Applying for properties to rent can be time-consuming and stressful, especially if you aren’t sure exactly what the owners and property managers are looking for.

If you have been applying for places unsuccessfully, here are a few tips to improve your chances of being selected.

Have your paperwork in order

When you apply for a rental property, you need to have a range of personal and financial details ready to share. This is likely to include all or some of the following:

• Reference letters from people you have lived with or rented from in the past
• References for your pet (if applicable)
• Proof of income (recent payslips, bank statements, tax return)
• Letter of employment (if you’re starting a new job)
• Valid ID (up 100 points, which can include your passport, birth certificate, student ID or driver license)
• A resume of your rental and/or employment history
• Deposit/rental ledger (summary of your rental payment history)
• Cover letter
• Completed application form

If you have all or most of these ready in advance, you have a better chance of getting your foot in the door.

A cover letter is a good way to get ahead of the competition.

Explain why you are looking for a rental property, how many people will be living in the home and why you are the best candidate/s. Keep it formal but still allow some personal information to shine through.

Organise your housemates

If you intend to rent with housemates or a partner, they need to have their application information ready as well.

Make sure your fellow tenants have the right documentation the same way that you do.

It makes sense to try to have everyone’s name on the lease so you are equally responsible if there is damage to the property so be upfront with the agent about who will live in the home.

Be financially ready

The property manager or landlord may ask you to prove you can pay rent by sharing payslips or a bank statement so have this information to hand as it will confirm to them that you will be a reliable tenant.

You will also need to pay a bond, which is usually around four weeks worth of rent. Before you start applying to rent a home, have this money ready in your account. This will save you from having to pull the funds together at short notice or missing out because you’re not prepared.

Get a referral

Landlords and agents care about your history when they go through the rental application approval process. They want to know you have paid your rent on time at previous properties and looked after the place.

A positive reference from a past landlord or property manager, will go a long way towards helping your rental approval. Otherwise, a referral from an employer, former teacher or someone in a position of authority can be helpful.

Be on time and be polite

Presentation matters because it reflects the way you will treat your home. When you attend a property inspection in a competitive market, try to be on time and dress neatly so you can make a good impression. Be friendly and ask a few questions about the property so the agent remembers who you are. You may also have a strategy of arriving with all your paperwork ready so you can hand it over on the spot. The property manager’s goal is to have the home leased to outstanding tenants as soon as possible so do what you can to make their life easier and they will appreciate it.

Get to know your leasing agent

Property managers and the landlords they represent all have slightly different criteria so aim to build relationships as part of your search for a home. Don’t be afraid to stop for a chat and let the agent know what you’re looking for. If you make it clear you’re the kind of tenant they are looking for, they will keep you in mind when suitable properties come onto the market.

Need more help applying for a rental property? Contact our rental team today on (07) 5501 4000.