How to show a landlord you’re a good tenant?

Every landlord wants a great tenant. After all, if they’re leasing properties, they want to ensure they’re offering them to the right people.

Showing a landlord you’re a good tenant will make getting accepted for a rental agreement easier. And once you’ve moved in, being a respectful tenant makes it more likely your landlord will maintain your home and provide positive references for your next property.

• But how exactly do you prove you’re a good tenant?
• What makes a bad tenant?
• What are landlords looking for?

At DiJones, we have decades of experience helping Australian homebuyers and sellers navigate the rental market and have many properties for rent.

Let’s explore everything you should do to prove you’re the right fit, both before and after you move in.

What do landlords look for in a tenant?

The qualities landlords seek in a tenant usually fall under financial necessities, rental history, and character traits. Let’s break down some of the core things your landlord will look for in prospective tenants.

1. Financial stability

Let’s start with the obvious. Every landlord wants a tenant that they know can pay rent. As such, they’ll typically look for things like:

• Consistent income: Do you have a reliable monthly income?
• Good credit history: Do you have a track record of making payments on time?
• Ability to pay rent on time: Do you have the financials to cover the cost of the deposit and monthly rent?

Your real estate agent will likely run a credit check through a credit checking agency like Equifax or Experian. If they do this, they will ask for your permission before they proceed.

Alternatively, they may instead ask for proof of your balance record from your bank account. And yes, if you do hold investments like stocks or crypto, you can also share proof of record statements for these assets.

2. Responsibility and reliability

Next, there’s reliability. Here’s the ideal tenant a landlord is searching for:

• Responsibility: Landlords want someone who will follow lease rules. They’ll look for a tenant who appears responsible and well-organized.
• Timeliness: Promptness is a huge plus. Landlords want to be paid rent on time, and they may disregard quality tenants who don’t arrive on time for viewings.
• Respectful: A respectful tenant equals a happy landlord. Landlords will want someone who looks after the property.

3. Rental history

A landlord will also want to know you have a strong track record as a previous tenant:

• No eviction history: While it’s not impossible to rent if you’ve been evicted in the past, this negatively affects your chances of getting a property.
• Positive references: Many landlords will prefer that a tenant has positive references from previous landlords.

4. Good communication skills

Next, a landlord will want to know if a tenant has strong communication skills.

• Respectful communication: It’s important for the tenant to engage with a landlord respectfully. This will help build strong landlord-tenant relationships down the line.
• Openness: A tenant should be open to discussing and addressing issues.

5. A positive attitude

While not essential, many landlords would instead work with a pleasant and kind tenant.

• Kindness: A pleasant tenant is generally easier to deal with and talk to openly.
• Respect for neighbours: Respect for neighbours is a must. After all, no landlord wants to respond to noise complaints at 3 a.m.

6. Other considerations

Lastly, here are a few other things your landlord may be looking for:

• Length of lease: A landlord will want to know that a tenant’s ideal lease length matches theirs.
• Occupants: How many occupants will be sharing the house? The landlord may be reluctant to rent out if there are too many.
• Pets: Does the tenant have any pets? And if so, how does this line up with the landlord’s requirements?

How to show you’re a good tenant before and after you move

How do you show your landlord you’re the perfect tenant? We’ll break this down into three stages:

• When you’re applying for a rental property.
• When you’re interviewing for a rental property.
• Once you’ve moved into a rental property.

Let’s dive into each one by one.

Applying: Preparing a strong rental application

We’ll start at the beginning. First impressions count, so preparing a strong rental application is important. Here’s how:

• Include all essential information: You’ll want to state all essential details clearly and concisely. Include your name, employment details, income, rental history, and contact information. Triple-check that all these details are correct. Errors delay the process and might make the landlord think you’re unprofessional.
• Provide a solid reference: If you have a good relationship with your current landlord, ask them for a recommendation. A good landlord reference can set you apart from every other potential tenant.
• Format everything correctly: Sometimes, your landlord will provide you with a template to fill out. But other times, you’ll be left to your own devices. In this case, finding a rental application template online is best to ensure you follow a suitable format.
• Address gaps in history: Do you have a gap in your employment history? Did you spend a year living with family? It’s good practice to let your landlord know of any gaps in your history, as this shows you’re considerate of potential concerns.
• Highlight positive qualities: What are your best traits? Are you kind and respectful? Do you always pay on time? Are you a great communicator? Shout about these traits. Your landlord reference can back up your claims.
• Always proofread: Carefully review your application before you send it to your landlord.

