Tag: Tenant CV

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6 Reasons Why Letting Agents Should Sign Up To HomeHak

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What makes us different

HomeHak is different from property websites. Our mission is to help letting agents and landlords select tenants they can trust and help people to rent a home they love..

 

With so much demand for properties and many people looking for homes to rent, a property ad can result in hundreds of enquiries. Sometimes, an agent spend hours sifting through applications, phone calls and emails from anxious applicants desperate to get a home.

 

HomeHak helps you spend less time reviewing inconsistent, incomplete email enquiries from property website ads and more time engaging landlords and growing your business.

 

Check out the 6 reasons why letting agents should sign up to HomeHak:

1. Save time and hassle

Enquiries come in all forms from different sources. This includes property websites, emails, referrals and even on paper, with accompanying data protection responsibilities. In addition to being time consuming and stressful, there is no way of knowing before property viewings are arranged, which tenant is trustworthy or if they will be a good fit for the property.

 

Despite the best of intentions, agents do not have time to assess every applicant’s case to find the best tenants for each individual property. Often, they will select from the first ten or twenty enquiries or the applicants who pester the letting agent the most. What’s more, these persistent applicants may well be the more high-maintenance tenants who will continue calling even after renting the property.

 

In summary, HomeHak Tenant Selector,  helps agents spend less time reviewing inconsistent, incomplete email enquiries from property website ads. Instead, spend that time engaging with trustworthy, organised tenants.

 

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Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash

2. Prioritise prepared and trustworthy applicants

What would it mean for you to stop wasting time and money on the wrong applicants and the “tyre kickers”? What if you and your team knew exactly which applicants prioritise for each property?

 

HomeHak for agents shows you which applicants are the best fit for a property. Focus your time and efforts on the potential tenants who have their full Tenant CV prepared in advance, with ID verification, references, rent history and more.

 

Save more time by updating your Landlord clients with a link to the Tenant CV’s you recommend, a task that takes seconds.

 

3. Information ready to go

HomeHak tenant members are more organised than the average applicant. They have most, or all their relevant information organised and ready to share.

 

This includes:

  • ID verified by Stripe
  • Renting history
  • Employment details
  • Landlord, employer and other references
  • Their story
  • Details about what they are looking for and how much they can afford.

This information will help you make an informed decision about who to invite for a property viewing, rather than wasting time with unmatched applicants. Besides, it makes so much sense to read a person’s references in advance. It’s the best assurance you can get.

 

4. No more crowds at viewings

Since all the information you need is on their tenant CV’s, you can just invite the two or three applicants that best suit the house. Avoid the disappointment of dozen unsuccessful applicants and time consuming queues of viewers.

 

Queue
Photo by Mark Timberlake on Unsplash

5. Easy to find ready-made households 

Unique to HomeHak is that individual home seekers can join their Tenant CVs to form ready-made households. Imagine knowing up front that all information for four housemates is organised and ready to view.

 

In addition, since the home-seekers know each other, they probably have good chemistry and are likely to get on well in the home. It will likely mean less hassle and easier property management. Check out Hanna and her co-applicants Tenant CVs.

 

Do you want more information about the co-applicant feature? Take a look at this article to learn more about the best way to find a ready-made household.

 

6. Data Protection

Additionally, HomeHak assists you in lowering the risks associated with assuming the role of Data Controller as per GDPR.

 

Secondly, the tenants’ data is securely stored on the platform in their own HomeHak account. Letting agents can mitigate some GDPR responsibilities that can come with collecting applications.

 

Agents can simply focus on a manageable number of trustworthy applicants who meet the expectations of the landlord client.

Why sign up to HomeHak for letting agents?

To sum up, these is how HomeHak can help agents work more efficiently:

  • No more time spent fielding phone call enquiries from a surplus of home-seekers. You only engage with the best-suited applicants for the particular property.

 

  • No more receiving scores of emails with part-completed application forms and attachments full of GDPR-sensitive information. You only engage with the best-suited applicants for the particular property. HomeHak members control how much of their personal information they share with you.

 

  • No more time spent reviewing and filtering application forms and attachments and writing to individual applicants. You can message HomeHak members inside the platform. You only engage with the best-suited applicants for the particular property.

 

  • No more emailing and calling individual applicants who were unsuccessful. Updating members who shortlisted or applied for a property is automated on HomeHak.

