Real estate FOMO is rife in the rental market, as desperate house-hunters resort to writing resumes for their pets, ensuring they put their best paw... er foot forward.

But it's not as ridiculous as it sounds. The fear of missing out is well founded in many cases, and applicants are going to great lengths to stand out. 

So in a time when competition is furious, how can you make yourself stand out, without offering to fork out a few extra hundred dollars a week?

WILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to real estate agents and property managers to get their hot tips on how to convince them you're the perfect tenant.

Put together a winning application

First National Real Estate CEO, Ray Ellis says the key to winning over a property manager lies in having a stellar application to boot.

"Being a good applicant starts with putting your best foot forward, just as you would with a job interview, and inspecting the property early because agents won't rent to somebody who has not physically inspected the property," Mr Ellis said.

‘Make sure you have all your references in order and take advantage of systems like 1-Form that enable you to put a great application together quickly, then you can re-submit that application as many times as necessary until you gain approval’.

Property managers are pressed for time, so make it easy for them. They're usually trying to find the best two or three applicants in the shortest possible time for the landlord, so if they need to hunt around for more information with your application, you might miss out.

Make sure your references are glowing

Let your referees know you've put their names down, and don't lie and make up a reference. 

If you've got no rental history, there are other options.

"If you have no rental track record or you’re still living at home, try and get yourself on the lease, if your family rents, as this will help you establish a record of reliable rental payments. Alternatively, if you’ve even leased a weekender or airbnb, chase up a reference from the agent or host involved."

Clean up your social media

Mr Ellis says millennials in particular need to be mindful of their social media footprint and ask themselves if they've created the right impression in a landlord's mind.

"Understand that anything you post to your social media account is likely accessible by a landlord trying to choose between applicants. While an agent will conduct rental history checks and put the best applicants forward, it’s the landlord who makes the final decision and they want to feel that their future tenant is a trustworthy, reliable person."

"What distinguishes one applicant from another is their track record. Landlords will always favour reliable, trustworthy people who are organised, will pay the rent on time, and will take responsibility for the care of their rental home. 

"Young people can certainly support their rental applications with good character references, showing evidence of the reliable repayment of loans, having a good savings history, and by not applying for a rental property that is beyond their means."

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