How to Create an Unbeatable Rental Application even when Living on Centrelink

In some areas, the price of rent and competition for rental properties is fierce. When I left my abusive marriage and needed to get a place to rent, it was difficult. 

Numerous people turned up each time, I was relying mainly on the single parent’s pension from Centrelink, along with some self-employment income, child support was nonexistent, basically, my finances looked terrible. 

Add to that no rental history because I had been a homeowner (and at another time, homeless), I was a pretty poor applicant on paper when going up against families, or double income no kids couples.

I have a few things that easily secured me the house I wanted, every time and many agents have commented on it.

Using these few things I have beaten numerous other applicants in extremely tight rental markets in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Noosa.

Here’s what I do; numerous people have told me it also worked for them.

Preparation

Firstly, look within a realistic budget, not the top of your budget if you can.

Remember the 30% rule: no more than 30% of your income should be spent on rent because agents consider this with your application.

They have a responsibility to ensure you can afford it so while you might be ok paying more than that, the agent or landlord might hesitate.

Once you have selected the rental properties you are interested in, register for the inspection.

Complete the application via 1Form or whichever platform they are using and ensure you have added everything required.

Previously, I used to call the agent and ask a few questions so they knew who I was and that I was interested.

They do not want that in the current market with so many applying as it takes too much time, so you need to find other ways to stand out.

Dress to Impress and Clean Transport

Whether you like it or not, we are judged on appearances.

By dressing how I prefer (dresses, nice shoes, makeup etc) plus having a clean car, inside and out, I was noticed.

More often than not, many people turned up in old, ripped clothes or looked like they had just rolled out of bed, making it look like they could not afford to rent.

Their cars were messy too which indicates to landlords the house will be kept in the same manner.

Dress to impress, treat it like a job interview because you are being assessed on your appearance, hygiene and overall personality.

Some might deny it but there is evidence showing how you present at rental inspections matters.

The agent is analysing you and your suitability in the same way you are inspecting the property

Also, when I go to the inspection I make sure to connect in some way to make them remember me.

Small talk, asking a few questions or joking with them can help a lot.

Have Your Application Ready

I have the application filled out, I leave the lease term blank and discuss it with the agent at the inspection.

Some owners like 6 months, others 12. If you are willing to be flexible it is more appealing to both agents and landlords.

Discuss your needs such as short or long term rental with the agent because not every rental property is long term.

Be clear on what is included and what isn’t because people have been caught out when garages are used by the landlord or similar.

Letter To The Landlord

In my last 3 applications, I included a letter to the landlord.

In the first paragraph, I state how I would like to rent their house, how I understand as a landlord they want someone who will take good care of the property and how I will be that someone.

In the next paragraph, I outline the features of the home that make it suitable for my family and the specifics of why I want to rent it.

Next, I will talk about why I am a good tenant, my family situation, work and that I was a non-smoker and non-drinker with no pets.

I also listed some of my kids’ achievements and our hobbies to show they are focused on their studies not partying.

The next paragraph is where I outline my income, although it looked small on paper at times I manage my money well and have other sources of income (which I outlined).

I discuss how I keep my bills below average, including proof with my bills in the application.

Also some other specifics on how I manage my money to show I know what I am doing and the property is well within my budget.

My closing paragraph recaps why I love their property and how I will look after it.

What To Include in Your Application

Having the application filled in and ready to go means as soon as you have inspected the property, you can apply.

Not all agents use the same platform so be sure to apply how and where they specify.

Here is what to include:

Application Form

This is the main part and relatively easy online as it’s all your details, previous addresses and so on.

As long as you have all your paperwork in order at the end that matches what you have stated in the form, it will be a simple process.

Bills and Bank Statements

The purpose of bills and bank statements is to prove who you are and that you can afford to rent the property.

When applying for a property, it will feel as though your entire life is on display but it is a necessary part of the process.

Be transparent about your lifestyle and provide the correct statements that are all up to date.

Because my bills are lower than average it makes my overall financial situation look better.

My water bills for 5 people living in a home were lower than the average one person household, the same for my electricity.

This shows I am frugal and my expenses aren’t as high as others.

Identification

Along with the bills and bank statements you will need to provide photos of your licence or a passport or similar.

Your medicare card, bank card and other identifying documents may be required too,

All Income Documentation

Include all sources of income such as Centrelink payments, Family Tax Benefit, Child Support, business income, wages etc.

I included cash-back programs, online surveys, PayPal and everything else I had that were relatively consistent when I was applying as a single mother.

Those extra random incomes helped show I receive more income than it appears.

I included child support documentation even when I didn’t get it because the agents told me to.

Any income you receive or have proof of, include, even if it means creating a document to combine them all with screenshots etc.

Proving you can afford the property is crucial and the more income you have the easier that is.

Last Tips

Get your application in asap because rental properties go fast and with the number of applications they get, the first few in are more likely to get it.

Most agents tell me they have never seen anyone so organized and prepared with their application which made my application strong already.

With the application for the Canberra home the agent even gave me his card in case I wanted to look at the property again over the weekend. 

He also said I should know Monday, but that file made my application very strong. And if the managing agent didn’t ring me Monday (he was not managing that property, but doing a favour for another agent), then to call him.

When moving around NSW recently, I had a few agents quite keen to help me secure a property and called to let me know of suitable properties.

Each agent said it was because of how we presented and how organised I was.

Hopefully these tips help you secure a property!

Note if you need a little extra cash, ING have a bonus $125 offer right now that is easy to complete. Up Bank, who are back by Bendigo have $14 instantly too.

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