You’ve found the right property to rent. But this is just one part of your moving journey.
Red Property Partnership’s Director and Founder, Richie Tramontana will guide you on how to make the most compelling rental offer to the Agent or Landlord.
The minimal information the agent will ask for (if they don’t have them already) is your name, address, and contact details. Information about your offer, how much are you offering, how long do you intend to stay in the property? Finally, do you work, smoke, have pets, CCJs, or require a work permit or visa?
All the above help the agent paint a picture of you to the Landlord so think about what makes you the most compelling applicant.
Let’s review some of the key points below.
Rental Price – Most landlords like to know they are getting the best rent possible from their tenants, but you’ll be surprised how many landlords prefer a quality tenant in a secure job who will be in the property long term.
Our Advice – if you don’t have the highest price, think about how long you will be there. For example, are you a single occupant vs a couple? This would assume less wear and tear on the property.
Rental Term – In most cases, Landlords prefer a long-term contract with no break clause. But a longer term isn’t always better. Many landlords have plans that may include selling in the near future. They may be renting their property whilst away for work.
Our Advice – if you only need a short-term contract, don’t be afraid to ask the agent what the Landlord would prefer. Not sure how long you will be there, so ask if there is any flexibility in the term. Could you use a break clause or an option to renew?
Employment – To pass referencing, you must earn 2.5 times the annual rental. If you do not, you may need to prove how you expect to pay the monthly rent.
Our Advice – Many students do not pass the earning requirements. Therefore advanced rental payments are very common. Secondly, a guarantor is the next best option but is not always acceptable to Landlords.
Are you a tenant that smokes? Most contracts have smoke-free clauses which refuse to smoke in the property. If broken, this breach of contract could lead to a Section 8 Notice being served on the tenant.
Our Advice – Just like your doctors, stop. But if you are a smoker, you must know that Landlords do not like it. The smoke smell is hard to get out of carpets, walls and extractions units/AC units.
Do you have a CCJ? A County Court or High Court Judgement is a judgement passed in court confirming that you owe a debt to a third party. Records are kept for six (6) years.
Our Advice – If you have a CCJ, it will come up during your referencing process, so it is best to bring this to the agent’s attention early. If the agent knows in advance, they can tell you want to do to clear it or if the Landlord would be willing to accept a tenant with adverse credit history.
Pets in rental properties – A tenant must seek written consent from the Landlord if they want to keep pets. However, “A Landlord must not unreasonably withhold or delay a written request from a Tenant without considering the request on its own merits.”
Dear Agent/Landlord,
Date
Ref – Property Address
Following our appointment at [123 Property Road], we would like to inform you that we wish to make an offer and have attached our application for tenancy as required.
A little more about us.
[Tenant A] has worked at [A BANK] for [x years] as [add position], and I study at [add school].
The property would be ideal for us because [add reasons why you love it (amenities/location for commute/close to family/work/parks/etc)]
We have lived in our current rental for [x years] and are moving because [the Landlord is selling/want to be closer to work/schools/ etc]. We can provide excellent landlord references and anything else the Landlord may require for us to secure the property.
Yours sincerely
Your Name
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Read moreYou’ve found the right property to rent. But this is just one part of your moving journey. Red Property Partnership’s Director and Founder, Richie Tramontana will guide you on how to make the most compelling rental offer to the Agent or Landlord. The minimal information the agent will ask for (if they don’t have them […]
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