Canberra tenants are becoming increasingly frustrated at being gazumped when seeking a new home in our tight rental market.

Canberra remains the most expensive capital city rental market, with CoreLogic’s latest rental review showing typical dwellings rent for $651 per week. In the past year alone, Canberra rents have surged 8%.

MARQ’s Head of Property Management, Jessica Campbell, said properties were being leased at an unprecedented pace and were often let after the first home open, with multiple applicants.

“Our agency doesn’t engage in the ‘bidding’ type of tactics that some agencies do with rental pricing. We advertise with a set price based on the market and what has recently rented,” Ms Campbell said.

“While we do take all applicants to owners, we value quality tenants and our recommendations to clients are based on the strength of the applicant rather than who can offer the most money.”

So, if you’re a prospective tenant, how do you put your best foot forward so you have the greatest chance of success? Here’s some tips:

• Speak to the leasing agents and sign up to new property alerts so you are notified when new rentals come online and the scheduled viewing times.
• Make sure your application is complete. It sounds basic, but submitting an incomplete application may put you at a disadvantage from the go-get.
• Make sure you’re including all the information an agent will need to assess your application. Remember to add your previous rental history, personal references and a pet profile, if you have a fur baby!
• Consider joining snug.com. This allows applicants to create and complete a profile before applying. So, when you do apply for a MARQ rental, your application has already been processed.
• Get creative. You may consider a more eye-catching application, for example presenting a video to compliment your paper submission.