Finding tenants yourself is one of the biggest advantages of self-managing. You avoid PM letting fees ($500-$1,500 one-off) and advertising fees ($150-$400) while taking full control of who moves into your property. Here is the complete process for 2026.
Step 1 — Advertise Your Property
To list on REA and Domain as a private landlord, use a third-party listing service:
- realestate.com.au/rent: $200-$350 for a private landlord listing. Highest traffic of any Australian platform.
- domain.com.au: $150-$300 for private landlord listing.
- Snug.com.au: Free advertising with integrated tenant applications and screening. Strongly recommended for self-managed landlords.
- Facebook Marketplace: Free. Effective for affordable properties but requires more screening effort.
Step 2 — Photograph and Write Your Listing
- Use a professional photographer ($150-$300) — quality photos dramatically increase enquiry volume
- List key features in the headline: bedrooms, parking, pet-friendly, proximity to transport
- Be accurate — misleading listings create difficult tenancies from day one
Step 3 — Tenant Applications and Screening
| Check | How to Do It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Identity verification | Photo ID (passport, licence) | Free |
| Income verification | 3 recent payslips or tax return | Free |
| Rental history | Reference from previous PM or landlord | Free |
| Tenancy database check | TICA or Equifax tenant check | $10-$25 |
| Employment verification | Call employer directly | Free |
Step 4 — Lease Agreement
In Victoria, use the Residential Tenancy Agreement (Consumer Affairs Victoria). Complete it online, sign via DocuSign or similar, and lodge the bond with RTBA within 10 business days of receiving it.
Manage your tenant finding and screening with the Collings self-managed landlord platform: collings.com.au/portal
Manage your own rental, the smart way
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