 

  • No more answering emails and phone calls like “Is the property still available?” “Did you get my application form?” “Do I stand a good chance of getting this property?” “I sent you everything. What happened?” You only engage with the best-suited applicants for the particular property.

 

  • No more emailing enquirers with blank application forms. HomeHak members upload most of their information to their Tenant CV in advance.

Sign up today

Currently, we offer Letting agents 365 days of trial membership, FOR FREE. If the agency decides to join HomeHak during the free trial period, the current cost is €25 per agent per year.

 

Finally, letting agents pay nothing to advertise a property on HomeHak. HomeHak members are the organised home-seekers you hope to apply to your property ads!

 

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Co-Applicants Feature – The best way to find a Ready-Made Household

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Unique to HomeHak is that individual home-seekers can join their tenant CVs to form ready-made households. Imagine knowing up front that all information for four housemates is organised and ready to view!

 

Since the home-seekers know each other, they probably have good chemistry and are likely to get on well in the home. It will likely mean less hassle and easier property management.

 

Learn more about one of the most beneficial features of our platform and the several practical use cases it offers for landlords and agents.

 

Introduction

 

Our mission is to help home seekers secure homes they like and, at the same time, help landlords and agents find trustworthy tenants. By succeeding, we will help create happy households that are more likely to treat a property like their home. Consequently, they will probably look after it better and want to stay longer.

 

Happy tenants will also likely be lower maintenance tenants for the property manager, which helps margins. Check out this article about the importance of having happy tenants.

 

Family at home
Photo by Dahiana Waszaj on Unsplash

 

How does HomeHak’s Co-Applicants feature work?

Home seekers with similar needs or interests, such as students in the same course, people in the same profession, or those who work in the same area can join their Tenant CVs and present as co-applicants for a property, forming a ready-made household.

 

The co-applicants feature allows agents and landlords to quickly see what ready-made households are listed on our tenant selector. It ensures a happier household, and makes life easier for the landlord and agent.

 

Have a look at Hanna and her friends’ Tenant CV here!

 

Understanding what tenants want

To satisfy home-seekers needs, you first need to understand what they want. With HomeHak, they have the opportunity to outline what they would like upfront, which enables better matching with each rental property.

 

Sometimes, when you advertise a multi-tenant property on a property website, you receive 400 applications and don’t know who to invite or group together in a household.

 

Instead of:

  • Selecting the fastest people to apply to the ad, or the most persistent callers on the phone. Neither criterion identifies the person most suited to the property.
  • Spending time and resources administering, receiving, analysing, filtering and responding to unsuccessful applicants (99% for most properties).

 

HomeHak’s Co-Applicants Feature allows you to:

  • Request applicants in your property ad to create their individual HomeHak Tenant CVs. You will be able to verify their IDs, unique renting history, employer details and character references separately.
  • Request applicants in your property ad who want to live together to join their HomeHak Tenant CVs as Co-applicants. This is a simple process involving a few clicks.
  • Later, when you review any one of the applicant’s HomeHak Tenant CVs, you can also see details for the other co-applicants on the Tenant CVs.

Lastly, check out this article about the benefits of requesting Tenant CVs to find great tenants.

 

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Qualities Of Good Tenants – Prospective Tenant Standard For Landlords

Girl in her room

Finding Good Tenants – Prospective Tenant Standard For Landlords

 

Finding a good tenant is a bit like dating. You work your way through interested applicants.Until, you come across someone with compatible qualities that you can trust. There is the headache of repairing damage. Choosing the wrong renter for your rental property can lead to big expenses. So, here is how to look for qualities of good tenants that aren’t going to cause you headaches.

 

 

Stable Income and Employment

Firstly, landlords need proof of stable income and employment. This is to feel confident in their tenant’s ability to pay rent in full and on time every month. Note, the industry standard rent-to-income ratio. It suggests that a tenant should make three times the cost of rent in monthly income, approximately.

 

Ability to be Honest

Secondly, it’s important to follow a thorough screening process. This can help you spot applicants that might present fraudulent information. They are doing this to get approved for your rental property. Further, a reference check is a good idea. Employers and past landlord references are the best sources for useful information. They can provide the applicant’s professional and rental behavior. Essentially, knowing more about an applicant’s past and intentions can help you determine whether they demonstrate the best tenant qualities

 

Respectful Behaviour

Thirdly finding tenants who act respectfully to both landlord and neighbors is crucial. Another reason to note, a respectful tenant will inform you of maintenance issues. Additionally, they will take care to handle their own responsibilities while living in your rental property.

