Finding a rental property can feel like a full-time job. With rental vacancies at all-time low, would-be tenants are reporting more difficulties than ever. It’s not unusual for a single property to attract 50 or more applicants – especially in high-demand markets.
If you’re looking for a place to live, the process can be dispiriting – not to mention time consuming. Scrolling through properties, attending often inconveniently timed inspections and submitting applications, only to be notified that the landlord chose someone else? It’s worse than online dating! Add a deadline to vacate your current property to the mix, and it can all quickly become very stressful.
However, help is at hand. Rental agents can help take the stress out of the process, do much of the legwork for you, and give you expert tips on how to present yourself for the best chance at a property.
What is a Rental Agent?
Well, it’s like a buyers’ agent but for renters. A rental agent helps you find a rental property. They help people who do not have the time or resources to look for a rental.
It’s the ideal solution if you are relocating from another city or region because they are your expert on the ground. Through a process of discovery, they will recommend areas to live in that will suit your lifestyle, source properties that match your criteria and even attend inspections on your behalf.
A rental agent can also be incredibly helpful if you simply do not have the time during office hours to search for properties and attend inspections.
If you are looking for your first rental property, they can guide you through the process and help you put together an application that will make it to the top of the pile.
How can a rental agent help me?
A rental agent will support you through every stage of the rental process. From choosing an area to live in to finding suitable properties, attending inspections, helping with your application, negotiating special terms and even support once you’ve moved in. Your rental agent is your advocate.
The process will typically begin with a brief from you detailing what sort of property you are looking for, what amenities you want to be close to and what your budget is. Then, the rental agent will add your details to a database and find options to match.
One of the key benefits of using a rental agent is their network. Through their networks, they can get access to properties that are new to the market and even get early access to off-market properties.
Your rental agent will also help you with the paperwork, so you have everything in order when the right property comes along. They know what information real estate agents are looking for and how your application will be assessed. A rental agent knows how to make sure your application stands out from the crowd.
They can also help you negotiate the lease agreement and advocate for you. For example, maybe you have found the perfect property, but the landlord won’t allow your cat to move in with you. Or perhaps you love gardening and want to save a little rent in exchange for looking after the garden. Rental agents know how to negotiate these things.
Some rental agents will continue to support and advocate for you after moving in. It is common to find a few issues you didn’t pick up in the pre-inspection after moving in. Your rental agent will liaise with the property manager to make sure they are seen to.
Everyone wins
The increasing popularity of rental agents is a win for both tenants and landlords.
It alleviates the tedium of finding a rental for quality tenants, and they find a great place to live. Happy tenants tend to stay longer and look after the property better, so the landlord wins too. And, of course, property managers win too because it makes their job much easier.