The Insider’s Guide to Renting a House
As housing prices continue to increase in the major cities and demand for rental properties grows, securing your ideal rental can sometimes feel like an impossible task. Between jostling your way into countless open homes each Saturday and feeling obliged to offer above the listed rental price (or even paying upfront), the rental game is tough. To help breakdown the process, we spoke with Property Management Director for Belle Property Avalon, Laura Mears, to get her expert advice on how to make the renting process as stress-free as possible. Here are some simple (and cheaper) ways to stand out from the crowd.
What property managers and landlords looking for in a tenant
It’s not uncommon to turn up to an open house and find a crowd of twenty-plus people viewing the same property. So, what will set you apart from the rest?
Reliable and stable employment
Ideally, property managers and landlords are looking for tenants with secure employment who are able to demonstrate a stable tenancy background.
Easy to deal with
We do tend to gravitate towards tenants who seem like they would be easy to deal with during the tenancy. If someone has been pleasant and easy to deal with during the application process, they stand a better chance of winning the tenancy.
Organised and prepared
A lack of organisation is one of the most common reasons why prospective tenants lose out on rental properties.
How to make a solid first impression at the open home
Arrive on time
It’s really difficult to make appointments at tenanted properties, so if you can’t turn up to the inspection on time, then your chances of winning the property are significantly lessened.
Tenants who are keen to impress should make sure they turn up at the scheduled time, look presentable and have all the required documentation ready to go to improve their chances of impressing a landlord or property manager.
Open homes only last for 30-45mins, so it’s best to get in early to avoid missing out or forcing the Property Manager to stay longer.
Make sure you are well-presented
Make the effort to look good on the inside and out. A smart-casual outfit and a positive attitude will put you in good stead for a long day of open home hopping.
If you are interested in the property, let the Property Manager know
Make your interest known to the Property Manager before you leave. This will help them put a face to the name when you submit your application.
How to get your application noticed
Competition in the rental market is fierce, especially if you are looking in and around the city. Here are some tips on how to get your application to the top of the pile.
Prepare your application as if it is a job interview
They complete all the information requested on the application, itemise their 100 points of ID and provide all the financial and reference items requested. The best applicants will even submit a cover letter explaining who they are.
Provide all the information
When putting in your application, make sure you’re fully prepared and provide all the information that is requested.
Review the application before submitting
Ask yourself: “Have you provided all the documentation that is required? Have you included current pay slips and rental ledgers?
When you keep getting knocked back…
If you’ve ever missed out to another tenant on a lease application, then you’re not alone. These are some sure-fire ways to help you get approved on your next application.
Have you provided detailed information around your income?
A frequent mistake tenants make when applying for properties is submitting incomplete tenancy applications, and not providing proof of income. This can be a bit of a warning sign to property managers and landlords. If you’re unable to provide proof of income when asked, is there a possible issue with your employment?
Constantly re-evaluate your application process
Take a step back and look at how you have been preparing your application. Property managers don’t always have the time to chase you up, so if these documents are missing, you lessen your chances of being selected.
Ask for feedback from the Property Manager’s you have dealt with
If you miss out on a property you were really keen on, let the property manager know and ask if they have any feedback which might help your future application.
Good agents will be able to help you rectify any flaws, and by building up a rapport with them, you might find they are able to help you secure a property next time round.
