Unsuccessful in obtaining a rental property, Miss Faux and her partner are at a loss with what to do next.

With an unblemished rental history and both in long-term full-time employment, the competitive market as got Miss Faux "baffled".

"What I'm finding is some of the houses which are available aren't in the location we are after," she said.

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"There are so many people applying for the one house - the competition is really tough and not sure what more we can do.

"We have one cat - which we're undecided if we will take with us and we have guinea pigs.

"We're not sure if that is a black mark against our names but guinea pigs are kept in cages and don't make a mess or noise."

Ms Faux, 25 and her partner 30, have rented in the past. The couple is ready to take the next step in their relationship and move in together in a rental property before committing to purchasing a house together.

"We've never had this trouble renting previously," Miss Faux said.

"We're living together at the moment at my partner's father's house - so we're not in a dire position but it would nice to have our own space."

Rental vacancy rates in Horsham have reached a nine-year low, according to data released by SQM Research.

Rates fell to 0.6 per cent in September - the lowest rate since November 2011 - with just 14 vacant rentals available in the 3400 postcode.

"We have a very modest budget and together have the ability to commit to over $300 a week in rent," Miss Faux said.

"There isn't much to choose from in that price bracket and if there is, it's not in a location we would prefer.

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"I would have thought more than $300 a week was more than enough to budget to rent a place to live.

"It's probably a lot cheaper to save up for a despot on a house and buy one - we've been discussing that as well.

"But we've only been together for two years - we want to move in together first before taking that big step."

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