Many estate agents prefer to receive rental enquiries via email rather than phone calls. When your searching online and a particular listing that has caught your attention is lacking information and you would like to learn more before submitting your rental application. This is your opportunity to make a good first impression. It is important to note that landlords will use your email inquiry as a method of pre-screening.
Follow these tips to present yourself as an ideal potential tenant and to optimize your chances of receiving a response from the agent.
1. Be Genuine
Try to write a letter where you show genuine interest by stating who you are and why you need a rental, your name and age, Mention where you found their ad and how you can afford the rental, The reason you are moving (for study or work), If you are applying with a friend or as a couple, briefly introduce each person
2. Tailor your letter to the Estate agent
When tailoring your letter for an enquiry it’s important to mentioning something that you like about the home or the neighbourhood to show the landlord that you’ve read the housing ad and know what you are talking about. It’s also important Explaining why you would be a great tenant or roommate by highlighting hobbies, interests or part of your personality that match the housing ad.
3. Keep it short
When estate agents open an email they don’t want to be greeted by an essay. If you can keep the word count below 150, that is optimum word count as there will be enough necessary information about yourself and it doesn’t take the agent too long to read.
4. Information you must have ready to send
• PPS No. (this is required for the registration of the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board) (www.rtb.ie)
• A reference from your previous landlord
• A reference from your current employer
• Photo I.D. such as a driving licence or passport
• Evidence of residency
• Recent bank statements
• Payslips
It’s important to provide this information to agencies as it lets agents know you are not time wasting. It also gives the agents information about you so they can scroll through your enquiry and cross check your references from your enquiry to ensure all the details match.
5. Sample email
Dear Mr. Fahy,
My name is Ben Young, and I have a keen interest in renting the apartment located in Smithfield Square. I am 24 years old and am currently living in Greystones. From the first of September, I will be studying Psychology at the University of Trinity, which is why I am looking for a new place to stay in Dublin for an easier commute to college.
I am particularly interested in the apartment you are renting out because of the nearby amenities, and the relatively short commute to the university of Trinity. I believe I would be the perfect tenant because, even though I enjoy socialising, I like my home to be a peaceful place.
Thank you very much for considering my rental application. I would like to arrange a meeting to view the home in person. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Fahy