So, you’ve been invited to a viewing — congrats! In today’s rental market, that’s further than most people get (unless they’re using Uprent, of course). Let’s dive into the most important things you need to know before heading to the viewing.
Only 30% of properties allow online viewings. That means, with a 70% chance, you will have to visit in-person. If you’re not able to attend yourself, it's best if you find someone who can go on your behalf. Whether it’s a friend, random student, or even a professional, having a real person attend the viewing will significantly increase the amount of properties you can get approved for.
It’s important to arrive at the property at least 15 minutes early. Finding the right door can sometimes be tricky. Arriving early also gives you time to get settled and make a good first impression.
Viewings are a chance for the landlord or agent to get a first impression of you. Make yourself memorable: smile, engage with the agent/landlord, share your situation, and ask if there's anything else you can do to improve your chances.
Let’s be blunt: you’d be surprised how often applicants miss out because they bring kids or pets to viewings, and they’re too active. It’s best to only bring adults to the viewing.
Using Uprent’s dashboard, you can keep track of all your viewings. When you move a property to the Viewing Scheduled stage, you can select the date and time of the viewing. You can even create a Google Calendar event directly from the dashboard.
The day before your viewing, Uprent will send you a recap email with all the details, including Google Maps directions, to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Each agent or landlord has their preferred method of receiving offers. Clarify whether they want documents via email, through their website, or via a specific form. Read how to submit the perfect offer in our Rental offer guide.
When dealing directly with landlords, this question can be particularly valuable. Some landlords prioritize certain qualities in a tenant, such as educational background, a higher rent offer, or upfront payments. Knowing what they value most can help you make the perfect offer. You can also overcome the competition by creating a better set of documents.
While formal attire isn’t necessary, being well-presented, friendly, and thorough during the viewing can make difference. Agents and landlords often rely on their impressions from the viewing when making their decisions. By dressing appropriately, smiling, and being polite, you increase your chances of making a positive impression that could be relayed to the landlord.
You’re allowed to open closets, cabinets, and other storage spaces to get a complete sense of the property. Just be mindful of your surroundings, especially if the property is currently occupied.
