14/08/2020
🔥 TENANT TIPS FOR A HOT RENTAL MARKET 🔥
We have seen lots of comments on local groups on social media and also feedback from potential tenants that the rental market is very competitive at the moment! From 30+ people attending inspections, people lodging applications on several properties and being declined, less properties around to choose from.
Here are our tips to help you stand out and secure a property -
🧐 READ THE LISTING - Some listings are better than others with providing information but always make sure you read the listing, DON'T just rely on the photos. The property may not be suitable for you or you may not get approved because of something about the property that you might have missed eg fencing, no pets allowed, availability date, lease length.
🐾 PETS - Any animal is classed as a pet. In addition to cats and dogs that also includes fish, birds, rats, lizards, snakes etc if you have one include it in your application. If the listing says no pets, it means no pets. Get a reference from a neighbour for your dog. Don't know your neighbours? Do up a "Pet Resume" and include a photo, name, age, breed, de-sexed, registered and also a story about them and what they like to do - sleep all day, lay in the sunshine, eat, go for walks every afternoon, favourite toys etc. We don't usually get to meet pets so this is a great way for agents and owners to get to know a bit about them.
📄 GET A REFERENCE - Ask you current agent or landlord for a reference. If they won't give you one ask a neighbour - bonus points for neighbours that are owner occupiers. Contact your previous agent and let them know you are moving and ask if they will give you a reference. Include these in your application.
📊 DOWNLOAD YOUR LEDGER - access your Tenant Portal and download a copy of your ledger. Don't have a Tenant Portal? Ask your agent to email a copy through to you. Include a copy in your application.
📨 GET A LETTER FROM YOUR BOSS - Confirming employment is usually what takes the longest when processing applications. Ask you boss or payroll/HR department for a letter confirming your employment - how long you have been there, how much you get paid (per annum, hourly rate, net, gross). Also find out the contact phone and email of the best person for an agent to contact to confirm this information. Include a copy along with current payslips in your application.
📑 SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION EARLY - thanks to COVID some agents are insisting on applications before a viewing so that they can reduce the number of people coming through inspections. Processing applications takes time, by applying in advance we can process and discuss your application with the owners before the inspection. Other offices may not process application without tenants viewing first. Check with the agent and see what their policy is.
❓ ASK QUESTIONS - Due to COVID restrictions we are not currently allowed to give out property brochures, application forms, business cards etc at inspections and Open Homes. Ask questions at the inspection time or send a follow up email.
📄 COVER LETTER - If you are flexible on lease length, start date or anything else and there is no where to include this in an online application form you could include a cover letter. Cover letters can also be a brief overview of your situation (why you are moving, family arrangements), why the property suits you (school catchment, size, proximity to family), you could include pet info here instead of a pet resume. If you had an issue with your tenancy (Breach notice, arrears, damage) this is an opportunity for you to let us know - we would rather hear from you about it in advance than find out in a reference check.
Not all of these tips may be suitable for everyone, choose what suits you best.
Do you have any other tips or tricks that have worked for you? Comment below, we would love to hear them!
Ray White Cleveland
[email protected]
Adele 0405688455
Charlotte 0450648980
