As for the application form, have they got one online? Most agents do, although some reason not giving out the application prior to inspection is because people don't think about the property over night - then, when they do some pull out after the PM and admin girls have already taken the property off the market, knocked back other applications, called all the unsuccessful people and prepared all the leases and tenant info.
The most frustrating one didn't have any of the forms available online. They state on their website that they are only able to hand out the forms at open houses. Just like everyone else here I would expect that being prepared and having all my forms and documentation ready would be a plus! I am the type of person who is 100% prepared beforehand and then moves fast.
There was a special "employment confirmation" form that they request is completed. As I was expecting to be interstate next week I sent them a pleasant email asking if they could send me just this form, so that I could complete it before this weekend, as I would not be in the office next week and they state that all applications must be received by 9:30am Monday morning. Another email with no response!
I'll find something eventually, I just feel for the landlords. There have been 2 properties this week so far that I am 95% confident I would have signed for on the spot if given the chance of an inspection.
Some good news though, I spoke with one agent this morning from a very small agency (only a couple of rentals available at the moment) who was very pleasant and is organising a private inspection for me. I will be sure to sing their praises on here if things keep going this well with them.
My other thoughts on the rental process compared to buying:
Photos. Listings should require more than 1 photo. I understand that often tenants are in place so this can be difficult, but trying to judge whether or not I am interested in a property based on a Google streetview photo is a waste of time. This week I visited a townhouse listed as having a "modern" kitchen. Maybe in the 1970's.
Floorplans seem to be non-existant on rentals, yet are the first thing I look for when I am buying. I remember these costing around $300 when I was an agent almost 10yrs ago, however a basic mock-up with rough layout completed by the agent (with suitable notice saying these are estimates). I lucked out last night when I found another townhouse for sale in the same block that I am looking who have a floorplan. Even if not feasible, tell me the rough dimensions of the kitchen, lounge and bedrooms.
Standardised application form and documentation This is something that should be looked at by the REI. I would like to see a standard application form along with a standard set of supporting documentation required.
Some things don't change, such as a payslip and copies of licenses etc. But there have also been varying items such as special "employment confirmation forms" and "personal references". What a waste of time a personal reference is, if I was dodgy I would just tell my friend the story they need to tell!
This would take a lot of the pain out of the process and increase the percentage of completed applications. I don't see why the application process has not be standardised when the lease forms generally have been.
If these changes were made the benefits would be:
Reduction in workload for agents. People will have a greater understanding of the quality and layout of the property. They will have a greater chance of determining if it meets their needs before phoning the agent or attending an open for inspection. This may then open up the possibility of increased "appointment" inspections as agents time frees up.
Increased customer sat. Prospective tenants will be greater informed and far less frustrated. They will only require a single set of supporting documentation and will just change the property and lease details on the standardised application form.
Faster process. Lower vacancy rates. A streamlined process means no stuffing around going back and forth asking questions about the property.
These are some points which I will be keeping in mind when one of my properties is next looking for a new tenant and should help to reduce my vacancy rates.
I will continue to update this thread as my search continues. At least I am doing something productive with my frustration!
