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Are your rental applications up to scratch?
Overview
To give your rental application the best possible chance of standing out from the crowd so you can secure that rental home, you need to think about it in the same way as a job application. Instead of paying you a wage, as an employer would, the home owner will be letting you live in an asset worth hundreds of thousands of dollars! So if it seems like the process can be tough and demanding, that's because the home owner has a lot to lose if things go wrong. So put yourself in their shoes and think about what qualities you'd be wanting in someone if they were going to live in your house.
The following information covers the most vital parts of the application process but feel free to use your imagination in trying to stand-out from the crowd. Some people have done things such as including photos of themselves with celebrities (or other publicly respected people) or have put their application in a nicely bound folder.
Things to include when applying for a pet friendly rental
The rental market can be hard to get into as it is, and as pet owners we've got it particularly tough. Not only do we have to convince the property manager their we're great tenants, but we also have to convince them that our pets are little angels. Therefore, we're going to need some extras!
Pet Resume
Ensure you have a resume for each of your pets - find out more.
Pet Rental Agreement
Including a pet rental agreement that you have signed and are happy to submit in conjunction with the general rental agreement will show your commitment to responsible pet ownership and will back up your claims of being a great tenant - find out more.
Photos of you and your pets
Property managers can be really tough, but those cute adorable photos of you and your pets never go astray.
Write a great cover letter
- Be professional yet slightly upbeat. Property managers read tons of cover letters each week so keeping your letter interesting can help it stand out.
- Let your personality shine through. The property manager is trying to get a gut feel about you so don't write it in a corporate tone which tells them nothing.
- Explain how much you want the place and how you'd look after it as if it were your own home.
- Confirm that you have the bond amount ready in full and if you can, mention that you can pay the rent several months in advance.
- Sell your story e.g. "we are newlyweds who would love to start our married life in your beautiful home" so they can sell it to the home owner.
- Confirm that you'd be happy to bring your pet(s) to meet the property manager.
- If you'd be willing to sign a pet agreement, include a statement saying this.
- Keep it relatively short, (eg: 3-4 paragraphs maximum) as property managers are incredibly time-poor.
Just like when applying for a job, a great cover letter helps you get a foot in the door, so take the time to write one that is informative, engaging and sells your story.
Be prepared
Much of the following information (identification, proof of income, references) are things that can be copied, organised and ready to go ahead of time. I can't tell you how important it is that throughout the entire application process, right from the first contact with the property manager to handing in your application, you come across as being switched-on, professional and organised. We all know the value of these character traits but often, our behavior tells a different story. Don't let this be you!
When you're searching for properties, and you see multiple properties that you like, organise to pick up an application form from the real estate agent's office ahead of time so you're ready to submit it as soon as possible. Also, make whatever arrangements are required (time off work etc) so you can turn up to open inspections exactly on time. Punctuality and integrity are key attributes that good property managers look for when assessing your character.
Providing Identification
You are required to provide 100 points of identification with your application. The tale below outlines the various forms of identification and their approximate point score.
| Identification | Points |
|---|---|
| Drivers licence | 40 |
| Passport | 40 |
| Birth certificate | 30 |
| Other photo ID | 30 |
| Current pay slip | 20 |
| Medicare card | 20 |
| Previous 2 rent receipts | 20 |
| Bank statement | 10 |
| Electricity/Phone/Gas account | 10 |
| Vehicle registration certificate | 10 |
Important! Make sure that you have photocopies ready to go of all forms of identification you will hand in with your application so nothing needs to be photocopied at the real estate office. Property managers are very busy and the easier you make their job, the better your chances will be.
Proof of income
Just as important as knowing that you'll take care of the property is knowing that you'll always pay your rent on time, every time!
Make sure you include all necessary paperwork outlining your income such as:
- 6 most recent pay slips
- 2 most recent bank statements
- Latest group certificate or taxation summary
Note: If you get a written reference from a property manager, ask them to mention that you always paid your rent on time.
References
Referees have the job of assuring the property manager that:
- you're a great tenant who treats the property like it is your own
- you always pay your rent on time
- you're a very responsible pet owner, and that
- your pet has never been a problem or concern at previous properties.
The best people to get references from are neighbours (preferably permanent residents as they're more likely to be truthful) and of course, previous property managers. You can also include a character reference from your current employer or a professional colleague, but these are not so important.
Contacting your referees
You don't want your application to be delayed because your referees are unable to take a call from your prospective property manager! Here's a few things to remember:
- Provide as many contact details for your referees as possible (phone, mobile, email, and especially fax),
- Ensure all phone and fax numbers are applicable during business hours.
- Make sure you've notified all referees in advance that they might be contacted so they know to expect the calls.
A note about written references
According to First National Real Estate national communications manager, Stewart Bunn "The most important thing prospective pet-owning tenants should have are references from past landlords stating the pet was trouble-free. Written references or referees are a must."
While written references are always going to be important, from a property manager's point of view, an applicant is hardly going to hand in a reference that says bad things about them. Therefore, always provide alternate contact details for each person who has submitted a written reference so they can be contacted directly. Several property managers we've interviewed said that they don't even look at written references, preferring instead to call people directly to make sure they're getting the real story.
Other hints and tips
- Always wear smart clothes to the inspection, treat it like a job interview.
- Never park in the driveway and always be courteous and considerate.
- When at the open inspection, comment about how much you love the place. The owner wants someone who will care for it like it was their own.
- Save any unnecessary questions or requests until after you've been approved to rent the property. The property manager doesn't want to get the impression you'll be a demanding tenant.
- Resist contacting the property manager unless you really need to as they are always very busy!
- Ensure you application is submitted no longer than 24 hours after an open inspection.
- If you want to stay in a property for longer than 12 months, include this in your cover letter or application as property managers will always prefer longer tenancies over shorter ones.
Finally, check that you've filled out the application thoroughly
I know this point seems obvious but the property managers that we've interviewed all mentioned that many applications they received were incomplete or missing vital documentation such as sufficient identification, pay slips etc.
Some property managers will accept the first thorough application they see that they can't fault and most will not have the time to chase you up to fix your application because it's often easier to just move onto another application instead.
So while it will always be tough applying for rentals that allow pets, make sure you're one of the few that is totally organised, prepared and puts their best foot forward throughout every stage of the application process.
Best of luck!