One of the most nerve-wracking aspects of looking for a home is being able to please the owner, so that he allows you to become his tenant. With a potential landlord it is important to start off on the right foot in your first meeting and during the negotiation, so that you have the best chance of renting the home.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Making a Good First Impression
Step 1. Contact the landlord in a respectful way
On your first contact, you should call or email him, then give him your full name, your contact information, and your interest in his property. Try to be short and direct. You can also add a quick description of yourself, for example "responsible college student looking for a long-term rental" or "young professional with a very good record as a tenant". The real estate market can be very competitive, so try to contact the owner as soon as you find an ad that interests you, on the internet or in the newspaper.
If you have been suggested the house by a friend who lives in the same building and who has a good relationship with the owner, you can say that you know him during the phone call or in the email
Step 2. Prepare a resume of your rental experiences
Produce all the necessary documents for your application, so that you can simply hand them over to the owner during the visit. This speeds up operations and immediately allows the landlord to understand if you are suitable to rent his property. Your resume should include:
- Previous rental details: Include current and past addresses, as well as the contact information of previous owners and the dates you lived in their homes. If you can't retrieve detailed information for all of your previous accommodations, just focus on the last two houses you lived in.
- Information about your career: Include the contact information of your present and past employers, with names, addresses and telephone numbers. You should also add information about your salary and the dates you held employment. This shows the landlord that you have a stable income and that you can afford to pay the rent every month.
- At least two references: You should prepare at least two references, one professional, like your boss or a previous landlord, and one personal, like a family friend or next-door neighbor. Seek help from people who can make you look good and give you a good recommendation.
- Your credit history: If possible, you should get a copy of your credit history from the bank. This allows you to show the landlord that you are in good financial condition and that you can pay your bills on time. If you have a bad financial background, you should propose a reason or explanation and show that you currently have a stable income, so you are able to pay the rent every month.
Step 3. Dress professionally for the visit
Make a great first impression on the landlord by wearing professional clothes and a presentable appearance. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to wear a jacket and tie, but you should look after your look. Avoid overalls, slippers, and unkempt hair. A clean shirt, jeans and a neat appearance show that you are willing to put in the effort to be presentable in front of the owner.
If you are accompanied by a potential roommate for your visit, make sure they are also well dressed and presentable
Step 4. Arrive on time for your visit
Try to introduce yourself slightly early and wait for the landlord outside his property with a big smile. This will make a great first impression and he'll likely remember that you were kind enough to arrive on time.
Part 2 of 2: Behaving Professionally During the Application Phase
Step 1. Don't hide any pets or problems you had in the past when you were rented
Don't try to hide your dog or cat from the owner, as this can be a breach of contract. If you have a pet, check if the ad says "pets allowed" or "small pets only". At that point, you can suggest that the owner meet your pet during the visit, so that he can evaluate his behavior. This allows him to get an idea of your four-legged friend and for you to avoid being discarded for another person who has no pets.
Likewise, if you have had problems in the past with your previous landlords, explain the reasons clearly. The potential landlord will likely call at least one of the ones you've previously had and mentioned on your resume, so prepare him for what he will hear by sincerely disclosing the reasons why you had disagreements. This gives you the opportunity to be proactive about past issues and make your side of the story known earlier
Step 2. Communicate your strong interest in the rental property
During the visit, you should clearly express your willingness to rent the house, so that the landlord sees you as a serious suitor. Show your enthusiasm for the home by saying how beautiful a room is or how long you have been looking for a home in this area. Compliment the house and its state of repair. The owner will listen to your comments and understand that you really want to live there.
While visiting, you should also try to be nice and open. Ask the owner about the history of the house or previous tenants and have a conversation with him. Show your interest in what he has to say and try to be friendly. This allows you to make a good impression and can convince him to consider you for a contract
Step 3. Clearly explain why you would be a good tenant
Start off on the right foot by highlighting the reasons why you would be a great tenant, such as your stable income, your spotless rental history, or your excellent creditworthiness. Focus on the elements on your resume that demonstrate your ability to manage money and meet deadlines.
