The summer rush to secure a rental in Adelaide is no joke! Follow these tips to increase your chances of successfully acquiring a rental home in 2026.
The start of the year is always the busiest time in the rental market, with people relocating from interstate and within South Australia for new starts, new jobs, new study and new schools.
The competition for Adelaide’s rental properties remains fierce this year as escalating house prices and interest rates make buying a home increasingly difficult. So, if you’re a tenant facing the challenge of finding a rental in Adelaide this summer, you can improve your chances with these tips:
First Impressions Count
Landlords and agents want reliable, respectful, tidy tenants so make a good impression at the property inspection by arriving on time and neatly dressed. Be polite and engaged, and volunteer relevant information about yourself that will impress the landlord/agent.
TIP: Make a good first impression upon arrival and leave a positive lastingimpression when you depart.
Be Organised
The documents you need to supply with a rental property application fall under the categories of:
- Identification
- Supporting Information
- Financial Information
Show a prospective landlord or agent that you are organised and efficient by submitting ALL the required information with your application. The information required includes photo identification such as a driver’s licence or passport, character references such as from employers, family friends or community members, rental references from previous landlords and/or agents, and proof of income through payslips, bank statements or tax returns.
TIP: Include additional personal information with your online application, such as why you are a good prospective tenant for that property, what your interests are, whereyou are currently living and working, and why this property is ideal for you.
Be Quick
Being organised and ready to apply promptly means you can be one of the first applicants on the list and beat a lot of the competition - which is much better than being one of the last applicants on a very long list.
TIP: Think of it as a job application, you want to make a positive impression as soon as possible and not get lost in a sea of applicants.
Stand Out
Submit your rental application as soon as possible after the inspection so you have a better chance of the landlord/agent mentally matching the application with the person they remember meeting. Including a cover letter highlighting why you are a perfect fit with that property helps to personalise your application.
TIP: Be sure to highlight the positives in your application, such as being a reliable person with a steady income and a good rental history or good character if you haven’t rented previously.
If you’re looking for rental properties in Adelaide this summer, browse and apply online or give us a call – our property leasing partners are always happy to talk to good tenants about our upcoming vacancies.