 

Respectful tenants are more likely to:

  • Pay rent on time
  • Follow lease terms
  • Refrain from causing problems with other tenants or neighbors
  • Keep from damaging your property beyond normal wear and tear
  • Communicate politely and in a timely matter

Good Communicator

Fourth, communication is the key to an effective landlord-tenant relationship. From the moment an applicant reaches out to express interest, consider their communication style.

 

Use the below to ask these questions:

  • Are they attentive?
  • Quick to respond to questions or messages?
  • Pay attention to details and read postings in full before asking questions?
  • Do they follow through on requests for documentation after applying?
  • Do they answer your questions fully or avoid tough questions?
Girl speaking on the phone at home
Photo by Kevin Laminto on Unsplash

Present Organizational Skills

Finally, an organized tenant is a great tenant. Weed out uninterested, unqualified tenants early on by focusing on organized applicants.

In addition, organized tenants will come prepared with their HomeHak tenant CV. As a result, helping to speed up the leasing process. Here they have documents and checks ready to go. They should also respond quickly. Good organization shows that they’re serious about signing the lease. Furthermore, they are willing to comply with your rental requirements.

 

To summarise qualities of good tenants – Stable Income and Employment. Ability to be Honest. Respectful Behavior. Good Communicator and Present Organizational Skills.

 

Are you looking for new tenants for your property? We’d recommend you to ask the applicants for a Tenant CV.

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What is a Tenant CV?

tenant-cv-rental-application-new-home

Your move to a new home involves so many important activities that all count towards your success, and it’s not always so obvious how time-consuming each activity is.

 

You find yourself scouring through property ads, applying for as many as possible with the same cut and paste story, chasing for responses and hoping to hear something good.
 

There are tons of documents to get together for the rental application: references, ID verification, salary/banking documents. It can take a lot of time to get it all prepared.

 

You take time off work to go to viewings, organise housemates, prepare to pay a deposit and rent in advance, go through security checks – all before you’ve even got a solid offer!

 

Searching for a home
Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

 

Basically, searching for your next home involves a lot more than checking property websites ten times every day and resending the same message over and over again.

 

In a competitive rental marketplace there may be thousands of views on just one ad, so you can imagine what the landlord or property manager’s inbox looks like with hundreds of enquiries.

 

The ideal situation is to stand out from the crowd, being selected for the home you want. Whether you’re an experienced renter or a first-timer, the best advice for you to take on board is to be exceptionally organised – and a really great way to help you do that is to prepare a Tenant CV in advance of your search.

What is a Tenant CV?

A Tenant CV works in the same way as your standard CV, but instead of searching for employment opportunities you’re searching for your dream home. It’s an easy-to-read document that shows off information a landlord would need to know. For example who you are, what kind of accommodation you’re looking for, as well as any amenities you might need.

The idea is to create a Tenant CV once and then share it directly with  landlords/agencies, which takes some frustration out of the process for you! 

What difference will a Tenant CV make?

Using a Tenant CV not only makes your own life easier, but it also offers some relief to the landlord. Imagine it from their perspective. Sifting through hundreds of emails from eager applicants, trying to find the right fit.  Completing a rental application with a beautifully formatted and detailed Tenant CV straight away lets the landlord see what you’re all about and that you have all the important documents organised, meaning you can both avoid having to go through a tedious back-and-forth email conversation and get straight to the point. 

Starting out

When you start building your profile, the important thing is to focus on you and what you want! The Good Home Report has found that 73% of people who are happy with their home are also happy in general. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your happiness when it comes to the place you live, work, and relax. If you’re not satisfied with your rented home, you’re more than likely going to end up back at square one. Back on the property ad sites trying to find something you actually like. 

 

So when you’re creating a Tenant CV, be as specific as possible when describing your ideal living arrangement. Even if that sounds ambitious, including more detail will bring you one step closer to finding your dream home. Doing this helps potential landlords realise that you would be perfect for their property, that you would look after it, and ideally stay for a long time!

What kind of information will be a part of the Tenant CV?

