When renting a property, one of the biggest concerns for tenants is ensuring the return of their security deposit at the end of the lease. To avoid deductions and secure your full deposit, it is important to be proactive from the start.
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Although “fair wear and tear” is acceptable, any additional damage could put the deposit at risk, according to PG van der Linde, rental manager for Seeff Pretoria East.
Here is a look back at van der Linde's tips with regard to Safeguard your deposit, leave your rental in a clean state.
"Aside from any potential rental arrears, the landlord can also deduct the cost of repairs. If there are maintenance issues during the lease period, the tenants must raise this with the landlord. They cannot wait until the lease expires".
It is a legal requirement that a condition of property report be done when the tenant takes occupation. This document should record the full state of the property and highlight any defects and must be signed by both parties. The document then forms the basis for an outgoing inspection to identify things that need to be fixed or cleaned.
Seeff says tenants must ensure the property is cleaned and restored by the last day of their lease, and at least by the latest at midday on the day when the new lease expires. It is therefore advisable to start preparing at least a week before you move out.
The entire property must be thoroughly cleaned. That includes the walls, light fittings, cupboards (inside and outside), kitchen including the stove and oven, appliances and cabinets. Remove anything that you affixed to the walls, plug the holes and paint where necessary. Walls which do not require painting should be washed.
Windows must be cleaned. If there are blinds, these must be in full working order and cleaned. Curtains, if any, must be dry cleaned. Floors must be steam cleaned, including any carpeted areas.
Any broken or loose cupboard hinges and handles should be repaired or replaced. All electrical appliances, plugs and lights must be in a full working order. All the lightbulbs must be working. Any dripping taps should be fixed. There should be no blocked drains.
If the property is furnished, all furniture should also be cleaned, and mattresses and couches steam cleaned. The swimming pool, if there is one, should be clean and in full working order, including the pump and creepy. If you kept pets, any pet smells must be cleared out and anything dirtied or damaged must be repaired.
Garages should also be cleared and cleaned. The garden should be trimmed and tidy. All refuse should be removed so that a clean bin is left for the new tenant.
A final inspection must be done and signed by both parties. A full set of keys and remotes must be handed over when you vacate the property.
If there are any repairs that need to be done, the landlord must provide proof of these. The deposit (net of any repair costs) must be refunded to the tenant within 14 days. Disputes can be lodged with the Rental Housing Tribunal.
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Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, explains that even though the deposit is paid to the landlord, it remains the tenant’s money. “The landlord is merely holding the money as a security measure, should the tenant default or breach the rental agreement. However, the landlord is entitled to deduct from the rental deposit any expenses incurred to repair damages to the property which occurred during the tenancy. This can include things like holes in the walls from picture frames or stains on the carpets,” says Goslett.
To help tenants avoid running into any surprises at the end of their lease, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some essential tips to help you get your rental deposit back in full…
Move-in Inspection
Before moving into the property, it is vital to ensure that a detailed move-in inspection is completed. If the landlord is working through a reputable rental agent, this should be taken care of for you. But, if the landlord does not arrange to have an inspection done at key handover, then be sure to arrange one yourself, taking photographs of any existing damages to the property as evidence that they were there before you moved in.
Regular Cleaning
During your tenancy, keep the property clean and in good condition. Be especially mindful of areas prone to damage from dirt build-up, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and carpets. To avoid stains on carpets, add an area rug in parts of the home prone to spillage (in the lounge, for example) or simply avoid eating and drinking in the carpeted spaces.
Repairing Damages
It’s essential to report and fix any damages that occur during your tenancy. Be sure to notify your landlord about any necessary repairs immediately, especially for issues like leaks or appliance malfunctions. If, however, you caused the damage – by hanging a picture on the wall, for example – then you need to make sure this is fixed before you move out.
Normal Wear and Tear
Understanding what qualifies as ‘normal wear and tear’ will help you take extra care where needed. Normal wear and tear are the typical deterioration that happens to a property over time, and landlords are not allowed to charge for this. However, excessive damage beyond normal wear, such as large stains, broken tiles, or holes in the walls, will likely lead to deductions.
Understanding the reimbursing process
The landlord is required by the Rental Housing Act to place the money in an interest-bearing account, held with a financial institution. If there is no damage to the property, the full deposit and interest must be paid to the tenant within seven days of the lease's expiration date. Should any disputes arise between the landlord and the tenant regarding the rental deposit, Goslett recommends that they can turn to the province’s Rental Housing Tribunal for assistance.
“Getting your full rental deposit back doesn't have to be a struggle. By being proactive, maintaining the property, and staying organized, you can avoid most issues that lead to deductions. Always remember that clear communication with your landlord or rental agent, combined with proper documentation, can protect your deposit and ensure a smooth transition at the end of your lease".
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