Tenants: Making the right first impression
Tamara Price, Lettings Manager, provides a few tips you can follow to help leave a great first impression on your letting agent and landlord...
After scouring online property portals and coming across what appears to be your dream rental property (or perhaps a few), there are several stages you'll have to navigate before transferring over a deposit, getting your hands on the keys and moving your belongings in. These stages include viewings, referencing and documentation checks.
During these stages it's vital you create the right first impression with both the letting agent and your potential new landlord. Failing to do so may leave them questioning whether you're the right sort of tenant they would be happy with occupying their property. If they decide you're not, then your application could end up rejected in favour of another tenant who did happen to make the right first impression.
I'm sharing a few tips below that can help you put yourself in the best position possible to make the right first impression and secure that dream rental property you've been longing for.
Understand your budget
The one fundamental trait that all landlords appreciate is the rent being paid in full and on time every month. You should have a full understanding of what your realistic budget is before you even book a viewing, as knowing that you can comfortably afford to pay the rental charges (don't forget to also factor in all other bills and expenses as part of your budget!) will ensure you don't fall at the first hurdle.
It's in your best interest to ensure the property is within your budget as the landlord will have access to information about your salary, so being unrealistic or cutting things a little too fine with the budget isn't likely to fill the letting agent or the landlord with much confidence in your ability to regularly cover the rent.
Be punctual for property viewings
Whether it's the landlord or a letting agent conducting the property viewing with you, it's important to turn up on time to help create a great first impression. Failing to turn up on time may mean more than just a bad first impression - it could mean that you miss out on the viewing altogether and ultimately miss out on the property as well.
Viewings are often booked back-to-back, perhaps even at the same property if it's proving popular, and they are designed to run like clockwork. If the landlord is conducting viewings, it's important to remember they are likely to be busy people who fit in viewings around their schedule and may conduct several all on the same day. The last thing you want to do is turn up late and stand out for the wrong reasons.
Be presentable
You don't have to dress to impress in the same way you would for a cocktail party, but it can certainly help to still present yourself well. Think smart casual, because if a landlord can see that you take care of yourself and your appearance, they'll be more inclined to believe that you'll take good care of their property as well.
Have all documentation in order
When looking to secure a rental property there will be a list of essential documentation that you will have to provide at some stage. Not having these documents organised and easy to hand can cause unwanted delays which have been known to see people miss out on a rental property to another prospective tenant who was quicker off the mark.
Some of the documents that you should ensure are available to present upon request include:
Proof of identity - passports and driving licenses are the most typically presented. If you're coming from abroad, a copy of your visa and associated documents will also be required.
Proof of earnings - proof of employment and earnings must be presented to prove that you can afford the monthly rental payments. Recent payslips, tax returns or employment contracts are the most commonly used.
References - References from previous landlords, employers or friends.
Credit check - You won't need to hand over credit score documentation, but it's still worth you checking your own score beforehand on a reputable credit site. It's highly likely that a credit check will be run against you by the letting agent or landlord, and a bad rating may see your application instantly declined, perhaps negatively effecting your rating even more.
Ask questions
Asking questions with regards to the rental property or contract situation shows that you have a real interest in the property. It also highlights that you're addressing your queries immediately and ensuring your understand everything, rather than waiting further down the line when potential issues could arise.
Communicate promptly
Throughout the entire process it's vital to ensure you communicate promptly with the letting agent and landlord. It'd be a shame to go through the viewings, falling for the property, providing all necessary documentation and then eventually missing out due to a delay in communication. If you miss a call be sure to call back as soon as you can, and reply to any e-mails promptly - and don't be afraid to back them up with a call of confirmation as well.
Here at CPS Homes, we're committed to helping tenants find and rent their dream rental property. With a huge range of properties available across Cardiff, why not get in touch with us today and learn more about how we can help? Call us on 02920 668585, e-mail enquiries@cpshomes.co.uk or pop into one of our three Cardiff branches.
