first time rental application tips

Moving out of home is such an exciting yet overwhelming time! As a first-time renter, you want to make sure you find the perfect property that suits your needs and preferences.

We have all been a first timer at some point, luckily there are a number of documents you can use to strengthen your rental application. Before you apply, make sure you have all of your documentation ready to go. This means you can fill out application forms as quickly as possible.

What you’ll need

• Verified employment and income - this proves you can cover the rent

• References - from your employer to prove employment and act as a character reference for your reliability and responsibility

• Personal References - detailing what type of person you are, why should you be chosen? Don’t use a relative to write these.

• Photo Identification

• Bills - recent phone or utility

what you should consider

Create your MUST have list:
1. Number of bedrooms: I need _ bedrooms to accommodate myself and/or potential roommates.
2. Parking: Ideally, I would like _ car spaces for my vehicles or guests.
3. Specific preferences: I need air conditioning, extra toilet, outdoor space
6. Pet-friendly: I have a furry friend, so finding a pet-friendly property is important to me.
7. Preferred suburb: I would like to live in suburb/s due to its proximity to (e.g., work, friends, amenities).
8. Proximity to amenities: It's crucial for me to be close to _ (e.g., Westfield, buses, trains).

Try to be open to being flexible on some of the above preferences if the right property comes along.
Now add a list of ‘would be nice’ to have the following features (though they are not essential) - eg. pool, views, gym. Armed with this checklist, you can now start scouring real estate websites to find the rental properties that meet your criteria.

Remember - always inspect a property thoroughly before signing a lease.