[Doricaology]

BE PREPARED

Collect all of your rental related information before you visit your first vacancy. You will most likely have to fill out an application form and possibly provide resumes and employment information.

Your Details When you find a suitable property you will be required to complete a tenants application form. Have the following details handy:

* 100 points ID check - including drivers license, passport for photo ID, a bank card
* Current and previous address details and name of property manager or landlord
* Your occupation, employer, period of employment and contact person (and the same for your last 2 jobs)
* Next of kin details and emergency contact
* Details of all people who will be staying in the property

Have References.
Many property managers and landlords will want to verify your references. Have a list of references ready(name, occupation and phone number), including your former landlord. If possible obtain a letter of recommendation from your previous landlord or property manager.

Have a credit report with you and give yourself an edge over the next guy. Landlords and Property Managers will be impressed by your organization and preparedness. You don't need to have one, as these are not legally or commercially required but having a good clean credit report will prove to your landlord that you are a good tenant.

Be Prepared To Commit.
When you find a property which looks good to you, you are going to have to decide and act upon it quickly. Good places do not stay on the market long! People constantly lose good places due to indecision. This may mean paying a holding deposit by way of cash or cheque as a sign of good faith that you intend to proceed.

Take the equivalent of approximately 1 week rental and ensure you get a receipt. This holding deposit is not a guarantee that you will get the property and will be held during the application process. If you are successful you will find out exactly what the additional bond amount and other costs required are and when you need to pay this. If you don't get the property, you are entitled to your holding deposit back but if you change your mind and withdraw some landlords or managers may deduct an amount equivalent to the rental payable for the held period.

Ask the landlord or property manager what you need to do to secure the property and on what terms you are entitled to receive your deposit back.

Keep your appointments and show up on time. No-shows are a major source of frustration for property managers and landlords. They will keep helping you if you respect their time.

Don't get discouraged!
Finding a great place ideal for you means a bit of running around, but it is well worth the effort. Keep your chin up, keep searching the RENT website, get back on the phone and remember to always sound cheerful!

source http://www.rent.com.au/beprepared.asp