Questions to be prepared for when advertising your property
Check out these common questions to ensure you're prepared and ready for prospective tenant enquiries.
15 common questions from tenants to be prepared for when advertising your property.
When advertising your rental property, it's important to be prepared for the questions that potential tenants may ask. By anticipating their concerns and being ready with clear and honest answers, you'll be able to build trust and increase the likelihood of a successful transition to leasing your property.
We've put together 15 key questions you should consider and be prepared for when the time comes!
1. What costs are associated?
Is the rental price negotiable, is the tenant required to pay any rent or payments up front and how are rental payments managed and what are the options for payment? Every property is different so you might also want to include information about electricity, water and internet costs and whose responsibility they fall under.
2. What is the bond amount and process?
Explain the bond amount required and how it will be managed. The bond is usually equivalent to 4 weeks of rent and is due when your tenant signs the lease agreement. The bond will be lodged with the local bond authority who will hold onto it until the tenancy comes to an end.
3. What is the lease term?
Be upfront about the lease term you’re considering. Is it short-term (6 months or less) or long-term? (12 months or more). You should also be clear about the options for renewal down the track if things go well.
4. Are pets allowed?
If pets are allowed, explain any restrictions or additional fees that may be required such as the payment of a pet bond (restricted to some states) or additional terms in the lease agreement if you have pets.
5. What’s included?
Be clear about what is included with the property, such as any appliances like fridges or washing machines, furniture, or other amenities like air conditioning, gym facilities, or parking on offer.
6. What is the selection criteria?
Be prepared to explain the tenant selection criteria, including any checks that may be required and things they might want to have prepared in advance such as reference letters from previous landlords.
If you’re using RentBetter to find a tenant, you’ll have access to the National Tenancy Database (NTD) to screen your prospective tenants and ensure you’re going into your tenancy with minimal risk.
7. What is the condition of the property?
It’s important to be honest about any defects, damage or maintenance requirements, and provide a description of the property's overall condition.
8. What is the neighbourhood like?
Provide helpful information on the surrounding area, including local schools, shops, transportation, and amenities. Highlight any positive attributes, but also be accurate.
9. Are you planning on selling the property any time soon?
It might seem like a personal one but lots of tenants want to know if this is something on the cards as it may impact their long-term plans. Whilst life can be unpredictable and plans change, the tenant will be grateful for your honesty so they can make an informed decision on whether they’d want to rent the property if a sale was possible in the immediate future.
10. Can I decorate or change things?
Many tenants want to make the place their own so questions about hanging pictures or painting sometimes come up. These are usually also detailed in the lease agreement and many agreements state that you can't paint the walls, install shelves or hang things that will damage the walls or property. Perhaps you’re more relaxed but it’s completely up to you on what you allow in your property at the end of the day and it’s good to be upfront.
11. What is the move-in date?
Probably the number one question that gets asked: “when can I move in?”. If your place is currently tenanted, renters will understand that there is will be a delay in being able to move in. If your property is free, you may be ready to have them in ASAP.
Have a clear date set on when you’d like someone to move in so you have enough time to ensure the property is ready and you’re able to organise all the details like the agreement, collecting bond, rent and anything else before you hand over the keys.
12. How can I apply?
Gone are the days of paper-based application forms. Most people who apply for properties are used to doing it online. Have your application links ready to hand out when people come to view your property.
If you’re using RentBetter to advertise your property, all applicants will be emailed the link to apply when they enquire. Applications are completed through 2Apply, the industry-standard application provider. Applications are managed in your RentBetter dashboard so the information is stored and accessible in one place, enabling you to compare tenants and make an easy decision fast.
13. Will you be looking after the property or will I be dealing with someone else?
As a self-managed landlord, it’s important to let tenants know that you’re the one they are going to be dealing with when they rent the property. They may be used to dealing with a middle-man like an agent or property manager so this may be a different setup for them.
14. What is the timeline for your decision?
Let tenants know when they can expect a decision to be made on applications. Whether you’re looking to make a quick decision or taking a bit more time, it’s important to give them a timeline.
15. When can I inspect the property?
Tenants want to know when they can come and see the property in person and usually they are keen to do it ASAP. Some people publish their ads with inspection times already listed but you'll still find a lot of tenants wanting to organise private inspections as it gives them an advantage over others.
This is completely up to you and how much interest your property is but we find that organising people to come through in groups is the best approach. Decide on what your approach is and answer accordingly.
Anticipating needs for success!
By anticipating these questions and preparing clear, honest answers, you'll be well-equipped to advertise your rental property with confidence and attract quality tenants. Remember, honesty and transparency are key to building trust and establishing a successful relationship with your tenants.
RentBetter can also help you get your tenancy off to a great start by providing you with the all tools you need during the advertising process.
You can advertise your property and find a tenant, review enquiries and applications, then make it ‘official’. Safe, secure and managed online, with our support and prompting every step of the way.
- Advertise on Australia’s leading property sites: RealEstate.com.au, Domain.com.au & Rent.com.au
- Manage all enquiries in one place
- Receive and sort applications
- Conduct digital tenant checks via the National Tenancy Database
- Create your lease agreement
- View and sign your lease online (you and your tenant)
- Select and set up a tenant
If you’d like a demo of the platform you can register below or click ‘Get Started’ to be guided through the simple process of setting up your property and creating your ad.
