A Sydney comedian was approved for a flat after sending multiple references, until he asked for the same in return.
Tom Cashman asked the real estate agent if the owner would provide a reference from a previous tenant of theirs recommending them.
"They ask me for like three references to see if I'm a good guy, what about them?" Cashman said on his TikTok.
"If we all start asking for this it could become a thing."
His video documenting the process has gained over 2 million views on TikTok.
The real estate agent, Stephanie, said the owner would not provide a reference because they were not in contact with their previous tenants, but Cashman decided to pursue further.
"This is where I get a little bit cheeky," he said. "I assumed the owner or the real estate would have the previous tenants' email address."
He emailed Stephanie confirming whether the owner has no tenants' email addresses to give them a reference, to which the real estate agent responded no.
"The owner does not wish to contact the previous tenants and it is not a requirement," Stephanie responded in an email.
"All the best with your property search."
In the same minute, Cashman received a notification that his rental application had been withdrawn.
He emailed Stephanie back saying he had seen she had withdrawn his application.
"Is this because I asked for a reference? I'm sorry if you thought it was an unreasonable request," Cashman said.
Stephanie responded one last time, "the owner prefers a long term lease period. Kind regards".
Cashman said that was not an issue when he applied.
"In conclusion, I think asking for a reference is a good idea. However, if they can't find anyone, I would advise rubbing their nose in it, because they will immediately reject your application," he said.
Cashman says it is an effective way to find out if a landlord is good to their tenants.
He admitted it wasn't his favourite apartment and he will continue looking.
