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Most Recent Renting Articles

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THE EVICTION PROCESS IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE EVICTION PROCESS IN SOUTH AFRICA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

If you own a property and, for some reason, you need the tenants or occupiers to vacate the property, then you would need to follow a process called eviction. Although it is not illegal to evict a tenant, it is often a long and complicated process that is governed by legislation. Evictions can only occur if there are legitimate reasons for it. In this article, we’ll look at what those reason

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HOW TO EVICT TENANTS WHO DON’T PAY THEIR RENT

HOW TO EVICT TENANTS WHO DON’T PAY THEIR RENT

While it can be a lengthy process to evict tenants who don’t pay their rent, there are procedures in place to make sure that both the tenant’s and the landlord’s rights are protected. In simple terms, if the tenant doesn’t pay rent, they are in breach of contract, and you as the landlord are within your rights to take action. Here are the facts: According to the law T

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SECURING YOUR RENTAL INVESTMENT: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENANT

SECURING YOUR RENTAL INVESTMENT: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TENANT

Integral to ensuring a return on your investment (ROI) in a rental property is finding and retaining the right tenants. Whether it’s a commercial or residential property, South African landlords should rely on the expertise of a rental agent to help them find the perfect tenant. Start with market research to price your rental unit Understanding the local rental market is crucial for bo

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3 TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE RENTAL DISPUTES

3 TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE RENTAL DISPUTES

Unfortunately, disputes between tenants and their landlords are very common. Some disputes can even escalate to the point where an amicable solution cannot be found. What happens when tenants and landlords cannot resolve a conflict between themselves? We’re here to help you find the answer. Here are 3 tips on how to handle rental disputes. 1. Go over your lease agreement very carefully

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7 QUESTIONS LANDLORDS SHOULD ALWAYS ASK TENANTS

7 QUESTIONS LANDLORDS SHOULD ALWAYS ASK TENANTS

Can landlords choose their tenants? What information should a landlord ask for? These are both excellent questions. As a landlord, you are allowed to find the best possible tenant to occupy your rental. This means that the questions you ask potential tenants are crucial in making the right decision for your property in the long run. As a starting point, the best tenants will usually have the fo

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WHEN CAN A LEASE AGREEMENT BE CANCELED

WHEN CAN A LEASE AGREEMENT BE CANCELED

There can be many reasons for tenants wanting to terminate their lease agreement early — most recently, many tenants faced retrenchments during the Covid pandemic and could no longer afford their rent. On the other hand, landlords can also attempt to cancel the lease agreements early. In both scenarios, if the correct processes are not followed, this can become a legal minefield, especially

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IS IT WORTH BUYING A HOUSE TO RENT OUT?

IS IT WORTH BUYING A HOUSE TO RENT OUT?

Buying a house with the intent to rent it out can be a great passive investment move, right? You buy an affordable property, your tenants pay off your second home loan and you’ll have supplemental income from their rent payments! However, owning a rental property is more complex than tweaking leaky plumbing or fixing the air conditioning during heatwaves. Before you jump into the commitme

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LANDLORD VS TENANT: A GUIDE TO PROPERTY RENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

LANDLORD VS TENANT: A GUIDE TO PROPERTY RENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES

One of the hardest jobs facing any landlord is trying to find a suitable tenant. However, a landlord’s responsibilities don't end once the lease is signed. In many ways, this is just the beginning of the relationship. Just as a landlord has certain expectations from their tenants – for example, paying rent on time and honouring the stipulations of the lease agreement – a tena

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AN EASY GUIDE FOR DRAFTING YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT

AN EASY GUIDE FOR DRAFTING YOUR LEASE AGREEMENT

If you’re new to the rental market, it may prove helpful to have a detailed understanding of a rental agreement. Setting this up correctly at the start is crucial to avoid costly legal battles down the line. To assist you with understanding the necessities of a lease agreement below is an easy guide to use when you or your managing agent drafts one: What is a lease agreement? The lease a

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HOW LANDLORDS CAN REDUCE TAX ON RENTAL INCOME

HOW LANDLORDS CAN REDUCE TAX ON RENTAL INCOME

We all know that owning a rental property is more than just finding the perfect tenant. If you own a rental property portfolio that provides an income, you’d know that it’s much like owning a business. This means that there are tax implications and dues that need to be paid to the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS). While all taxable income must reflect on your return, there are ways

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HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR RENTAL ESCALATION

HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR RENTAL ESCALATION

Rental increases are, unfortunately, inevitable – but does this mean that you as a tenant have no choice but to accept whatever percentage the landlord decides? Luckily for you, you may be able to negotiate yourself into a more manageable rental escalation. Should your lease be renewed? Every year on the anniversary of your lease, the rental agent and landlord need to decide two things

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WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR RENTAL DEPOSIT?

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR RENTAL DEPOSIT?

As you know, most landlords ask for a rental deposit from tenants before you move into a property. They have this right according to Section 5 of the Rental Housing Act, No. 50 of 1999. This article will take you through what happens to your rental deposit, and also shed some light on the “why’s”, the “what’s”, and the “how much?” of rental deposits.

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