What do students need to know when looking for a rental property and how to apply? The requirements may vary from agency to agency. First thing first, is you need find a suitable property. The best place to search for a rental property is usually realestate.com.au and then click on the rent tab. Once there you can refine your search based on suburb, price, number of bedrooms, etc. You can also set up an email alert so your search criteria is saved and whenever a new property is listed for rent, you will be sent an email to notify you of the new listing.
Contact the agency and set up an appointment to view the property. You will not be able to apply for the property until you (and preferably everyone who will be applying) physically views the property with the agency. To save you time – it is worthwhile taking a drive by the property prior to arranging a viewing with the agency. You will be able to ascertain whether the property is actually in an area that you would be happy to live in.
Once you have inspected the property, the agency should provide you with an inspection code which will allow you to apply on line (if the agency accepts on line applications –some do and some don’t). A hard copy application form will be provided to you if an agency doesn’t accept on line applications – so you will need to complete this and hand into the agency at their office together with copies of all supporting documentation.
Next month: I haven’t rented before – can I still apply for a property?
Further renting tips are available at: mooloolaba.ljhooker.com.au/renting/renting-tips or you can call Yasna Hawthorne of LJ Hooker Mooloolaba 0418 544 406 for a chat and information on renting as a student.
Featured image is of a fully furnished unit across the road from the beach – 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom available for permanent rental at $500 per week through LJ Hooker Mooloolaba.
by Yasna Hawthorne (LJ Hooker Mooloolaba)
