Securing a rental property is a competitive business. Owners are on the lookout for standout tenants, who will treat their property with care, while  renters are eager to land the best homes their budget allows.  

Ian Keightley, Head of Operations, Raine & Horne New Zealand says that to succeed a prospective tenant needs to act strategically and use every advantage to make themselves stand out from the crowd.

“First impressions matter and prospective tenants need to make rental applications shine, present themselves well at meetings with letting agents and showcase their suitability and reliability. Here are some proven insider tips from Raine & Horne that will help tenants present themselves in the best possible light and maximise their chances of success. Good luck!”

Provide a smart and error-free application

Make sure you include all requested information, write neatly or type answers and attach quality copies of requested documents. A well-presented application arranged in logical order using dividers and a folder showcases your attention to detail.

Provide strong references

Include positive references from previous landlords, employers or character witnesses to reassure landlords and make you stand out from other candidates.

Showcase your financial stability

It is important to show that you can consistently pay the rent and are financially stable. Include salary slips, printed bank statements and perhaps a copy of your employment contract. If you can, offer to pay rent in advance or offer a larger security deposit to, again, set you apart from others.

Write a personalised cover letter

Write a letter to sell yourself as the ideal tenant - but be sure to stick to the truth. Research the neighbourhood and say why you want to live there. This shows genuine interest. Highlight your qualities and character, such as how you are tidy, live quietly, are responsible and have skills that could benefit the property, such as being good at gardening. This will give the landlord insight into your character beyond the written application. 

Treat meetings with property managers like job interviews

Dress well for meetings with letting agents or owners. We recommend smart casual attire with closed shoes rather than casual wear. Think about what you will say, be prepared for potentially challenging questions about your background, and make sure you arrive at the property viewing on time. Introduce yourself to the agent, smile and ask a couple of questions to stand out. If you are young, consider bringing a parent to the inspection as this can add credibility to your application.

Whether you want to rent, let, sell or buy a property, don’t hesitate to contact your local Raine & Horne office.