GET THAT RENTAL PROPERTY....

HOW TO GUIDE:

At some stage in life, you may be looking for a rental property - whether moving out of home for the first time, going through a change in personal circumstances or you may have just made the decision not to be a home owner. Whatever your situation, if you are looking to rent a property, it’s good to know what Property Managers and Landlords are looking for and how to stand out from the crowd if the home is in demand. Below are a few tips and things you should know.

WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS?

If the property is being rented through an Agency, the Property Manager will assess the applications received and then present them to the Landlord. The Property Manager can make recommendations, but ultimately it is the Landlord’s decision. Here at Smith Partners we have had some great candidates rejected by Landlords for various reasons, so please don’t take it personally if you are not successful for a rental.

THE OPEN INSPECTION

Most Property Managers will insist on having you attend an inspection of the property prior to accepting your application. This is to ensure the prospective tenant/s are actually happy with the property and also so that they can meet you and see if they can get a feel about who you are and what you may be like. Having said that, it’s important to be well presented, polite and friendly with the Property Manager and provide your name and number if you are asked for it. All applications are processed based on their own merits i.e. rental/home ownership history, income etc., and therefore personal back stories cannot be taken into consideration when approving or declining applications.

Make sure the property meets all your requirements before submitting an application.

YOUR APPLICATION

Ensure that your application is as complete as possible. You must:

• Provide proof of regular income
• Provide photo ID to prove you are who you say you are
• have a rental history or someone who will speak on your behalf (if you’ve recently sold a property, ask the Agent who sold it for you if they will be a reference. If you are moving out of home for the first time, ask your parents to be your reference – but be honest!)
• Be truthful about pets to occupy the home - If you are a long-term renter and considering getting a pet, we recommend looking into small, low maintenance pets that are unlikely to cause damage. Have dogs attend “puppy pre-school” or similar. You can also have your current Property Manager or Landlord provide a written reference to vouch for the pets. Unfortunately a lot of Landlords have had bad experiences with tenants who have pets so even if you have the perfect pet, you need to do all that you can to put a potential new Landlord’s mind at ease.

THE GAME CHANGER!

On rare occasions, some people will offer more money per week or rent in advance. A Property Manager cannot ask you to do that nor suggest it, but if this is really the property that you want and you can afford to do so, then it is worth considering. It still does not guarantee that you will get the property, but it will make your applications stand out when it’s presented to the Landlord.

Ph: (08) 8251 3249
Email: info@spartners.com.au
Or come and see us at:
Shop 34, Golden Grove Village Shopping Centre Cnr The Golden Way & The Grove Way GOLDEN GROVE