What to include in your rental application
There are lots of details you need to include in a rental application. While it may be tempting to simply fill out an application, adding a few extra details to make the property manager’s life easier in assessing your application will help you to stand out and potentially increase your chances of approval.
Here’s everything you need to include to put together a strong rental application.
Contact the agent and ask to pre-apply
This means that you are requesting to apply for the property prior to inspecting so that you are ahead of the game!
It enables you to have your application completely submitted and even processed prior to looking at the property so that once seen you can request the agency to send your processed application through to the Landlord for their approval.
If by chance you feel the property does not suit your needs, the agency will be able to match you with an upcoming property using the application already processed.
In a competitive market, this puts you ahead of the game and front of mind for future properties, having sown initiative and been proactive in your pursuit of making a house your home!
Ensure all information on the application is complete and correct
The more thorough an application is completed the less time an agent has to spend chasing up missing information. Ensure you include both previous rental agents and employers correct email address as a reference as this makes the process more efficient.
The quicker your application is processed in full, the quicker it will be sent to the Landlord for their review and consideration, as compared to those whose applications are incomplete or references uncontactable.
Include 100 points of Identification
The key to making sure a property manager can easily process your rental application is giving them all the information they need as soon as you apply.
Use an app such as CamScanner (if you don’t have a scanner) to take a clear photo of the identification documents you need to submit with your application.
For identification like a driver’s licence, make sure you include a photo of the front and back of the licence.
Clearly detail your rental history
List as much detail as possible about your history. You’ll usually have space to include your last three addresses.
If you know the landlord or property manager for these properties is going to be hard to contact (e.g. if they live overseas), include the details of other rental references you have who are easy to contact.
If you’ve got well-written references for previous rental properties, make sure you include those too. For example, you could screenshot a positive email or include a reference letter from a previous property manager or landlord.
Include a cover letter
When you submit all of your documentation for your application, include a cover letter detailing your rental history and why you’d be an excellent tenant.
If you don’t have a long rental history, this is a great opportunity to demonstrate that you’re a responsible person and include any references that will strengthen your application.
For example, if you’ve housesat for friends and family before, you can mention this in your cover letter.
Start applying today!
By using these tips you can start applying today!
Putting yourself in the property manager’s shoes and including as much information as possible in your rental application, you’ll increase your chances of getting approval for your dream property.
Astute Team