If you have determined that renting is the right option for you, the next important step is to consider how to maximise your chances of securing a rental property.
Step 1: Pre-Inspection
There are a number of documents which are usually required to accompany your rental application. Prior to commencing your search for a rental property you should collate these relevant documents in preparation for when you need to submit an application. This will further improve your chances of securing the property and ensure you are fully prepared to attend inspections.
Important Documentation
| Deposit/rental ledger | This document provides a summary of your payment history for a previous rental property. Created by your previous agent, this document is highly regarded and therefore should be on the top of your priority list. | |
| Reference letters | Any reference letters you may have had from past landlords and employers. This will establish your employment and rental history and may assure the landlord that you are genuine and trustworthy. | |
| Pay slips | Proof of employment, your previous pay slips and bank statements will demonstrate you are financially responsible. | |
| Pet references | If you have a pet it is advised to include a pet reference from your past or current landlord; stating the condition of the property upon vacating and disturbance level from your pet whilst you were living there. | |
| Photo identification | In the form of a driver’s licence or even a passport. | |
| Cover letter | You may even wish to include a cover letter with your application form, reinforcing the reasons why your application should be considered by the agency / landlord. |
Our top tip: Ensure all applicants / housemates have also collated the above documentation. If you are the only one who comes prepared to the inspection, this will slow down your application submission and may result in missing out on securing the property.
Step 2: Scheduling & Attending Inspections
Scheduling An Inspection
Once you have found a property of interest on the web, the first step is to contact a real estate agent and organise an inspection as soon as you possibly can. If they are proving to be difficult to contact, be persistent and keep trying until you succeed.
Our top tip: As the rental market is extremely competitive, we advise you request an application form in order to fill it in beforehand and submit it on the day of the inspection. Alternatively, be prepared with all the required information to fill it in on the spot.
Attending the Inspection
When attending inspections, be sure to make a good first impression. Introduce yourself and be polite, friendly and enthusiastic.
When you are viewing the property, treat it and its belongings with respect. By doing this, the real estate agent will get a preview of how you may act if you lived there. Likewise, if you show your enthusiasm and state why you like the place, it may showcase what kind of tenant you might be: eager and likely to sign a long lease. For more information about key questions you should ask during an open inspection, refer to “Key Questions To Ask Before Signing a Tenancy Agreement”.
If you are happy with the property it is important to be prepared to pay the first month’s rent and a bond should you be successful.
Note: advanced rental and bond payments differ from state to state. For more information about the likely upfront costs you will incur refer to “All You Need to Know About a Bond & Upfront Rental Payment”.
Step 3: Post Inspection
Ensure you follow up with the agent a few days after you have attended the inspection. This will showcase your interest and dedication to the property, as well as guarantee that the agent knows your name, hence becoming more familiar with you and your application.
Other Things to Consider
If you have had any problems in the past which have resulted in a listing with the National Tenancy Database (NTD), it is advised to be honest with the real estate agent/landlord.
This article was written and originally appeared on realestateview.com.au
