A step-by-step guide to help you through the rental process, enabling you to make the best decisions.

Making the best rental decision means knowing the in's and out's of what renting a property entails and who is responsible for what.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide with essential information & questions to help you find that perfect rental property, prepared to ask the right questions.

Getting your ducks in a row

As a potential tenant, there are a few things to consider before you can rent a property.

These include:

• Can you afford it? Are you financially able to afford the rental payment, and the deposit, which is usually 1-2 months' rent upfront.
• Are you creditworthy? A Credit Score is a three-digit number that helps lenders, employers and landlords decide whether to give you credit, employ you or let property to you.
• Are you prepared? It's a good idea to go to a property viewing with a few things on hand:
• A copy of your ID
• Your credit score
• A copy of your latest payslip
• Latest 3-months' bank statement
• Enough money in your account to pay the deposit and at least the first month's rent

Signing on the dotted line

Weigh up the pros and cons of leasing from a landlord versus leasing from an agent. Before you sign any lease agreement, ensure it contains the following information:

• The names and addresses of both parties
• The description of the property
• The rental amount and reasonable escalation
• The frequency of rental payments, i.e. monthly
• The amount of the deposit
• The lease period
• The notice period for termination of the contract
• The lessor's obligations
• Any other costs payable by the tenant
• A list of defects
• A list of the furniture included, if a furnished property is rented out
• The House Rules, if any

How to deal with the deposit

• How much is a deposit? Can I afford it? Is there an option to pay it in two or three installments?
• What happens to my deposit?
• Is my landlord allowed to withhold my deposit?
• What is "fair wear and tear"?
• When do I get my deposit back?

The landlord-tenant relationship

What happens when problems arise, and what the landlord and tenant rights are. The Rental Housing Tribunal was established to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants, and they deal with issues such as:

• Deposits
• Non-payment of rental
• Exploitative rentals
• Condition, use and maintenance
• Utility services
• Lease agreement disputes (verbal and written)
• The rights and duties of landlords and tenants
• Damage to property
• Eviction
• House rules
• Intimidation
• Issuing of receipts maintenance

Terminating the lease agreement

• What notice period should I give?
• Do I need to pay anything extra?
• Can a landlord withhold my deposit?
• What happens if my landlord sells the property?

Landlord or Tenant, speak to our team at SA Property.com, where our National Rental Manager Sunell Afrika & her team ensure you find the perfect Tenant, or Property. But most importantly, that you are prepared & all your questions have been answered.

Email her today & list your property.

Our Success in the Rental Industry is evident in our Results & Rental Portfolio.