Tips to increase your chance of securing a rental property in a high-demand market

The market is fiercely competitive with dozens of applicants battling it our for single listings. Here is how to boost your chances of getting your application approved.

Finding a rental property is tougher than usual on the Granite Belt, but not all hope is lost. Photo: Unsplash/Christian Erfurt

The pandemic has impacted many aspects of life for Stanthorpe residents but none more so than the property market.

A rental crisis has gripped the region as demand dwarfs supply, mirroring a dire situation being seen right across the country.

But while it is harder than usual to find somewhere to call home on the Granite Belt and across the Southern Downs, it is not impossible.

To increase your chances and to get your application to stand out, here are the best tips from local real estates agents.

Get your application in quickly

Rentals in the current market are leasing quickly and the longer it takes you to put in your application the less chance you have of securing the property you want.

The more details the better

When filling out your application, be sure to include as many details as possible. Licensee of Wade Real Estate Kelly Reardon said this will ensure the agent can find you what you are after. “Write all your requirements down and then we can match them to the right property,” she said.

Be upfront and honest

Inform your real estate agent of anything that is relevant to your application, including past rental history.

First National Real Estate Warwick property manager Krista Going said telling the real estate agents everything before they look into your application ensures a more seamless rental process.

“During your open discussion make sure to tell us if you have any past rental debt,” she said.

Make sure you have all the correct and up-to-date documentation

Have all your documentation ready to go, this includes past pay slips, bank statements, details of your rental history and identification such as a driver’s licence, passport or Medicare card. “We need their most recent pay slips, everything has to be current,” Ms Going said.

Put your best foot forward

Referees can make or break your chances of securing a rental so be sure to use someone that can give you a glowing report.

“It is preferable to have a past rental agency as your referee,” Ms Reardon said.

Ms Going said good rental references and tenant history will make you stand out from the crowd.

They are beneficial to your application as they can give your new rental agency an accurate report of how you were as a tenant and your personal character.

While prior rental history is highly desirable, if you don’t have any, a nominated guarantor or professional referee will suffice.

“Using a really good family member or friend that can vouch for your cleanliness and state of your current room or property” can also be beneficial, Ms Going said.

Personal presentation

All of the real estate agents agreed that first impressions are important. Ms Going said personal presentation is a good indication of how someone would treat a rental property. “When rentees come in to see us or come to do an inspection, having clean, neat and tidy presentation shows that they will look after the property in that same way,” she said.

Financial stability

Having a stable income, whether that be through work or unemployment benefits is a key factor in the application decision process.

Crisp Real Estate principal Norman Crisp said landlords look into work stability when selecting a tenant.

“Security in work and employment history goes a long way,” he said.

Befriend the real estate agent

Once you have filled out a detailed application don’t be afraid to call up the agency or go into their office to meet them in person.

Ms Reardon said making an effort to contact the real estate agents in person for a follow up on your application gives the agents a sense of who you are and also shows your interest.

Mr Crisp encouraged prospective tenants to “be respectful” to agents.

Don’t bombard the agents

While it is advised to follow up on your applications, rental applications take time to process and when there are a lot to look over real estate agents are not going to know you by name, so make sure you give them time to look over your application before calling.

“Be aware that the turnaround process can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, so please keep that in mind for follow up calls and emails,” Ms Going said.

Timely communication

Responding to your real estate agents’ questions in a timely and efficient manner is key.

Ms Going said people should take pride answering emails.

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Originally published as Tips to increase your chance of securing a rental property in a high-demand market