Applying for a rental is 'just like applying for a job'

Mackay agents share insider their tips on how to get a property

Ben Kerrisk from Gardian Real Estate shares advice for future tenants. Picture: Tony Martin

PRESENTATION, preparation and paying attention to detail: these are just some tips in securing a rental property, Mackay real estate agents say.

As good rental properties become few and far between, real estate agents offer their best tips to win over landlords and secure your dream rental.

Gardian Real Estate Mackay business development manager Ben Kerrisk said applying for a rental property was "like applying for a job”.

"You need to present yourself in the right manner and have the right referees,” he said.

Mr Kerrisk said one of the most important factors agents looked for was tenants who met the financial requirements for the property. "One thing we look at is that [you are] in a secure job,” he said. "That is another reason Mackay has a lower vacancy rate. We have the lowest unemployment - that is one thing landlords are looking at.”

Due to the current competition for rentals on the market, Mr Kerrisk said landlords were asking property managers for tenant recommendations.

"Owners want to now know the quality of the potential tenant.. they are looking for a recommendation from their property manager,” he said.

Mr Kerrisk said the two other major things property managers paid attention to on applications were rental history and good reliable referees.

RE/MAX business development manager Emma Goodfellow said making sure your application included all required information gave applicants an automatic step-up.

"As long as you have everything filled out correctly on the rental application,” she said.

"If you don't have things filled out then we have to chase it.”

Ms Goodfellow said owners were excited by the opportunity to fill their homes so making sure your application showed you would be a good tenant was key.

Originally published as Applying for a rental is 'just like applying for a job'