FAQ Tenancy Application

New standardised tenancy application forms

The Victorian Government has introduced a new standard tenancy application form to create a more consistent and transparent rental process across the state. 

From 31 March 2026, all rental providers and their agents are required to use the prescribed form when receiving applications for rental agreements.

Set out in regulation, the new form is designed to streamline the application process and establish clear guidelines around the type of information that can be requested from prospective tenants. 

For more information please visit the Consumer Affairs Website here.

Information for owners:

1. What has changed?
The information that may be collected from applicants is restricted to the questions set out in the Government’s standardised application form. This requirement is intended to ensure that Rental Providers only collect information that is reasonably necessary to assess the suitability of a prospective renter for the property.

2. What should I be assessing?
Rental Providers should be assessing applications on an objective basis, and consider factors such as the applicant’s rental history (including timeliness of rent payments and the condition in which previous properties were maintained), their financial capacity to meet rental obligations (as demonstrated through income verification), and the consistency of information provided across supporting documents and referee checks.

3. What if I require more information?
Agents and Rental Providers may only request information or ask questions that are reasonably necessary to verify the details and supporting documents provided by applicants for the purpose of assessing a rental application.

4. How can we assess for Pets?
Agents and rental providers must not ask whether an applicant has a pet as part of the rental application assessment process.
However, under current legislation, renters are required to seek permission to keep a pet at the premises. To facilitate this process, renters must submit a separate Pet Request Form.

5. Prohibited Questions - The below list includes examples of questions that rental providers are not permitted to ask.

• Personal background including: gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, political beliefs
• Disability (physical, sensory, intellectual disability and any mental illness)
• Marital Status
• Reason for renting
• Children: age, gender
• Rental Bond & VCAT/Court History  
• Employment: Duration, status of probation. A reference check cannot be completed by an employer unless the applicant has provided consent.
• Bank Statements: We cannot ask applicants to disclose daily transactions
• Pets

In accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, rental providers and agents must not collect more personal information than is reasonably necessary in assessing the suitability of a rental applicant, other than to verify what is included within the application form.

Information for rental applicants:

1. Who is required to complete in an application form?
All individuals over the age of 18 years old who intend to reside at the premises are required to complete a separate application form.

2. What identity documents do I need to provide for the application?
The Agent will outline which two types of document are required to verify your identity as per section 7 (page 3) of the application form.
 

3.What if I do not have the identity documents required by the Agent within this form?
You may discuss with the Agent which other alternative documents may be suitable for the purpose of verifying your identity – the form also provides a list of other appropriate documents.

4. Can I still provide an ‘About Me’ page, ‘Pet Resume’ or any other extra information for the Rental Provider to consider my application? 
The assessment of suitability by the Rental Provider and the Agent is strictly limited to the information contained within the rental application. 
Any information voluntarily submitted outside the application will not be considered as part of the formal assessment.

5. What documents can I provide if I am self-employed?
You may discuss with the Agent which alternative documents are suitable for the purpose of verifying your income. Consider documents that can support the information you have provided in your application – e.g tax returns, BAS statements and a letter from your accountant.
 

6. This is the first time I’ve moved out of home and I do not have a rental reference. Who would be the next best appropriate referees?
To assess the suitability of your application, the Rental Provider will consider relevant information such as your ability to pay rent on time, your capacity to maintain the premises in a clean and reasonable condition, and your financial ability to meet the rental obligations.

You may nominate appropriate personal or professional referees who can provide information to support and verify these criteria.

7. If my application is unsuccessful will I need to complete another application to apply for another property advertised by your office?
If you would like us to retain your application for consideration for another property under our management, you must provide written consent to the Agent authorising the use of your application for that purpose.

If your application is unsuccessful and you do not provide consent for us to retain this document for other properties we manage, we are required by law to securely destroy your application within 30 days after the property has been leased to another applicant.
 
8. If I get approved for an application, how do I connect Utility at a property? 
Once your application is approved and your rental agreement has been signed, we’ll arrange for your water account to be set up with the relevant water authority.

1. Do I need to organise my own utilities?
   Should you wish to transfer your existing utilities accounts to the new property you are more than welcome to arrange your own gas, electricity, and internet services.
2. Can you help me connect my utilities?
   With your consent, our agents can contact a service provider on your behalf to help organise your connections.

9. What if I have a Pet?
The status of you being a pet owner does not impact on the assessment of your application.

However, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, requires all renters who wish to keep a pet at the premises seek consent from the Residential Provider. To seek consent, please fill in the renter pet application form attached.

More questions?

If you have any further questions or require assistance, please reach out to Jellis Craig office listed in the application form.