Many people in Australia rent and if you’re one of them, the thought of having to get a new lease can fill you with dread.  It can be hard finding a new rental in today’s competitive market so we’ve put together a few tips to help ensure that your application stands out above the rest.  Read on for more!

Don’t Wait for Inspections

Real estates often advertise when they are opening up a rental property for inspection but it’s a good idea to actually visit the real estate and try to see the home before the formal open inspection.  This way, if you like it, you can get your application in before everyone else and you won’t have to compete with potentially dozens of other applicants.  Your rental application will be at the top of the queue!

Do Your Research

If you can, do some research before you start looking for a home to rent.  This will allow you to narrow down the properties that you are looking for to the ones that are most suitable for you, saving you the time and money that you’d otherwise spend looking at places that just won’t work for you.  Look for properties that are in the area that you need, that fit your budget, and that have the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms for your family.

Have Your Application Already Filled Out

It might seem presumptuous but if you find the property that you love, it can really help you to have your application already filled out.  That way, you can hand it straight to the real estate agent ready for them to check out and run past the owner.  Make sure you give all the information that the real estate agents needs – references, evidence of employment, copies of your identification, contact numbers for yourself, and a “pet reference” if you are trying to rent with pets.

Let Your References Know!

When you are applying for a new rental property, it is vital that you let your rental references know that you will be doing so.  That way, they will know to expect calls from real estate agencies regarding your suitability as a tenant and they will be able to give them the information that they need in the best possible light.  If you don’t let your references know, you run the risk of them not answering the calls (especially if they’re from a private number), or even worse, painting you in a less than ideal light!

Have Your Money Ready in Advance

If you are accepted for your property, it is an excellent idea to make sure that you have all of the bond money ready in advance as well as the fortnight or month’s advance rent that you are required to pay.  This way, you can pay these as soon as you sign the lease and you’ll get the keys quicker.  Remember, owners want tenants in place and paying rent as quickly as possible so the more organised you are, the more likely you are to be picked.