What Should Landlords Look For in a Tenant CV?

Finding the right tenant can make or break a rental experience. A well-prepared tenant CV, also known as a tenant resume, is the first impression a landlord gets—and it often decides whether an application is even considered.

In Ireland’s competitive rental market, time is short and decisions are quick. For landlords, learning how to read and evaluate a tenant resume properly can save headaches down the line. For tenants, understanding what landlords look for can help you build a stronger application and get noticed.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes a tenant CV stand out, what to look for in a prospective tenant, and how to assess details like rental history, employment, and more.

Why the Tenant CV Matters When Renting in Ireland

Gone are the days when a quick phone call or short email was enough to secure a viewing. Now, especially when renting in Ireland, most landlords expect a clear, structured profile that provides evidence of reliability and readiness to rent.

A tenant resume helps landlords:

• Quickly understand the applicant’s background
• Evaluate financial stability
• See rental history at a glance
• Identify red flags or inconsistencies early on

For tenants, having a well-organised CV shows professionalism and sets the tone for a responsible tenancy.

Platforms like Tenantin.ie offer a free tool for tenants to create and download a complete tenant resume. It ensures that all critical information is clearly presented and ready to send at a moment’s notice.

What Landlords Should Expect in a Good Tenant Resume

A complete tenant resume should give you, the landlord, everything you need to make an informed first impression. Here’s what to look for:

1. Clear Personal Information

Start with the basics. The tenant should include:

• Full name
• Current address (even if temporary)
• Contact information
• Age (optional, but common)
• ID verification (passport or driving licence, when requested)

This helps confirm the applicant is real and reachable, and it shows that they’ve taken the time to provide full details.

2. Detailed Rental History

One of the most important parts of a tenant resume is the rental history. This gives insight into how reliable a tenant has been in previous homes.

Look for:

• Previous addresses
• Length of time at each property
• Reason for leaving
• Landlord or agent references
• History of on-time rent payments (if mentioned)

A clean, consistent rental history can indicate reliability and long-term potential. Gaps or very short stays may warrant further questions, but aren’t necessarily deal-breakers.

3. Stable Employment or Proof of Income

Reliable income is a key factor in choosing the right tenant. Whether the person is employed, self-employed, or receiving regular financial support, it should be clearly outlined in the resume.

Expect to see:

• Employer name and role
• Length of employment
• Salary (optional but helpful)
• Employment contract or offer letter
• Self-employed income statements or proof of savings

Even students or jobseekers should include some form of financial backing, such as a guarantor or scholarship documentation. This gives peace of mind that rent will be paid consistently.

4. Character References

A strong resume often includes references from previous landlords, employers, or even flatmates. These can vouch for the applicant’s cleanliness, communication style, and trustworthiness.

Look for:

• Contact details of the referee
• Context of the relationship
• Summary of the recommendation

Even a short note from a past landlord stating “rent was always on time, left the flat in good condition” can be very reassuring.

5. Cover Note or Personal Introduction

Though not essential, a short paragraph or message explaining who the tenant is and why they’re moving can be a helpful addition. It gives context and shows thoughtfulness.

For example:

“I’m moving to Dublin from Cork for a new role in a tech company. I’ve been renting for five years with no missed payments and am looking for a long-term lease. I’m quiet, tidy, and respectful of shared spaces.”

This human touch can make a big difference in a crowded inbox.

Red Flags Landlords Should Watch Out For

While most tenant resumes will be honest and clear, there are a few things worth double-checking or clarifying:

• Missing rental history: If it’s not mentioned at all, ask why.
• No references: This could be due to inexperience or issues with a former landlord.
• Inconsistent employment information: Gaps in job history or unclear income sources may need clarification.
• Unexplained urgency: Phrases like “need to move immediately” could be fine—but combined with other red flags, they may suggest instability.

Of course, everyone deserves a fair chance. If you see gaps, the best approach is to ask respectful questions. Many new renters in Ireland are expats or students without local references, and they often make excellent tenants with the right support.

How Tenants Can Strengthen Their CV

If you’re a renter, especially one new to Ireland, it’s essential to show landlords that you’re serious and prepared.

Here’s how to stand out:

• Use a free resume tool like Tenantin.ie to build a complete profile
• Be honest about your situation, but proactive in addressing gaps
• Offer alternative forms of trust, like upfront rent payments or guarantor support
• Keep your information up to date and ready to send quickly

Premium services like “On a Hunt” also help renters by sending automatic enquiries, boosting their profile to landlords, and assigning support from the Tenantin team.

The Role of Technology in Rental Applications

Digital tools are transforming the rental process. For landlords, using platforms where resumes are already formatted, verified, and easy to read can streamline decisions. For tenants, services like Tenantin.ie reduce the stress of finding listings and make it easier to present a strong application.

As a landlord, reviewing tenant profiles through verified platforms helps:

• Save time screening emails
• Receive consistent documentation
• Feel more confident in your decisions

As a tenant, knowing what landlords want in a CV makes it easier to tailor your application and increase your chances of success.

Final Thoughts

The tenant resume is quickly becoming a standard part of renting in Ireland. For landlords, understanding what to look for—from rental history to income and references—can prevent problems before they begin. For tenants, having a complete and clear CV can mean the difference between getting a reply or being overlooked.

By using platforms like Tenantin.ie, renters can create a polished profile using a free tool, while landlords gain access to better-organised applications.

In a market that moves fast, preparation is everything. Whether you’re letting or renting, a strong tenant CV brings clarity, trust, and better outcomes for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions