If you have never rented property before, you may feel caught in the middle.

Many first-time tenants worry that because they cannot prove a rental history, they will not be able to rent a property - leading to a catch-22-type situation.

Fortunately, every tenant has been a first-time renter at some point and there are a number of things you can do to strengthen your application.

An agent or property manager will be mainly concerned with an applicant's ability to pay the rent, as well as their ability to take care of the property and comply with the terms and conditions of the tenancy.

The information you should supply will vary depending on your previous circumstances - for example, if you were previously living in student accommodation, you may wish to provide the details of the person who was in charge of managing the complex.

If you previously owned your own home and have sold the property, the agent who handled the sale may be able to act as a reference for you.

And if you are currently living with your parents, you will require personal references. In some situations, you may also choose to have a parent co-sign your tenancy with you.

Examples of documentation you can provide that will help a property investment manager make these decisions include:

• Verification of employment
• Verification of income
• Reference from employer or fellow staff member
• Reference from neighbour/teacher/business person/doctor/accountant
• Photo identification - driver's licence/passport/student ID
• Personal references - these should not be from relatives
• Last gas/electricity/phone bill or rates notice