5 Mistakes Tenants Make in Their Property Enquiries (and How to Fix Them)

Looking for a new place to rent can be stressful, especially when you know landlords get loads of messages for every property. 

That first message you send could be the one that sticks in their mind… or the one they delete without a second thought. Mistakes like being vague, writing a novel instead of a note, or vanishing into the ether after sending a message can see your application ignored. 

In this guide, we’ll run through the most common mistakes tenants make and share a simple message template that actually makes landlords sit up and pay attention.

1. 5 mistakes that could cost you your ideal home
2. Give landlords one more reason to choose you
3. Your first message, done right (Template)

Avoid these rookie mistakes when messaging landlords

Even small missteps in your first message can make a big difference, so it’s worth getting these key details right.

1. Being too vague

Landlords want to know the basics straight away. Don’t leave them guessing how many people will be living there, if you have pets, or when you can view the property. A little clarity goes a long way.

2. Writing a message that’s way too long

Long messages full of life stories, hobbies, and weekend plans might be interesting, but landlords usually don’t have time to read them. Keep it short, friendly, and to the point – save the epic tales for when you’re actually living there.

3. Forgetting to show you can afford the rent

It’s not glamorous, but landlords want to know the rent will be paid. Mention your income, employment, or savings clearly so they don’t have to guess. A little reassurance upfront makes you instantly more attractive as a tenant.

4. Disappearing after sending a message

If a landlord replies, respond promptly. Ghosting after the first message is a fast-track ticket to the “probably unreliable” pile.

5. Being too formal or stiff

“Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to enquire…” is technically correct, but it reads like a form letter. Friendly professionalism works much better. Think approachable, not robotic.

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Give landlords one more reason to choose you

Even the nicest, most well-written message won’t convince a landlord on its own. At the end of the day, they want to feel confident that their property will be in safe hands.

Being a Verified Tenant helps you tick that box. It confirms your identity, checks your credit history, and signals reliability at a glance. On top of that, your messages move to the top of the landlord’s inbox, and you get early access to new properties before everyone else.

One of the biggest advantages? Tenant Insights. Verified Tenants can see how many other people are enquiring about a property, giving you a clear picture of the competition. 

Think of the verification badge as a tiny gold star on your application. It signals that you’re serious and ready to move quickly – sometimes, that’s the nudge you need to beat the other applicants.

Your first message, done right (Template)

Alright, you’ve avoided these common mistakes, fixed your messaging habits, and even got a Verified Tenant badge. Now it’s time to put it all into action.

Here’s a simple template you can use and tweak to suit your style:

Use this as a starting point and change it, where needed, to fit your own voice and personality. Remember to keep your messages polite and clear, and you’ll be much more likely to get a quick reply from landlords.

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