Trouble Securing a Rental Property

Lxarudo on 01/02/2022 - 16:00
Last edited 01/02/2022 - 16:03

Hi all,

Just wondering if anybody has recently had troubles securing a rental property?

Over the last 6 weeks, my partner and I have applied for about 14 properties and attended 6 Open House Inspections. (note: the open house inspections always seem to have 12+ other applicant groups)

I haven't heard back from any of the property managers before they change to "under application" or "leased", and only once have I been notified that they even bothered to open my application.

For reference, our application is 2 adults, 2 children, 2 cats and we've even offered 6/12 months rent upfront and offered increased weekly rent over the listed price in our cover letters. We've always received our bond back in full, and our rental ledger shows we consistently pay our rent 1 week early.

This is the first time we've ever had trouble securing a rental, as both other times we've moved, we were approved for the first home we applied for.

Really confused here and hoping somebody can offer insight. Is the market for rentals just insane right now? Are the property managers lazy and not opening all the applications?

Home & Garden

Comments

    • Drakesy on 01/02/2022 - 16:35
      +7

      wut

      • rektrading on 01/02/2022 - 17:32
        -5

        The OP has tried to do it the official way and keeps getting knocked back.

        May be they should try their luck the unofficial way. Less paperwork and fewer checks.

        • onetwothreefour on 01/02/2022 - 19:29
          +11

          Crypto is not the answer to every question on ozbargain!

    • TheKas on 09/02/2022 - 13:28
      +2

      You are crazy bro

  • capslock on 01/02/2022 - 16:15

    Depends on location and property type

    • xarudo on 01/02/2022 - 16:16

      Homes in South East Melbourne in this case

      • godofpizza on 02/02/2022 - 12:59
        +1

        which suburb in particular?
        SE covers a massive area. Alot of properties near uni have taken a bit hit with lots of rental rates hitting rock bottom. Unless it's an excluisve suburb with school zoning, perhaps you should look in a different part of SE?

        • HeWhoKnows on 03/02/2022 - 08:03

          Same in Sydney for suburbs in the east (near beaches) and inner city

        • nigel deborah on 03/02/2022 - 18:10

          The market has massively bounced back in Melbourne over the last month. I was going to inspections in the inner suburbs with upwards of 30 people attending. Think there is a LOT of migration back into the city right now.

          Areas which took a rental rate hit are rapidly recovering (although it's true that those areas close to unis or popular with migrants are still well below pre-covid levels).

      • Leelee1 on 08/02/2022 - 14:13
        +1

        I have a property for rent, do you want to contact my agent? I am new here so I don't know how to send you private message

        • Yola on 08/02/2022 - 14:46

          The OP does not appear to have PM turned on but
          you click on the name
          at the bottom of the box it states - start a conversation.
          Yours is also not on so the OP cannot send you a message.
          To turn on go to
          My account
          Settings
          Messaging
          tick Allow private messages

  • GG57 on 01/02/2022 - 16:22

    Yes, the market for rentals just insane right now, particularly in SE Melbourne. People realise they can, and probably will more frequently, work from home so the lifestyle thing is driving demand in outer suburbs.

    • netjock on 01/02/2022 - 22:34
      +1

      particularly in SE Melbourne

      SE Melbourne is pretty big. I do enjoy people moving to Pakenham / Cranbourne and calling it a lifestyle choice. Life of exile.

  • life is suffering on 01/02/2022 - 16:29
    +4

    It's quite bad ATM. Last year had the same situation. Keep applying. I'm guessing here but kids and pets are pushing you down the list. Keep applying and call the agent. Also don't put a lot of high rent per week only do so if you are comfortable.

    keep calling agents to check and build rapport
    Don't rely on online applications

  • wei13 on 01/02/2022 - 16:30
    +1

    Unfortunately the rental market has been like that for the past 6 months . 12 months upfront with increased rental offer seems to be the norm.

  • sam-1966 on 01/02/2022 - 16:31
    +4

    My daughter recently missed out on a property that she was sure she was going to get - property manager that showed them through was extremely positive for them etc. This was on a Sunday afternoon, very early January when a lot of agencies were closed. We were sent a reference request immediately etc.

    Before 9.00 the next morning they were rejected, heartbreak ensuing and all of that. I suggested she request feedback on their application to see where they could improve.

    Turns out, the agent of the house they were in had also been sent the reference report and having failed to send by early the next morning they were rejected. The lady did give them some good feedback about applying in advance etc.

    Maybe ask a couple of the places you have applied to for feedback?

    • xarudo on 01/02/2022 - 17:26
      +6

      Just followed up with a property manager about an hour ago, she just replied via email that my partner's employer hasn't completed the reference check (turns out he's on holidays), and neither of our past property managers have completed the reference request, either.

