Finding the perfect rental property can feel like a full time job, especially when there is a rental crisis going on in your location.
Whether you’re renting for the first time or you’re moving to a new city, securing a rental requires more than just filling out an application.
Landlords and property managers will still look at the rental application, but there’s so much more than that to the process.
They will have several qualified candidates to choose from, so you need to make sure that you’re standing out and for the right reasons.
Let’s take a look at 10 practical tips to help you to increase your chances of landing the rental that you want.
Know Your Budget
Before you can start your search, you need to know how much rent you can reasonably afford. A common rule of thumb is that rent should never exceed 30% of your gross monthly income.
You have to be honest with yourself about your budget and don’t waste time applying for anything that’s beyond your financial reach. If you know your limits, you’ll be able to narrow your search and avoid any unnecessary rejections.
Get your documents ready in advance. When you’re applying for a rental, time is of the essence. You need to have your documents ready before you start visiting.
Landlords will always ask for proof of income, some photo ID, any references, a credit report, and even cosigner information if needed. It’s also a good idea to write a cover letter about you and your kids if you have them, and any pets so that you can cover all your bases.
Polish Your Credit Score
A strong credit score shows a landlord that you have financial responsibility, and lots of landlords do use credit as a screening tool.
Before you apply, check your credit report for any errors and take steps to mitigate any issues. Improving your score, if needed, is a good idea, so pay down outstanding debts, make your payments on time and avoid taking on new credit obligations close to your application time.
You can always mitigate the risk by offering a larger security deposit if your credit score is less than ideal.
Act quickly and stay organised. Rental properties can be snapped up within hours in high demand areas and you might find a lot of people at that inspection.
To stay competitive, set up alerts on rental websites and respond properly to listings that meet your criteria. Keep a checklist of properties that you’re interested in, including contact details, showtimes and notes about each one. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities.
Dress professionally for an inspection. First impressions absolutely matter when attending viewings or meetings with landlords. Dress appropriately and present yourself in a professional and courteous way.
You don’t have to wear a suit, but avoid showing up in overly casual or unkempt attire. Imagine you’re going for a job interview. Politeness, punctuality, and presentation all matter.
Go in Depth With Your Cover Letter
We mentioned a cover letter already to add to your rental application, but we’re going to mention it again. It may seem like an unconventional option, but a brief and well written cover letter can make your rental application more personal, and that makes you stand out.
This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the property, as well as how long you plan to stay. Be concise, be sincere and humanise your application to make you stand out in a crowd.
References
You need to offer excellent references to tip the balance in your favour, especially if you’re competing with other world qualified renters.
You need to choose referees who can speak to your reliability, cleanliness and promptness with rent. Ideally previous landlords, property managers or employers.
Notify your references in advance so they’re prepared for any calls and make sure that their contact information is current.
Be flexible with your moving dates. Flexibility is a significant advantage when you’re moving into a rental. If the landlord needs someone quickly, being available on short notice can work in your favour.It’s also a good idea, if you’re willing to sign a longer lease, to state that in your letter.
This is a stability that might appeal to property owners who look to avoid the hassle of frequent turnover. If the rental has been sitting vacant for a while, proposing a slightly earlier move might sweeten the offer.
Avoid the Red Flags
Landlords will screen you as a tenant, so you should make sure you’re evaluating properties and landlords to avoid any potential issues down the line. Look out for signs of poor maintenance or hidden fees, and lookout for unclear lease terms too.
If something feels off, like an unusually low rent at an up and coming location, then you need to check to see whether there’s a situation that you need to be on top of.
At the same time, be aware of your own behaviour and how you could be the red flag. Avoid missing any appointments, exaggerating your income or withholding relevant information. Transparency builds trust.
Follow Up, But Be Respectful
After submitting your application or attending a showing, send a brief follow up message thanking the landlord or property manager for their time. Reiterate your interest in the property and express that you’re available to answer any further questions.
Being polite and timely with your follow up reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism without appearing too pushy.
Securing a rental in the market today is difficult, but it can be done. It’s as much about preparation and presentation as it is about meeting the requirements of the landlord.
Remember, landlords are not only looking for tenants who can pay the rent, but for people they can trust to take care of their property and follow through on their commitments. A little bit of effort can go a very long way.
