Five tips to help secure a rental property

At some stage in life, everyone needs to find a rental property. Whether it be the first house out of home, a long-term rental or you’ve sold your property and you need somewhere as a stop gap before you purchase your next place.

Regardless, when it comes to securing a rental property, you can make the process easier on yourself and the real estate agents if you follow these five tips.

>> READ MORE: FIVE TIPS TO BUYING A HOUSE

Keep your finger on the pulse

In Mackay, where more than half the population are renting (64.2 percent to be exact, according to recent Core Logic data) rental properties are snapped up almost as soon as they hit the market.

To ensure you get the chance to apply for a rental, sign up to real estate newsletters to receive new listing alerts or make a daily habit of each morning, checking the recent listings page on your local real estate agent.

With Baileux, you can make a habit of checking our recent listings page on our website here.

Attend open inspections

If a rental property you’re interested in has an open inspection, make sure you attend the first one.

Call the real estate agent first to register your interest and check the time and date of the inspection. Then show up on time.

First impressions count when it comes to rental properties. Put your best foot forward by showing up on time, presenting a well-groomed appearance and speaking reasonably with the agent.

It also pays to bring your application documentation with you in case you like the property and want to submit an application there and then.

If you are unsure of exactly what information is required by the real estate for the application, ask them when you call up to register your interest in the inspection.

At Baileux, all our applications require references, application form, proof of employment, a cover letter and photo identification.

>> READ MORE: VEGE PATCH GUIDE FOR RENTALS

Submit your application

Once you’ve decided you want to proceed with applying for a property, submit all the required information and then some.

The more information you can provide, the faster and easier it is for the real estate to process your application.

Be sure to include all important documentation for any residents applying for the rental property.

Include:

• at least two personal references
• the application form
• proof of employment including employer contact and payslips
• a cover letter
• previous rental history
• pet information including breed and registration details
• all the required identification (photo ID, Medicare card, birth certificate)

Then be sure to let your references know to expect a phone call from said real estate.

Follow up your application

Once you’ve submitted your application don’t just sit back and wait more than a week to be contacted. Be proactive.

If you haven’t heard back within a few days of turning in your application and all the required documentation, reach out to them.

This proactive attitude is often something that agents are looking for in candidates. At Baileux, we are.

>> READ MORE: BUYING, SELLING AND RENTING DURIG COVID-19

What happens next

If your rental application is approved you will be required to agree and sign the relevant tenancy agreement and its terms and pay bond and usually the first two weeks rent up front.

Bond is usually the equivalence of four weeks rent. It is paid to the RTA where it is held until the end of your tenancy. On the final inspection, if the property is deemed to be in the same condition as when you moved in (minus general wear and tear), the real estate will submit a bond refund on your behalf and the monies will be transferred back into your nominated account.

If your rental application is not approved ask the real estate agent how you can strengthen your application for future. Take these recommendations into account and be sure to include any additional documentation or information they suggest you add to your future applications.

If you have any questions about renting, contact our experienced and friendly team at Baileux today for some expert advice. Call (07) 4829 4816.