Stand Out in Adelaide’s Rental Market: How to Secure Your Next Rental
Finding the right rental can feel like a full-time job - especially in a competitive market.
With high demand and limited options, being a great tenant isn’t just about paying rent on time anymore. It’s about standing out in all the right ways, from your application to your references.
Whether you're a first-time renter or looking to upgrade to a new place, here’s how to increase your chances of getting approved and make the process a whole lot smoother.
Start with a Solid Rental History
Your rental history is one of the first things a landlord or property manager will check – and they’ll be reading it closely.
A strong track record reassures them that you're reliable, respectful and easy to deal with.
Here's how to build one that works in your favour:
1. Pay your rent on time
It sounds simple, but this one tops the list. Setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders helps ensure you never miss a payment, minus the stress.
2. Take care of the property
Treat any rental you’re living in like it’s your own home. Regular cleaning, reporting maintenance issues early and avoiding damage all show that you’re a responsible tenant.
3. Stick to your lease agreement
Follow the rules in your lease agreements - whether it’s about pets, noise levels or subletting. Staying within the terms of your lease builds trust with your landlord or property manager.
4. Keep communication open
If issues come up, don’t go quiet. Honest, timely communication goes a long way in building a good relationship with your property manager and can prevent misunderstandings.
Make a Great First Impression at Rental Inspections
Inspections aren’t just about viewing the property - they’re also your chance to show potential landlords or property managers that you’re the kind of tenant they’d want to hand the keys to.
Here’s how to make a positive - and lasting - impression:
1. Arrive on time. Being punctual shows you're organised, reliable and serious about the property.
2. Dress neatly. You don’t need to wear a suit, but a tidy appearance can make a strong first impression and ensure you’re more memorable.
3. Show interest. Ask questions about the property and listen carefully to any details the property manager shares. Engaging in the conversation shows you’re genuinely interested - and that you’re likely to take good care of the place.
4. Be polite and professional. A friendly, respectful attitude goes a long way. Property managers often provide feedback to landlords, so a good interaction can help support your application.
And of course, if you arrive and decide the property’s not the right fit, be honest and upfront about it - it shows maturity and saves everyone time.
Plus, leaving a good impression means the agent may keep you in mind for future properties that better suit your needs.
Secure Strong Rental References
At the end of the day, references can be a deal-breaker or a deal-maker, especially in a tight rental market.
Why? Because a solid reference gives landlords and property managers confidence that you’ll be a great tenant.
Here’s how to ensure you’ve got a few strong ones in your corner:
1. Maintain a good relationship with your current landlord
Whether you’re in a long-term lease or just wrapping up a shorter stay, leaving on good terms increases your chances of a glowing reference.
2. Ask for a reference in advance
Give your current landlord or property manager a heads-up if you’re planning to move. If you’ve looked after the property and paid your rent on time, they’ll likely be happy to help.
3. Choose the right people
If you’re renting for the first time, think about who else can vouch for you. A past housemate, employer or even a university accommodation officer can provide useful insights into your reliability and financial responsibility.
A strong reference speaks to more than just your ability to pay rent.
It shows you’re respectful, communicative and easy to deal with - qualities that every landlord or property manager values, and which will significantly increase your chances of securing your next rental property.
Make Yourself the Easy Choice
In a competitive rental market, landlords and property managers are often sorting through dozens of applications.
Your goal? Make theirs an easy decision.
By showing that you’ve been a responsible tenant in the past, presenting well, arriving at inspections prepared and providing solid references, you give yourself a serious edge.
And remember, small things - like replying to emails promptly or being polite during inspections - can genuinely leave a lasting impression.
Ready to Make Your Next Move?
Securing your next rental doesn’t have to be a headache.
With the right prep and a bit of effort, you can stand out for all the right reasons and secure a place you’re excited to call home.
Got questions about how to strengthen your application or get a great rental reference?
Let's connect! We're here to help make your rental journey easier.
-------
At We Connect Property, we're dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to our tenants.
If you have more questions or need assistance with any aspect of your tenancy, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
As property experts with over 21+ years combined experience in buying, selling and managing property in Adelaide, here to help you every step of the way.
Check out all our 5 star Google reviews to find out what our happy clients think!
Give us a call on (08) 7324 5307 today, or visit our website for the most recent rental listings - we can’t wait to chat!
To stay connected with everything real estate, follow us! Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | YouTube
Or connect with us today for more information: Connect Now
We Connect Property - your Adelaide real estate & property management specialists.
DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.