Illawarra property managers say students aren’t the only demographic finding it tough to secure a rental, but many on low-incomes struggle also.
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It follows an Illawarra Mercury article highlighting the plight of university students who were struggling to find places to live ahead of the start of semester, including one young woman who was forced to live out of her car.
Gia Cairns from Dimosons Real Estate in Port Kemlba urged students, and other people struggling, not to give up.
“The market is very busy at this time of year,” she said.
“We would love to approve many, however it is only one we can take.”
Ms Cairns said applications can be rejected for a number of reasons including numerous applicants for one property, not enough requested documents including proof of income, a bad rental history and whether they think the applicant can afford the rent.
“It’s good at [home opens] to introduce yourself to the agent. This way, when we contact the owner with an application we can put a face to the name. People count,” she said.
McGrath Wollongong property manager Mel Whant also suggested applicants create a short cover letter introducing themselves.
She also suggested downloading application forms in advance to a property inspection and having every piece of required documentation ready to go once a property had been viewed.
“We find a lot of applications come in with pieces missing, so they come to a halt,” Ms Whant said.
She noted if there were two or three people wanting to share a lease they would each need to submit an application and would be best if it was submitted as one file because it would not be processed until everything was handed in.
University of Wollongong accommodation services director Nigel Pennington said the key was to be informed and understand the rights and obligations of being tenant.
Mr Pennington said UOW provides various resources to students looking for accommodation including advice and listings of student-friendly rentals.