Much more of a renters market now than it used to be or so I hear! Where are you aiming for?

Hi, Yes it can be a bit of a culture shock looking for rentals - it's quite impersonal compared with many other countries. The mode of operation here is viewing timeslots where everyone has about 15 mins to look through the properties. Here's an example of the upcoming open for inspections (though I've only selected one suburb, no idea which suburbs you have in mind). What are your requirements? Do you have a family (meaning you have school/college considerations)?

PS: Try not to fall out with the estate agents. You need them to recommend you to the landlords of the houses that you really like.

No children, just two adults looking for a modern 3 bed home thats a decent size, we've offered on one one in gungahlin, offered 6 months rent upfront plus bond at full asking price and apparently the vendor is "thinking about it"!!!

Not too fussed where in ACT just not too far out, we looked at one in Gordon but it seemed too far out.

Is it the done thing to offer less than the landlord is asking or will that just annoy them?

We realise that now!!!

Thanks for the website, we've been using realestates.com.au, the one you've linked us too is much better.

Allhomes is definitely the one to go for. Remember that the Estate Agents aren't working for you, they're working for the landlord. I wouldn't be offering less if there are lots of people looking and it hasn't been on the market for long. If it's been advertised for yonks then go for it.

One word of caution about offering rent in advance is if the landlord is having tough financial times they could take the money and let the house get repossessed. We offered to pay several months in advance for our first rental and in the event it wasn't taken up but afterwards we've learned it is a risk. Better to show bank statements containing healthy balances. Don't forget to mention that you have been sponsored by the ACT government to settle in Canberra - for some reason the agents like that (it makes you look hand picked, I guess). Plus bear in mind that letting agents and landlords consider that new migrants are of good character, have been security cleared and posses excellent professional credentials - making you a strong applicant.

At the viewings, dress smart and always try to introduce yourself to the letting agents and have a nice chat with them so that they remember you. In any applications you make, proof of previous mortgage or rental payments helps. Past employer and personal references are also great. Maybe also put together a nice covering letter to accompany the applications. Emailing your applications through helps too because the letting agents can just forward them through to the landlord.

(Only my opinion, but) I think as a new arrival, getting your first rental without a job (I'm guessing that's the case) and offering less than their asking price might work against you. For now, I think I'd just be looking for good value at their asking prices.

In the meantime, hassle the letting agents for the viewing times for the properties that you're interested in.

Thinking back, the "securing a rental" task is the one that stresses out new arrivals the most, but try not to worry too much - we all get over that hurdle soon enough.

Good luck!

Yup, the "no job" is probably the reason landlords are less than enthused!!!

I think landlords are fairly open-minded about the new migrant with no job aspect - provided there's evidence of sufficient savings. But "no job" and asking the landlord to reduce the weekly rental price too? I'm thinking lead balloon.

...But then again, don't ask don't get.