Renting in Perth from Overseas: How to Actually Get a Rental

Finding a rental was one of the most stressful parts of our move. Perth's rental market can be competitive, and when you're applying from the other side of the world, you start at a disadvantage: no Australian rental history, no local references and often no Australian job yet.

The good news is that it's very possible. Here's what we learned, and what we now help people with every week.

This is general information, not legal advice. Tenancy rules in Western Australia are set by the Residential Tenancies Act and are explained clearly by Consumer Protection WA, so check there for the latest.

How renting works in Perth

Most rentals are listed on the big property portals, mainly realestate.com.au and Domain. Most are managed by a real estate agent (a "property manager") rather than the landlord directly.

The usual process looks like this:

You find a listing and register for a home open (a scheduled viewing, often only 15 minutes long).
You or someone on your behalf views the property.
You apply, usually through an online platform the agent uses.
The agent checks your application and references, and puts the best applicants to the landlord.
If you're approved, you sign the lease, pay the bond and rent in advance, and get the keys.

Leases are commonly six or twelve months. Bonds in WA are generally capped at four weeks' rent (with some exceptions for higher-rent homes) and must be lodged with the Bond Administrator, not kept by the agent. If you have a pet, a separate pet bond may apply.

Why it's harder from overseas

Put yourself in the property manager's shoes. They want a tenant who will pay on time, look after the place and stay. With a local applicant, they can call a previous Perth agent and see Australian payslips. With you, they see a stranger with UK documents who hasn't even seen the home. Your job is to remove every bit of doubt.

Build a rental application pack before you arrive

This is the single biggest thing you can do. Have everything ready in one PDF so you can apply within minutes of a viewing. Include:

A short cover letter about who you are, why you're moving, your work and how long you plan to stay.
ID: passport and visa grant notice.
Proof of income: an Australian job offer or contract if you have one. If not, recent UK payslips, an employer letter, or proof of savings to show you can comfortably cover the rent.
Rental history: a reference from your UK landlord or letting agent, and proof you paid rent on time (bank statements work).
If you owned your home: mortgage statements or a letter from your lender showing a good payment record.
Personal and work references who are happy to take a call or email from Australia (remind them about the time difference).
A pet résumé if you have a pet: a photo, age, vaccinations, training, and references from previous landlords. Norman's got him a long way.

Keep the pack tidy, consistent and easy to read. Property managers go through a lot of applications, and a clear, complete one stands out.

Viewings when you're not here yet

Many agents prefer you to view in person, or have someone view for you, before they'll consider your application. Some options:

Arrive first, rent second. Book a few weeks of short-term accommodation and do viewings in person. This is the most reliable route and the one we'd recommend for most people.
Ask for a video walkthrough. Some agents will do one, especially if you come across as organised and serious.
Send a friend or a paid viewer. Someone you trust can attend, take video and ask questions for you.

Never sign a lease or pay money for a property that nobody you trust has seen in person.

Tips that make a real difference

Apply fast. Good rentals can go quickly. Have your pack ready and apply the same day you view.
Be flexible. On move-in date, suburb and property type. Your first rental doesn't have to be your forever home.
Follow up politely. A short, friendly email to the property manager after the viewing helps them remember you.
Get an Australian phone number as soon as you can. Agents call, and they don't always call back.
Offer more rent in advance if you can afford it and are comfortable doing so. It's your choice to offer, but it can reassure a landlord when you have no local history.
Be honest. If you don't have a job yet, say so and show savings. Gaps that are explained are far better than gaps that look hidden.

Consider a room first

If you're moving alone or as a couple without kids, renting a room in a share house for your first few months can take a lot of pressure off. You build local rental history, learn the suburbs, and can then apply for your own place with Perth references.

Our free Perth Room Finder lists rooms across Perth, including FIFO-friendly options where you can share with someone on the opposite swing.

Avoiding rental scams

Scammers target new arrivals because they know you can't easily check a property. Warning signs:

The rent is much lower than similar homes nearby.
The "landlord" is overseas and can't show you the property.
You're asked to pay a bond or rent before viewing, or by gift card, crypto or an unusual transfer.
Pressure to decide immediately.

In WA, your bond should be lodged with the Bond Administrator, and you should get a written lease and a property condition report. If anything feels off, walk away. Scamwatch has more on common scams.

Once you're approved

Read the lease before signing, including any special conditions.
Check the property condition report carefully and add photos of anything already damaged. This protects your bond when you move out.
Set up utilities and internet in your name.
Get contents insurance. The landlord's insurance doesn't cover your belongings.

Want help with your application?

We help people build rental application packs, shortlist suburbs and plan viewings before they land. We don't act as a real estate agent or negotiate leases, but we'll make sure your application is as strong as it can be. Start with a $79 planning call and we'll look at your situation together.

Still planning the bigger picture? Read our complete guide to moving to Perth from the UK.

Hero photo: Modern apartments in North Coogee by Orderinchaos, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0). General information only, correct to the best of our knowledge on 13 October 2026. We don't give visa or migration advice.