Renting as a new comer

[kerratul]

Hi folks,

 

Called me Harry.

 

I've just arrived Australia under 190 scheme and currently staying at a hotel.

 

I've been inspecting several houses and making some applications; but somehow, I feel it a bit difficult to be a newcomer to rent a house. That's because I realize the majority of an application form are for Rental History, Employment and References, which I have none. So I left all of them empty. All I have with me at the moment is a $20,000 saving account.

 

Could you guy please tell me how I can improve my chance of renting a house here in Adelaide?

 

Thank you very much!

- Harry

[Tamara (Homes Down Under)]

Hello Harry and welcome!

I get calls all the time from property agents for references for guests. As you are staying in a hotel maybe you could offer to pay a few months upfront, provide financial details showing that you have some funds etc.

If there's a home that grabs you, try to make an impression with the rental agent...have a chat!

Hotels are impersonal and expensive. Maybe there's a furnished rental your side of the world that you could stay in for a couple of weeks or so. Your landlord would likely be happy to provide you with a reference for your stay and there's a point of contact for the agent to phone.

All the best...

[Blossom]

I did leave a print out of my bank statement to show I could pay the rent.

[Nellyinoz]

Just starting to look at this....where to start! so much to see

[cliffy]

Have you any character references from previous employers?

May be you could write a type of resume giving information about yourself but designed to impress a Rental agent.

Have you thought about getting a share house with others, where there will not be the competition as there would be for a sole tenancy. I sometimes see places on Gumtree.

Once you have a "history", you will find places easier to rent.

Is your account with a local bank? A landlord needs to know you will be putting down roots in the area.

[kerratul]

Hey all,

 

Thank you for all the suggestion and advice. I've finally rented a house.

 

What I did was to include a balance confirmation (because my bank account was just created, there were no bank statements yet) and a sincere cover letter together with the application. I also offered to pay 3-6 months upfront, although not all of them needed that.

 

Just to share with those newbies like me who are and will be finding a house here.

 

Cheers