How to Get Approved for a Rental Property in Sydney
In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, house prices have been rising steadily for years. This has had a knock on effect on rental costs all over the country.
The Sydney rental market is notoriously cutthroat and competitive. Property prices, vacancy rates, and popular areas fluctuate and do not always present opportunities for everyone looking to rent in the capital city.
Knowing how to get rental approval will help you get your foot in the door of your new home.
A real estate agent can be the gatekeeper to your next Sydney house. They are the liaison officer between the owner of the investment property and whoever the next suitable tenants will be. They want to be sure they are representing trustworthy people who will pay rent on time and leave the property as well-kept as they found it.
Here, we will give you practical tips on how to get approved for a rental property – from making good first impressions, to being as prepared as possible, and following up requests like a pro.
How to Do a Rental Application
If the owner of a house rents it out, they will expect an agent to review potential tenants thoroughly. While owners may be concerned with SQM research for their Sydney property, renters will be more concerned that they have a chance of securing a place to live.
Here are some tips to help renters secure the approval they need to move into their new home.
The top real estate websites recommend that you approach both one-on-one and open inspections like you would a casual job interview. First impressions count and signaling that you have a good rental history and can afford the new property will get you off to a good start with the agent.
Dressing well and making conversation with the agent if you are keen on the property will make you stand out. You don’t have to go overboard, but it is a good idea to not be too cavalier about securing a place, either.
Whether you are after a rental for six or 12 months, you must seem like a person who takes care of their living space and not just a quick tidy up before inspections.
Arriving on time to an inspection also helps your chances of getting in first and making a good impression on the estate agent. And if you are looking for a place with housemates, it helps if everyone shows up, or at least sends you in with their documentation.
Once you have decided to apply for a new rental, you will need to fill out an application form. Both paper and electronic forms are still in use but applying online can help with duplicates of all your details.
It is important to be prepared for this next stage well in advance of getting an application form. You will need a cover letter to introduce yourself to the landlord and the agency. You will need some proof of rental history, whether that is in a ledger or in a reference letter from your previous landlord.
You will also need pay slips and even a letter from your employer to prove you have the income to cover the rent and other utility payments. And lastly, you will need to have photo identification ready to go, whether that is your passport or driver’s license.
After applying, it is worth following up if you haven’t heard anything within 48 hours. You may be one of two applicants the agent is deciding between, and this friendly contact can sometimes sway their vote.
Ensuring all your paperwork is in order and keeping communication lines open between you and the agent should make the task of landing that sought-after rental property easier. Finding your new home can be a challenge, but it shouldn’t have to be a slog if you are properly prepared.
