Use the prescribed Victorian form
Since 31 March 2026, rental providers and agents must use the prescribed application form. Download it through Consumer Affairs Victoria’s guidance.
Complete the relevant fields accurately and keep a copy. Check the property address and intended move-in date before submitting.
Know the document limits
Requests are limited to two identity documents and two documents from the specified financial-evidence list. Questions outside the form, including rental dispute and bond-claim history, are prohibited.
Bank transaction details are not required. Without regular income, ask which permitted alternatives can show your financial capacity.
Check the bond and first rent payment
The bond is usually limited to one month’s rent. Exceptions can apply, including when weekly rent exceeds $900; check the current bond guidance for your agreement.
Advance rent is generally limited to one month. If rent is paid weekly, the limit is 14 days. Different limits apply above $900 per week. One calendar month is not the same as four weeks, so ask for the payment dates and calculation.
A holding deposit must be returned when the agreement is signed. If no agreement is signed within 14 days, it must be refunded by the next business day.
Prepare without a previous lease
Make a short list of your actual living arrangements and relevant referees before filling out the form. If a field assumes you have rented before, explain that this is your first tenancy and ask how to complete it.
Keep your explanation factual: when you can move, how you expect to meet the rent and who can verify relevant information. A well-organised application makes your circumstances easier to assess, but does not guarantee approval.
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General information for private residential rentals, based on the official sources linked here. Rules can change and different arrangements, including rooming accommodation and social housing, may have different requirements. Check the relevant authority for advice about your situation. Suggest a correction.