The best Tenant CV’s for a rental application include:

    • A little bit about you – who you are and what you’re looking for!
    • Your tenancy history – landlords will look for any tenancy history so they can establish your character and trustworthiness
    • Your employment history – this lets the landlord know you’re capable of paying the rent
    • What you’re looking for – indicate your preferred house type, commute options, amenities and qualities (i.e., garden or en-suite etc.)
    • References – Real people who can give you a vote of confidence and are happy to be contacted
    • Optional verification information. – You may be asked for photo ID (passport/ driver’s license)

These are all the kind of things a landlord will ask you for at some point in the application process. Showing them that you’re already prepared will be a pleasant surprise! The biggest take-away from this list is that sharing all of this information serves a purpose. It’s a way to form a solid foundation between you and potential landlords from the outset. 

agent giving keys to tenant

I’ve made my tenant CV, what happens next?

That’s great! Now the fun begins. When a CV status reaches strength level of ‘good’ or higher it’s ready to be shared with landlords and agencies. Users also have the option to share it with a rental application via email, WhatsApp and more. Your information is accessible only by you until you choose for your profile to be visible within the database.

 

HomeHak allows you to store your Tenant CV information securely so you can start the application process with confidence. If the time comes for you to start looking for a new home, don’t worry. Just update your profile with any new preferences and attach it to your next application – simple!

 

Have a look at the 6 reasons to use a Tenant CV and get started today!

 

 

 

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Happy Tenants – The Importance Of Having Great Tenants

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The tenants you choose have a significant effect on the success of the investment property you manage or own. Read our guide to learn more about the steps you can take to maintain a happy and positive relationship with your tenants.

Introduction

Many of us have experienced the financial burden and time spent resolving bad tenancies. For those agents and homeowners who are lucky to avoid this, there are ways to minimise the risk of it occurring. There are many quality tenants out there, but it can take patience to find them. If you take extra consideration to search for and choose the right tenant now, you can save time and alleviate stress in the future.

Statistics

In May 2019, Ireland reported its lowest rental housing availability of all time. Housing Europe report that the trends are similar across the EU. As tough as this is, this means the odds are in your favour to choose the best tenants as there is no shortage. Our guide below outlines what the ideal tenant is, why they are important, and how to find them.

 

man working at home with pet dog

What is the ideal tenant?

For many, an ideal tenant is one who respects the property and consistently pays the rent on time. This is an excellent start, but what about landing those top-quality tenants that give you complete peace of mind? These are the tenants that make the property a worthy and stress-free investment, and the ones we have valuable, uncomplicated and rewarding relationships with. These are the ‘Happy Tenants’. They exist and are looking to rent a home. The secret to finding these tenants is looking for candidates that really suit the property.

 

The Happy Tenant: who are they?

A Happy Tenant is the right tenant for the right property. This extends beyond the textbook description of a tenant that follows the law as set out by your governing legislation. A happy tenant is someone who has a good quality of life with the property they live in as a contributing factor. 

 

Consider this scenario

You have an applicant named John, he has a perfect rental history, excellent references and the rent cost is only 30% of his salary. He also has a large pet dog, but his references specify that as an upstanding tenant, there have not been any issues. John has applied for a property 1.5 hours commute from his work without a backyard. 

 

As an agent/homeowner, you are looking for an excellent tenant for a long-term tenancy of ideally a minimum of 4 years.

 

Is there a risk?

John certainly sounds like a top candidate with a rental history and the income to demonstrate he can pay the rent and look after the property. But is he the most suitable? There are many variables to consider when finding the right tenant. In this case, you are looking for someone in the long term. Someone who needs to travel 3 hours every day for work and owns a large dog is not the best tenant for this property without a backyard. Will this lifestyle keep him happy? There is a risk that John might not stay in the property for long when you consider the physiological and psychological needs of humans and pets.

Ideal tenant

The ideal tenant can be anyone; they can have pets, they can be a first-time renter, students, working professionals, families etc. A pet owner could be a perfect tenant, as having a pet takes responsibility and they are likely looking for a long term home It comes down to whether they want to and can make a home in the property. We will explore why this is important below.

 

Why do Happy Tenants make a difference?

“We have to be ahead of the game as far as possible in thinking about the happiness of tenants. In the end, they pay the rent and we want to find the highest rent and the most loyal tenant in the long term.” Emerging Trends in Real Estate®: Europe 2019 – pwc.com. 

