Property Advice Articles in South Africa

Securing Stability: Strategies for long-term rental success

Renting a property involves more than just finding a place to live, it's about nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship with your landlord while ensuring a stable and comfortable living environment.

How to avoid conflict over rental repairs and which repairs to never ignore

Whilst many issues can be ignored for several months – or even years – the following problems should be addressed as soon as they arise.

Tips for securing and maintaining your rental

Whether you're moving into a new rental or looking to extend your stay in your current one, adopting certain practices can help you become the dream tenant every landlord desires.

Short vs Long-term rental: Which is the best investment option for you?

One of the most important decisions investors face when entering the rental market is choosing between letting a property on a long-term lease or opting for short-term rentals as both options have their advantages and challenges.

Key strategies to retain long-term tenants

Investing in positive landlord-tenant relationships ultimately benefits both parties, contributing to a stable and thriving rental property.

The value of a good lease agreement

As a landlord, renting out your property can be an excellent source of income, but it also comes with a degree of risk. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to have a proper lease agreement in place to protect yourself and your property.

A guide to inspections for landlords and tenants

Inspections are a crucial safeguard for everyone involved, protecting the interests of both landlords and tenants.

Disposable income on the rise for South African tenants

South African tenants are in a better financial position than at the end of 2022 despite high interest rates and inflation – great news for rental agents and landlords who rely on timely rent payments. 

Tips to ensure a smooth and successful renting experience

From budgeting to navigating rental agreements and understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth and successful renting experience

Tenants: What you need to know about solar energy in South Africa

As South Africa grapples with an escalating electricity crisis and an uncertain future on the energy front, tenants may wonder about the feasibility of asking for solar energy and what rights they possess in navigating this transformative process.

Secure your holiday: Tips to avoid scams and ensure a safe vacation

Here are a few important “need to knows” when it comes to booking holiday accommodation.

Tenant friendly home decor ideas

When trying to redecorate a rental property, tenants will need to find creative, non-permanent ways to give the home their own unique flair.

Evictions: What you need to know if you're a landlord

In South Africa, the process of evicting a tenant has become highly regulated. On top of the legal ramifications, there’s also the human element to consider in the current economic climate.

Rent not paid: Here's what landlords and tenants need to know

Here is what landlords can and can’t do if a tenant does not pay their rent or utilities and what tenants can do if they are facing eviction.

What happens if a tenant wants to cancel a lease early?

What every consumer needs to double check before signing a lease agreement, is that their lease makes provision for an early cancellation as per the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

The importance of interim inspections in the rental property market

When referring to the Rental Housing Act, it is stated that a tenant and landlord are required, under the Act, to conduct a joint ingoing and joint outgoing inspection.

Legal experts unpack residential rental challenges

Two legal experts share insights on residential rental challenges and how to navigate them.

Renting? Notice to remedy a breach, and what to do when you get one?

In an ideal world, a rental should proceed with no issues, but life happens, for example unpaid rent, damage to a property, or breaching a rule of conduct such as keeping a pet without the landlord’s permission.

Cape Town CBD rental residential properties proving attractive to millennials 

Many potential first-time home buyers are opting to rent, increasing demand for homes in areas like Cape Town CBD, which is evolving into a desirable residential location, not just a business hub.

Rental market remains strong for now; How to set a rental price in today's market

South Africa’s residential rental market has remained strong with vacancies nationally seeing only a small increase from 6.19% in the first quarter to 7.27% in the second quarter of 2023, according to TPN’s Vacancy Survey Report for the second...