Are you a good tenant?

A quarterly statistical examination of the South African residential rental sector, nearly 40% of tenancy applications were categorised as "high risk" or "very high risk" in the first quarter of 2019.

For landlords and management agents, wasting time, energy, and money on tenants who will fail on rental payments or cease paying entirely makes little sense.

This is why prospective tenants are thoroughly scrutinized before being given a lease. And this guide is here to ensure you're abiding by all the relevant rules and regulations, and pass any screening with flying colours to ensure you get and keep that dream home.

Pay on time
It should go without saying that paying your rent on time is not only the right thing to do, but it is also frequently required. Keep in mind that the place you live in is leased for a reason, which is usually because your landlord need funds. Keeping your promise and paying your full rent on time is good practice in exchange for a place to live, just like any other commercial transaction. Additionally, rental revenue is frequently utilized to pay off debt or pay off a mortgage. If you are late or unable to satisfy your whole rental responsibilities, contact your landlord or rental agent as soon as possible to explain your circumstances and make arrangements.

Have a good credit history
Before permitting someone to inhabit their property, rental brokers or landlords are now required to undertake a credit check. While this may be considered an invasion of privacy, it is vital to prevent future difficulties and financial hardships. As a result, suitable tenants with a history of financial responsibility are frequently given first priority.

So your first step is to ensure your credit score is decent, with no judgements or defaults against your name.

Prepare to pay a deposit
Anything can go wrong, and the only way to assure that any potential damages are covered is to levy a deposit, which must be paid before you take possession of the property. If you've ever rented before, you're aware that a one- or two-month deposit is frequently required to secure your apartment before you move in.

When a tenant moves out, this money is usually used to repair any damage to the property. The cost of repairs is usually removed from the deposit, and the remaining funds are returned to the tenant. As a result, it's critical to take note of any existing problems or damages before moving in.

Read your lease carefully
Better yet, have an attorney review your rental agreement before you sign it. While the property itself may be tempting, the terms and conditions may not be suitable for your requirements or circumstances. Pay close attention to noise limits, guest guidelines, garbage removal, and maintenance requirements. The terms and conditions of the security deposit are another important consideration. You must understand how much is owed, when it is due, and when it will be repaid if you depart.

Criminal record
It is critical for landlords to complete a criminal background check before allowing a stranger to take occupancy of their property. Understandably, landlords must be cautious about who they allow into the neighbourhood. Needless to say, any criminal activity on your record will almost certainly result in your application being rejected.

Don't allow live-in visitors
The lease agreement should be signed by both the landlord and the tenants to protect both parties. Unless the landlord agrees, anyone who is not on the lease should not be allowed to stay at the property.

Be transparent about everything
There's a lot of competition out there, especially in desirable areas with well-maintained homes. It may be tempting to omit the entire truth about yourself or your situation in order to position oneself at the top of the application pile. However, this could come back to haunt you in the future, and it could even be considered a breach of your lease agreement. Do not make false statements regarding your criminal history, credit history, work position, or pets.

Ask questions
In addition to fostering a positive relationship, asking questions fosters meaningful contact and lays a solid foundation for effective communication. Before making any changes to the rented home, regardless of how good your intentions are, make sure you get permission from your landlord or rental agency first. This also applies to bringing dogs onto the property, as well as having visitors or overnight guests. Not asking or assuming can lead to a squabble, fines, or even eviction if you don't inquire.

Take care of the property
Keep the property tidy and attempt to leave it in good working order when you leave. Normal wear and tear is to be expected, but routine maintenance can help avoid damage and save money. It is ideal to contact your landlord as soon as possible if something breaks. Unless it's a major repair like a geyser, tenants are typically responsible for indoor property care. It's also crucial to figure out who's in charge of the outdoor property's upkeep.

Be pleasant
While renting is a formal arrangement between two people, there is no reason to be unfriendly, particularly in a shared/communal place. Make an effort to welcome people and strike up a little discussion. Such considerations will make your stay significantly more enjoyable and comfortable.

Be direct
While being friendly is important, being direct is critical in avoiding problems and increasing situations. Make sure to communicate about rental issues, upkeep, and, in some situations, unruly conduct. By doing so, you establish a boundary for how you will be handled and addressed, as well as ensuring your contentment in your living space. The greatest method to avoid problems is to address them as soon as they arise.