 

It is true, the right tenant can make a major difference to how the tenancy carries out, and how the investment performs. Just like a satisfied worker who loves their job, a happy tenant is someone who respects their environment and will go beyond the basic requirements to maintain, preserve and improve it. This is the difference between the people that consider their rental a property, and others who consider it a home.  Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits of ideal tenants:

 

Longer-term tenancies

Re-letting a property is time-consuming and costly. Long term tenancies minimise the time and costs involved in managing vacates, and the surprises that may come with them. They also lessen advertising and re-letting costs, along with the downtime from the property being vacant. As a result, long term tenants provide sustained financial security for the homeowner. In addition, minimal turnaround reduces the risk of bad tenants, and wear and tear caused by regular move-ins/outs.

 

Property Maintenance & Upkeep 

Tenants who see their rental as a home share a common interest with agents and homeowners to maintain the property. This means reporting maintenance issues in a timely manner before they escalate into something that will cause a higher financial burden.


Stronger relationships

A good relationship results in cognitive trust, respect and practical communication. Overall, it makes the whole rental partnership easier. If you have a strong relationship with your tenant, contractual needs and etiquette will be mutually enforced and respected.

 

In summary, finding the right tenant will save you time, money and hassle. Not only will it make your life easier, but it will have an invaluable impact on the life of the tenant.

 

How do you find Happy Tenants?

You have the power to find the right tenant when leasing a property. A tenant CV will help you determine what an applicant is looking for, or you can ask questions. You need to determine whether the property you are leasing matches the needs of the potential tenant. Some questions you may want to consider:

 

  • Are there any specific amenities they require?
  • Are there any specific attributes they are looking for in a property? E.g. Do they need a backyard or secured garage? 
  • Can you accommodate for any of the things they need that you don’t currently have on offer?
  • How close is their workplace? Will they have a long commute?

Find a suitable solution

Targeting multitudes of candidates is counter-productive when you consider the amount of time it takes filtering through applications to find the best one. You could instead save time and find someone that is most suitable by reading their tenant CV. Another way for agencies to find great tenants in the area is to form relationships with local businesses; word of mouth and referrals are effective ways to find interest locally. 

 

How to figure out tenant suitability

A great indicator of tenant suitability is to find out how close the property is to someone’s workplace. Let’s revisit our applicant John: John has submitted a tenant CV, his CV specifies that he currently has a large dog, but it is going back to his ex-wife in a month. It also states that although his office is located in the city, he works remotely and is looking for somewhere further out of town to suit his lifestyle.

 

Suddenly, with a little more information John seems like a very suitable tenant. Thanks to John’s tenant CV and your extra effort to search for information, you have found someone that is an excellent fit and is likely to stay for the long term. 

 

Result

A tenant that makes the effort to put together a CV shows that they care about finding their ideal home. It shows they are responsible and accommodating as they have taken action to make your life easier by providing you with the information you need. If they provide references that are already verified by a third party, this is a useful indication of whether they are trustworthy and organised. It is difficult to truly know what type of tenant someone will be from an application form; so reading a CV can help verify a candidate’s needs and whether they are suitable.

 

Click here to start browsing tenant CVs today.

Key Takeaways: Happy Tenants

Agents and homeowners have a difficult job in managing properties, but they have the capacity to make it easier. This can be done if you find a Happy Tenant that loves coming home to your property and treats it as their own. It’s business – According to Forbes and many business leaders, becoming more customer-focused leads to a profitable organisation. If you take a professional and empathetic approach to tenant needs you can develop a loyal, successful and long-term relationship.

 

Requesting Tenant CVs is the smartest way to find great tenants – Find out why!

 

References

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6 Reasons to Use A Tenant CV

landlord signing agreement

Struggling to find a home in today’s competitive rental market? In this guide, we will show you why using a Tenant CV will give your a competitive edge over other applicants.

 

Finding a new home can be as important as scoring your dream job. It’s your base where you go to unwind, recharge your batteries and steel yourself to take on the world outside. Your home is your sanctuary where you should feel safe and where memories are made and shared. It is a representation of you. You deserve a big say in where you are going to live! So how can you influence where you live and avoid wasting time on tenant application forms for properties that don’t suit you?

 

Take control with a  Tenant CV that will help you put your best self forward, get noticed and secure the dream home that will suit your lifestyle. 

 

A good Tenant CV is a profile that expresses your attributes when searching for a new home and promotes you as a suitable tenant. A great Tenant CV goes further by including your particular requirements in a home. This takes some frustration out of the rental application process. Providing all useful and essential information for the homeowner upfront. while also outlining your own needs.

