Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa August 2015 | Page 78

Just Letting

How Tenants can

Protect their Deposits
Tips for a Hassle Free Move

M

oving in and out of a new property can be a
relatively hassle free experience, provided the
tenants are aware of what needs to be checked
both before and after the big move.
Before Moving In
Usually the rental agent has a basic list that they will go
through with the tenant before they receive the keys
to the property. On average the tenant will have just
over a week to report any additional issues once they
have moved in. The best and most effective way to file
a report is to, if possible, document the issue by taking
images, and then file a report in writing, so that there is
written proof of the issue.
While some landlords may provide an initial inspection
with you, it is the responsibility of the tenant to make a
general sweep of the property once they have moved
in. It is advisable for the landlord to be present during
this check, as any issues can be flagged immediately.
Make sure that all lights are checked, locks are working
correctly and all faucets are operational in this check.

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Issue 8 2015

The correct and careful reporting on any and all issues
ensures that when the time comes to move out, the
tenant will not be held responsible for any older issues.
Previous problems that are not correctly reported may
result in a tenant losing a part of their deposit, depending
on the severity of the issue.
When Moving Out
A thorough check of the rental property for any
problems or damages, prior to moving out, should
protect the tenant’s deposit from being lost and facilitate
in a smoother moving process.
The property should be left in the same condition it
was when the tenant moved in. Smaller issues such as
broken light bulbs, holes in the walls from picture frames
and general cleaning can be result in a deduction from
the deposit. In most cases it is easier and cheaper for
the tenant to fix these issues themselves than if they
reported them to the landlord to be fixed. A cleaning
fee may be taken out of the deposit should the landlord
deem the property messy or unclean.
Just Property Magazine