Christies Beach 
So, you’re wanting to rent a property for the first time? The process can be confusing and a little daunting at times, so we have decided to put together a general guide to hopefully give you an idea of what is involved. Once you know what you’re looking for you can begin the process of finding your next home.
Search for properties
These days most advertising is done online. You have most likely heard of realestate.com.au, but did you know that not everything is listed on there? It is a good idea to also check Domain and individual agent websites to ensure that you are not missing out on seeing properties that you may be interested in.
For those of you who prefer, most agents will also have a printed list of properties for rent in their office, which you can pop in and pick up.
Make a list and register your interest
I think it is a good idea to make a list of properties you are interested in and note if you have registered, if it has an open, when the open is, etc. It is easy to get mixed up with which properties you have registered interest for and then realise that you have already missed the open inspection.
There are a number of ways you can register your interest; you can call or pop into the real estate office or the most common way these days is to register online. You will no doubt at some stage in the property hunting process come across a button that says ‘Request an inspection time’ or ‘Book an inspection time’. By clicking this button and filling in the required fields you will automatically be kept up to date with open times for that particular property.
Attend opens
Getting to open inspections is the key. A lot of agencies will not let you apply for a property unless you have seen it. This is not just for the agents benefit but the tenants as well. Sometimes photos on the internet don’t capture what the property is like in real life, so it is good to know what you are getting into before you sign a binding agreement.
However, it can be difficult for some people to get to open inspections. It is a good idea to let your employer know that you are looking for a rental property and that you may have to pop out on occasions to attend an open inspection.
Most rental opens go for only 15 minutes so it is important to make sure that you are not late. If for some reason you are running late or can’t make it, it is courteous to call the agent and let them know.
Gather ID and apply
A lot of agencies will not hand out application forms unless you have been through the property with one of their Property Managers, so you will need to pick up an application form at the open inspection. It is worth knowing that every application form and ID list is different with each agency. Click here to see a list of ID our agency will accept. You can either apply for a rental property online or using a paper form.
Most agents will let you know if your application is successful or not but not all do. We notify everyone via SMS but there are occasions when people say that they didn’t get the message. Processing applications can take about a week. Sometimes you will find out the very next day and sometimes it might take a little over a week. So, if you are waiting to find out how your application went, perhaps wait a week and then give them a call. Calling too soon and too often doesn’t help your application.
Sign up
Once you have been accepted for a property, your Property Manager will make a time to meet with you to sign up and pay. You can’t just turn up at the office to collect the keys, you will need to make an appointment. The sign up process can take about half an hour and all people going on the lease must be present.
It is usually at the sign up that you will pay the bond and first two weeks rent. Most agents will accept cash or electronic fund transfer (if using EFT, it must be in the agents account BEFORE sign up and key hand over), but it is best to check just to be sure.
Be prepared to have some money saved up as you will need to pay 2 weeks rent upfront and the bond. The bond amount will vary, depending how much the rent is. If the property is $250 or less the bond will be 4 weeks rent. If the property is $251 or more then the bond will be 6 weeks rent.
Tenants can also obtain a Housing SA Bond Guarantee, subject to a quick interview with Housing SA. This means the tenants do not have to come up with the 6-week cash bond. Should the agent need to claim from the bond at the end of the lease, Housing SA agree to cover any reasonable bond claim. The tenant will then incur a debt to Housing SA to the amount being claimed from the bond.
Follow the Professionals Christies Beach real estate blog for more interesting articles.
Never rented – what is the process?
12/06/2019
Article posted by Melissa Chaplin