      Gonna follow up with all of them and hope this resolves it going forward…

      (note: I attempted to follow up with other property managers, but got donuts from them. Thankfully this one was nice enough to let us know what was wrong!)

      • sam-1966 on 01/02/2022 - 18:13
        +1

        Hopefully it helps going forward.

  • jv on 01/02/2022 - 16:34
    +10

    It's probably the cats.

    • SlickMick on 02/02/2022 - 14:55
      +1

      +1

      I was going to ask, did OP have the cats when previously had no issues??

  • Quantumcat on 01/02/2022 - 16:43
    +7

    Don't offer more rent than what is being asked as it makes you look too desperate. Only apply for properties where the rent is very comfortable compared to your income. Include a bio of the cats so the landlord can get to know them. Make sure your references are happy about your cats and will have good things to say about them (that they never caused any problem). Engage the property manager at the inspections and hand over your application. Tell them how the place is perfect for you because of ABC and give the impression you will be there a long time (property managers like tenants that stay a long time as it is more money for no work). If the property manager gets a good impression and you make it easy for them to recommend you to the landlord (they like you plus they already have your application) you'll have a better chance as easier is always more preferable.

    • xarudo on 01/02/2022 - 17:24

      Thank you for the tip!

      We currently include a picture of them, as well as a description and how they haven't caused any damage in any of our properties.

      I'll see if I can't get the previous property managers to make a statement to back us up on this though, haha.

    • jv on 02/02/2022 - 00:36

      @Quantumcat
      That is very discrete of you…

  • apple2016 on 01/02/2022 - 16:46

    offered increased weekly rent over the listed price in our cover letters

    I think this is banned in vic now.

    • nigel deborah on 03/02/2022 - 18:12
      +1

      Not banned for tenants. Rental providers just can't advertise below market with the intention of accepting an above-market offer (i.e. trying to drum up interest by listing it cheap).

  • wizzy on 01/02/2022 - 16:48
    +5

    I think there is a huge demand for rental properties right now, with demand being higher than supply. This means that landlords can be very picky with who they choose.

    It is possible that the two cats are counting against you. If given a choice between two great tenants, and one has pets while the other does not have pets, most landlords would probably choose the one without pets. I love pets (particularly cats), but if a pet causes damage and the tenant is not honest about it (I'm sure you would be honest, but not everybody is honest), it can be difficult for a landlord to prove.

    Have you tried creating a cat resume? I have seen tenants do this before. It is a one page description of each of your pets with a photo and description of how they behave. You can also outline the things you do to make sure they don't damage anything (keeping them off carpet, cleaning kitty litter daily, not allowing them to scratch curtains/blinds etc). That might be helpful.

    EDIT: I just saw that Quantumcat suggested the same thing!

    • tulip99 on 02/02/2022 - 10:27
      +1

      Maybe write the cat resume in each cat's "voice"/viewpoint and make it super cute? :-)

  • MS Paint on 01/02/2022 - 16:55
    +2

    Don't mention the kids or cats on your next application to guarantee success.

    • life is suffering on 01/02/2022 - 17:08
      +2

      That's dishonesty and can affect the process MS Paint.

      • MS Paint on 01/02/2022 - 17:15
        +1

        Purely as a test of the market. You can always decline the letter of offer.

      • Mokr on 01/02/2022 - 17:18
        +3

        everyone i know with pets does this

        • Ghost47 on 01/02/2022 - 17:28
          +2

          Lying is a surefire way to get ahead in life. Lie on rental applications, lie on mortgage applications, lie on credit card applications. Everyone does it!

          • capslock on 01/02/2022 - 17:32

            @Ghost47: The woman who lied about her qualifications to get a job as a doctor in a hospital has avoided jail so I guess there are no consequences for lying.

            • Ghost47 on 01/02/2022 - 17:34

              @capslock: There are definitely people who get caught out. I’m willing to bet that’s the minority though.

            • apple2016 on 01/02/2022 - 21:04

              @capslock: After all politicians makes the rules and they are the biggest liars!!!

          • Mokr on 01/02/2022 - 18:02

            @Ghost47: well they say they don't have pets, then ask to have one in the rental after 3 months

          • afah0447 on 02/02/2022 - 10:12
            +3

            @Ghost47: World class liars who have gone far in life:

            • Donald Trump
            • Boris Johnson
            • Scott Morrison
  • capslock on 01/02/2022 - 17:10
    +2

    The landlord could be a cat person and might actually like your cats. Then again they could be dog people.

