How to nail your rental application: top tips for renters

The battle for rental properties is as fierce as ever, these expert tips can help you stand out from the crowd.

The current climate for renters is tough – low supply, high demand and increasing prices are making it a frustrating experience for tenants seeking a home.

The vacancy rate in Sydney is sitting at 1.69 per cent which is the lowest level recorded since before the pandemic with a listing only lasting a median of 18 days on realestate.com.au before being snapped up.

Rental properties in Melbourne and Brisbane are leasing in just 17 days and only 1.5 per cent of all rentals in both cities are vacant. Adelaide rentals are being snapped up in 16 days, on average.

Demand is high and supply is limited due to a range of demographic and economic factors, which can make it difficult to secure a property.

A lack of available homes has seen demand for rentals soar. Picture: Nicholas Eagar.

Be prepared to submit multiple applications and be aware that it could take some time before you are successful.

MORE: Why renting is about to cost you thousands more

Horror development for Sydney renters

Tenants facing this fierce competition need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Here are four tips for being match-ready when searching for a rental.

General manager – realestate.com.au Jarrod Scott.

1. Be Ready to Pounce

Once you know what area you want to live in, make sure you keep up to date with what’s being listed.

Save the properties you’re interested in by creating a renter profile – this way you can keep track of upcoming inspections which can sometimes mean going to multiple inspections on the same day.

A renter profile helps you stay in the loop whenever a new listing comes up.

2. Have a Faultless Application Ready

One of the major things property managers look for is an application that they can put straight through to the landlord for approval.

This means any missing information or documentation can work against you.

Ensure you have a flawless application including referrals, rental history and identification documents, so the property manager doesn’t need to follow up with you on any of this.

Having a flawless application helps you over the dotted line.

We have put a lot of effort and consideration into building a rental platform on realestate.com.au that makes the search and application journey as smooth as possible.

Once you’ve made a renter profile, you can easily apply for multiple properties and keep track of all your inspection times.

Finding a way to stand out from the crowd is key. Picture: Steve Pohlner.

3. Present Well

Presentation matters when attending an open-for-inspection.

Make sure you’re on time and introduce yourself to the property manager – setting a good impression from the get-go means you will be remembered when the applications are being processed.

Being courteous goes a long way. Arriving prepared by familiarising yourself with the property and asking any clarifying questions you may have upfront is a plus.

Inspections often only run for 15 minutes so make the most of your time.

It helps to strike a rapport with the agent in charge of the listing.

4. Submit Your Application Immediately

Don’t wait – once you’ve viewed the property in person, submit your application immediately. The longer you wait, the more applications property managers view and prioritise ahead of yours.

It’s beneficial having your referees prepped and aware that you’re applying for rentals, so they’re ready to take a call and give you a glowing reference.

Gotta be quick – homes are leasing within 18 days of being listed in Sydney.

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Originally published as How to nail your rental application: top tips for renters