Finding a rental property you love is one thing, actually securing it is another. In a competitive market, the difference between getting the keys and missing out often comes down to a handful of practical steps – many of which are more simple than you might think. Here is what property managers are genuinely looking for, and how you can put your best foot forward from the very first viewing.
Make a Good First Impression at the Viewing
It sounds straightforward, but how you present yourself at a viewing matters more than most applicants realise. Property managers are forming an impression from the moment you arrive. A few things that go a long way:
- Engage with the property manager rather than walking silently through the property and straight back out. Ask questions, show genuine interest.
- If you are applying as a group – flatmates, a couple, a family – make the effort to all attend together. It shows you are organised and serious.
- Present yourself well. This does not mean formal attire, but being tidy and respectful signals that you will treat the property the same way.
- A friendly, communicative manner makes a real difference. Manners cost nothing, and they are noticed.
Submit a Complete and Accurate Application
Once you have viewed the property, do not let a sloppy application undo a good first impression. Property managers process multiple applications, and incomplete or inaccurate ones slow everything down – or get set aside entirely. When filling in your application:
- Make sure all your contact details are correct. An incorrect email address or phone number means we simply cannot reach you.
- Put your actual preferred start date, not a rough guess. The closer your start date is to the property’s available date, the better – owners do not want unnecessary gaps in rental income.
- Fill in every section thoroughly. The more information you provide, the more confidence you give the property manager to move forward with your application.
- If the platform allows you to submit Stage 2 of your application upfront, do it. It means that if you are shortlisted, there is no delay in progressing things. Your details remain private and confidential until that point – they are not visible to the property manager unless you move to the next stage, and if you are unsuccessful, that information simply disappears. So, there is really no reason to hold back. The applicants who have it ready to go are the ones we can move on quickly, and in a competitive situation, that matters more than people realise.
Have Your References and Finances Ready
Strong references and financial readiness are two of the most important factors in any application. For references, aim for at least two – Ideally a previous landlord or property manager, and an employer. If you have rented privately before, a reference from that landlord is just as valuable. The more credible and relevant your references, the stronger your application.
On the financial side, have funds available to commit when the time comes. If you are offered the property and asked to pay the first week’s rent to secure it, being ready to do that immediately removes any uncertainty. Hesitation at that stage can cost you the tenancy.
Be Upfront About Anything That Might Raise Questions
Transparency goes a long way. If there is something in your application that might give a property manager pause, it is almost always better to address it directly rather than hope it goes unnoticed.
- Pets: If you have a pet, disclose it from the outset. Provide a photo, a description, and ideally a reference from a previous landlord confirming the pet caused no issues. Be aware that a pet bond will apply. Surprises at the end of the process rarely work in your favour.
- Credit history: If you have a debt you are managing or a mark on your credit file, front-foot it. Explaining the situation honestly – before the credit check is run – demonstrates integrity and can make a real difference, particularly for properties that have been on the market for a little while.
- Your current tenancy: Know exactly when your current tenancy ends before you apply. If you are in a fixed-term agreement, be clear about that. It is more common than you might think for an application to get well down the track, only for it to come out that the applicant cannot actually move for another two or three months. Sometimes we find out not from the applicant, but when we call their current landlord for a reference. That is a frustrating situation for everyone, and it can see your application passed over entirely – even if everything else stacked up.
What It All Comes Down To
Securing a tenancy is really about giving the property manager and the property owner confidence. Confidence that you will pay your rent on time, look after the property, and be straightforward to deal with. The applicants who stand out are not necessarily the ones with the perfect rental history – they are the ones who communicate clearly, present themselves well, and make the process easy. Small things, done consistently, add up.
If you are currently looking for a rental property, the team at Irelands would be happy to help. Feel free to get in touch or keep an eye on our current listings – and when you find something you like, you will know exactly what to do.