Tips & Soft Skills
For A Prospective Renter

1. "Clean up" your social media's
In the digital age we live in it's a sure bet that at least one potential landlord will browse your social media's. They should be "clean" in other words, all "partying" photos either deleted or put in a private (friend's only) album. Your profile pictures should contain no drug paraphernalia (even if it's legal).
It's also wise to privatize any photos of pets, big or small.

2. "No Pets" technicality
It is commonly misunderstood that a landlord cannot refuse you a rental because you have a pet.
On the contrary, according to the Landlord & Tenant Board, a landlord CAN refuse you a tenancy on the grounds of having a pet(s) BEFORE a lease is signed.
The tricky wording also states that a landlord CANNOT evict you for having a pet(s) once a lease is SIGNED.

The above is not true however if your pet is making too much noise, damaging the unit, causing other tenants allergies, or the breed is considered "inherently dangerous".

3. If you do have a pet...
If you do have a pet(s) that have a good temperament, are quiet, exercised regularly, and most of all spayed/neutered explaining these traits can build a good reputation with the prospective landlord and shows your honesty. They will be more willing if they know your pets won't damage their property.

4. Flaunt your strengths
It's important to know the homes we rent aren't our property. We have to show prospective landlords that we would treat their property as if it were our own.

Are you organized, clean, creative, handy with tools, good at a trade, quiet, hard-working, driven, etc? Those are just some examples of good "strengths".

5. Stress the importance
Perhaps the home you're home viewing is within a good school district, close to the school your child(ren) attend, right down the road from your parents, within your established support systems, close drive/walk to work, near a park/beach, good/quiet neighbourhood, etc. It's good to share the qualities the home offers that you could or would otherwise benefit from.

6. Have a good reference
A good reference can be vital, so use the best you've got!
"What is a good reference?"
A former employer is great, former landlord even better, but if those aren't options you can use virtually anyone who knows/seen you perform professionally. Former employees, teachers, responsible friends, siblings, etc.

7. Talking & texting
Talking is important, especially in making good first impressions. Try to use the "formal register of language" (think job interviews, public speaking, academic essays etc.)
The same goes for communicating through text, try to keep out all informal words such as "TY," "YW," "OMW", better to just spell them out instead.

8. Dress to impress
Making a first impression on someone takes about 7 seconds, so make sure you've dressed for the viewing appropriately. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to purchase new clothes, but it would be best you stay away from your casual wear (sweats, pyjamas, ripped up/stained clothing).
Make sure you're clean, groomed, and go light on any scents.

9. Be respectful
Taking the above into account, you must always remember as well to be respectful. They will be letting you live in their home, we must show them we will treat it with respect, and by showing respect to the landlords it sets up a good foundation for a fulfilling tenancy.

Kind regards,
Vicky Murray