Winning the Rental Application Race

Tuesday 18 Apr 2023

It's jungle out there... The Pilbara's leasing market is booming! So, how can you win the rental application race?

With the market so tight and so many different people / companies competing for rental properties, you need to be well prepared and ready to lodge your application quickly. However, the challenges each applicant faces can be very different. For example, first time renters with no renting history are competing with well-established tenants with good track records. Tenants with pets suffer discrimination at the hands of some landlords, especially if they haven’t taken the time to get references arranged. And, long-term homeowners who are downsizing may not have rented a property in 40 years and, similarly, have no tenancy history to strengthen their application.

So how can you craft the strongest possible application to put yourself to the head of the queue?

Here are our top tips for each situation:

First time applicants:

  • Before you start looking for a rental, make sure you have all the necessary documents such as proof of income, credit report, and references, then register with several agents in the area you are interested in. This will speed up the application process. Also, make sure your Facebook or other social media profiles do not create an unfavourable impression for a landlord (yes, they check).
  • Be organised - Create a file or folder to keep all your rental documents in one place or consider using a do-it-once application system like realestate.com.au’s Ignite. This will help you keep track of everything, move quickly, and ensure you don't leave out any important details.
  • Act fast: If you find a rental property you like, act quickly. Good rental properties go fast, so it's important to be prepared and ready to submit your application as soon as possible.
  • Be honest: Be honest about your financial situation and employment status. Landlords appreciate honesty and are more likely to choose first time tenants who are transparent and truthful.
  • Highlight your strengths: Emphasise your positive qualities such as your ability to pay rent on time, and your stable employment (or income source). You have no rental history so you need to bolster your application with recommendations or any references that attest to your reliability and good reputation.
  • Include a personal touch: If you're serious about a rental property, consider including a personal letter introducing yourself and explaining why you would be the perfect tenant. This can help you stand out from other applicants.
  • Provide references: Provide strong references from teachers, employers, community leaders or other credible sources. This can help landlords feel confident in your ability to be a responsible tenant.
  • Respond quickly: Be responsive to the property manager’s requests for information or additional documentation. A quick response can help show your level of interest and commitment.
  • Be prepared to pay upfront: Be prepared to pay the bond and first two weeks rent.

Tenants with Pets:

  • Be upfront about your pet: When applying for a rental property, it's important to be honest about the fact that you have a pet . This will help you find a landlord who is open to renting to tenants with pets.
  • Emphasise your responsibility: Highlight your responsibility as a pet owner by providing evidence of up-to-date vaccinations, training certificates, and good behaviour references. This will show that you are a responsible pet owner and can be trusted with a rental property.
  • Highlight your family's positive qualities: Emphasise your family's positive qualities such as your clean rental history, stable employment, and financial responsibility. This will show that you are reliable and trustworthy tenants.
  • Be prepared to sign a pet agreement: Be prepared to sign a pet agreement that outlines your responsibilities as a pet owner. This can help put the landlord's mind at ease and show that you are serious about renting the property.
  • Provide references: Provide strong references from previous landlords, employers, or other credible sources that can attest to your responsibility as a pet owner and a parent.
  • Include a personal touch: Consider including a personal letter introducing your family and your pet (with a photo) explaining why you would be the perfect tenants for the property. This can help you stand out from other applicants and show your enthusiasm for the property.
  • Offer to sign a longer lease: Consider offering to sign a longer lease to provide the landlord with more security and reassurance. This can show your willingness to commit to the property and can make your application more appealing.