Professionals Real Estate 
Tired of travelling around looking at rental properties that aren’t suitable, or applying for places and missing out? These tips can help.
With rental availability sitting at historic lows, searching for a rental property in Australia can be a time-consuming process. From scrolling through listings to attending inspections, finding the perfect rental home can take up all your weekend and a lot of your week as well.
However, with the right approach, you can streamline your search and save yourself a lot of time. Add these steps to your strategy so you can secure a rental property sooner rather than later:
1. Define your requirements
The first step to saving time on your rental property search is to clearly define what you are looking for. Consider your needs and preferences, such as:
- Location: Decide on the areas or suburbs where you want to live. If your budget is tight, you might want to add to the number of postcodes where you’re looking as prices can vary between suburbs.
- Budget: Determine your maximum budget for rent, keeping in mind additional costs such as utilities and internet and commuting.
- Property type and size: Think about the type of property that suits your lifestyle, whether it’s a house, flat, or townhouse. Also, consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need.
- Non-negotiables: Make a list of must-have features, such as a pet-friendly property, air conditioning or a garage.
Generally speaking, you can choose to have money, space or time. For example, if you want a spacious place in a great location that’s close to transport, shops and restaurants, it will cost you more. If space is essential but your budget is limited, you might need to be a little further from the ‘action’. Finally, you can live somewhere convenient and close to the city or beach by accepting a smaller place.
Once you have your criteria and non-negotiables in place, you won’t waste your time looking at unsuitable properties.
2. Utilise online search tools
Take advantage of the various online search tools and platforms available to streamline your rental search. Websites like Domain, Realestate.com.au, and TenantApp.com.au offer listings and are updated regularly. Here’s how to make the most of these tools:
- Set up alerts: Create customised search alerts based on your criteria, so you receive notifications when new properties that match your preferences are listed. This way, you don’t have to constantly check for updates.
- Use filters: Make use of search filters to narrow your options. Filter by location, price range, property type, number of bedrooms, etc.
- Save favourites: Save your favourite properties to easily compare and keep track of potential rentals. This will help you stay organised and make quicker decisions.
- Register to attend an inspection so the agent already has your details
Some properties are listed privately for rent via Rent.com.au and Facebook Marketplace, but if you’re not dealing with a real estate agency, check that the home is definitely for lease and you aren’t dealing with a scam listing.
3. Inspect smart
If you are searching for a place with a partner, split up to look at places together. Agents are usually ok with you taking some photos at inspections (just ask first).
Another option is a virtual tour. If you’re very keen but can’t attend in person, you may be able to ask the leasing agent if they can connect with you quickly before or after via video call.
Finally, do what you can to get in ahead of Saturday morning inspections. Mid-week inspections are often less busy, so if you can rearrange your work day, this can be a good strategy.
4. Be prepared
Being well-prepared can help you make swift decisions and be the ‘winning’ applicant. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Have your documents ready: Prepare all necessary documentation, such as proof of income, proof of employment, rental history, references and identification in advance.
- Know your market: Familiarise yourself with the local rental market to understand average prices and get an idea of how quickly places are being leased
- Get your finances in order: Ensure you have the funds ready so you can pay the bond and the first month or fortnight’s rent.
- Have a CV for your pet: It can take extra time to find a place to lease if you have a cat or dog so create a document to introduce your pet and include references for them if you can.
- Be flexible on contract terms: The landlord may appreciate you being open to signing on for a shorter or longer-term lease.
Generally, the landlord and property manager want the place leased as quickly as possible, so don’t hesitate to apply as soon as you find a place that’s suitable. The sooner you can sign the contract and move in, the better.
Make friends with property managers
When you attend an inspection, chat with the property manager and let them know what you’re looking for. Ask if they can give you a heads-up about anything suitable that is coming up.
Once applications are submitted, the property manager will make a shortlist and the landlord/property owner will make the final decision, so be memorable (for the right reasons) and submit a quality application for review.