 

Many of us are familiar with the famous quote “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”.  Here are our top 6 reasons to prepare yourself for a competitive rental market with a Tenant CV. One that that best reflects you and what you need in a home.

 

tenant-cv-rental-application-new-home

 

6 Ways A Tenant CV Can Aid Your House-Hunting

1. Define Your Needs

If you don’t want to join the 59% of people that find it difficult to find a suitable home, you can start by reflecting on and defining your needs. By identifying what is most important to you, you can skip the frustration and waste of time on pointless viewings. Ask yourself questions, do you want to be close to work? Do you need a garden? Are there any amenities that are essential to you?; and then make it known on your Tenant CV. If something really is important to you then make it clear. Great homeowners value long term tenancies with good tenants and if they can accommodate you, more often than not they will.

 

2. Express Yourself & Stand Out

Once you have defined your criteria for a home, it’s time to show the agents and homeowners why you are the best candidate. A Tenant CV simply puts more power in your hands. It enables you to present yourself beyond the restraints of a standard tenant application. A profile of yourself with your living objectives will convey your individuality. It helps the reader understand what type of tenant you are likely to be. If you’re comfortable with it and you’re using an online Tenant CV tool, include a short video to showcase your personality. 

 

Homeowners look for evidence they can trust the people renting their property.  An impressive Tenant CV is your best opportunity to present your evidence and separate yourself from the crowd, so you get selected ahead of your competition.

 

3. Demonstrate Trustworthiness & Organisation Skills 

For homeowners and letting agents, the top priority is to find someone who is going to look after the property and pay the rent reliably on time. According to a survey conducted by DKM Consultants in 2014 for the RTB, some primary reasons agents choose not to rent to tenants in Ireland are because they are worried about property damage, rent being paid on time, or they don’t trust the applicant. Selecting the right tenant has a lot to do with human nature and finding reasons to like somebody. 

 

Preparing a great Tenant CV allows you to demonstrate that you are an organised responsible person by answering key questions and providing relevant information. Not only can a resume showcase your ability to care for a property, but it can also demonstrate your ability to pay.  Paying bills on time and maintaining order requires you to be on top of things. What’s more, you can also include any written references in your Tenant CV.

 

4. Address Potential Doubts About Your Tenant Application

Have you ever been in a situation where you feel an explanation will help people to understand you, but you don’t have the chance to get your point across? A Tenant CV is a means to explain things that might otherwise be perceived as negative in your application. Some examples are changing jobs, relocating often, or perhaps being a first-time renter. Being a first-time renter can be a positive thing, as it’s your chance to kick-start an excellent rental history.  The Tenant CV is a great tool to explain peculiarities like this in your objectives to a potential homeowner.

 

5. Save Time

Oftentimes homeowners and agents will invite the first 20 ad respondents to a property Viewing. You need to be fast if a great property pops up on a property website. Having all your key information on hand will help to submit an application ASAP!

 

A Tenant CV prepared in advance greatly simplifies and accelerates this process. Usually, homeowners are happy to accept a good tenant CV, as long as the information is true and the references stack up. You can shine even further by including pre-written references and getting your identity independently verified in advance. This will reduce time on tenant background checks and increase your chances of being selected. Make the landlord or agent job easier when it comes to narrowing down applications and they will look kindly on you.

 

In addition to streamlining the application process, outlining your wants and needs in a home on your Tenant CV means that you can save time viewing unsuitable properties. 

 

6. Turn Competition Into An Opportunity

It’s no secret that house and apartment hunting can be competitive, but considering the above, you can use competition to your advantage! You just need to take the initiative to put yourself on top. Whether you’re a 1st time, or 10th-time renter, being prepared and taking measures to stand out will help establish yourself as an impressive candidate. It’s like applying for that dream job if you’re proactive and go above and beyond; you should validate why you should be chosen. 

 

landlord signing agreement

Tenant CVs: The Key Takeaways

In this guide, we have looked at how rental resumes allow you to define your needs, express yourself, demonstrate trustworthiness, explain doubts, save time and get ahead of the competition. It’s clear that a Tenant CV is a tool that will give you a competitive edge when searching for your new home.

 

Like practising for a job interview, those that are prepared are more likely to succeed than those that aren’t. There’s no doubt that securing viewings or a lease can be challenging; but by having a Tenant CV on hand, you can be more prepared than others. A strong Tenant CV will impress agents and homeowners and ensure you stand out in a pile of applications. 

