Rental Application: Tips for Approval, Free Forms, and Requirements
The rental application process in Australia typically requires a range of personal and financial information from the applicant. To complete it, applicants must provide all required information and submit it to the property manager or landlord for review. It's important to note that rental applications in Australia are highly competitive, so providing accurate and complete information is crucial to increasing the chances of being approved.
What documents are required for a rental application?
Finding a rental in Australia can sometimes be tricky, there are several key documents that applicants need to include with their application. Firstly, a rental resume is a great way to showcase your rental history, employment history, and personal details to help your application stand out. This document should include your previous rental history, any references you have from previous landlords, and your employment history.
Secondly, a photo ID such as a passport or driving permit is required to verify your identity. Pay slips and bank statements can provide evidence of your income and financial stability.
Finally, a cover letter can help to introduce yourself and explain why you would be a great tenant for the property. These documents are necessary to help property managers and landlords assess your suitability as a tenant and ensure that you can meet the financial and other requirements of the rental property.
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What causes delays in rental applications?
There are several factors that can cause delays in rental applications, which can be frustrating for both tenants and landlords. One common cause of delay is incomplete or inaccurate information. This can include missing or incomplete documents, such as reference letters, pay slips, or identification documents.
Another common cause of delay is a high volume of applications for a particular property. Landlords or property managers may need to review many applications, which can take time to complete. This can be particularly common in areas where there is high demand for rental properties, such as inner-city areas or university towns.
To minimize delays in rental applications, applicants should ensure that all required information is included and accurate on their application. They should also respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the landlord or property manager. Finally, they should ensure that they meet all the requirements for the property, such as income and credit checks, to reduce the likelihood of any issues arising that could cause delays in the application process.
What Happens in the Rental Application Approval Process?
If the application is approved, the next step is for the applicant to sign a lease agreement and pay a security deposit and/or first month's rent. If the application is declined, the landlord is generally not required to provide a reason for the decision. However, they must comply with anti-discrimination laws and cannot reject an application based on certain protected characteristics such as race, gender, or disability.
Tips to Make an Application Successful
- Provide complete and accurate information: Make sure to provide all required information on your rental application and ensure that it is accurate and up to date.
- Be prompt: Submit your rental application as soon as possible to increase your chances of being considered before other applicants.
- Build a relationship with the agent: Being friendly and professional with the landlord or property manager can help to make a good impression and increase your chances of being selected as a tenant.
- Follow up: If you haven't heard back about your application within a few days, follow up with the landlord or property manager to express your continued interest and inquire about the status of your application.
Deposits: What You Need to Know
Deposits can often be required when signing on the dotted line for a rental, so it’s important to know each type and what rules and rights apply to them.
One type of deposit is a holding deposit, which is a small amount of money (usually around one week's rent) that is paid to hold the property while the rental application is being processed. It will usually be refundable if the application is declined but may be forfeited if the tenant withdraws their application or fails to sign the lease agreement within a certain period.
Another type of deposit is a key deposit, which is paid to cover the cost of replacing or rekeying the locks if the keys are lost. It is of course returned to the tenants when they move out if all keys are returned and there is no damage to the property.
It's important to note that landlords are required to lodge the security deposit with a government-authorized scheme within a certain period. This is to ensure that the deposit is held securely. Tenants should also be aware of their rights and obligations regarding the security deposit, such as the requirement to keep the property clean and undamaged, and to pay rent on time.
If there are any disputes or concerns regarding the deposit, tenants can seek assistance from the relevant state or territory tenancy authority. A top tip is to document the condition of the property before moving in, and to communicate any issues or concerns in writing.
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Rental Guarantor Forms: What You Need to Know, and how this can help if you have no rental history
When applying for a rental property in Australia, landlords or property managers may require a rental guarantor form to be filled out by a suitable guarantor. This form is a legal agreement that outlines the guarantor's responsibility to pay the rent if the tenant is unable to do so.
Rental guarantor forms may be required if the tenant has a low income or poor rental history, or if they are a student or new to the workforce. The guarantor will need to have a good credit history and income that is sufficient to cover the rent in case the tenant defaults.
Tenant’s should speak with the landlord and ask for their specific requirements in terms of guarantor forms. The guarantor will need to fill out the form completely and accurately and may need to provide supporting documentation such as pay slips or tax returns.
What Happens If Your Application Is Rejected?
There are several reasons why a rental application may be rejected, including a poor credit history, insufficient income or rental history, a criminal record, or an unsatisfactory reference from a previous landlord.
If your rental application is rejected, the landlord or property manager should provide a reason for the decision. It's important to understand why the application was rejected so that you can learn from the experience and improve your chances of success in future applications.
One option is to ask for feedback from the landlord or property manager on what you can do to improve your application. They may be able to provide specific advice on areas that need improvement, such as increasing your income or improving your credit score.
Another option is to consider alternative properties or areas that may be more suitable for your budget and rental history. It's important to be realistic about what you can afford and to look for properties that match your needs and requirements.
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How to Apply for a Rental Property: Dos and Don'ts
When applying for a rental property in Australia, there are several dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
DO:
• Be organized and prepared with all necessary documents and information.
• Build a good relationship with the landlord or property manager.
• Make a good first impression by dressing appropriately and being polite.
• Follow up on your application to ensure it is processed in a timely manner.
• Consider obtaining a rental guarantor form if required.
DON'T:
• Lie or provide false information on your application.
• Be rude or pushy with the landlord or property manager.
• Neglect to read the rental agreement thoroughly before signing.
• Forget to ask questions or clarify any concerns you may have.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Rental Application?
It really does depend on each individual case. Some applications can be accepted the same day, if the owner isn’t too fussed about checking the validity of the submitted paperwork, but usually a week is a standard timeframe to expect. It’s in both the tenants and the owner’s interest to complete the required steps as fast as possible, as without doing so will delay move in date and rent payments. Feel free to get in touch with the person making said decision if you haven’t heard back in a week, this will allow you to organize yourself in the hypothetical case the application gets rejected.
To sum up, by getting together all the necessary paperwork beforehand, and making a great first impression, you’ll be on the right path to securing your ideal rental. By following these dos and don'ts, you can increase your chances of having your rental application accepted and finding the right property for your needs.
