Our top tips for securing a rental in todays market
Whether you are a first home buyer or have been renting for years, this market is crazy and we have our top tips to secure your next home!
The rental market is booming and there are simply not enough properties to go around. We have seen properties not even hit the market before being leased! The supply and demand within the market has created a sense of urgency which has contributed to the rise in weekly rents. According to Core Logic the strongest growth area over the past 3 months has been in the Moreton Bay Region with a rise in values around 3.5%.
If you are struggling to find a property and are wanting some inside tips on how to secure your next home, keep reading!
Get your application and supporting documents ready to submit!
If you know your lease is coming to an end or if you are ready to move out of your current home or accommodation, we recommend starting to put your application together now. This is so when the time comes, you are ready to start applying and will ensure a quick and smooth application process.
Each agency is different, but here at Homes4U, we require a fully completed tenancy application, together with photo identification (driver’s license/passport), 3x recent payslips or P&L if you are applying as a business, 2x utility bills and the last 5 years’ rental history (if applicable).
We also recommend if you are interested in a particular property to contact the agent/agency to discuss their procedures and requirements and to ask about any upcoming available inspection dates.
At the Property Inspection!
First Impressions Matter! Please check the time and date of the inspection to make sure you have the correct booking. We call it the PPM approach – PUNCTUALITY, PRESENTATION & MANNERS!!
PUNCTUALITY is common courtesy, and we appreciate all prospective tenants turn up to the property on time. If you are running late or can no longer make the appointment, contact the office as soon as possible. Our leasing consultant may not be able to stay behind as she may have back-to-back appointments.
PRESENTATION is a key first impression. Treat it like a job interview (we don’t expect you to wear a suit though). It is important to look presentable; it shows you are keen to secure a property and that you are taking the application process seriously. Looking like you mean business gives off an impression of responsibility.
MANNERS is another common courtesy and will go a long way with the leasing consultant and staff at the Agency. Also, please do not park in the driveway!
Follow up!
If you have submitted an application and you haven’t heard anything 48 hours later, contact the agency. Let them know you are very interested in the property and that you are happy to provide any additional information or references they might need. They may well be deciding between you and one other candidate, and if they receive a pleasant message from you, that may be enough to swing the contest in your favor.
Advice for First Home Renters!
Applying for your first home is daunting enough, let alone going up against a bunch of other good applications for the same property. You may be moving out of your family home, moving interstate for University or for a new job, or wanting your own independence. Follow our “PPM Approach” for success – PUNCTUALITY, PRESENTATION & MANNERS.
Some other helpful hints are as follows.
If possible, bring a family member or a responsible friend who has rented before, to the viewing – it is always good to have another person’s perspective of the property and someone who knows about renting.
Sometimes, a parent or close family member with good rental history may have to go on the lease with you for the first 6 months. This will give the owner extra security and it shows that you are committed to paying your rent on time, as the parent or close family member on the lease will be affected if you do not. If everything goes well through your first lease period, the owner may be comfortable for the parent or close family member to be removed from your lease renewal.
ALWAYS be courteous and engage in conversation with our leasing consultant. This will give them an insight into who you are and what you are looking for in your home.