Interviewing: Tips for a successful interview

If your rental application is successful, your landlord might invite you to an interview. This is your opportunity to show why you'll be the perfect tenant for their property. Here are some tips:

• Be on time: Always arrive on time for your interview. Remember that landlords want a tenant that will pay on time each month. Punctuality indicates you’ll be equally punctual when it comes to rent.
• Dress professionally: We aren’t going to tell you to wear a suit to your interview. Still, it helps to look clean and presentable. This shows you’re serious and hints that you’ll keep the property in good condition.
• Prepare: Gather any extra documents and take them to the interview. Think of proof of income, any references, and a form of ID. Your landlord will usually tell you what they’d like you to bring.
• Be polite and thoughtful: Most landlords prefer a respectful and kind tenant. Show interest by asking intelligent questions about the policies and the local neighbourhood. Genuine interest makes all the difference.

What questions will my landlord ask?

Here are some common questions you can expect to receive during your rental interview. You can use this to prepare your responses:

• When are you looking to move in?
• Does your current landlord know you’re moving property?
• Have you ever been evicted before?
• Do you have a criminal record?
• Why are you looking to move property?
• What drew you to this rental property?
• Do you, or any other tenants, smoke?
• Do you intend to be in the same role for the entire tenancy agreement?
• Do you have the deposit available?
• Do you have a guarantor if required?
• Do you have any questions for me?

Most of these questions are pretty straightforward, but you have an excellent opportunity to respond positively when asked why you want to move into the property. Use this as your chance to stand out.

After moving in: Building a strong tenant-landlord relationship

You’ve moved in. Congrats, the hard part is over. Now, you can focus on building a good relationship with your landlord. Here’s what we recommend.

Effective communication

Excellent communication equals a great relationship. Ask your landlord questions if you're unsure about anything, such as policies. Equally, practice actively listening when your landlord guides you.

In addition, it's essential to politely let your landlord know if you have any concerns. While it may be tempting to think that a quiet tenant is a dream tenant, speaking up shows you take the property seriously, and your landlord will appreciate you giving them the heads-up about a maintenance issue.

Renting responsibly

Next, it's vital to act responsibly. Keep the place tidy and take care of the property. Follow house rules about pets and smoking. And remember to always pay your rent on time. Understandably, paying rent on time is the easiest way to get in your landlord's good books.

Ultimately, you want to treat the property like you're paying for every piece of furniture yourself. This will show consideration. If you do have a maintenance request, your landlord will usually be willing to shoulder the cost.

Building rapport

Try to work with your landlord, not against them. Treat them like an equals, address concerns, show gratitude, and respect their time.

Building rapport with your landlord and maintaining open, friendly communication can foster a long-term relationship that benefits both parties.

This is mutually beneficial. If you show your landlord you’re a good tenant, they’ll be more likely to support your requests.

Summing up

Securing a rental property in the current market can feel like a tall order. But if you take the steps to present yourself as a strong tenant, you’ll find it easier to secure a home you can’t wait to move into.

Once you’ve got the keys, showing your landlord you were the right choice will help you build a mutually beneficial relationship that keeps both parties happy.

How DiJones can help?

DiJones works with property owners and tenants to assist with tenant screening and reference checks and to ensure prospective tenants have a stable income and employment.

Looking to find your next dream rental property? View our current residential properties for rent, or view some of our top commercial properties for lease.

Our tenancy application form is simple. You can complete it online. Then, we'll work with you to help you move into your new home.

Want more information? Read our guide to renting, which provides all of the essential information you need to find your perfect property in NSW. It’s the best resource for renters in Australia.

Looking to rent out a new property? Then, contact us today for your next rental appraisal. Our property managers are ready to answer any questions you may have and can help you find your next prospective tenants.

FAQs

What should I do if I have a bad rental history?

Our advice is to be honest with your landlord from the outset. Talk about your situation before they ask. Explain why you have a bad rental history and the steps you’ve taken to change. If your bad rental history is related to late rent payments, you may offer to use a guarantor or pay more rent upfront.

What should I do if I can't pay rent on time due to an unexpected circumstance?

It's not uncommon to miss a rent payment. Just inform your landlord and let them know when they can expect the money. If you've built up a solid tenant-landlord relationship, most landlords will be willing to accommodate you. The key is open communication.

How can I avoid disputes with my landlord?

Ensure you fully understand your agreement's policies before you move in. Keep the property in good condition and follow the rules. If you cause property damage (it happens to the best of us), it's best to be honest about this immediately rather than waiting til you move out. The more open you are with your landlord, the easier it is to squash disputes quickly.