Under ideal circumstances, renting a property should be a smooth and hassle-free process. Unfortunately, like many things in life, it doesn\u2019t always go according to plan.<\/p>\n
Disputes between rental agents, landlords and tenants are all too common, and can sour the rental experience for everyone involved.<\/p>\n
Bill Rawson, Chairman of the Rawson Property Group, says preventing this kind of situation as a tenant usually just requires a little bit of knowledge, planning and attention to detail.<\/p>\n
Here are his top tips for tenants.<\/p>\n
1. Budget conservatively<\/strong><\/p>\n The cost of living in South Africa is on the rise, which means a rental at the edge of affordability now may become more than you can handle at a later date. It\u2019s far better to budget conservatively and have some wiggle room, than to risk falling into arrears and facing potential eviction down the line.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you do find yourself in financial difficulty,\u201d said Rawson, \u201cit\u2019s best to be honest with your landlord or letting agent, as they will be more likely to make allowances if they are aware of the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n 2. Read the fine print<\/strong><\/p>\n All of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant should be outlined in your lease agreement, so read it very carefully and make sure you understand everything it contains. Check notice periods, rent increase procedures, and any penalties or fees that may be levied, as well as rules of conduct, and any expenses like utilities that may be billed in addition to your rental.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re unsure of the legalities, Rawson recommends talking to an objective professional rather than taking a chance. \u201cIt\u2019s generally easier \u2013 and less stressful \u2013 to avoid a signing an unfair or illegal lease than it is to resolve any resulting disputes further down the line,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n 3. Check for red flags<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s not always possible to talk to a previous tenant about the rental property you\u2019re considering, so make sure you check for issues like water pressure and cellphone reception that might not be immediately obvious, but could be difficult to fix once you move in.<\/p>\n You should also keep an eye out for warning signs that could indicate bigger problems. A particularly run-down property, for example, might mean a landlord who habitually neglects his maintenance responsibilities.\u00a0 \u201cThat\u2019s not a good sign that future problems will be repaired appropriately,\u201d Rawson said.<\/p>\n 4. Insist on an incoming inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure you conduct an incoming inspection with digital photographic evidence in the presence of either your rental agent or landlord. The purpose of this inspection is to make a note of any pre-existing defects that exist in the property \u2013 cracked tiles, damaged fittings, stains etc. \u2013 so that you can\u2019t be held responsible for them at the end of your lease.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember, your landlord isn\u2019t obligated to fix these defects at this point, unless they directly impact on your ability to use the property for its intended purpose. If there\u2019s something seriously wrong, it\u2019s better to note it early and specify in your lease agreement that it is to be repaired before you move in,\u201d Rawson said.<\/p>\n 5. Participate in the outgoing inspection<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019re far less likely to have strange expenses deducted from your deposit if you\u2019re present during the outgoing inspection conducted by your rental agent or landlord. Bring a copy of any defects listed on your incoming inspection, photographs and any relevant correspondence relating to repairs or maintenance issues that have arisen during your stay.<\/p>\n 6. Know your rights<\/strong><\/p>\n The Rental Housing Act recognises the right of property owners to receive a reasonable return on their investment, but obliges them to look after their properties and treat tenants fairly.<\/p>\n From privacy, to the repayment of deposits, property maintenance and the Rental Housing Tribunal, this act outlines all of the rights you have as a tenant. “The best advice I can give to a tenant,” said Rawson, “is to read the Rental Housing Act. This can be found on the www.info.gov.za and is, in my view, neither too long or too difficult to comprehend.”<\/p>\n More on property in SA<\/p>\n Buying vs renting property in SA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How long it takes to sell a house in South Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n