It’s a well-known saying that “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”. When it comes to seeking housing in Bermuda’s competitive rental market, this old adage carries real potential consequences.

Every available apartment is a fiercely contested opportunity in the midst of Bermuda’s housing crisis. When dozens of prospective tenants compete for a single unit, the way you present yourself can be the deciding factor between securing a home or returning to the search.

As co-ordinator of the Renting Ready programme at Home, the charity working to end homelessness in Bermuda, I try to ensure that our clients understand as thoroughly as possible the rights and responsibilities of becoming a tenant.

These efforts are bearing fruit. In 2025, five clients of Home who completed the Renting Ready training have secured private rental accommodation. Each is receiving ongoing support to prepare for independent living and engagement with landlords.

One of the success stories was that of “KW”, who demonstrated a deep commitment to improving his situation and a consistently positive attitude, as he learnt practical skills like budgeting, understanding rental agreements and keeping a home in good condition. He has transitioned successfully into stable housing.

“Because of the programme, I felt more prepared and confident to search for housing, speak with landlords, and manage my own place,” KW said. “I’m proud to say I was able to secure private rental accommodation, and I truly believe this programme played a big part in helping me get there.”

My advice to apartment hunters starts with the importance of the initial meeting with a landlord or property manager.

It’s vital to remember that when they hand over the keys, landlords are entrusting someone to look after an asset that may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and to reliably make rent payments that may be needed to meet monthly mortgage obligations. In Bermuda’s housing market, even a one-bedroom unit represents a significant investment.

Amid a serious housing shortage, any property offered for a reasonable rent will attract strong interest. In this market environment, a viewing can effectively become an informal interview when a tenant is assessed — consciously or not — on character and likely trustworthiness.

From the first meeting with a prospective new tenant a landlord or property manager is subconsciously asking:

• Will this person pay rent on time?

• Will they respect the property?

• Will they be easy to communicate with if issues arise?

Preparation is critical. Showing up on time is the most basic mark of respect, yet it is one that too many people underestimate. Arriving even five minutes late could be costly in this competitive market. Being five minutes early, on the other hand, signals to a landlord that you value their time and that you are likely to value their property in the same way.

Appearance plays a similar role. No one expects prospective tenants to arrive in a three-piece suit, but dressing respectfully matters. Clothing is visual shorthand that communicates self-care and responsibility. A construction worker coming straight from the job site can still make a positive impression by explaining why they’re dressed as they are. That context matters.

Bermuda’s small size and close-knit community mean there is a good chance you may know the landlord, or know someone who knows them. However, your attitude when seeking a tenancy should always be professional, rather than familiar.

A courteous greeting, a polite tone, and a respectful demeanour go a long way. Even if you’ve crossed paths before, the rental process requires formality. It signals that you take the opportunity seriously.

The role of subjectivity and “gut feeling” in a landlord or property manager’s choice of tenant has been the subject of academic research.

For example, a 2024 study by researchers at the University of Vienna found that housing seekers who “sense and enact an ideal tenant” increase their chances of successfully accessing housing.

Similarly, researchers from the University of Bucharest and the University of Glasgow concluded that landlords use the “social vibe” of the first encounter to make judgments about prospective tenants, impacting their risk perception and willingness to engage further.

Perhaps the most underestimated factor in influencing a landlord’s choice of tenant is reputation. In a small community, how you live follows you. Rental history, personal references, workplace behaviour, and increasingly, social media presence all shape how a landlord perceives you.

The digital age has made it easier than ever for people to form opinions before meeting you. Photographs, reposts, and online interactions can quietly influence decisions. The key advice is: don’t let people get to know you before they know you. Your online footprint should support, not sabotage, the impression you want to make.

Such scrutiny reflects the reality of the housing crisis. Bermudians, expatriates, international business workers, young professionals, and seniors are all competing for homes. A single listing can attract dozens of inquiries within hours. The competition is relentless, and landlords have their pick.

Against this backdrop, first impressions are more than superficial. They help landlords decide whom they can trust, and they help tenants stand out in a crowded field. Housing hunters who understand this and prepare to impress can give themselves an edge. Those who go in with a careless attitude can expect to fall at the first hurdle.

Home’s Renting Ready programme helps clients understand how to find a rented home and provides comprehensive learning around vital tenancy management skills. It covers housing options, rights and responsibilities, living on a limited budget, looking after a property and managing relationships with landlords and roommates.

Renting Ready, a course developed by Crisis UK and modified to the Bermuda environment by Home, has a confirmed track record of making it easier for people on low income and with previous experience of homelessness to find, secure and keep accommodation. At Home, we have trained more than 30 Renting Ready trainers from multiple agencies in Bermuda.

Renting Ready aims to build trust between tenants and landlords, by giving tenants the knowledge and skills they need to become responsible and informed renters, and making evictions less likely.

It goes to the heart of one of Home’s strategic priorities — to prevent cases of homelessness before they happen.

• Oral Barnett is Home’s Renting Ready co-ordinator. For more information, go to home.bm