Hey ozb,
I have a question about renting. So we find a place, check the place and do paper application with required documents. What kind of screening is done by estate agents? and is there any charge for application?
Any real estate agents here? Question about renting
TurkishDelight on 10/06/2020 - 16:19
Comments
I see. Is there any charge for applications?
Nope, didn't pay extra for anything at all. I believe it was 4 weeks rent deposit and 2 weeks rent in advance then setup automated payments and get automated receipts via e-mail every fortnight.
Had one inspection in 2+ years. They don't bother me, I don't bother them.
That's good. I thought they might be looking at credit reports at least.
@TurkishDelight: It probably depends on a case by case basis depending on agent, landlord requirements, market conditions and your current situation.
everything is covered by the landlord - it comes out as ongoing fees, no real estate agent should charge the applicant.
What are you looking to hide ;p
haha nothing was just curious :)
I have heard some agents do financial checks and rental history and employment checks.
yes - our agent does these things, as well as checking the National Tenant Database (or maybe it's just a state thing not national)
I see so the National Tenant Database has such details?
I believe that the tenant database has details about whether a tenant has been rpeviously evicted, has been to VCAT and found against etc.I don't think that personal data such as income, employment checks is kept.
They won't charge you to apply, you only have to pay money if you are chosen, for bond and rent in advance.
As for checks, they usually call the real estate of the place you are currently renting and see if you get a good reference. They may call your job to verify the details you have put (that you are employed there on your salary and have been employed for X years).
Sure makes sense.
One tip, renting a place is like applying for a job
It honestly depends what place you're applying for, I'm not a real estate agent but haven't lived anywhere for more then 2.5 years since I was 18 (I move a lot for study/work). For me they've always been free, for places not done by professional agencies (named brands) are usually easier, they just ask to confirm your details, sign things off and sometimes some sort of evidence of a job (letter or paycheck). Typically I find once you pay deposit they're usually alright.
The named brands ones usually use some site, the site asks for everything and is super annoying, including info, past rental info, 2 referees, paycheck view, job contact and sometimes more.
And they went through and texted my manager to confirm I work there, which makes me a little uncomfortable (I hate giving out contact information of people I know).
Honestly I find applying for a job easier then applying for a place. At least most won't ask for contact information of people you know until you're already in.
I have heard in US they even do other checks such as Eviction or Criminal ones.
Different agents do things differently. Mine just wanted visibility of visa and work contract to confirm legal status and running salary.
They didn't do any background checks or anything else and went straight to pay deposit.