Applying for a rental property in a competitive market can be tough. Landlords and property managers will take a close look at prospective tenants and ask for a lot of personal information. You can boost your chances of success by making a strong rental application and making a good impression.
If you’re looking for a rental property in a popular suburb, odds are there will be a queue before the real estate agent even arrives. It can’t hurt to be near the front of that queue.
Most importantly, though, don’t arrive late. The real estate agent conducting the inspection is likely to have back-to-back inspections booked throughout the day. Don't be the latecomer that throws off their entire day’s schedule.
The real estate agent or landlord wants to find a tenant they can trust. And first impressions matter.
Introduce yourself to the real estate agent. Dozens of people will likely be filing through the property through the course of the inspection, and you don’t want to melt into the crowd.
Dressing the part can also help. You don't need to wear a suit and tie but dressing respectably can't hurt.
Finally, ask a question about the property. Be courteous and polite, of course, but engage the real estate agent with a question or two to stand apart from the masses and to show your interest in the property. This signals you're a serious applicant.
The importance of good references from prior landlords can’t be overstated. Real estate agents, property managers and landlords want to know you’ll be a reliable tenant, that you’ll pay your rent on time and that you’ll treat the property as if it were your own. Potential tenants who can’t prove this with a strong track record of rental history are at a significant disadvantage.
It should be noted that references from real estate agents or property managers carry far more weight than references from landlords. A landlord is not seen as a qualified professional, and could be a friend or family member.
Though not essential, it also can’t hurt to have references from co-workers, employers or former neighbours. Some agents will ask for this, especially if it's your first rental property.
What should you write on a rental application letter? It's quite simple: Write a few short paragraphs about who you are, what you do for a living and perhaps the reason for your move. If you’re applying as a group for a property you intend to share, briefly introduce each housemate. Be professional, but not so overly formal that your personality doesn’t shine through.
Give a brief rundown of your rental history, and make sure to mention any special circumstances such as pets. Even if you’re applying for a number of properties, it’s a good idea to specifically tailor each cover letter to mention features of the property that appealed to you.
Having trouble coming up with a cover letter? Try using this sample letter as a template:
Dear Graeme,
It should go without saying, but filling in all the details on the rental application is essential. The more details you can provide, the better. This includes copies of all your identification documents, proof of income, pay history and proof of employment. Rental reference letters and contact information for your employer are a good idea too.
Most property managers will have standardised application forms on their websites, or they may require you to use 1Form, a free online rental application platform. 1Form is handy if you’re applying for a lot of properties, as it will pre-fill your details on subsequent applications. The 1Form application is very lengthy and detailed, but you only need to complete it once.
Rent.com.au also has a "renter resume" which is similar to 1Form. It allows you to create a personalised profile to use for rental applications.
Another way to make sure you’re prepared is to have money for the bond and a holding fee on-hand on the day of the inspection. A real estate agent is highly unlikely to accept your application on the spot, but knowing that you can pay the bond immediately upon acceptance is a big tick in your favour.
Don’t hide anything on your application or in your discussions with the real estate agent. Start off on the front foot by raising any issues that could be potential stumbling blocks.
Do you have pets? Put it in your cover letter, put it in your application and discuss it with the agent at the inspection (it’s also helpful to get references for your pets from previous property managers). Do you have a rough patch in your credit history? Be upfront about it and explain it to the agent.
If there will be a number of people living in the property, make sure they’re all at the inspection. Any details about your tenancy you try to hide are sure to come out eventually, and can lead to some pretty severe consequences if you’ve signed a lease under false pretences.
After you’ve attended the inspection and submitted your rental application, follow up with the real estate agent with a brief thank you email. Be pleasant and avoid coming across as impatient or pushy, but make it clear that you’re interested in the property. A courteous thank you note along with reiterating your interest in the property can help keep you top of mind as they consider applications.
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Looking for a new property to rent? Read and download our checklist to help with your next inspection.
How can one write a good rental cover letter when they are unemployed?
Hi there,
When applying for a rental property, the property manager is looking for evidence that are going to be able to pay the rent and look after the property. If your application doesn’t give them any assurance in terms of your employment income, this would be a good place to describe other types of income you receive, to give them confidence in your ability to pay the rent. It would also be helpful to provide a reference from a previous landlord or property manager, confirming you’ve paid rent on time in the past.
Hope this helps!
How to get a rental when coming out of a long term domestic violence situation
Hi Reno,
You can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). They can help and provide information for renters and rental providers. You can also visit this guide about renters’ rights and responsibilities in a family violence situation.
I hope this helps you.
Kind regards,
Richard