Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa April 2016 | Page 42

MANAGING Manage your Utilities Risk And Create a competitive advantage BY MONIQUE TERRAZAS G iven the skyrocketing prices, the tenuous supply, and the irregular and chaotic administration by municipalities, utilities have become a major risk for property owners For Commercial property owners, a satisfied tenant is their greatest asset, assuring ongoing income and underpinning the value of the property. And since your tenant is the end user of utilities, utilities hassles – from inflated or incorrect utility bills to service interruptions – represent a significant risk to your relationship with your greatest asset, significantly increasing the possibility of strained relations, legal wrangling and even vacancy. How pressing is your util