Private rental advice

Making a good impression

You may be competing with other people for a property. Real estate agents and landlords decide who will be given a tenancy.

You can create a good impression by:

• dressing neatly, as if you are going for a job interview
• being on time or early for appointments and open inspections
• going alone if you can so you can give the agent your complete attention
• introducing yourself briefly
• answering questions politely
• having a list of questions to ask about the property
• taking photocopies of all documents (ID, references) and a pen so you can complete an application straight away.

Tell the agent if you are listed on a tenant database and why this happened, as they will find out when they check.

Inspecting a property

It is important to look at a property carefully before you sign a residential tenancy agreement (lease).

Remember to find out:

• Does it have gas or electricity? (these can have different costs)
• Does it have smoke detectors and do they work?
• Are the blinds or curtains OK?
• Is the hot water system big enough for your needs?
• Are there locks on the doors and windows?
• Is there a telephone line?
• Is there a television antenna?
• Are the fences and gates in good condition?
• Do you have to look after the garden, mow lawns, etc?
• Does the property need repairs? Will the repairs be carried out before you move in?
• If you have a pet, are pets allowed?

Once a residential tenancy agreement is signed, it may be harder to ask the landlord to make repairs. The landlord should do any agreed repairs before you move in or provide a written agreement to do the work after you move in.