 

The sooner you find a home that’s right for you, the sooner you can start living and be happy!

 

 

 

References:

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How To Ace Your Rental Application So The Landlord Can’t Say No

Couple bought new house

Have you ever spotted an ideal rental that ticks all the boxes, but you can see that thousands of others have also viewed the same property ad? Stand out from the crowd by learning how to ace a great rental application.

 

Even at the best of times, the process of finding your next home can be overwhelming.  For starters, it can be tough just trying to organise all your own information. The renting marketplace is fierce, and the last thing anyone wants is for their application to get lost in a sea of emails amongst other applicants.

 

Learn how to ace your rental application and making sure your rental application stands out from the crowd is essential! It’s just a case of expressing that you’re the ideal tenant for the property.

 

 

Application form and laptop
Photo by Markus Winkler by Unsplash

Boost your chances with a Tenant CV

A Tenant CV is a snapshot of who you are and what you’re interested in, similar to how your professional Job CV works. It lists information that a potential landlord will need to know, like your living preferences, employment history, renting history, landlord and employment references. These are usually requested in the later stages of the application process, but an excellent Tenant CV cuts right to the point.

 

Supplementing your rental application with a Tenant CV is an easy way to express your values and get noticed by landlords. It gives you a chance to tell the landlord how reliable you are, with proof to back it up. Additionally, it streamlines the application process for both of you by cutting to the chase, meaning everyone can reap benefits.

 

How to ace first impressions

First impressions are important, so introduce yourself in a friendly and honest way! Don’t worry about dressing it up with embellishments or fancy words – you just want to show that you’re genuine, which will stand to you throughout the entire application process and how to ace the process.

 

Include some basic information about yourself that you think is important for landlords to know: Where you want to live; what commute options you prefer, and your availability for viewings. Put yourself in the shoes of a property manager; what do you think they’d be hoping to read? What can you say to show them you’re an ideal tenant and they should select you over other applicants?

House keys
Photo by Maria Ziegler on Unsplash

Being noticed for the right reasons

You’re in control of how much information you choose to be visible on your profile, so share as much as you feel is necessary. When you’re creating your Tenant CV, a goal to be mindful of is to establish trust between you and potential landlords. This helps to form a strong relationship further down the line.

 

You can do this by including relevant information on your Tenant CV, such as a bio, supporting documents, and sometimes a photo or video introduction can help (if you’re comfortable sharing them). From a landlord’s perspective, this helps increase the chances of selecting someone who could be happy in the property during the selection process. You’re allowing them to regard you as a person in a way that is just not possible through a regular email enquiry.

 

 

Including references

The addition of references from an independent third party essentially backs you up and increases your credibility! Ideally, your referee’s know you well and/or have an idea of what you would be like as a tenant. A former landlord is a perfect example. Alternatively, choose referees that know you from a professional standpoint.  For example, an employer, professional colleague, career mentor etc. It may even be helpful to include references from previous co-tenants who can vouch for your integrity and attitude.

 

References not only speak to your reliability as a tenant. They also speak to your honesty, accountability, and social matters like your cleanliness and community spirit! A verified reference is one of the most valuable resources during the rental process. This is because it provides evidence of your trustworthiness.

 

Don’t hold back

We know that everyone is different and has a different story to tell. Some people may have changed jobs often, relocated a few times, or perhaps they’re a first-time tenant. Supplementing your rental application with a Tenant CV is a great way to explain things that can often be perceived as negative. For example, being a first-time renter can be seen as a positive thing! It’s an opportunity to begin a great tenant reputation.

 

It may be useful to consider having an open conversation with the landlord at an appropriate time. If necessary, give yourself a chance to explain any previous issues (i.e. rental arrears, damages etc.). Most importantly, explain the actions you are taking to improve your tenancy reputation! Honesty is the best policy, and more often than not, landlords will appreciate you being upfront with them.

 

Following these tips when managing your Tenant CV will undoubtedly give you an advantage in a competitive market. HomeHak gives you the tools to do just that. Have a look at the 6 reasons to use a Tenant CV.

The step-by-step how to ace guide helps you to fill out your first Tenant CV with ease! You can be confident that your information is secure as you decide how much you want to be visible. Check out how you can get started here.

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How To Rent A Home You Can Love – HomeHak’s Top Tips To Help!

A woman and two babies playing with a tablet

How To Rent A Home You Can Love – HomeHak’s Top Tips To Help!

