The rental market can be an incredibly competitive space; here\u2019s how to make sure you stand out from the crowd at your next open house.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Living with your mates in a rental property can mean a ton of\u00a0good times, and the first step \u2013 finding a place\u00a0\u2013<\/span>\u00a0is easy. It can be done online, on your phone, or while\u00a0waiting for the barista to complete your\u00a0coffee order.<\/p>\n But the second step, securing your new lease, is where things can get complicated \u2013 with packed open for inspections and even bidding wars to contend with.\u00a0Get the situation under control with these handy tips.<\/p>\n Think you\u2019ve found your dream rental? The work has just begun!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Getting yourself organised is one thing, but the challenge is getting your flatmates to provide you with their paperwork. Rental properties can move at blistering speeds, so it pays to have everything prepared in advance.<\/p>\n The list of essential documentation includes identification, pay slips, and if at all possible, as many glowing references as you can muster.<\/p>\n A positive reference from your previous landlord will go a long way to gaining your new landlord\u2019s favour. One way to ask for a reference is to write it up yourself, send it in an editable format, and ask, \u201cWould you mind reading this, making any changes you\u2019d like, and signing it for me?\u201d.<\/p>\n If it\u2019s your first time renting, don\u2019t despair \u2013 get creative and ask for a reference from your employer instead, or consider asking a family member to be your guarantor, who will be responsible for paying the\u00a0<\/span>rent<\/span>\u00a0if you default.<\/span><\/p>\n Turning up late to a rental inspection is a big no-no.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Either you, or one of your housemates, should attend the property\u00a0inspection. When you do, be on time, and on point \u2013 dress sharp and make a good impression \u2013 it\u2019s just another way to help the agent choose you over your rental rivals.<\/p>\n It\u2019s all about getting the agent\u2019s attention, in a good way, without being pushy. So turn on the charm, and who knows \u2013 you might even get away with asking for a little discount on the rent.<\/p>\n Rental discounts are realistic when you\u2019re the only one applying, but not so much when competition is fierce.<\/p>\n While nobody wants to be on the frontline of a bidding war for their next rental, the fact is, if you\u2019re staring down stiff competition, and are hoping to tip the scales in your favour, making an offer<\/a> is a valid strategy.<\/p>\n An extra $5 or $10 a week over the asking price, paying some rent in advance, setting up a direct debit and\/or signing a longer lease if you\u2019re comfortable with that, can potentially all help get the deal over the line.<\/p>\n Following these 5 tips should see you moving into your own place in no time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n While it feels like\u00a0nobody calls anyone anymore, following up on your rental application is one exception to the rule. Much like after a first date, when to call the agent is debatable, but we recommend no more than 48 hours.<\/p>\n Same as at the inspection, let the agent know you\u2019re keen (without seeming desperate) \u2013<\/span> just be helpful \u2013 you\u2019re calling to confirm they received your application, and to see if they would like any more information.<\/p>\n All this brings us to the third step, making the most of your new digs \u2013 get ready for fun with friends and enjoying having your own place.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n1. Prepare your paperwork<\/h2>\n
2. Respect the reference<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n3. First impressions count<\/h2>\n
4. Make an offer<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n5. Follow up with a phone call<\/h2>\n
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