How To Prepare A Rental Application

In today’s competitive rental market, being prepared is crucial. With an increasing volume of applicants applying for each property listing coming to market, speed and organisation can be the difference between securing your dream rental home and continuing your search.

At Gilson Gray, we caught up with Pauline Traill, Senior Property Manager, to create a detailed guide to help you navigate the rental application process.

Why is it important to be prepared?

The current rental market moves at lightning speed, and competition is fierce! The high demand for properties means that you have to act quickly, especially since landlords often want to make quick decisions to avoid prolonged vacancies. Popular properties in sought-after locations can attract dozens of applications within days, if not hours.

What should an ideal tenant have in place before applying?

Firstly, have all of your paperwork ready and up-to-date including identification documents, proof of income, and any previous rental/address history. You should have the minimum of the first month’s rent and any deposits in place, and line-up your guarantor if necessary. Reference details should also be current, and the individuals should be prepared to be contacted on your behalf. Finally, you should complete and allow access to My Rental CV for ease of access to your information for consideration.

How many references are typically required?

Most rental applications will require at least two references; an employers reference to verify your employment status and current income, plus a work reference to showcase your character as a potential tenant. It is beneficial to have a reference from a former landlord you have had where applicable.

Is there a standard lead-time for when you should expect to hear if your application has been successful?

Generally speaking, it can take around one week to hear back on an application, depending on how quickly a potential tenant can provide any required information. We urge all applicants to follow the guidance above in order to ensure that your application has a smooth process and has been reviewed promptly, and you do not have to be chased for documentation and cause any delays.

What advice would you give to someone looking to apply for their first rental home?

The first thing to establish before applying to rent a property is to ensure that you can afford to do so. Being organised, turning up promptly for viewings, creating a good impression with your potential letting agent, being flexible with your timelines, and being clear of your circumstances are great ways to stand-out as a potential tenant. Your behavior during this initial stage can significantly impact your application.

The Gilson Gray Lettings team are here to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through the whole process, especially if it is your first time renting a property. By following our guidance, you can navigate the competitive rental market in Scotland with confidence and increase your chances of securing that perfect rental home.

Happy house hunting!