If you are planning to rent out your property, this task is not limited to just handing over the  keys. You need to plan to rent the property. Everything has to be taken care of. Tenant inspections, lease paperwork, rent collection, and property maintenance are all essential. Often landlords take hasty decisions. The house is given to the tenant without checking. Rent is charged without a contract. And then you have problems. In this guide we will tell you the do’s and don’ts when you want to rent out your property.

What to do – Do this carefully

1. Keep the property in good condition

It is your responsibility to provide the tenant with a clean property. If the house has a water leak or faulty wiring, the tenant gets worried. He also did not pay the rent on time. The walls should be painted. Kitchen and bathroom should be clean. Lighting and plumbing work should be perfect. Windows and doors should be closed. If the property is old, some repairs should be done first. This gives the tenant a fresh start.

It will give benefits:

• Tenants will be happy.
  
• The image of your property will improve.
  
• Maintenance burden will be reduced.
  

2. Enter into an appropriate lease agreement

Every landlord should have a lease agreement. It’s not just paper, it’s your legal protection.

It is important to write everything important in it. Jesus:

• How much rent do you have to pay?
  
• When to give
  
• How many days’ notice must be given?
  
• Can the tenant have pets?
  
• Is smoking allowed?
  

The responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord should be spelled out.The contract is in writing. Please sign both. This copy should be given to the tenant and this to you. This saves you from legal problems.

3. Do a proper tenant background check

The tenant has not paid rent to anyone. It was not enough to just see it or put it into practice.

You should do a background check on your tenant.

• Identity card
  
• See pay slip or employment letter
  
• Number of previous landlord
  
• If the credit report improves.
  

All this will be known if the tenant has caused any damage in the past or has not paid the rent.

4. Taking security deposit on paper

Taking a deposit is every landlord’s right. It protects you. Usually 1 or 2 months rent is collected. If the tenant damages the property, you can repair it yourself. A deposit receipt must be prepared. Give a copy to the tenant.Get the home inspected at the end of the lease. If everything is fine, go back to the deposit. If there is any damage, you will have to pay for the repair.Deposit rules must be in accordance with South African law.

5. Do everything in writing

Don’t rely on word of mouth. Get into the habit of writing everything down.If the tenant is late with rent, they must give written notice. There is a request for maintenance, to keep a record of it. Write an inspection report.Use WhatsApp or email. Screenshot below. Everything is kept on file.A written record gives you proof if you ever considered yourself a tenant.

6. Declare rental income

The money you are earning from rent is income. We have to pay taxes. SARS (South African Revenue Service) must pay your rental income. If you hide, you can be punished. But you can also reduce some of your expenses (maintenance, insurance, etc.). Talk to an accountant. Keep every receipt. Please file the return at the end of the year.

7. Periodically inspect the property

Forgetting property is a mistake. You should know what the tenant is doing.The lease states that you will inspect every 3 or 6 months. Give advance notice to the tenant.Check each room during the inspection. Photos remain. Make a written note of the loss.Regular inspections help you detect problems in time.

 Don’t – Don’t do this

1. Don’t just trust your face

A smile or a nice word from a tenant does not mean that he is a tenant.

Every tenant must be checked. If you trust blindly, you will regret it later.

Background checks are ongoing.

2. The rental price is fixed without any contract

• If you have paid rent without a lease, there will be no proof of this.
• If the tenant doesn’t pay rent, or does something illegal, there’s nothing you can do.
• Each tenant must have a proper written lease.

3. You will not be lenient in renting.

“Let’s go this time” such words spoiled the attitude of the tenant.Rent must be paid on the due date. It is your right to collect rent on time every month. Once you forgive late rent, it can stop being a problem every month.

4. Don’t neglect maintenance

• If the tenant raises a problem and you don’t fix it, they will complain.
• If you delay the repair, the problem may worsen.
• Caring is your priority.

5. Do not visit the property unannounced

The tenant has a right to privacy. You are the landlord, but must notify the tenant first.Renting property is a good business. But without planning and rules, this becomes difficult. If you Follow the crane. to sleep Avoid not doing., you one Safe and successful landlord Can’t ban.Your experience will be appreciated. The tenant will be happy too. And your investment will be safe.A surprise visit is not permissible. A tenant case can also be made.Give written notice before visiting.

6. Hiding rental income

You may not know about SARS, but it tracks everything. Hiding rental income is tax fraud. You may have fine and legal problems.All income must be declared and records maintained. It is wrong to reduce the rent or waive the deposit after hearing the tenant’s story. Treat business like business. Make decisions without emotions.

Frequently Asked Questions – Renting Property in South Africa

Q1: Is it necessary to write rent?
Yes A verbal agreement never worked. A written rental is required.

Q2: Is it legal to do a tenant check?
ID, income and background checks are legal with the Han tenant’s permission.

Q3: What is the collection order?
1 or 2 months rent is collected. Keep it in a separate account. Return after inspection.

Q4: Is there tax on rental income?
Yes Rental income is reported to SARS.

Q5: What if the tenant does not pay the rent?
Your written notice. For legal proceedings in accordance with lease rules.

Q6: Can the landlord be found at any time?
No prior notice to the tenant is required.

Q7: Is an agent necessary for renting?
No, you can handle it yourself. But working with an agent seems easier.