The Rental Résumé That Gets Perth Landlords to Say Yes

Finding a rental in Perth can feel overwhelming.

If you've spent any time reading Facebook groups or Reddit before your move, you've probably seen the horror stories.

"We've applied for 30 properties."

"We've been here for weeks and still haven't found somewhere."

"We keep getting rejected."

It's enough to make anyone anxious.

The reality? Perth's rental market can be competitive, but a strong application gives you a much better chance of standing out.

When we relocated from Liverpool to Perth, we weren't just looking for a home — we were looking for somewhere our family could start a new chapter. We also had our English Bulldog, Tassie, which added another layer of concern.

Thankfully, it is possible. Preparation makes a huge difference.

Think of your rental application like a job interview

Most people focus on finding the perfect property.

I think the bigger focus should be on becoming the strongest applicant.

Property managers often receive multiple applications for the same home. They need confidence that you'll be a reliable tenant who pays rent on time and looks after the property.

Your application is your opportunity to build that confidence.

Start preparing before you arrive

One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until you've landed in Australia before gathering documents.

Instead, prepare everything in advance.

Create a folder containing:

• Passport
• Visa documents
• Employment contract or job offer
• Recent payslips (if available)
• Bank statements
• Previous rental references
• Identification documents
• Pet information (if applicable)

Having everything ready means you can apply quickly when the right property appears.

Create a professional rental résumé

This is one of the simplest ways to stand out.

Include:

• A short introduction about yourself and your family.
• Employment details.
• Why you're moving to Perth.
• Rental history.
• A few personal details that help paint a picture of who you are.
• A recent family photo if you're comfortable including one.

You're not trying to impress anyone — you're helping the property manager see the people behind the application.

Moving with pets? Don't assume it's impossible.

One of the biggest worries we had was relocating with our English Bulldog.

Would landlords even consider us?

Many do.

The key is providing reassurance.

Include:

• A recent photo of your pet.
• Vaccination records if available.
• Information about temperament.
• Previous rental history with pets.
• References if you have them.

Responsible pet owners are often welcomed — you just need to demonstrate that responsibility.

Apply quickly — but don't rush

Good properties can receive applications very quickly.

That doesn't mean you should submit an incomplete application.

Double-check every document. Make sure names match. Ensure contact details are correct.

A well-presented application is always better than a rushed one.

Be realistic with your budget

One of the hardest conversations we have with relocating families is around rental expectations.

Sometimes the suburb you've imagined simply doesn't fit the budget.

That's okay.

There are fantastic communities throughout Perth offering excellent value, particularly if you're open to exploring different areas.

Being flexible often opens up far more opportunities.

Don't underestimate communication

If a property manager asks for more information, respond promptly.

Be polite. Be professional.

Remember, they're managing dozens of applications.

Making their job easier can leave a positive impression.

Rejection doesn't always mean something is wrong

This is probably the biggest message I want people to hear.

Being unsuccessful doesn't necessarily mean your application wasn't good.

Sometimes another applicant simply offered more.

Sometimes the owner preferred a different lease length.

Sometimes the timing just wasn't right.

Try not to take it personally. Keep refining your application and stay consistent.

Local knowledge matters

Choosing the right suburb can sometimes be just as important as the application itself.

A slightly different suburb may offer:

• Better availability.
• Better value for money.
• Shorter competition lists.
• A lifestyle that actually suits your family better.

This is where having someone who knows Perth can make a real difference.

Looking back...

If I could give one piece of advice to the version of myself sitting in Liverpool, stressing about rentals, it would be this:

"Preparation reduces panic."

The more organised you are before you arrive, the more confident you'll feel when the right property comes along.

Need help navigating Perth's rental market?

At LRS Down Under, helping families prepare strong rental applications is one of the things we're most passionate about.

From suburb recommendations and application guidance to property inspections and honest local advice, we're here to help make one of the biggest parts of your move feel a little less overwhelming.

Because we've been exactly where you are.