Most Recent Renting Articles
When renting, who pays for utilities?
When it comes to rental properties, one question always seems to come up: who shoulders the burden of utility costs? It's a query that can spark debates and a host of misunderstandings. In this blog, we delve into the often murky waters of utility payments in rental agreements and provide an overview of the responsibilities of both tenants and landlords. We also suggest how landlords can prote
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How to make a new city feel like home
Moving house is among the top five life stressors and even more so when the move is not just from one house to another, but to a new city or country. In another article, we discussed how the 80:20 principle plays an important role in choosing a new city and preparing for the move. In this article we’ll give you some useful tips and the odd life hack for putting that preparation – the 8
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Choosing a New Hometown: Relocation 101
There are a myriad of reasons why people move to new towns or cities, ranging from retirement and lifestyle choices, to transfers and employment opportunities. Whatever the reason, the key to making it work for you is in your homework. Like so much in life, the 80:20 principle applies. In this case, the 80% is your research (homework) and the other 20% is the actual relocation. In this article
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The real cost of long-distance moving in South Africa
A long-distance move is a complicated exercise, no matter whether you’re relocating for that dream job, retiring, or living out your dream of moving to the countryside. Probably the most critical of these complications is what it will cost you to make the move. To help you formulate a budget and a foolproof moving plan, we’ll take you through the possible charges for a long-distance mo
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DOWNSIZING YOUR HOME: THE BIG DECISION TO GO SMALL
Tiny homes are a growing trend – internationally and in South Africa. Although downsizing to a smaller house or apartment may not appeal to everyone, there may well come a time when downsizing just makes more sense. Maintaining a largely underutilised property doesn’t always make financial sense if the family has shrunk and the children have fled the nest. With the increasing cost of l
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THE EVICTION PROCESS IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
If you own a property and, for some reason, you need the tenants or occupiers to vacate the property, then you would need to follow a process called eviction. Although it is not illegal to evict a tenant, it is often a long and complicated process that is governed by legislation. Evictions can only occur if there are legitimate reasons for it. In this article, we’ll look at what those reason
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How to evict tenants that don’t pay their rent
While it can be a lengthy process to evict tenants who don’t pay their rent, there are procedures in place to make sure that both the tenant’s and the landlord’s rights are protected. In simple terms, if the tenant doesn’t pay rent, they are in breach of contract, and you as the landlord are within your rights to take action. Here are the facts: According to the law T
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SECURING YOUR RENTAL INVESTMENT: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENANT
Integral to ensuring a return on your investment (ROI) in a rental property is finding and retaining the right tenants. Whether it’s a commercial or residential property, South African landlords should rely on the expertise of a rental agent to help them find the perfect tenant. Start with market research to price your rental unit Understanding the local rental market is crucial for bo
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3 TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE RENTAL DISPUTES
Unfortunately, disputes between tenants and their landlords are very common. Some disputes can even escalate to the point where an amicable solution cannot be found. What happens when tenants and landlords cannot resolve a conflict between themselves? We’re here to help you find the answer. Here are 3 tips on how to handle rental disputes. 1. Go over your lease agreement very carefully
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AVOID THIS PROPERTY SCAM
Within these challenging economic times, the number of property scams are on the rise. RE/MAX of Southern Africa has received several reports of various real estate agent scams taking place and warns consumers to remain vigilant against them. “With interest rates climbing, times are tough for many South Africans. This could lead to more opportunist crimes as people become increasing
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7 Questions Landlords Should Always Ask Tenants
Can landlords choose their tenants? What information should a landlord ask for? These are both excellent questions. As a landlord, you are allowed to find the best possible tenant to occupy your rental. This means that the questions you ask potential tenants are crucial in making the right decision for your property in the long run. As a starting point, the best tenants will usually have the fo
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WHEN CAN A LEASE AGREEMENT BE CANCELED
There can be many reasons for tenants wanting to terminate their lease agreement early — most recently, many tenants faced retrenchments during the Covid pandemic and could no longer afford their rent. On the other hand, landlords can also attempt to cancel the lease agreements early. In both scenarios, if the correct processes are not followed, this can become a legal minefield, especially
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