Melton How to find a rental in the age of coronavirus
Finding a new rental can be challenging at the best of times, but social distancing and regional border closures have added a whole new problem to the equation.
Start your search online
People have been conducting rental property searches online for a long while now, but it’s really worth making the effort to find out as much as you can about individual properties before trying to see them in person. You’ll want to research things like the local neighbourhood and its nearby amenities, as well as consider whether there are any must-have features you might need the property to have. Look for key words in the listings that might be applicable to you, such as ‘pets allowed’ or ‘off-street parking’. If these things aren’t specified then ensure you ask the landlord or property manager about any deal breakers before pursuing the property further, that way you’ll be less likely to be disappointed later.
What happens when you can’t view a property in person?
Lockdowns and restrictions of movement have made it tricky for renters to turn up to some rental inspections in person.
Most agencies still prefer that potential tenants turn up to view a property in person before putting in an application form, however there may be some flexibility on this depending on the situation. If you can’t make it to an inspection due to being in self-isolation, or because you can’t cross a state border for instance, then you might be able to get a friend or relative to inspect the premises on your behalf. Another option may be to ask the landlord or property manager to conduct a virtual inspection of the property, which is something that has become more commonplace since lockdowns began.
Whatever the situation is, have a chat to the landlord or property manager to figure out the best way to inspect the property.
Have your application ready to go
Once you have found somewhere you’re keen to move into then make sure you have your application ready to go. Have important documents ready that show your ID, rental history and financial details so you can apply for a rental as soon as you’re able to, which will give you the best chance of securing it quickly.