 

Most people looking for a place to rent in Ireland have two big questions looming large in their minds. Can I afford it? and will I get it? While these are important questions, perhaps they’re not quite top of the list, longer term. According to the Good Home Report by the Happiness Research Institute, 73% of people who are happy with their home are also happy in general.

 

It makes sense then that the first things you might be asking instead are: will I love this place? will I thrive here? Just because you’re not in a position to buy (yet!), there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be thinking of every place you look at as a potential ‘forever’ home.

 

Why settle if there’s the option to start enjoying a house you love by putting in a little extra thought and effort? You could find the right place where you can be yourself, truly relax, and be happy now. 

 

Here are some things to consider…

 

 

Will you feel proud to live there?

According to the Good Home Report mentioned above, the absolute number one criteria for whether a home helps bring happiness to your life is whether you’re proud to live there. While that might seem a little superficial at first, when you think about it, it makes sense. In a world where your true home is a reflection of your personality, if you’re not happy with your home, you’re not happy with yourself. You want to be able to invite friends and family over for a drink and get a glow when they walk through the door and smile. 

 

Can you make the space your own?

The freedom to make a space your own will help you create a home that you’re proud of. In a rental, that’s not going to mean knocking down walls or doing bathroom renovations. However, it will likely mean hanging art, adding some indoor plants and curating furniture that’s comfortable. When looking for a place, make sure it has enough space to accommodate these prized elements.

 

Having a good relationship with your landlord is a great way to make sure you’re both comfortable in making small cosmetic changes too. Counter to popular belief, most landlords aren’t moustache-twirling villains. They’re people. They want others to be happy in the home they’ve bought, so will often make concessions if they know it will make you more comfortable. They also know that happy tenants are more likely to pay rent on time and stay there long term. Better security for them. A better home for you. 

 

 

Will you feel secure there?

Landlords aren’t the only ones who want a sense of security. When things are stable in our lives, that flows into our mental health. If things are uncertain, that’s when anxiety kicks in. Personal safety obviously is a must for all, as is financial security. Knowing you’re in a place you won’t get kicked out of is another piece to the well-being puzzle.

 

When looking for a place to rent in Ireland, see what options you have for longer than normal term leases (if you’re happy with locking something in). Ask the landlord what they want in a tenant and make sure your needs match up too. Being mindful of the “people” element will help everyone feel better about their choices.

 

Is your rental convenient for your life?

45 minutes. That’s the amount of time that’s ‘bearable’ for any commute. Studies show traveling further than that means you’re much more likely to want to move. To keep things convenient and close, always look at where your rental is in relation to your work.

 

It shouldn’t just stop at the office either. Is it close to places you like to exercise and socialise? Are there supermarkets within easy reach? Are there good takeaway options nearby for when you’re too fried after a long day to cook (or want a special treat)? A bit of thought and foresight here can make a huge difference in finding a rental where you’ll be at peak happiness. Since good coffee = happiness to many, make sure there are at least a couple of great cafes in the area too. 

 

 

Who will live there with you?

Now that you’ve looked at the actual place you’re most likely to be happy in, you’ll want to give some thought into who’s going to live there with you. Hoping you’ll find random strangers to help pay the rent along the way is probably a poor strategy. Same for trawling Tinder for prospective housemates. Maybe you’ve got friends you know you’ll be comfortable living with? Work is another spot where you can match up with people who share at least one key criteria for home choice. The key here is to take the lead, figure out your own criteria for housemates and stick to them. It’s not just about paying the rent. It’s about sharing a vision on what makes a good home that makes all the difference.

 

By now, you might be thinking, this advice is all well and good, but I still need to be able to afford it and still need to get the place over other applicants. The housing market in Ireland is no fairyland. The thing is, we need to make the rental process more about our needs as tenants. We need to stand up for what we want in our ideal home and make them known to the world.

 

Thankfully, platforms like HomeHak are flipping the script when it comes to matching renters with the right locations. HomeHak is even a great place to find other renters to team up with who share similar interests and home values as you. Check out how you can create a profile here which lists what you’re looking for in a home and guides you through creating a CV that potential landlords will jump at. 

 

Beyond that, finding the best rentals is about forming a well thought out plan. Go about about it step-by-step, and persist when things get hard. All worthwhile things in life take time and effort. Finding a rental you love is no exception.

 

Ready to start your new adventure? Have a look at the 10 things to consider when moving out of home!