It’s a well-known fact that rental housing is in very high demand in Wellington. If you want to improve your chances of getting the rental property you want, here's some tips to help:
1. Think From The Landlord’s Perspective
Put yourself in their shoes. It’s important to remember that a landlord will be entrusting an extremely valuable asset to the daily care of complete strangers - they’ll be cautious and prefer someone who’ll treat their property with respect and care.
Secondly they’ll want reliable tenants who can pay their rent consistently on time.
If there are many applying for the same house you need to find a way to stand out from the crowd. Being aware of these factors will help you.
2. It’s Like Appying For A Job
We all know how important first impressions are and they are nearly impossible to reverse or undo – even if they’re not true of you. Did you know our first impression of someone is formed within just 7 seconds? You definitely want to ensure the landlord or agent’s first encounter with you is a positive one.
Treat a rental application like you would an application for a job - from how you speak on the phone (ensuring you’re polite and listen well) to how you dress (smart and tidy), through to the written information you provide. And if you say you’ll do something like provide a document tomorrow – do it!
3. How To Hunt For The Rental Property You Want
Increase your options by searching widely and then act immediately you find something of interest, using:
- Internet
- Newspaper
- Word of mouth – talk with fellow club/sports members, workmates, fellow students, through to friends and family.
- Contact real estate agents & property management companies.
You might get lucky and get a viewing ahead of the general public. If you aren’t successful securing a property they show you, ask if they have any others available, or coming up, and keep in touch. - Put up notices in the area – community board, dairy, local library.
- Use neighbourly.com to share what you’re looking for.
4. Know Your Budget
Have a realistic budget so you know you can afford to get the rental property you want. There’s no point wasting your time (and an agent’s) looking for a property that you’re not going to be able to commit to. Costs will include:
- a regular weekly rental fee,
- living costs for utility use such as electricity, gas and internet,
- insurance for your belongings, including “tenant liability”. Your landlord will have insurance that covers the building but it won’t include your contents and you can be held liable for damage that you or guests may cause.
Find out what’s available in your price range in the areas that interest you. You may need to make compromises so work out what are essential needs verses bonuses - take into consideration things like proximity to public transport locations if you need that.
5. Be Prepared So You Can Move Quickly
(A) Have all the documents you need available:
· Good References - One from a previous landlord or property manager can hold much weight, or from a hostel manager. Copies of their routine inspections at the very least can be helpful. Also work and character references from an employer and someone in good standing in society not directly related to you.
· Photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
· Completed Tenancy Application form – this doesn’t commit you but enables the landlord or agent to begin checking your references, demonstrates initiative, and can mean a foot in the door ahead of another. Keep a copy of your completed form so if you’re unsuccessful, future applications will be easier for you.
· Proof of Income or Evidence of Financial Reliability – Print your bank statement showing income, or that you’ve made consistent payments for a recent loan or payment plan. It’s significant being able to demonstrate you take your financial obligations seriously.
· Guarantor - If you haven’t rented before, then a guarantor like a parent can help you significantly by reassuring the landlord/agent there is a back up for paying rent.
They should complete an application form, provide ID and proof of income.
· Cover Letter and Photo – This will remind the landlord/agent of who you are and may help you stand out from the crowd. They want to be able to get along with you, especially if it’s going to become a long-term rental relationship. Ensure your spelling is accurate and it’s legible if handwritten. If the application is done online you might want to send a separate email with a photo and further information such as expressing interest in signing a 12 month lease or longer….
(B) Have the money you’ll need to enter a tenancy contract.
Money talks as they say and if you're prepared to pay upfront “today” that could set you apart from others.
You’ll need:
- 4 week’s rent as bond
- 2 week’s advance rent
- possible letting fee, usually 1 week’s rent (to be phased out by a new law)
6. Be Honest
Honesty is important - if you aren’t you’re likely to get found out. Professionals in the rental market didn’t come down in the last shower and are alert to the signs of porkies. They also have networks to relay information regarding tenants that aren’t trustworthy etc. that can make the job of securing the house you want extremely difficult. As the saying goes “It takes years to build a reputation and seconds to destroy it”.
For additional advice for students needing rental accommodation, the Victoria University of Wellington Students Association provide helpful assistance.
Their recommendation to include a CV of sorts listing and profiling your flat mates is ideal for any groups of people looking for rental accommodation together.
Good luck getting the rental property you want!