Renting in Sydney: 5 Tips To Guarantee Rental Application Approval

Property managers are looking for a handful of features when evaluating a tenant’s application. Knowing how competitive it is to secure in-demand properties when renting in Sydney, you should make your best effort to ensure your application is appealing, thereby increasing your chance of being approved.

These five tips should empower you, so you’re one step closer to moving into your ideal unit or property.

Tip #1: Contact a Property Manager

A month or two before your current tenancy agreement or lease ends, begin contacting property managers. At this stage, you’re not necessarily actively looking for a unit or home, but you’re networking.

Although having a connection with a property manager doesn’t mean they’ll approve your application, it does mean you can get early access to properties that they are yet to list and get a head start on the application process.

Neither landlords nor property managers want a property to remain vacant for too long, so if they’re able to get a good candidate early in the process, they’ll likely accept their application.

Additionally, you want to get your bid in early because once interest in the property increases landlords can cherry-pick tenants from an array of other superb tenancy applicants.

Tip #2: Prepare Your Documentation

Your documentation is going to determine whether or not your application is approved. Therefore this should be what you spend most of your time and effort collecting and preparing.

1. Payslips: To demonstrate you can comfortably afford the property you’re applying for many property managers will request payslips. Keep these on hand when you’re in the process of finding a new rental property in Sydney.
2. ID: Having a copy of your ID is fundamental when you’re renting in Sydney. Most landlords and property managers will request a copy of your driver’s license or passport as a method of verifying your identity and completing any background checks. If you’re renting with a partner or flatmate, they’ll also have to provide their ID.
3. Rental History: Your rental history will be the best predictor of the type of tenant you’re going to be. If you have any discrepancies in your rental history, the time to clear those up is before you begin your search. Although having a copy of your rental history isn’t essential, landlords and property managers will evaluate your rental history even if you’re not the one to provide the information. Therefore, it’s better to be proactive and rectify any negative records on your rental history, before volunteering a copy.
4. References: Because renting in Sydney is extremely competitive, you should be prepared to compete with other fantastic candidates. To make your application stand out, your references must come from credible and relevant sources. A previous landlord or employer will be ideal, but you can include character references, so long as they’re succinct.
5. Cover Letter: Your cover letter will explain why you want the property and give details about yourself and your lifestyle that aren’t evident in other documentation. If you provide this alongside other stellar documentation, it could be the reason your application is accepted. Keep your cover letter short and informative, similar to a cover letter when you’re applying for a job.

Tip #3: Be Neat And Punctual At The Inspection

When it comes time to attend an inspection, your appearance will greatly influence a property manager’s decision. Looking disheveled or arriving late is the worst first impression. Even if you have superb documentation, your tidiness and respect for others is the most accurate reflection of yourself. Therefore, always double-check to determine the time and date of the inspection, and give yourself time to travel, so you’re either early or on time and aren’t keeping the property manager waiting.

Tip #4: Be Polite

Regardless of how eager you are to reside in the property, never be pushy. Don’t try to compete with other prospective tenants attending the inspection. Instead, ask questions, show a keen interest in the property, and demonstrate a desire to care for it as the landlord would. Think about the questions you’ll ask. For example, direct your attention on the property, asking about strata rules, common areas, neighbours, and the community. Show that you’re eager to not only care for the property but also add to the fabric of the community as a potential resident.

Tip #5: Follow Up

The follow-up is your final opportunity to make a good impression and possibly persuade a property manager to consider your application.

Therefore, follow up with the landlord or agent to determine the next steps. Sometimes they may be busy, and that’s why they haven’t had time to call. However, there are instances where they may be favouring another potential tenant’s application over yours. Contacting them a few business days later (between 2 and 4 business days) is polite and shows them that you’re still interested in – and eager about – the property. If other tenants no longer show interest in the property, this could also be your opportunity to clinch it before another round of inspections commences.

Renting in Sydney will always be more competitive than elsewhere in NSW, as one in three households rent. If you consider that, your application is the only way you can be certain you’re going to secure your preferred property.