To secure the ideal rental property, strive towards becoming a “a good tenant”.
Landlords want to hold on to good tenants, and real estate agents have all sorts of vetting processes.
Just Property shares five tips that will help build the ideal tenant.
Raise that credit score
Landlords are not only concerned about a tenant’s income. They want to see how they have managed financial commitments in the past, as this is an indicator of their ability to pay rent timeously and in full. If a tenant’s credit score is not good, they may need at least six months to improve it.
A credit score is calculated by the credit bureaus and looks at five parts:
- payment history (consistently paying on time and in full improves the score);
- debt use (tallies how much of the total credit made available, is used);
- credit history length (the longer the credit history, the better the score);
- recent activity (tenants score points here if they refrain from applying for more credit regularly); and
- credit mix (more points are scored with more types of credit, of instance a credit card, a cell phone account, and a store account).
Some tenants worry that a bad experience or an oversight can leave a long-lasting negative impact on their credit, or that running credit checks can leave a “digital footprint” that has an impact on their credit score.
“Talk to your rental agent about your concerns and they can help you navigate them,” says Paul Stevens, chief executive officer (CEO) of Just Property.
Be a good match
“Arriving with a list of your requirements saves everyone’s time and will impress the agent,” says Joe Alves, award-winning Just Property agent for Blouberg.
Include the number of bedrooms and bathrooms required; whether a garage or parking space is needed; descriptions of pets (if any); requested security level; and whether there should be shops, specific schools and hospitals nearby.
Read the fine print
Many tenants feel awkward about questioning clauses included in a lease. But since they must abide to what they agree to, it is in their best interest to ask explanations around anything unclear or that they are unhappy with.
Pieter van den Berg of Just Property Prosper in Cape Town says this actually makes for better relations between the tenant and landlord, as everyone knows exactly where they stand.
“It is also important to establish upfront whether there are any additional costs over and above the monthly rental,” he adds.
Save the date
That the rental and all other costs are paid timeously is the number one priority. This is probably the first thing noted when another landlord asks for a tenant reference.
“It creates trust and can even have an impact on the rent you pay – landlords do not want to lose a good tenant and when the annual increase is due, may be prepared to negotiate,” says Melissa Bee, Just Property agent for City Bowl.
If a tenant is temporarily unable to pay on time, they should inform their agent.
“We understand, and so do landlords, that things like retrenchment can be devastating,” says Liesl Alves of Just Property Blouberg.
“The important thing is to let your agent or landlord know as soon as possible. If you are one of our ‘good tenants’ we can often work together to find a solution.”
Look after what you rent
“Our best tenants treat the home they are leasing as if it were their own. They are scrupulous about cleanliness, inside and out. Most will happily see to general day-to-day maintenance and small repairs themselves,” says Van den Berg.
Veronique Eachus, a Just Property agent in Gqeberga, adds that they communicate quickly when there are problems such as water leaks, trees or plants that are damaging or may damage structures.
“Great tenants also always ask permission before making changes such as knocking nails into walls, adding a satellite dish, or painting walls,” Eachus adds.
