Securing a new rental property in a competitive rental market, even as an experienced tenant, can be difficult. This is the current experience of Ian, a software developer in his early 50s currently living with family in Far North Queensland.
So when he heard by word-of-mouth that undertaking tenant education could strengthen his next rental application, Ian searched the internet for options.
Quickly finding the Tenancy Skills Institute, established in 2017 as Australia’s first and only competency-based tenant education program endorsed by the Real Estate Industry, Ian was keen to get started on the Skillsets for Successful Tenancies Course.
“I was interested in improving my knowledge and up-skilling my abilities to increase my chances of gaining a rental property,” Ian says.
Finding our tenant education courses at the start of 2025, Ian enquired about starting our courses straight away. His timing was fortuitous as it coincided with the launch of our 2025 new course offerings at introductory prices thanks to the Tenancy Skills Institute’s financial supporters.
The launch kick-started with 100 Tenancy Skills Institute Scholarships, offering recipients the opportunity to undertake the Skillsets for Successful Tenancies course for free. So, after submitting his Expression of Interest, Ian was delighted to learn that he had met the eligibility requirements and secured a scholarship.
Commencing the course, Ian set about refreshing his tenancy skills and, in some cases, learning new approaches recommended by the Real Estate Industry to showcase his skills as a prospective tenant.
“Writing a cover letter as part of my rental application initially seemed a little crazy to me. But when I think about it, it can only help to show my experience to the Property Manager. The course has also reminded me that making a good first impression when I meet the Property Manager at Open for Inspections is essential,” Ian shares.
Undertaking all five learning modules over a few days and setting aside a few hours daily, Ian found helpful and practical information in every module.
For example, in learning the Finances and Budgeting Module, Ian shares, “I’ve always paid my rent on time, but it also gave me some ideas on how to create a full household budget. I’ve done this before, but it’s good to re-focus to save some more money.”
Now a Tenancy Skills Institute Graduate, Ian will add his certificate to his next rental application, confident in the knowledge that many Property Managers in Far North Queensland and all parts of Australia recognise what he has learned from our well-regarded course.
“Due to the current difficult climate for obtaining a rental, the motivation is pretty high to stand out from other would-be renters. I will regularly read through the notes I have taken to remind me of the important elements this course has taught me. I will remind myself that using what I have learnt will also provide me with the best chance of obtaining a good rental property.”
When asked if others should consider taking the course, Ian shares, “I say give it a go. Especially if you haven’t been renting a lot, it’s great to familiarise yourself with the important terminology and understand the roles of the Property Manager, Landlord and Tenant.”
Buoyed with renewed confidence and refreshed skills, we congratulate Ian, the first Scholarship Recipient to graduate from the Tenancy Skills Institute and wish him great rental success in the future.
Are you keen to learn practical ‘how-to’ tenancy skills in your rental journey, just like Ian? Why not apply for one of our limited Tenancy Skills Institute Scholarships via this link today!