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Tips to get your rental application accepted

If you have found a property you would like to rent, the next step is to complete an application form. The application form is your way of showing the landlord and the agent that you are the best candidate for the property, that you are able to pay the rent and that you will look after the property as specified in the tenancy agreement. Your application is reviewed against all the other applicants so making sure yours stands out is important.

“There are a number of documents that are often required to accompany your application, this may seem painful & time consuming but remember, the more information you can supply to support your application from the very beginning – the better your chances are of being the successful applicant!”

What should be included in your rental application

Rental Resume
To help save time and to show you are super keen to rent the property, consider compiling a rental resume and bringing a printed copy to the viewing. Make sure you include your personal details, your education, current employment details, salary, rental history, references and contact details. Making a good first impression with a document such as this may help your application.

Photo Identification
This may be one of the more obvious pieces of paperwork, but it’s also one of the most important. Put yourself in the landlord’s shoes – would you allow a tenant to live in your home, despite having no way of proving they are who they say they are? Your driver’s license or passport will normally suffice.

Reference Letters
Any reference letters you may have had from past landlords and employers are suitable. Having positive feedback straight from the horse’s mouth can really sway the decision in your favour. This also applies to your pet/s – a pet reference can make all the difference and sometimes make an owner re-consider allowing pets.

Pay Slips
Significant consideration is placed on your ability to pay rent, as most often landlords will prefer tenants that have a constant and reliable source of income.
Adding a few recent pay slips and bank statements to your application will not only show proof of employment, but should also put to bed any fears a landlord may have over missed payments.

Rental History
Rental history is information on your past rental arrangements, which includes former addresses, late rent payments and evictions, as well as criminal history, your credit rating & any other data to help a landlord judge whether or not you’re a good fit as their tenant.  If you have a good rental history you are more likely to be approved for a rental than if you have a poor rental history.
With your permission landlords and agents can access tenant database’s quickly and easily and assess whether or not you are a suitable tenant for their property. Make sure you understand what is in your rental history so you are not faced with any surprises – this can be a crucial addition to your application.

Cover Letter
If you really want to put off a good first impression, you should attach a cover letter to your application form. Include information such as what you’re looking for – needs &/or wants, your price range, your preferred length of leasing & why etc Not only will this differentiate you from other applicants, but that piece of paper explaining your application and supporting why you should be considered – will add a more personal feel. Just like a job interview, wearing your best clothes and getting a new trim for the inspection might help too!

Follow up

If you have submitted an application and have not heard anything 72 hours later, we recommend following up with the agent via email. Let them know you are super keen to rent the property and ask if they need any more information from you. If they receive a pleasant message from you it may also help you be approved. Remember – your mannerism throughout the whole rental application process usually give’s a property manager an insight into how you may be as a tenant..

Are you a First time Tenant and Need a Reference?

You have spent all week poring over homes for rent in your area and then arrive at the open for inspection to find 20 other people as keen to rent the property as you are.
The agent greets you at the door and asks for your rental history, but what do you do if this is your first rental home? Firstly don’t panic, fortunately, every tenant has been a first-time renter at some point and there are a number of things you can do to strengthen your application.
An agent or property manager will be mainly concerned with an applicant’s ability to pay the rent, as well as their ability to take care of the property and comply with the terms and conditions of the lease. While references from previous landlords are requested, there are other ways you can demonstrate your trustworthiness, that you can pay your rent on time and take care of the property.
The information you should supply will vary depending on your previous circumstances – for example, if you were previously living in uni accommodation, you may wish to provide the details of the person who was in charge of managing the building.

If you previously Owned your Own Home and have Sold the Property

The agent who handled the sale may be able to act as a reference for you.

And if you are currently Living with your Parents

You will require personal references. In some situations, you may also choose to have a parent co-sign your lease with you.

Examples of documentation you can provide that will help a property manager make these decisions include:
– Verification of employment
– Verification of income
– Reference from employer or fellow staff member
– Reference from neighbour/teacher/business person/doctor/accountant
– Photo identification driver’s licence/passport/student ID
– Three personal references – these should not be from relatives
– Last gas/electricity/phone bill or rates notice

Lastly, build a relationship with the agent

Spend time getting to know the agent – talk to them at the viewing and always look presentable. They want to ensure the tenants they place in the property they are managing, are reliable and easy to deal with – so show them that you are. Ask them what you should put in your application – as they assess it before it goes to the landlord. Having built up their trust may also help you get approved.

Good luck!
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