Ep 78. International Women’s Day Bonus
In this bonus International Women’s Day episode, Michelle is joined again by Nikki Montaser, director of Front Door Property and one of Sydney’s most trusted property managers. Together, they explore the realities women face in the rental market — from building financial independence to overcoming the barriers that too often hold women back from securing a safe, stable home.
Here’s what you’ll learn from today’s episode:
Why every woman should be listed on the lease — and how it builds essential rental history and credit confidence
The small administrative steps (like having utilities in your name) that make a big difference if life circumstances change
How separation, loss or major life transitions impact rental applications — and why preparation matters
Why single women and single mothers are often overlooked on paper, yet make some of the most reliable, respectful long‑term tenants
The growing risk of homelessness for women over 50, and how rental history plays a critical role in preventing it
What landlords need to understand about applicants rebuilding their lives — and why giving them a chance often leads to exceptional tenancy outcomes
How empathy, communication and fair treatment create safer homes, stronger relationships and better results for everyone involved
Speakers in today’s episode:
Michelle May - Michelle May Buyers Agents
Nikki Montaser - Front Door Property
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This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative
Please note that any views or opinions presented in this podcast are solely those of the speakers, and do not necessarily represent those of any business. These views and opinions are general in nature, and do not take account of your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. Please consider whether it applies in your circumstances and seek professional advice wherever appropriate.
Listen to the Episode Now
Michelle:
Hi, and welcome back to this bonus episode of the Buy Your Side podcast with Nikki: Montesa. Nikki, welcome back.
Nikki:
Thank you.
Michelle:
Hey, it's so good to have you here. And for International Women's Day, I just wanted to pick your brain a little bit longer talking about women specifically in the rental market. So if you guys haven't heard the last episode, Nikki: is the property manager and owner of Front Door Property who is a rental manager in the Sydney market, and she came on my podcast only the other week and gave us some insight. If you're renting in the Sydney market, things to improve your application. But for International Women's Day, I thought I'd have you back for this bonus episode and I wanted to ask you as a woman as a female business owner, but also having rented in the past, etc, What would you recommend women do to improve their chances of getting a rental property?
Nikki:
Look, we see the whole range of people's lifestyles from when they're first moving into a property together to perhaps they've had a separation or a death in the family, etc. So I think it's really important at that very beginning step for a woman to be on the lease as well and to put some of the utilities in her name as well to start to get that, build up a credit rating, get a rental history, because while things are great at the beginning, you just don't know what the future holds. And look, if you're going through a separation, for example, it can be absolutely traumatic at the time. You've got so much going on.
If you've built up your rental history and your credit rating, it certainly makes that process a lot quicker and easier for them and one less thing to worry about. I think that's really important, young couples are saying they're coming in and they're about to have a family get married and and you know a lot of the young ladies say I'll just put my partner on the lease it's easier it's quicker and that's what they say. Wait hold on a minute let's get you on the lease too let's make sure you have rental history
Michelle:
Yes Because if you have none, if you have none of it, it takes years to build up.
Nikki:
It does and usually In the circumstances where the woman is moving because of a separation, just as an example, there's a lot going on in their life right now. And if their last property was in their husband's name only, it's really hard for us also to get that reference for them.
So it's just, look, it's a really small but important step and I always advocate for women just to set themselves up in the future, start at the right place at the beginning and get that rental history going.
Michelle:
Yeah, that makes absolute sense. And so from your perspective, I'd love to hear your take on this. We know that the statistics are out there that single women with dependents over the age of 50 are the largest growing demographic of becoming homeless, which is incredible.
Nikki:
Yes
Michelle:
That’s incredibly frightening. I'm over 50, I have two kids, I'm a single woman. To think about that is horrifying and I imagine part of that is because these women have been in long-term relationships, have not had that financial literacy, that independence, the lease, rental history, the credibility etc I guess, to be seen as a real potential to rent a property.
What would you say to landlords in particular, or even renters, what is your take on it, also being a female business owner?
Nikki:
Yes, look, I think for landlords, it's really important to never just dismiss, you know, a single mum's application. I think in the past that's happened a lot. These women get into a property where they are safe and secure and a home to build up a new life for their children. They’re so grateful and look, we've just had the most incredible tenants who have been in that circumstance. They're so grateful and relieved to be out of whatever situation they've come from and they have made the most amazing tenants.
Absolutely incredible, and I think for landlords, you know, definitely look at those applications as a positive because from my experience as a property manager, it's absolutely positive to have single parents, single mums, women coming out of relationships, etc.
Michelle:
So there you go. So on paper, it may not be the most obvious choice, but you actually find that in practice, it makes total sense to give these women a chance and place them in a rental property for your landlords.
Nikki:
Absolutely, and I think that's it, it's just that you're giving them a chance and never had a problem. We always explain to our landlord, you know, if we get two applications, we'll say, look, we've got this one versus this one and we sort of put our case forward of which one we think that they should go with. We do give them their advice. They ultimately make the final decision. But certainly, my landlords are absolutely brilliant and lovely and they have always gone to the ladies that need it. If we get an application from someone we think really needs it, then absolutely, we look at those in a positive light.
Michelle:
In particular in this country, there's not much, if at all, really a safety net to catch these women, you know, if from a governmental perspective, public social housing. I mean, really, it doesn't really exist when you need it. So thanks, Nikki I really appreciate your insights. Great to have you back for International Women's Day. and if you want to get in touch with Nikki how can they get in touch with you?
Nikki:
Just through our website, https://www.frontdoorproperty.com.au/, it's got all of our contact details on there.
Michelle:
Fantastic. So thank you for having, for coming on the podcast again, Nikki If you have any questions for me, get in touch. hello@buyyourside.com.au.
And did you know I have a course coming out? I am so excited. It's an online course. It's going to be eight modules with downloadable, worksheets, of Facebook interactive lives where you can, you know, pick my brain even more. If you're wanting to get into the property market and you want a little bit more help on how to do things, practical tools, etc maybe you want to sign up for the Better Home Buying course. Drop me a line at hello@buyyourside.com to get on the wait list. And I can't wait to see you there.
Thank you so much for listening and until next time.