First Time Tenants
Just Left Home, Never Rented Before, No Idea How to Fill in an Application. Rental Application Secrets Will Help Solve Your Problems
First Time Tenant
“Independent living is empowering!”
Securing a rental property for the first time could be one of the most challenging endeavours you will undertake. I know how important it is for you to take charge, become independent and feel in control. Renting property will give you this feeling. However, as a newbie you will come across many difficulties in having your rental application approved by the owner.
The main reason for this is that you don’t have previous rental history. There are however, ways to overcome this. You need the inside information and tips regarding the process of applying for a property to be accepted as a tenant and to be given a chance to prove yourself.
The information provided on this website comes straight from my own property experience as a Property Manager, a property owner and as a tenant.
I consider myself an expert in this field because I have worked as a Leasing and Property Manager for ten years and know what is expected from prospective tenants.
Unfortunately from the perspective of a property owner and their agent, people who are new to the rental market are considered as high-risk. It is not personal. The rental income for landlords is their return on investment and by choosing an application they want to ensure security and stability.
On this page I will focus on everything you need to know about open inspection and how to make a good first impression.
The Interview
You need to be aware that an inspection is your interview, the same type as you have for a job!
Choosing a tenant starts during an inspection, the Property Manager’s job is not only to show you the property, but to observe and assess you to provide feedback to the owner on your behaviour, appearance, and communication skills.
There are seven areas Property Managers will focus on during your first face to face encounter. The reason behind this is not superficial or judgmental. A Property Manager’s role is like a detective who is trying to find out the following:
Are you trustworthy?
Will you be looking after the property with the minimum wear and tear?
Will you be paying your rent on time?
Will you be a good/long term tenant?
Are you a tenant who is easy to deal with and communicates well?
Are you a tenant who is not too demanding?
Are you a tenant who is not a time waster?
The Unspoken Do's and Don'ts You Must Know About
Dress Code
Unspoken dress code for the inspection is neat and casual attire, sometimes called smart casual. It means to wear clothes that are relaxed, yet tidy and presentable, less formal than traditional business attire, but it still presents a refined and professional image. If this is not available, wear your everyday cloths, but make sure it fits your size well, ironed, cleaned and unstained.
Do not dress strangely, extravagantly, or too plain. You want to be noticed, but only for the good reasons.
The main thing is to feel good and comfortable in your clothes. Look in the mirror and ask yourself. “Am I feeling good about myself?” If the answer is YES, then you are ready to go.
The other option is to wear a work uniform, if available, this will evoke respect.
If you are a woman and want to wear high heel shoes, no problem, but only if you know how to walk in them! Do you feel comfortable and confident in your high heels? Go for it!
If you do not, just make sure your shoes are clean and not showing wear and tear.
Always ask the Property Manager before entering the property if you should take the shoes off. This shows you are respecting and caring for a property.
Hair and Make-Up
Your hair and make-up are also important. Wash and brush your hair. For a male, shaving is important, and if you are wearing a long beard, make sure you trim it.
If you are a woman, make-up is a must, but do not over do it! You are not going to a party, no bright lipstick is needed, choose something natural.
Do not wear sunglasses inside. Take them off before you enter the property. Look the Property Manager straight in the eyes. Direct eye contact indicates that you are an honest person and have nothing to hide.
Cover your tattoos and remove any face piercings, just for the time of the inspection.
Body Odour
Body odour is very important. Do you know that if you have your last cigarette or a can of beer even two hours before the inspection the Property Manager will smell it on your breath?
Do not smoke or drink alcohol before attending the inspection!!! You really need to restrain yourself if your care about securing a home for your family.
Wait with any smoking and drinking until you have a house to celebrate at your own house warming party.
Remember to wash your hands and teeth. A smoker can be recognised by yellow stains on their teeth and fingers.
It is important to know that if you are a smoker nobody will want you to rent their property. It is because cigarette smells will remain in the paint, curtains, and the carpet long after you move out and it will be harder to rent the property to a new tenant.
If you must wear a perfume then use a small amount for a subtle smell. Do not use a strong powerful perfume, it may remind the Property Manager of someone who she/he doesn’t like who wore the same perfume. You don’t want to create a bad association.
Communication and Behaviour
The best way to communicate with a Property Manager during the inspection is to be brief with your questions and not waste anybody’s time.
All basic information regarding the property and location are available in the advertisement. Get familiar with it before going to an inspection and do not ask how much the rent is. This information is available online!
If you think the property is suitable, then do not leave before chatting with the agent to give them your brief feedback. Tell the Property Manager why you would like this particular property.
If the property is not suitable, that’s ok, but still do not leave without a quick chat with the Property Manager. Just let them know that it is not suitable, but you would be happy to inspect another property the agent may have on the market.
Dont Leave the Property Manager Guessing
Should the Property Manager be busy talking to someone else, wait, do not interrupt. Wait patiently for your turn.
Speak directly, clearly and confidently, and act as if you know you have already been chosen as the tenant. Be kind, polite and show appreciation for the agent’s time.
If you notice that the property has a large garden, tell the leasing agent that you love gardening or have a friend who is a landscaper or gardener and the best time to spend together is in the garden.
If you notice leaking taps or cracked tiles, you can casually mention that you are very handy and love fixing things in your free time.
Do not point out what is wrong with the house during the inspection, even if you notice imperfections. It is not the right time for complaints of things which require attention or fixing. Wait until you rent the property.
Do not stay at the property too long. The Property Manager has only a very short time so don’t be the last one to leave.
Act calmly, light-hearted, and easy going, do not show your desperation, anxiety, depression or stress. Even if you are desperate, anxious, depressed or stressed, hide it for the time of inspection, bury it deep inside yourself, you can do it. Your family future depends on it!
Imagine that you are an actor who is playing the role as a prospective tenant in the latest blockbuster movie. It is your chance to win the Oscar Award!
Who to Bring With You to an Inspection
Who to bring with you to an inspection
If you have a good relationship with your parents, or at least one of them, ask them to come with you for support.
If you have children, it is best if they stay home. However, if that is not an option take one of them and leave the rest with your parents if that is available for you.
The next question is which child to choose?
If possible, chose your school age child, the school uniform evokes positive association, such as respect, responsibility, knowledge and wisdom.
You want your child to also make a good first impression! So, make sure to take the one which is well behaved, well-spoken and shows good manners.
If you do not have a child which meets the above discerption in your household, ask your neighbour to borrow their child.
Do you have an attractive or charismatic friend? Ask him/her to come with you. The agent will remember you easier. If you yourself are strikingly good looking then just bring yourself.
Be On Time
Punctuality is common courtesy. Holding an open house is quite stressful and usually agents work alone in circumstances like this. Which means, they’re very busy on the day.
If you’re ready and waiting when they arrive, they might remember these good manners when the time comes to choose a tenant.
Follow UP
If you’ve submitted an application and you haven’t heard anything 48 hours later, send a follow up to the agent.
Let them know you’re very interested in the property and that you’re happy to provide any additional information or references they might need.
They may well be deciding between you and one other candidate, and if they receive a pleasant message from you, that might be enough to swing the contest in your favour.
Look, I understand that you may think this is all just common sense…good for you! I congratulate you! You do not need my assistance in securing a suitable property!
However, if you find the above information useful you will want to have my E-book called: