Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa May 2013 | Page 6

WHAT IF THERE WAS A WAY THAT YOU COULD TAKE THE RISK OUT OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY LETTING? Today, some 2.3 million people rent property in South Africa. There is huge potential in the rental property market – but every landlord or estate agent will tell you that there are also risks associated with letting residential property. What if there was a way that you could take all the legwork out of the letting process, and alleviate the risks at the same time? Rentshield has introduced a new, first-to-market, “zero deposit” residential letting tool that helps landlords and estate agents manage their property portfolios more efficiently and effectively. Benefits to landlords: Benefits to real estate agents: • Eviction costs: Rentshield covers legal costs up to R50 000 for the eviction of a non- paying tenant. They also manage the eviction process. • Business growth: Rentshield offers rental agents a competitive edge, enabling them to grow their rental property portfolios. • Loss of rental income due to eviction: In line with the Consumer Protection Act, tenant eviction is a lengthy process, often taking as long as three months. Rentshield protects the landlord against loss of income during this time, offering coverage of up to three month’s rent. • No extra costs: The rental agent incurs no additional expense by using Rentshield. • Increased rentals: Without the need for a deposit, potential tenants’ interest will be increased, translating into more rentals and fewer unoccupied properties. • No trust accounts: No deposit means no trust account administration. • Protection of agent commission: In the event of a claim, the rental agent will still be entitled to their rental commission for those months covered by Rentshield. • Less administration: Fewer hours spent on administration means more time to manage properties and source new business. • Credit vetting costs: Rentshield has a nocost service for agents to credit vet potential tenants. Their credit vetting facility is superior to any other similar facility currently used in the South African property market. • No more inspections: Rentshield takes care of in- and out-inspections at no cost to you. • • Loss of rental income due to absconding tenant: In the event of a tenant absconding from the property before the stipulated rental period is complete, Rentshield will cover up to one month’s rent. Unpaid accounts and malicious damage: Utilities payable by the tenant that are in arrears, such as electrical bills, as well as malicious damage caused to the property by the tenant, will be covered by Rentshield up to a combined amount of one month’s rent. • Damages caused to property: Rentshield will cover up to one month’s rent for damages to the property caused by the tenant. • Peace of mind: You can rest assured that Rentshield will take care of all the legwork associated with property letting. The cost of Rentshield is included in the total monthly rental paid by the tenant. To qualify, tenants must be South African citizens and be able to afford the rent. All leases protected by Rentshield must be a minimum of 12 months. For more information, visit: www.rentshield.co.za or call 0861 DEPOST / 0861 376748.