    • Quantumcat on 01/02/2022 - 17:20
      +5

      I was, at my old house I installed netting over the back yard and a cat flap and wanted to rent to someone with cats so it could be enjoyed. Plus I remember being rejected from so many rentals with my cats that I wanted to give a leg up to someone with cats. The people in there currently who have two cats (and snakes and chickens) have been dream tenants for the last two years so it was a good decision to rent to them!

    • this is us on 01/02/2022 - 21:37

      Or they can just be horrible people who don't care about anything else…

  • deme on 01/02/2022 - 17:26
    +2

    You keep voting for parties that tax doing nothing (capital gains) less than working (income).
    Stop doing that and this wouldn't happen. It's your own fault.

    • Ghost47 on 01/02/2022 - 17:30

      Did OP say who they voted for?

      • deme on 01/02/2022 - 17:31

        Does OP (or you) know which parties would actually remove it?

        • wizzy on 01/02/2022 - 17:32

          Remove what?

          • deme on 01/02/2022 - 17:34

            @wizzy: My point stands, wizzy can't even deduce an in context comment about capital gains discounts. The general populous of Australia vote against their own interests.

            • wizzy on 01/02/2022 - 17:35
              +1

              @deme: I understand capital gains tax discount. There is no need to be rude. I thought you might want income tax removed. It was a genuine question.

        • Ghost47 on 01/02/2022 - 17:37

          The ALP tried to that’s for sure.

          Still not sure how you can accuse the OP for voting LNP. Did one of their other comments say they voted for them in 2019? Or are you so mad at the LNP you’re just accusing everyone else for voting for them?

          • deme on 01/02/2022 - 17:40
            -3

            @Ghost47: It's better than a coinflip that they voted for a party that goes against their own interests.

  • AndyC1 on 01/02/2022 - 17:31

    No problems as there are a bunch of vacant places around here.

  • Almost Banned on 01/02/2022 - 18:27

    The letting agent probably saw your L plate on Ozbargain and immediately tossed your application in the bin as they don't want noobs.

    • Quantumcat on 01/02/2022 - 19:15

      How can you give such a thoughtful and good answer on the cashback thread and such an awful one here lol

  • Hardlyworkin on 01/02/2022 - 19:39
    +1

    It's a reflection of a crazy market. Other than maintaining what you are doing and putting in an application asap - maybe get some feedback from someone you trust on your applications.

    Otherwise sign up to some Facebook groups around SE Melbourne and post on there. Post on your own FB and ask others to share. Might find one before it hits the market. Make sure anyone and everyone knows you are looking for a place.

    • Peter Enis on 01/02/2022 - 20:54
      +7

      How do you know they don't? Just because someone is looking for a rental, doesn't rule them out from owning property.

      • Quantumcat on 01/02/2022 - 21:02
        +3

        And if they move a lot they might prefer to invest in shares rather than property, and have the flexibility to move anywhere

    • xarudo on 01/02/2022 - 21:13
      +10

      Thanks for the advice - but as an immigrant it took me a while to even get permanent residency here, let alone finally get a 6 figure income. In that time, as you surely know, property prices absolutely skyrocketed.

      This will be our last rental as we plan to buy in 2023, but I guess I didn't really owe you an explanation anyway.

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 01/02/2022 - 21:17
      +2

      How do you know they haven't invested their money elsewhere rather than paying a bank to borrow money?

      • yellowfever on 01/02/2022 - 21:35
        -3

        I know nothing about the circumstances and made a judgement based on the post.
        And also seeking to draw commentary as I have nothing else to read.

        Glad to hear OP has a path to purchase their property soon and get out of the rental market

  • this is us on 01/02/2022 - 21:34
    +1

    With 12+ applicants, your chances of securing a property with 2 children and 2 cats are close to zero. I'm not providing advice, but you can do whatever you want with the information, including omitting the cats and facing the consequences later, if any.

    I know you are in Victoria and landlords can't deny rental based on pets, but they will anyway as they don't have to give you a reason. Just say you don't have pets and once you have a place, after a few weeks, you tell them so they can't actually do anything about it except not renewing your lease later (for whatever fake reason they want).

    I've recently moved to the Northern rivers area (NSW) and wanted to bring my doggo with me. I just gave up and decided to omit the existence of the dog, and asked my referees to deny the existence of any pet if they were asked. As in NSW the no pets clauses are still allowed, my dog is staying in VIC (my own property) for now, but if I was in VIC I would just bring the dog after securing the place. My dog is a saint, has been with me in five different rentals before I finally bought my own place. Always got my bond back and left the places better than how I found them.

