Finding the perfect home to rent can be a hard task. With housing shortages in many places across Australia, renting can be quite competitive. A good reference from previous landlords can go a long way, so be the best tenant that you can to help you secure the home that you want.

When renting a property, take these tips into consideration in order to be a good tenant:

1) If you find that something in your home breaks, such as a dishwasher, or garage door, then make sure you let your property manager or landlord know as soon as possible. This way it can be quickly fixed and will prevent it from developing into a larger, more expensive problem.

2) Keep your rented property well looked after. If you are responsible for garden maintenance, then make sure that the lawns are regularly mowed, and that the garden is weed-free. Ensure that your property is cleaned regularly so that pests are kept at bay – otherwise this may cause trouble during winter months.

3) When vacating a property, don't leave any leftover rubbish or unwanted possessions behind. This means that somebody else will have to deal with it, such as the landlord or property manager, and may result in removal and disposal costs being charged to you.

4) Stay on top of utility bills if they are sent through your landlord or property manager, and set up an automatic payment for your rent. Paying on time will help to give you a good reference in the future, as it shows you are punctual and reliable.

5) Make sure you take all provided security measures into consideration, such as installed alarm systems, or door locks. Doing this will help to protect both your belongings and the property if any break-ins occur.

If you are looking for houses for rent in Wollongong or rental properties in the Illawarra region, then contact MMJ Real Estate. We have professional and experienced property managers who can help find the perfect rental for you.