photo identification card (government issued): 40 points

Category B (Secondary Documents) - please include at least one

Credit/Debit/Bank card: 25 points
Medicare card: 25 points
Bank statement (showing transactions): 25 points
Australian marriage certificate: 25 points
Centrelink card: 25 points
Property Lease Agreement (current address): 25 points
Utility bill - electricity, gas, telephone (current address): 20 points
Motor vehicle registration: 20 points

Employment and Income

We need to verify your employment status and income. To do so, we require the following:

Your employer’s details, including work email and work phone number
Three of your most recent payslips
Your bank statement displaying income. Statements shouldn't be any older than 1 month. If it is, in addition to this - please supply screenshots or a print out of your recent transactions

If you are recently employed and unable to provide payslips, we require:

A letter from your employer or copy your employment contract showing your annual salary.

We will also request a reference from your employer to confirm your employment status, and suggest you contact them first to help expedite this.

If you are self employed, the documents we require are:

Your most recent tax return
Your company bank statement
An ASIC extract showing office and shareholders
A letter from your accountant confirming your income

As a general rule, we work at a 30% affordability ratio. This means if the rent exceeds 30% of your net income, we may ask you for additional documentation, such as bank statements showing savings, or proof of any other financial support you may receive that can assist in strengthening your application.

Rental History

If you are currently renting or have any rental history, we will obtain a reference from your current agent, previous agent, or landlord, and will notify you when we have done this. You may wish to contact them directly first and let them know.

Please include the following information on the application:

Your current agent/landlord’s details - including a contact number and email address

The property address, rent amount, and lease dates
A copy of your rental ledger showing rental payments
If you're renting from a landlord directly, supply your landlords details (contact number and email) and bank transfer payments

Proof of Current Address

In order to conﬁrm your current living situation and address, please provide:

A utility statement showing your current address, if you are renting or living at home
A copy of your council or water rate notice, if you own the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m a student and have income support, how can I strengthen my application?

Add a guarantor - depending on your aﬀordability ratio, you may wish to add a guarantor such as a parent. Your guarantor will be listed on the lease along with you and assume the same obligations.

I’ve never rented before, will my application be successful?

We understand that not all applicants will have rental history, however if you can demonstrate that you have the capacity to aﬀord the rent and meet the other obligations of a lease, you will have a good chance.

I have a pet, can I bring them with me?

Approvals for pets are usually subject to approval from the landlord as well as the body corporate for strata buildings. If you have a pet, please include a completed pet application form with your application.

How long does it take for an application to get processed?

If the application is ﬁlled in correctly and all the necessary information is provided by the applicant, then generally, it would take up to 24 hours to be processed and receive a response.

How many people are allowed to occupy a property?

This is at the landlord’s discretion, however, generally speaking no more than 2 people in a one-bedroom apartment, 4 people in a two-bedroom apartment, 6 people in a three-bedroom apartment.

How many keys does a tenant get before moving into a property?

It’s compulsory for a landlord to give a key to every tenant on the lease. It’s not compulsory for a landlord to give a key to an occupant.

What bills are a tenant liable to pay?

A tenant is only responsible for payment of the rent, electricity, gas and any other services they engage in, such as the internet.

Does a tenant need to pay for water usage?

A tenant is only responsible for payment of water usage, if the property is individually metered. This is mainly common in houses and newly built apartments.

How much do I have to pay to secure a property?

A minimum one-week deposit is required to secure a property. A property is only reserved for 7 days until a lease is signed. This is not refundable.

When is the balance of the rent and bond paid?

The balance of the bond is due on or before the commencement of the lease term.

When can keys be collected?

Keys can be collected on the day of lease commencement, once the oﬃce opens. Your agent will contact you to book in a suitable time.

What lease term will the landlord consider?

Most landlords will consider lease terms of 6 – 12 months, however most lease terms can be negotiated. A potential applicant can submit their preferred lease term, which we can negotiate with the owner.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: leasing@ch.com.au