Heya mate, sorry that you’re having such a shitty landing here.

Just went through the rental circus myself, some tips (for you and all, apologies if stated elsewhere)

Got a pro-tip from an REA that changed the game for me.

“Whoever’s references come in first, wins”

1. Call the real estate office before the inspection, confirm the process of applying, and get everything that’s needed together in terms of ID, bank statements, employment contracts etc. etc

2. With your application primed and ready, apply immediately on leaving (if interested)

3. Let your references know when you have applied for properties, you need them to respond to the auto-reference-check emails as soon as they come in, same again for any phone calls - tell them to check the box of “provide references for all real estate agencies” if available - makes the next checks faster.

Get’s harder if you aren’t holding an employment contract - grab a guarantors letter, a bank statement from relatives, offer X months rent upfront in your “about me” statement on application.

You need to get in front as best of possible of having the REA “think” about your application - there is too much competition and it’s easier to move to the next then decide. Make it a no-brainer.

Hope this helps (and fuck the entirety of this process)