Standing Out in a Tight Rental Market

With record low vacancy rates, it’s no secret that the rental market in WA is quite competitive at the moment. So, it’s likely that your application will be one of many that a landlord will consider.

How can you make yours a standout? Here’s some handy tips to consider.

Get prepared before applying

When you apply for a rental, you’ll also receive a list of documents that you need to submit with your application form. You’ll usually need references, both personally and for your previous rental history, plus 100 points of ID, payslips etc. Getting these together early makes it quicker and easier to submit your application.

Rev-up your references

Make sure they know you’re nominating them as a reference and to expect a call. It’s also important to check that they’re going to be around to answer a reference call. If they’re not going to be easily contactable by phone, it’s better to nominate someone else that’s going to be available promptly. That way, it doesn’t delay the progress of your application.

Also, encourage them to give detailed responses. The more information they can provide, the better your application can be presented to the landlord.

Promote your pets

If you have a four-legged friend applying with you, creating a pet resume is a great way to introduce your furry flatmate to the landlord. A pet resume will usually include photo and details of your pets age, personality, nature and needs.

Pet references are also great. If you’ve had someone live with your pet, or who has looked after your pet for an extended period, include a reference from them in the resume.

Save time and apply online

Most agencies offer online applications through the major online property portals, like realestate.com.au. This allows you to submit your application through those online listings.

Once you’ve setup your online application you can use it for multiple properties within that same platform. This means you only do the hard yards once and submitting future applications will be a breeze!

Attend an inspection

This is your time to shine. Your moment to enhance your application by making yourself known to the agent or landlord showing the home and stand out from the crowd. How? Here’s a few ideas.

• Arrive on time to show the agent you’re punctual, and you’re eager. This helps to show them what it will be like to work with you throughout your tenancy.
• Be well presented – give them a reflection of how you will live in the home if successful.
• Be respectful of the home you’re inspecting. More often than not, someone is still living there – and it could be the owner!
• Chat to the agent and ask questions, it’s your opportunity to make yourself known.

If you can’t make the inspection, ask the agent whether there’s an alternative way you can view the home, or whether someone else might be able to have a look through on your behalf.

Be Proactive

If you think there might be some gaps with your application, get on the front foot and consider how you might be able to fill them in. Show the agent and your prospective landlord that you’re able to resolve any potential problems upfront.

For example, if your previous or current rental ledger shows a period of arrears, try writing a cover letter explaining why that happened (e.g. a gap in employment). Or, if it’s your first time moving out of home, you could offer to pay a larger deposit or have someone co-sign the lease as a guarantor for added piece of mind.

Transparency and honesty are the best policy to show the landlord and agent that you take responsibility and proactively solve problems.

Follow up

If you have applied and haven’t heard anything 48 hours later, check in with the agent. Let them know you’re very interested in the property and that you’re happy to provide any additional information or references they may need.

While the Landlord decides who they offer the Lease to, it’s not uncommon for them to ask for detail that’s not included on an application – e.g. was the application completed correctly? Did they take care of the property at the inspection?

Every little detail can be discussed with Landlord and form part of their consideration of your application, so we recommend ticking as many boxes as you can!

Remember if you ever need assistance or more information on how to make your application stand out, we’re always happy to offer advice, even if you’re not applying for a property with our agency.