When it comes to trying your luck with a rental in this market, there are key things that prospective tenants can do to make their chance that little bit better, and push their application to the top of the pile.

Three agents on the ground in Wagga have shared their tips for coming into the application process with an edge.

Fill in the blanks

Raine and Horne leasing agent Rosie Chapman said covering your basics is the best way to stand out.

"We get a lot of half filled applications which makes you ask if they're really serious," she said. "Make sure you turn every page, fill every box."

"If you have all your required documents and references ready to go, you're generally looked at straight away.

References

Director of The Professionals' Paul Irvine said the more people who sing your praises, the better.

"I'd like to see three or four character references," he said. "It shows that you really want to show us you're a strong contender."

He also advises that rather than jot down a phone number, organising a reference letter to make it that much easier for the agent is a good move.

"I would encourage people to ask your outgoing agent for a rental reference, have it on hand because that's one step that could put you in front of the next applicant," he said.

In other news

New renters

The Head of Property Management with Fitzpatricks Real Estate, Sonia Greentree advised people entering the market for the first time to get as much help from the people around them as they can.

"If you've never rented before sometimes getting a parent to go on the lease with you can really improve your chances," Ms Greentree said.

"That's just so if there's an issue with the tenancy we pursue that parent or guardian and make them accountable for the breach. Legally we can't call mum if mum isn't on the lease."

Check your debt

"A really good tip is if you leased three or four years ago and you have an outstanding debt finalise that debt before you apply," Mr Irvine said. "You'll come up on TICA."

TICA is a national database of tenants that agents and owners can use to check rental history, and check for any black marks over missed payments, outstanding bills or damages.

Mr Irvine says it's worth looking up your history ahead of time, as often the debt can be as simple as a few days of missed rent at the end of a lease or one missed water bill and many don't even realise its there.

Competitive offers

Ms Greentree said offering slightly more than asking price can be a good way to stand out, but warned against going overboard.

"People can offer more and owners sometimes take that into consideration, but keep in mind sometimes we're skeptical if someone is offering way over the asking price," Ms Greentree said.

"It could be genuine but we are always on the lookout for liars."

Put a face to the name

Ms Chapman advised people to call up or arrange to meet agents in person, saying the personal touch makes a world of difference.

"Come in and introduce yourself in person," she said. "I'm more than happy to meet applying tenants."

Ms Greentree agreed it can sometimes be a good move to make a good impression in person, or over the phone.

"If you do meet someone and they are friendly and have a good phone manner it does help," she said.

Check your bank statement

When it comes to submitting your bank statement, it can help to plan ahead and think about what your spending says about your ability to pay rent.

"At the end of the day you want to show you can pay your rent on time and look after the property," Ms Greentree said, adding your expenses and outgoings can weigh in on your suitability.

"Its good to have ongoing payment, they show that you've committed to something and that you're paying it back on time, but 12 party dresses on Afterpay, not so much."

With that said, it's not how much you have, but how responsibly you spend it that makes the biggest difference.

"If I have someone on $100k who pays their rent late, verses someone who relies on Centrelink and has never missed a rent payment, I'll go with the person making less."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: