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With over 25 years experience, Starr Partners are committed to finding you the right rental property, whatever your requirements.

When you’re renting a property, the lease is the most important thing to understand. It’s the legally-binding agreement between yourself and the landlord that defines how long you’ll be renting the property, how much you will pay each week, and what your responsibilities are. Signing your lease means you agree to everything that’s set out in it, so be sure to read it thoroughly – because if you breach the conditions of your lease, there could be serious repercussions. More information on leasing a property can be found here.

Take the time to think about what you are looking for in a rental property and prepare a list of requirements. Consider things such as budget, location and property type. Knowing what you are looking for will speed up the search process and will prevent you from looking at properties that do not meet your needs.

It is always a good idea to prepare the necessary documentation that will accompany your rental application in advance. Doing so means that when you find the right property, you will be able to submit your application without delay, giving you a head start on other applicants. It’s a good idea to collate the below information prior to inspections.

  • A cover letter
  • Proof of employment
  • Photo ID
  • Reference letters
  • Rental payment history

It is expected and advised that a prospective tenant inspect a property before deciding to apply and eventually sign a lease.

A property may have specific inspection times which are advertised online. Alternatively, the property manager will contact people who have inquired to let them know if a time has been scheduled to inspect the property. These inspections will typically be a specific 15 or 30-minute window, as specified by the real estate agent. If you are unable to attend the allocated inspection time, you can also request a private inspection. When attending a property inspection, it’s a good idea to arrive on time, as there may be many other parties interested in seeing the property and time may be limited.

When you’ve found a rental property that you like, you’ll need to submit an application to secure it. This normally involves filling out a formal application document and supplying as much information as possible, such as:

  • Identification – property managers may want to conduct background checks.
  • Renting history – landlords may prefer to rent the property to tenants who have a proven track record of paying rent on time and looking after a property.
  • Employment – landlords will want to ensure tenants are able to pay the rent on time.
  • References – property managers may contact referees such as previous managing agents, employers or character references.

Bear in mind that applying for a rental property can be fiercely competitive, especially if multiple parties are interested in the one property.

If your application is approved, you will receive a notification from the Property Manager, along with a number of documents that will need to be completed. These will include a copy of the residential tenancy agreement, a copy of the bond lodgement form and the condition report. The latter will need to be checked, completed and signed, then returned to the office. You will also receive a copy for your records.

On top of all of this, you should receive a receipt for the initial rent amount, lease fees and bond, a photocopy of the keys, remote controls (if any) and emergency contact details. Then the fun part – moving into your new property.