Why Does a Strong Rental Application Matter in Brisbane’s Real Estate Market?

The Brisbane rental market has experienced record-high demand over recent time and is showing no signs of slowing down! Property managers and leasing consultants receive multitudes of applications for large numbers of rental homes across Brisbane, including suburbs like Annerley, Tarragindi and Holland Park!

Whether you are applying through a trusted Brisbane real estate agency like Matthews Real Estate, or through another agency, knowing the best ways to strengthen your rental application can help in securing your new home. A good application goes beyond ticking the boxes; it showcases your ability to be a reliable, respectful, and long-term tenant who will add value to the property you are going to occupy.

1. Complete your Rental Application Early

Being prompt and prepared in the application process immediately displays reliability. Completing your application prior to even attending any Brisbane open homes shows that you are interested in the property and are reliable in communicating. When doing this, ensure you include things like:

• Photo ID (a driver’s license or passport)
• Any proof of income (Most recent pay slips or an employment letter)
• Previous rental history (any previous rentals you have lived in and a reference from a previous property manager)
• Pet references (only if applicable)

Doing this not only speeds up the application process for yourself, it showcases the property manager that you are committed, serious, and prepared – qualities every property manager looks for. Please refer to the RTA’s Form 22 for all application requirements!

2. Showcase Your Reliability and Financial Stability

Brisbane property managers are always on the lookout for tenants who pay rent on time, care for the property, and communicate effectively. If this is you, make sure you highlight this clearly in your application.

By including a summary of your income, employment length, and previous rental history, a property manager can easily identify your suitability for a property. If you are a first-time renter, make sure to clearly highlight your financial suitability. Clearly doing this provides confidence to property managers and leasing agents that you will be a good tenant in the long term. 

3. Highlight Your Value as a Prospective Tenant

Don’t just meet the minimum requirements, make sure you stand out! Showcase all the value you would bring as a tenant for the property, and consider highlighting things such as:

• Your ability to care for the home: a good rental history can reinforce this!
• Your stability financially and as a long-term tenant
• How the home suits your lifestyle: mention any details that would further reinforce a home being perfect for your situation

Showcasing all these values shows that you don’t just view the property as a rental, but a long-term home for anyone looking for a rental in the Brisbane rental market.

4. Write a Meaningful Cover Letter

Preparing a short, yet formal cover letter can help make your application stand out from the rest. It can be used to express any interest in the property, or even as a means to just introduce yourself to the property management team.

Things you could include in this letter include:

• The reasons you are moving
• Why you want to move to the property or suburb
• Reasons why you would be a great tenant

Brisbane real estate agencies often appreciate the level of care this takes and instantly have a good first impression on you and your application.

5. Be Prompt with Communication and Flexible with Requests

Brisbane property managers are constantly juggling the needs of multiple people at a time. By being flexible with move-in dates and lease terms, whilst also being prompt in any communication, this would make the lives of the property managers and leasing agents a lot easier.

This not only makes the property manager and leasing consultants’ lives easier, it showcases your reliability and trustworthiness – values property managers and leasing consultants are always looking for!

6. First Impressions Matter

Having a clean and tidy appearance at any open homes goes a long way in creating a presentable application. Dressing neatly, arriving on time, and showing polite interest in the home creates a great first impression for any property manager or leasing consultant selecting tenants for the property. Essentially, treat the inspection like a mini job interview!

Doing little things like this can go a long way to making you competitive in the Brisbane rental market.

7. Build a Strong Relationship with the Property Manager

After applying for the property, follow up in a respectful manner. A short email or brief phone call checking in can leave a great impression and build upon a strong first impression.

Not only does building a relationship with the property management team help your application, it makes the whole rental process smoother even after the application process.

Conclusion: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward in the Brisbane Rental Market

A rental application isn’t just about doing the bare minimum, it’s about presenting yourself in a trustworthy, and respectful manner to create a great first impression. Doing this showcases your ability to care for a property and also communicate well if any issues arise.

By following the above tips and tricks, you will overall build a stronger application for your next rental property – helping you stand out in the ever-competitive Brisbane rental market.  

If you are looking for your next rental property in Brisbane, click on the word rental to check out our current list of available properties.