When you’re looking to rent a new home, give some thought to how to be the perfect tenant. There are a few standard things that good property managers always look for in a tenant and it pays to be aware of them. This can give you an edge when the rental property manager is sorting the good tenancy applications from the rest. You want to end up in the ‘good tenant’ pile, right? Then consider some of the tips below. You can also learn more about how to present yourself as the perfect tenant from real estate agencies like Templeton Property; click here to find out about the property management services they provide.
Present Well
While applying for a rental property isn’t a job interview, many aspects of the meeting are the same. First impressions count for a lot, so ensure you show up on time and look as professional as possible. If you’re working and can comfortably fit in a meeting with the agent during your work day, see if you can make this work. This will illustrate that you are gainfully employed and professional enough to be given a position of trust in someone’s business. It is a good idea to show up in your work clothes as well if you can – and if you think this will make a good impression. If you work in a messy café kitchen, for example, you may want to change your clothes before you meet the property’s managing agent. Showing up to your meeting looking neat and clean also gives the property manager an insight into how you might keep house; they are not likely to recommend your application to the owner if they feel you will not treat the property with respect and due care.
Proof of Income
Don’t wait for the agent to request proof of your ability to pay the rent or bond or ask for your references. Bring copies of your payslips and letters from your employers to your meeting and have them ready to go. You can leave copies with the agent and save them the trouble of making copies themselves; they will appreciate this. Most property owners want to get a tenant into their investment property as soon as possible. Being presentable and ready to move in right away will give you an advantage over other tenancy applicants.
Be Honest
If you have any concerns about meeting the rent or caring for any facet of the property, be upfront about this. You may be able to negotiate to pay more rent at the front of the year if your income drops off later (or you’d like some extra funds at Christmas). If you’ve never used a pool pump before or don’t quite understand the alarm system, ask now rather than mishandling it down the track and running the risk of damaging something for which you may have to pay.
The perfect tenant is on time, neat, tidy, honest, and able to pay their rent and bond on time. If you can demonstrate these qualities to the property manager, they are much more likely to view your application in a favourable light.
Do you have any tips for renters on how to be the perfect tenant? Share your experiences in the comments below.
This is an S2 POST.
Had no idea that renting these days is such a drama, sounds more like a job interview. I remember back many years ago you either answered an ad in the paper or checked out the rental list at the Real Estate agents, made an appointment to check out the rental property and if YOU liked it, signed a contract.
Now, it looks like it’s the other way around, YOU have to be vetted, liked and approved. We rented our house out once when hubby was transferred, we put it in the hands of the Agent and the first couple they sent around to view the property (we hadn’t moved out yet) took it. Times have changed.
Yes they surely have Michelle. Yes you now have to look the part and impress the agents before they even put your application through to the owners of the property to be considered. Crazy how times have changed.
It’s worse than buying a house.
I still remember the days of waiting in a queue to view an apartment in Sydney. Ugh! Yep, I agree: always have your documents to hand. And if you can, bring a week’s rent to secure the property. You can also try bargaining with an agent, say by offering to pay a few months in advance.
Yes anything that makes you stand out in a positive way is a good thing when it comes to renting!
Supply and demand, we need more housing.