Seeking a great rental property can be a challenging, even demoralising experience at times. Suitable properties might be thin on the ground, or above your budget and they all seem to attract a never-ending stream of potential tenants to compete with you for the lease.
You need to stand out from the pack to get on the short list.
If you like a property, you should strike up a conversation with the property manager or landlord at the initial inspection. It’s a great idea to demonstrate your experience as a renter and your understanding of leasing and why you will make a great tenant. The most important aspect of property rental is an honest relationship with the landlord or property manager.
Here are nine tips to help you get the rental property you really want – and keep it.
Engage with the owner or property manager
Strike up a conversation at your inspection, discussing the various attributes of the property. Make it clear you are an experienced renter and know how to respect and take care of property.
Demonstrate commitment to the lease
It is a valuable exercise to show you understand the purpose of a lease and your responsibility to meet its conditions. Discuss items such as monthly rent, bond, deposit for any damage, pets, and expectations of cleanliness and maintenance. This will give a property manager or landlord a sense of confidence in renting to you. You’d be amazed at how few renters don’t know the terms of the lease, never mind adhere to them.
Ask about conditions in the lease
Some leases will forbid sub-letting, pets, large parties and even overnight guests. Be upfront about your attitude towards these conditions. If your lease forbids pets, then don’t try to sneak one under the radar as there may even be body corporate or strata rules that prevent them. It’s better to have an honest conversation now than find yourself evicted for breaking a lease down the track. Nobody – not even the landlord – wants that outcome.
Build a strong credit score
A property manager will undertake a number of checks before leasing to you. Their main concern will be consistency of employment, plus your financial history and on-going ability to pay the rent. A strong credit score will give you a real advantage over other applicants.
Pay on time
This sounds obvious, but you need to show you have a history of paying your rent on time. Refer the property manager to your current landlord to validate your claim. No one is interested in running after you for money, and failure to make timely payments can end in eviction. If you are going to be late with a payment, be sure to warn your landlord in advance. It’ll help take the pressure out of the situation.
Take photos, put everything in writing
If you have any concerns about the state of the property when you move in, take photos and share these with your landlord or property manager. Request that they acknowledge receipt of the photos in writing. This will avoid dispute at the end of the tenancy. It’s usually best to put in writing every request or issue that you raise so a record is kept.
Keep it tidy
A property manager will likely inspect a property every six months. They must give you at least 24 hours’ notice before coming on to the property. Good tenants keep their home clean and tidy on a daily basis. Have a cleaning regime for the kitchen and bathroom, and make sure the outside of your property is well kept. Avoid staining the carpet, as this can be an expensive item to replace. If you own a pet, then it’s absolutely essential the property is always well-maintained. Allowing fleas in the carpet, for example, can be enough to terminate your lease with the loss of your bond. If you don’t treat the property with respect, your neighbours will notice and eventually complain.
Report damage immediately
If you damage the property, you will be responsible for paying to get it fixed. Treat the property as if it were your own home. The most likely items to suffer damage at the hands of tenants are shower screens, kitchen appliances and light fixtures.
Don’t ignore small problems
Little annoying problems, such as a leaking tap or loose guttering, are not your responsibility to fix. A good landlord will thank you for reporting these sorts of problems as it will ensure the property remains well maintained.
When it’s time to move out
Leave your property as you found it. That way, you’ll get your deposit back and a good reference if you plan to rent again. Give your landlord or property manager as much advance notice of your departure as possible. Obviously, don’t break the term of your lease. Make sure you’re at the property for the inspection on the final day of your tenancy, as this can avoid disputes about scratches on walls, carpet stains and other wear and tear.