Consider this before you rent out your property

Unpaid rent monies and damage to property are the common headaches for most landlords. This is according to Weltevreden Park-based real estate agent Adrienne Milner, who explained that most people are renting in the Northside area. “Many landlords in the area are still struggling with tenants not paying rent on time, or at all, and are bound to start applying for eviction orders.”

She highlighted that according to the credit amnesty, R300 million in arrears for rentals could go down the drain, but not at all in vain. She explained that there is a new rental product collection that was launched in the market.

“TPN Credit Bureau can now collect arrear rentals from tenants who have vacated property, which is good news for home owners.”

She said the other best way to get around renting out your property as a home owner, is to get a professional to manage the property for you. “Advise neighbours that you are renting your property out so that they can look out for strange behavior like overcrowding and mess.”

To those property owners who decide to lease out their properties themselves, Milner advised them to take note of the following when dealing with a possible tenant:

• Do proper screening.
• Check their credit record.
• Do a reference check with previous landlord.
• Have a proper lease contract ensuring that things like penalties of early cancellation are clearly stipulated.