Renting in 2025: What Tenants Want & What Rental Providers Need

Renting in 2025: What Tenants Want & What Rental Providers Need

How Can We Meet in the Middle 🏡

If you’ve stepped into the rental market lately, you’ll know it’s not exactly a walk in the park (unless that park is packed with 40 other people all applying for the same property 😅).

Tenants are battling queues at open homes, rental providers are juggling rising costs and new regulations, and property managers are right there in the middle trying to keep the peace.

So what does renting in 2025 really look like? What do tenants expect, what do rental providers want, and how do we stop this feeling like a boxing match and start treating it like a partnership? Let’s break it down.

Tenant Expectations in 2025 🙋‍♀️

1. A fair go on rent.
Nobody expects bargain prices in today’s market, but tenants do want affordability. Rent that swallows half your income? That’s not living, that’s surviving. Transparent pricing and no sneaky extras = happy renters. For example, knowing upfront about water or utility costs avoids surprises and keeps everyone smiling (and paying on time 😅).

2. Homes that feel like… homes.
Working heating and cooling, a decent kitchen, water pressure that doesn’t drop to a trickle, and Wi-Fi that doesn’t crash during Netflix night. These aren’t luxuries anymore—they’re bare minimums. Tenants are looking for a space where they can relax, cook, and binge-watch without stressing over whether the shower will run hot or the router will disconnect mid-show.

3. Quick responses.
If a tap is leaking or the heater dies mid-July, tenants want action yesterday. Delayed repairs = frustrated tenants = higher chance of them moving on. A simple call or message letting them know the issue is being handled can prevent small problems from snowballing.

4. Stability.
Short leases are nerve-wracking. Tenants value security—they want to know that if they respect the property, they won’t be forced to move every 12 months. Knowing they have a home for the foreseeable future gives peace of mind and encourages them to look after the property.

Rental Provider Expectations in 2025 🧑‍💼

1. Rent on time.
Simple, but vital. Mortgage repayments don’t wait, and neither do insurance bills.

2. Respect for the property.
Wear and tear? Totally fine. Punching holes in walls or leaving pet “surprises” in the carpet? Not so much—unless you want to spend your weekend with a plunger and a paintbrush. 🪛🎨

3. Honest communication.
Lost your job? Taking in a new housemate? Life happens—but rental providers appreciate hearing about it early, not three months down the track. A quick update goes a long way in preventing unnecessary stress.

4. A decent return.
Rental providers aren’t running a charity—they need the rent to cover rising costs, keep the home maintained, and still make the investment worthwhile. They want tenants who are reliable and who respect the property, helping their investment remain in top shape.

So… How Hard Is It Really to Find a Rental? 🎢

In short: it’s tough. Vacancy rates are still at rock-bottom, competition is fierce, and many tenants are attending inspection after inspection only to get knocked back.

For families, pet owners, or single-income households, the challenge is even greater. At times, it feels less like renting a home and more like auditioning for The Block—but without the prize money at the end. The pressure can be exhausting, and sometimes all it takes is being slightly late to an open home or missing a document to lose out.

Making Life Easier for Tenants ✨

Tenants can’t control the market, but they can stand out:

  • 📂 Be application-ready: Have payslips, IDs, and references ready to go.

  • 📝 Add a personal touch: A rental resume or short letter about who you are helps humanise the application.

  • 🌏 Stay flexible: Widen your search area or compromise on that extra bathroom. Sometimes a slightly smaller backyard or a 10-minute longer commute can mean the difference between getting a place or missing out.

  • 🤝 Make a good impression: Be polite, punctual, and proactive—it counts.

Making Life Easier for Rental Providers 🏠

Rental providers who want top-tier tenants should consider:

  • 🧹 Presentation: A clean, well-maintained property will attract better applicants (and lease faster).

  • 🐾 Pets allowed: A simple yes here opens up a huge pool of responsible renters.

  • 📅 Longer leases: Stability is attractive for both sides—tenants get security, landlords get guaranteed rent.

  • 💬 Clear communication: Set expectations from the start and avoid headaches later.

The Secret Ingredient: Compromise ❤️

Here’s the truth: tenants and rental providers actually want the same thing—a stress-free, stable arrangement. The magic happens when both sides meet halfway.

  • Rental Providers: Be fair with rent increases, fix things promptly, and remember—this isn’t just a property, it’s someone’s home.

  • Tenants: Respect the property, pay on time, and be open if something changes.

  • Both: Remember there’s a human on the other side of the lease. Life throws curveballs—whether it’s a broken heater or a surprise pet adoption—but empathy goes a long way. A quick text or call can prevent a small issue from turning into a bigger headache.

Looking Ahead 🚀

Renting in 2025 may be challenging, but with honesty, communication, and a willingness to compromise, it doesn’t have to feel like a battlefield. Tenants find homes that suit their needs, rental providers secure reliable renters, and property managers get to see the magic happen—happy homes all around.

Whether you’re looking to rent, lease, or simply get advice, being proactive and working together is the secret to success. After all, a positive rental experience benefits everyone—and that’s a win worth striving for.

Need Help Navigating the Rental Market in 2025? 🏡

At Us Real Estate, our Property Management team isn’t just about collecting rent or fixing a leaky tap—we’re here to help tenants and rental providers find common ground. From understanding lease agreements to navigating rental applications, we make the process smoother, fairer, and less stressful for everyone.

We stay on top of Victorian legislation, ATO rules, and market trends so you don’t have to stress over compliance, paperwork, or tricky rental negotiations.

Whether you’re a tenant looking for your next home, a landlord wanting reliable renters, or simply have questions about your rights and responsibilities, our team is ready to provide honest, practical advice.

Reach Out to Our Property Management Experts:
📞 Tamika Thurgood – 0401 431 484
✉️ [email protected]

📞 Monique Robins – 03 8762 0128
✉️ [email protected]

Pro tip: The earlier you get your property ready or your application in, the easier the process. Happy tenants, happy landlords, and fewer last-minute headaches—because nobody wants to be scrambling at the 11th hour. ⏰