Next, the property manager submits one or more applications to the landlord after checking everything. The landlord decides which application will be accepted and the property manager advises the outcome. Although privacy legislation prevents property managers providing a reason for an application being declined, you can always ask how your next application might be improved.

One of the easiest solutions is to ask your parents or guardian to co-sign your lease but, if that's not convenient or possible, you should aim to acquire at least three personal references. These might come from your school year level coordinator, teacher, or the leader of any extra-curricular group that you may have participated in. If you've ever rented a weekender, you might even ask the agent or Airbnb host for a reference. If your parents are renting the home you currently live in, you could ask to have your name put on the lease to help build a rental history.

If it's so long since you last rented a property that you can't even remember which real estate agency you rented from, no problem. Simply ask your selling agent for a reference and discuss your circumstances with the property manager before submitting your application.

The First National team love pets, but finding a rental property where the landlord is willing to consider applications from tenants with pets can be challenging. This is because landlords typically worry about the significant damage that can be caused by animals, both inside and outside their property. 

Obviously you can start by searching for properties that have been flagged as 'pet friendly', those with secure fenced yards, or dog/cat doors, but sometimes they're just not available in your area. That doesn't mean you can't ask the property manager to consider your application, and that's a much better plan than tying to keep your pet a secret - which would put you in breach of your lease agreement. 

So, it's important you distinguish yourself as a responsible pet owner. Including some references specifically related to your pet and your track record makes your application much more attractive to landlords. Ideally, if you can include a reference from a real estate property manager or previous neighbours, attesting to your responsible pet ownership, a landlord is far more likely to say yes.

You should also be prepared to agree to additional clauses in your lease agreement that provide a landlord with greater assurance that they'll be protected. This may involve you agreeing that the pet is to stay outside, if the pet becomes a nuisance to neighbours you will remove it, or that you will indemnify the landlord from damage of any kind caused by your pet.

When the landlord approves your rental application, your property manage will ask you to sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement. This is more commonly known as a Lease, it outlines how much the bond will be, when and how much the rent must be paid, when the lease starts and ends, details about your obligations as the tenant, details about the landlord and property manager's obligations, plus any special arrangements, conditions or rules associated with your rental of the property.

You will be asked to pay the bond, which is separate from your rent payment obligations. This is placed in trust for the duration of the Lease and served to offset costs the landlord may incur if, for example, you have breached the terms of the Lease or further cleaning and repairs are needed after you have vacated the property.

You will also be provided with a Condition Report. This provides a detailed record of the condition of the property before you move in. Your property manager will use this document at the end of your Lease to verify that the property has been returned in the same condition that it was initially leased to you in. That's why it's crucial that you check the report and inform your Property Manager immediately if you believe there is a discrepancy in the condition of any fittings or fixtures.

Once you've moved in, one of the things your property manager is obliged to do is periodic checks on your home to make sure that everything is safe, check whether any repairs are needed, and confirm that you're keeping the property and garden maintained in accord with your lease agreement.

We use a secure portal with an app to make it easy for you to view your lease information, control your rent payments, see upcoming inspections, lodge maintenance requests, and get in touch with your property manager. Have an after hours emergency? We're only a phone call away. Our number is monitored after hours and on weekends by a Property Manager on call.