2. Keep On Top of All Real Estate Sites
In such a landlord-friendly market, it is likely that they only need to list on one of the platforms out there to get plenty of interest. Be sure you have an eye on every possible place where your perfect property might come up. Sites to keep tabs on include:
Domain.com.au
Realestate.com.au
Realestateview.com.au
Flatmate Finders
Gumtree.com.au
While the first three are great for real estate listings, Flatmate Finders is more of a suitable option for finding home share and spare room situations. Gumtree has both rental listings and flatmate/room share ads, but the marketplace isn’t regulated so make sure you are only dealing with trustworthy people, and that you have a contract to protect you. There is a standard form for property in the state.
3. Don’t Hold Rent to Pay Back With Your Bond
The property bond will be refunded as long as you haven’t damaged the property. Some people don’t pay their last rent payment on the previous property as they assume the bond will cover it, or they wait for the bond to be paid back to pay the last installment. Make sure you don’t do this. A rental reference from the person you most recently rented from will be gold dust when it comes to finding somewhere new.
Keep the relationship with previous landlords positive. Pay all of your rent and then chase up your landlord about getting your bond back.
4. Be Ready With the Paperwork
Time to get organised and have your paperwork in order. If you see a property you want, then you don’t want hold-ups stemming from collecting paperwork and making copies, and neither does the landlord.
A full list of documents you could be asked for can be found at HousingVic. They include:
- A form of photo ID like a driver’s license or passport
- Paystubs – if you don’t have any handy, use a Paystub Generator
- Rental history
- Name and contact details of references
- Rent payment receipts and statements
- Your proof of employment and employment history
- Bank statements and proof of income
5. Try To Show Stable Employment History
This isn’t something you can change in retrospect of course, but there are ways to show stability in your work and prove that you have had a stable income and job security for many years. If you have changed roles recently or had a career break then you might even choose to explain the reasons.
6. Be a Couple, Or Present as a Couple
Couples are in a great position to rent, especially if they have dual income. Landlords like a simple setup rather than having four or five people on the rent. If you rent as a couple but need to share the rent responsibilities with others then it may be possible to sub-let. In Victoria, “rental providers must give permission to sub-let unless there is a good reason not to” according to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
The key takeaway is, most landlords would rather deal with a couple that they know they can rely on than split rent between more people.
7. Have Your Money Ready To Go
A very simple yet effective tip. Have the money ready to pay to your rental provider, including any bond that is required. Landlords will appreciate this and be more likely to accept your offer over someone who may not be able to provide the money instantly. Again, with so many potential renters for each property, any delays may also mean that the landlord goes elsewhere.
8. Be Willing to Pay Rent on Two Properties Temporarily
It may be painful, but it is a way to increase your chances. If you have to sign a new lease before your current lease has expired then you will be paying rent on two places. With such a demand for properties, rental providers are not going to be willing to wait until you are out of your current place.
One benefit of this is the fact that it can make the moving process easier as you can access both properties. If it means double rent for a few weeks while you get there.
9. Find Somewhere Before it Becomes Urgent
It is always best to have a plan before you are left with a few days to try and find somewhere to live. Of course, there are many life events that can change your plans, but in general you will know when your lease is coming to an end or you are planning to move. This means that you can begin the search in advance and get an idea of what is on the market, and hopefully find the ideal property in the process.
10. Pets May Be a Dealbreaker
If you’re looking for properties already you probably will have noticed how many listings insist that you don’t have pets. It is a risk many property providers don’t want to take.
One potential solution is to offer to pay a “pet bond” which means that in the case of your pet damaging the property or the home needing more cleaning and upkeep as a result of your pet, the landlord has financial protection.
11. Be Prompt and Presentable When Attending The Inspection
The inspection is about checking out the property but it is also a chance for you to make a good impression. Nobody is saying you have to wear your best suit, but don’t turn up looking scruffy and unkempt. Smart-casual clothing, a friendly demeanour and being on-time will all help your cause.
12. Don’t Focus on Distance, Focus on Travel Times
It is possible that you are ruling out properties that look like they are too far from your work or school. It’s possible that many of these locations have better commutes, quieter rush hours, or better public transport links.
You can even carry out some experiments and travel to these areas of the city, both to see what they are like and how long it takes to get there using buses, trains, and trams. Melbourne’s public transport system has many different options.
13. Stay Positive and Build Rapport With The Letting Agent
It can be hard to stay positive if your search is a source of frustration, but it is the best route forward. Avoid complaining to letting agents about properties and the state of the market, as it isn’t their fault and it also makes them less inclined to want to help you. Positivity and professionalism in your dealings will stand you in the best possible stead.