    The contract I was finally able to have, after 4 applications, expressly say "maximum of two occupants", and since the beginning (inspection) they said it was for a couple only, no children and no pets allowed. If I had a wife in reproductive age I wouldn't be selected. It was very discriminatory; I was just lucky this time as other applicants didn't meet the "requirements". My income was never a problem and I offered six months in advance for the four applications. I'm a property owner in Melbourne. It didn't make any difference. The landlord of the property I got didn't accept the six months in advance as it's apparently illegal. I really hope the three other places I applied for are destroyed by the selected tenants. This place I got is actually the best of the four but this process was extremely stressful. I spent a lot with Airbnb because I couldn't secure a rental. I was fortunate to have extra money to burn with ridiculously overpriced Airbnbs.

    You can offer more than the asked price, which I think it's pretty bad and helps inflating the market, but it might work if you are desperate.

    I'd say you should omit your children as well, but that might be difficult as you can't leave them at the pet hotel for a few weeks. :)

  • FoxJump on 02/02/2022 - 00:24

    I found the application process silly.
    I had to fill out an online form for me, for the wife and for my father.

    Even though my father is retired.
    Wife didn't mention the kids
    I mentioned the kids

    We got the lease, prop manager sends paperwork saying 3 people. I say, what about the kids. He says .. what kids.

    I say. I put them in my application. It's not my problem you didn't ready the applications properly.

    And so he just changed it to five people and all was well.

    Have the kids destroyed the place?
    No.
    Have they caused more wear and year - yes :(
    And the heater fell once and damaged the gyprock which I expect we'd have to get repaired when we move out one day.

    So maybe make the primary applicant forget some facts, but then get the secondary applicant to mention them and they'll probably booboo and you can still claim that you disclosed it fully.

  • ZloyKrys on 02/02/2022 - 09:37
    +1

    South East Melbourne can be Cranbourne-Pakenham or it can be Caulfield and everything in between. I just took somewhere in the middle, Springvale, 3+ bedroom homes, 44 available pretty much all of them are less $450/wk and sit on the market for months. I have doubts that in, for example such a saturated market landlords would be too fussy. Obviously you can substitute Springvale with other suburb with a lot of vacant properties, it's just a random example. Maybe it's just a very tight spot and it makes sense to move one-two suburbs out?

    • godofpizza on 02/02/2022 - 13:00

      even in Noble park or clayton, plenty of rentals there. Not sure why OP is crying poor.

      • ZloyKrys on 02/02/2022 - 16:47

        Does not look like a specific SE Melbourne problem but rather a specific suburb problem. Everything around Monash Uni for instance is awash with rentals and they sit idle for a while. At the same time, scoring something in McKinnon may be a problem even without kids and cats. I think it's the suburb specifics and/or school zone problem.

  • chrismatt on 02/02/2022 - 12:28
    +1

    Closer to the good school zone, more difficult is to get the rental property. I have gone through this and didn't find one even after applying 30 properties, even though I don't have any cats or other pets. Many don't open the applications. I have been hearing that if you are closer to the property managers, they would just make your application as a priority and propose to the landlords. At the end of the day, PMs rule Oz :-) . If you are not focussed on the school zone or other constraints, you could get it a bit further down. There are many run down properties in pathetic conditions in SE suburbs. The landlords know that no matter what people will get in for the schools. There are only a few good properties, and so, demand increases for them. You have a little choice here. Getting rental property is mostly a matter of luck I would say.

  • godofpizza on 02/02/2022 - 13:03

    OP, Cat might be one thing but another factor LL's look is how stable your income is.
    Are you both working full time jobs?

    • xarudo on 02/02/2022 - 13:47
      +1

      Yup - full time public servant role with 6 figure salary for the last 4.5 years, and partner is on ~60k full time with a health insurance company, though she's on paid maternity leave right now.

      We've even offered 6 months/12 months rent up front as well, just in case they've had any concerns.

  • Qazxswec on 02/02/2022 - 13:57
    +1

    if you are able to offer 12 months rent upfront, you should just buy a house, pay of your own house off rather than someone elses, it may seem more expensive but you get all the money back

  • OzHunterNSW on 02/02/2022 - 19:14
    -4

    1… stop talking like a yank.

    1. lower your standards.
    2. be prepared to travel.
    3. lie on application.
    4. time to bring in that "person" you know (that your husband does not) who you know can help you.
  • pyro love bird on 15/02/2022 - 13:27

    I've been messaging agents the past few weeks about properties but no ones gotten back to me. Even regarding inspection times etc

  • bradl822 on 15/02/2022 - 14:46

    I do a fair amount of property contract work for property managers/real estate's. They are all saying they have drastically lost available rentals as a huge portion of investors are cashing in on the sellers market at the moment. Typically the real-estate will work hard to home there existing tenants as priority over others. Hence you may just never hear back.

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