So, you’ve found your perfect home. The next thing you do is contact your local Harcourts office to express an interest. Why? Simply, because we offer the best management for you and the landlord. You’ll need to fill out a Tenancy Application Form and provide some documents to support your application. These include a copy of your ID and proof of current address and income. Your local property team will discuss these requirements with you.

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Paying a rental deposit is an important part of the home renting process. Your deposit provides the homeowner with a degree of financial security if you breach your lease agreement. The deposit covers property damage, undue wear and tear, and money owing when you move out. The amount of deposit you need to pay is set out in your lease agreement and correspondences to the rental you pay. It’s important to note that your deposit may increase during your tenancy if your rent increases.

All Harcourts, rental deposits are lodged with a secure financial authority like PayProp, or the landlord upon specific request. As the deposit grows in interest over time, this is typically held for the tenant’s benefit upon vacating.

It’s reassuring to know, if you meet all the conditions of your lease agreement, your deposit will be returned to you promptly at the end of your lease.

Your lease agreement lists the people who can live in your rental home on a permanent basis. If a tenant wants to move out, or a new tenant wants to move in, you need to inform your Property Agent in writing. Any new tenant needs to be approved via the Harcourts rental application process before moving in.

You’re responsible for paying your rent on time. Your payments need to reach us on or before the due date. Your Lease Agreement sets out where and when your rent must be paid.

If you have problems paying your rent, you should notify your Property Agent as soon as possible. If your rent falls into arrears, your Property Agent will follow the procedures set out in the Rental Housing Act of South Africa to collect the rent for the homeowner.

Before you move in, your Harcourts Property Agent will record the condition of your new home with an ingoing Property Condition Inspection Report. You’ll also have an opportunity to add additional notes to this document. You should then sign and return the report to your Property Agent to file with your Lease Agreement.

The Property Condition Inspection Report protects both you and the homeowner. This report means you can’t be held responsible for damage and undue wear and tear which was there before you moved in.

Your privacy and comfort are important to us. Your Harcourts Property Agent will make a midterm inspection during your lease period but they will always advise you in advance. These inspections allow our rental team to give the homeowner updates about the condition and care of the property, and any important maintenance issues. You can use this perfect opportunity to point out any maintenance or repairs required around your home. (You must always feel comfortable to report maintenance concerns at any other time too).

Photos may be taken by the Property Agent during these Routine Inspections.

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If your home requires repairs or maintenance, you should let your Property Agent know as soon as possible. When you first sign your lease, your Harcourts Property Agent will explain the best way for you to make contact about repairs. You can submit requests by phoning your Property Agent or sending an email. Where possible, it’s also a good idea to include a photograph of the problem.

Being a tenant with Harcourts means your Property Agent handles finding a suitable tradesman to complete repairs. Once the right tradesman is secured, they’ll contact you to arrange a convenient time to visit. In non-urgent maintenance cases, obtain permission from the homeowner before repairs can begin at the property. Please note you may have to pay the cost of the repair if you don’t have the homeowner’s permission before repairs or maintenance is done.

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First, you need to check the amount of notice required before ending your lease to give the proper notice. Your Property Agent can advise you on the minimum time period. You can also find helpful information in the Rental Housing Act of South Africa.

If you want to leave: You should give your Property Agent your notice of intention to leave in writing. If the homeowner wants you to leave: They’ll notify you in writing.

Your Property Agent will contact you to explain requirements for the handover when vacating. When the property is vacant and you’ve returned all the keys, your Property Agent will do a final inspection of the home.

It’s important you pay all your rent and any outstanding expenses. As outlined in the Lease agreement, you will want to leave the property in its original condition (excluding reasonable wear and tear), as noted in the Incoming Property Condition Inspection Report.

Please return your keys within the appropriate timeframe. If not, the locks may be changed, and you may be responsible for paying the cost.

Your Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract. For the protection of homeowners, they are not required to release you early from the conditions agreed upon in the fixed-term lease agreement.

If you’re having difficulty paying your rent or your personal circumstances have changed, please talk to your Harcourts Property Agent to discuss options that may be available. We understand life can present unexpected challenges and we’re always happy to help where we can.

Find Rental Legislation
https://www.gov.za/documents/rental-housing-act
TPN link to go here

Managing an impressive 96,891 homes (and counting) around the globe means our team have extensive knowledge of all things rental.

And your friendly Harcourts Property Agent can provide you with valuable information and support throughout your rental tenancy.

Get in touch at https://harcourts.co.za/