Is a rental application legally binding the moment I submit it?

I've been looking for a place to rent in Sydney and after a few weeks of not finding any we've liked have found two today. We're going to apply for our first preference but in case we get rejected I would like to also apply for the second.

If both are accepted would I be legally bound to the second? Are there repercussions in applying for the second and then rejecting it later (application then rejection stored in a tenancy database?). From what I've read it seems like I am not legally bound to anything until I sign the lease agreement which would happen after my application has been accepted?

Thanks

 

Depends what your "application" paperwork says.

 

Is the application a legally binding contract? kind of like when you put your hand up at Auction?

 

About three years ago I applied for four places over a weekend in Sydney. Got emails saying I had been accepted for three of them and one required further information (perhaps ironically it was tip of a place that wanted more info).

Signed the agreement of the one we wanted and informed the others we had already found a place. It didn't cause any problems for us.

That is my experience from a practical standpoint.

 

Depends on the wording but usually it's for the dirty landlord to check you out. Plus there are often things that can't be filled out or variables to confirm before signing an official contract.
Go nuts filling them out

 

Only binding once lease is signed. However you may forfeit any holding deposit should you not proceed once the property is held for you

 

Not normally.

 

Ok thanks guys. I'll comb through the agreement but seems like it's generally safe!