A Renters Resume

A Renters Resume

James Limnios | 16 November 2012

People moving to Perth for work are going to be surprised that it’s a tough rental market out there, with less than 2% vacancy rates in general, falling to below 1% in the inner city areas. I’ve mentioned before that there are 1000s of people arriving in Perth every month for work, or to look for work, and unfortunately with the fierce competition out there, not many of them are going to find a suitable home at the right price.

If you are moving from interstate, or even overseas, a good renter’s resume is something that you should compile before you start looking for accommodation. It’s not something that has been needed in the past, but those days are gone, and available rental properties are getting rarer; you need something to give your application the edge.

1.              References

Make sure you have the most up to date details from your previous landlords and property managers for reference. A written reference from these contacts will be invaluable and show your new prospective property manager that you mean business. If you have never rented before, get references from your university housing manager or written professional references about your character. It may not seem relevant, but it will give the landlord something more to go on, and help them put a face and personality to your application.

2.              Work History

Renting a house or apartment is like looking for a job, so include your professional history on your renter’s resume. This shows a few things; firstly, that you have gainful employment and shows how long you have been in the workforce, secondly it shows another insight into who you are.

3.              Credit Report

If you can get your hands on your credit report, this will save the landlord and the property manager some time and effort in evaluating your application. If your report isn’t as rosy as you’d like it, then you have an opportunity to get your affairs in order before you start applying for properties. If it’s golden, then it’s another feather in your cap for your application.

Some of these details will be repeated on the official REIWA application, but if let them know you are serious, organised and prepared, then you will stand out and make a good first impression.