Tenancy Application Checklist: 7 Tips for a Winning Application

Getting your tenancy application right is essential for securing a rental property.

Property managers typically receive upwards of 10 tenancy applications for a rental property, so you need to make sure that yours stands out for all the right reasons.

How can you be competitive with so many people vying for the same rental property? Here are 7 Tips to help you meet the tenant selection criteria and get that winning application!

1. Positive Rental History

What does a positive rental history look like? Firstly, consistency is something that looks good.

Demonstrating that you have made regular, on-time payments to previous landlords shows that you are a reliable tenant.

Provide a rental ledger if you have one, otherwise, bank statements or a reference should suffice.

Secondly, showing that you have looked after the previous properties you tenanted. This can be demonstrated by showing that you received your bond back in full and by positive references from previous landlords or real estate agents.

If you are new to renting then providing references from your current and previous employers as well as character references from people who are not relatives will also help.

You may want to try a joint tenancy with a friend who has a previous positive rental history or ask a relative, who can act as a financial guarantor, to jointly take out the lease with you.

2. Strong References

Tenancy Reference

Ask your previous landlord or real estate agent if they can provide you with a written reference. Some prefer to be called, this is okay too, just note this along with their contact details in your application.

The written reference should include:

• Whether they recommend you as a tenant
• What was the condition of the property when you left
• Whether you paid your rent in full and on time

Personal or Character References

These are helpful as they show what type of person you are and may help the landlord or property manager decide if you are the right fit.

A person with a respectful and all-round good character is also more likely to look after a property and treat it as if it were their own.

A personal reference might come from your manager or a colleague at work or someone you know outside of your family. Ideally, you will have known that person for at least 12 months.

A personal reference should include:

• The relationship the referee has with the tenant and if applicable how they know you
• How long the referee has known the tenant
• The personal or character qualities that the tenant has
• Contact information of the referee so that the property manager can follow up with further questions

3. Proof That You Can Afford the Rent Payments

Demonstrate that you can afford the rental property you are applying for, by clearly stating your place of work, position and salary.

Showing that you have been in your job for 12 months or longer may also help. This may indicate that you are able to hold down a job and therefore be a low risk of not being able to pay your rent on time.

Back these statements up by providing some payslips with your application.

If you haven’t had stable work prior to applying, then showing that you have good savings in the bank is another way to make your application more robust.

This shows that you can afford to pay the rent despite not having a regular income on the lead up to applying for the property.

4. Provide a Complete Application With Supporting Documents

It sounds like an obvious one, but make sure you complete as much of the application as you can. This shows that you are keen to get the property and it makes it much easier to mark you as a potential candidate for the property.

A well-thought-out tenancy application is more likely to get you the property: this shows the property manager that you are transparent, honest and reliable.
If there are any gaps or sections you can’t complete – explain why. Don’t submit a rushed or incomplete application if you really want that property.

Ensure that you have provided all of the supporting documents requested by the property manager or landlord. This will include a copy of your ID (drivers licence or passport), written references and proof of employment (e.g: payslips).

If you are applying for a property with other people, check that they have done the same, otherwise you may miss out.

5. Cover Letter

Consider submitting a short cover letter with your application as this may help you stand out from the pack. If you are lodging an online application, then this cover letter could be an email instead.

This is your opportunity to express your interest in securing the property as well as the traits that make you the perfect tenant. Close with your contact details and consider mentioning that you will follow up to see how your application has gone.

6. Double Check Your Application

Always review what you have written to make sure the information you have provided is accurate and that there are no typos or mistakes. First impressions count, and a poorly presented application could take you out of the running of securing your ideal lease.

Check that what you have written is in a professional, friendly tone and that it is as complete as possible. Consider asking a friend or family member to review the application for you, before you send it off.

7. Follow Up

If you haven’t heard from the property manager or landlord within a few days of submitting your tenancy application: follow up with a call or an email.

You can ask them if there is any more information that they need from you or if they have any questions about your application. Don’t forget to tell them that you are very keen on renting the property as well.

Following up with the agent or landlord will put you in the forefront of their mind – this could be the winning move if you are in the running with a similarly appealing applicant.

In summary, ensure that you have the above areas covered when submitting a tenancy application to get the best possible outcome! The property manager is primarily concerned over whether the applicant can afford to pay the rent, that they are reliable and will look after the property.

If you can prove that you can do these things then it will help you to get approval for the rental property.

Best of luck with finding your next lease!