There’s still tough competition for rental properties in many parts of the UK, with tenants in some regions battling against 20 other applicants for the keys to a new home.
It can be a depressing process to fall in love with a house or an apartment and its location only to hear the letting agent say “We do have other applicants interested…”
What you need is an edge over all the others, so use some or all of these tips to boost your chances of being the successful applicant.
Have your finances, references and other paperwork ready
You’ll have to fill out a form for most rental applications so have everything ready, including payslips, references, bank statements showing previous rental payments and anything else you could use to support your application.
Present yourself as the ideal tenant
Turn up to the viewing on time, be well-dressed and polite and offer to take your shoes off at the door. Showing the agent or landlord that you’re considerate and courteous can go a long way, especially if the application comes down to you and one more party. Closing the garden gate after you could be a tiebreaker!
Ask considered questions
Ask the agent or landlord about doing the gardening, or when bin collection day is, so it’s apparent you’ll keep the property in good condition.
Offer the landlord a little extra
Another potential tiebreaker between you and another applicant may well be something like an offer to pay six or 12 months’ rent in advance. If this isn’t possible you could offer to sign a longer lease or offer a slightly higher rent per month (not too much higher as you need to be comfortable with it).
Don’t delay if you want the property
If there’s one thing landlords don’t like, it’s voids. If you like the property then say so immediately – don’t play mind games, just offer to fill out the application there and then.
This helps the landlord and the agent because they get to fill the tenancy quickly and they don’t have to sort through lots of applications.
