Four tips for standing out in a tight rental market

With competition for rentals high across Western Australia, these four tips will help put you stand out in a tight rental market.

REIWA President Damian Collins
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Western Australia is one of the most affordable places in the country to rent in, but due to the state's ongoing rental shortage, finding a property can be challenging.

In a tight rental market where vacancy rates are low and competition is very high, it can feel demoralising when you miss out on a rental you had your heart set on. So how do you help yourself stand out?

1. Be prepared

Firstly, be prepared. Property managers are being inundated with applications for rentals and they are coming in fast. You want to make sure you have pre-prepared your application so when you see a property you like you can act quickly.

You can do this through online tenancy application platforms, such as REIWA's Apply Now, which allows you to save all your information in the once place so when a rental becomes available you can apply quickly.

2. Make a good first impression

First impressions are important. When attending a rental home inspection, be sure to dress smart, be punctual and introduce yourself to the property manager. You want to ensure they remember you, so it's important to establish a positive rapport.

It is the property manager's job to shortlist candidates and present the rental owner with their professional opinion on who they think is the best fit. If you make a good first impression at the inspection, it is much more likely they will put your name forward when considering applicants.

3. Account for your rental history

Make sure you can account for your rental history. reiwa.com Tenant Check provides you with all the information necessary to determine your viability for a tenancy and allows you to see what the property manager sees.

If your tenant history discloses some past breaches, knowing this information in advance gives you the opportunity to be fully transparent and get on the front foot to explain these when you submit your application.

4. Consider a pet resume

Finally, if you have a pet consider creating a pet resume to submit along with your application. A pet resume should be concise and include things like a small summary about your animal (include age, breed, personality), references from a previous rental, relevant documentation and photographs.

With competition for rentals high across WA, these extra steps will help put you in the best position to secure a rental.

More information

For more helpful tips and advice, read our essential guide to renting.