Top Tips for Securing a Rental Home in a Tight NSW Market

Melody Concepcion Posted on 15 Jun 2025

Be prepared. Be proactive. Find your next rental with confidence.

Searching for a rental in New South Wales right now? You're not alone - and if you've attended an inspection where the line wrapped around the block, you're likely in what’s called a tight rental market.

In areas with low vacancy rates and limited listings, rental properties often lease within days, with dozens of applications submitted after just one open home. But don’t lose hope - there are smart ways to get ahead, especially if you’re organised and proactive.

At eUmeco Property, we understand the challenges renters face in this market. With over two decades of experience in leasing and property management, our team has seen the ups and downs of the rental cycle - and we’re here to help guide you through it.

Here are our top 8 tips to help you secure a rental home in NSW - even when the market is competitive:

1. Be prepared early

Before you start applying, make sure all your documents are ready to go. Most agents will require:

Proof of income (payslips, bank statements)
Photo ID
Rental history
Employment references
Personal references

Create a Snug profile and upload all your documents so you can apply with one click as soon as a property becomes available.
➡️ Start your Snug profile here

📝 Pro Tip:

Complete every section of the application. Incomplete applications can delay processing or result in being overlooked.
Let your references know in advance so they’re ready to respond quickly when contacted.

2. Know the NSW market

Suburb-by-suburb, rental trends vary. Factors like infrastructure upgrades, university proximity, or local development can impact rent prices and availability.

✅ Research average rents in your preferred areas using realestate.com.au or domain.com.au

✅ Check walkability using walkscore.com

✅ Use NSW Fair Trading or the Tenants’ Union of NSW for suburb-specific rental data

💡 Even moving 5–10km away from a hotspot suburb can offer better availability and save you money.

3. Introduce yourself to local agents

Agents remember applicants who take the time to connect.

✔️ Visit local real estate offices or call ahead
✔️ Be friendly and clear about your rental needs
✔️ Engage with agents at open homes - ask questions and follow up

Building rapport can help keep you front of mind when properties become available.

4. Pre-apply before the open

In high-demand areas, properties can lease after just one open. Pre-applying helps you stay ahead.

If the agency uses Snug, apply directly via the link in the listing. If not, use Snug’s “Apply Anywhere” feature and email your application to the property manager directly.

📞 A quick follow-up message shows you’re organised and serious.

5. Apply for multiple properties

Don’t wait for one outcome before applying elsewhere. Applying to several properties gives you more control and a better sense of what’s out there.

🚫 Note: Rent bidding is illegal in NSW.
Agents are not allowed to encourage or accept offers above the advertised rental price. If you’re asked to do so, report it to NSW Fair Trading.

✅ You can still offer terms like:

A preferred lease start date
A longer lease period
Responsibility for small garden maintenance, if appropriate

6. Secure a strong rental reference

A solid reference from your current or previous property manager carries weight.

✔️ Ensure rent is paid up to date
✔️ Maintain the property well, especially during routine inspections
✔️ Be honest about your plans - your current agent may even know of another suitable property

📣 Let your references know they may be contacted so they can respond promptly.

7. Show who you are in your application

Your rental application is more than just documents - it’s your chance to stand out as a person.

✅ Include a warm, clear ‘About Me’ section
✅ Add extra documents like employment letters or cover notes
✅ Make sure all details (employment, rental history, ID) are up to date

8. Have pets? Create a pet profile 🐾

Applying with pets? Be transparent and show that you're a responsible pet owner.

Include a pet introduction letter with:

Name, breed, age, and temperament
Vet details and vaccination records
A friendly photo
Any training or previous rental experience

This helps reassure landlords and shows you’ve considered your responsibilities.

🔑 Final Tip: Stay patient and persistent

Renting in a tight market can feel tough, but the right property will come - especially when you're prepared and proactive. Use each application as an opportunity to refine your approach.

If you're looking for a rental in Sydney and want support through the process, our team at eUmeco Property is here to help.

📩 Get in touch or browse available properties at eumeco.com.au