checks have been completed and a tenant has been
selected. Ideally the agreement should be as detailed
as possible, dealing with all aspects of the rental.
The terms must be agreed upon and signed by both
parties. This will avoid any confusion or uncertainty
regarding each party’s obligations in honouring the
agreement.
Ultimately even though a lease agreement allows
the tenant to take occupation of the property, it
is still the owner’s responsibility to maintain the
property. Being a landlord means accepting the
fact that there will be maintenance costs from time
to time. Landlords are not obligated to perform
cosmetic repairs, however they will be obligated to
undertake repairs if the safety of the occupants has
been compromised.
Hiring a rental agent will take a large portion of
the work away from the property owner and landlords
who use the services of a qualified rental agent will
not have to deal directly with the tenant. An agent
will conduct the prospective tenant meetings, carry
out the vetting of the tenant, handle the check in and
handover of the rental property, prepare a property
inventory and schedule of the property’s condition.
The owner can enjoy the benefits of owning a rental
portfolio without the work
If handled in the right way from the beginning,
www.reimag.co.za
Hiring a rental agent
will take a large portion
of the work away from
the property owner and
landlords who use the
services of a qualified rental
agent will not have to deal
directly with the tenant.
with ongoing professional management, many
unnecessary and unpleasant situations can be
avoided. Taking the right measures from day one will
make all the difference to those who wish to own a
successful rental portfolio.
RESOURCES
RE/MAX of South Africa
Residential Handbook 2015
31