Renting a property is not just about finding a place to live, it's about fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with your landlord and ensuring a stable and comfortable living environment for yourself.
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, says Antonie Goosen, founder and principal of Meridian Realty.
READ: Key strategies to retain long-term tenants
According to Goosen, open communication, thorough research, looking at long term lease options and negotiating favourable lease terms are some of the things you need to look at when you want to secure and maintain a long term lease.
Goosen says there are 8 important issues people need to look at to be successful long-term tenants:
Conduct Thorough Research Before Signing:
Before committing to a rental property, take the time to thoroughly research the neighbourhood, amenities, and the landlord's reputation. Look for online reviews or speak to current or past tenants to gauge their experiences. Additionally, ensure the rental fits your long-term needs in terms of space, location, and amenities.
Communicate Openly and Honestly:
Effective communication is key to any successful relationship, including the one between a tenant and landlord. Be upfront about your expectations, concerns, and any issues that may arise during your tenancy. Promptly report maintenance issues and pay rent on time to build trust and goodwill with your landlord.
Respect the Property and Neighbours:
Treat the rental property as if it were your own home. Keep it clean, tidy, and well-maintained, both inside and out. Respect your neighbours’ peace and privacy by keeping noise levels down and adhering to any community rules or regulations.
Follow Lease Terms and Agreements:
Review your lease agreement thoroughly and ensure you understand all terms and conditions before signing. Adhere to the terms of the lease, including rent payment schedules, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities. Seek clarification from your landlord if you have any doubts or concerns.
Build a Positive Relationship with Your Landlord:
Cultivate a positive rapport with your landlord by being courteous, cooperative, and respectful at all times. Respond promptly to their communications and inquiries, and keep them informed of any changes or developments related to your tenancy.
Consider Long-Term Lease Options:
Securing a long-term lease can offer numerous advantages for both tenants and landlords. Here's why it's worth considering:
Stability and Security: Long-term leases provide stability and security for tenants, ensuring they won't face sudden rent increases or unexpected eviction notices. It offers peace of mind, allowing tenants to settle into their home without the fear of having to move frequently.
Rent Stability: One of the primary benefits of a long-term lease is the potential for rent stability. Landlords may be more willing to offer fixed rental rates or discounted rent for tenants who commit to a longer lease term. This can help tenants budget more effectively and avoid fluctuations in housing costs.
Building a Relationship: By committing to a long-term lease, tenants can build a stronger relationship with their landlord. This can lead to better communication, faster response times for maintenance issues, and potentially even personalized accommodations or upgrades to the property.
Avoiding Market Fluctuations: In areas where rental prices tend to rise rapidly due to high demand, a long-term lease can shield tenants from market fluctuations. Locking in a rental rate for an extended period can provide financial stability and protect tenants from being priced out of their home.
Flexibility for Landlords: Long-term leases also benefit landlords by reducing turnover and vacancy rates. Landlords can save time and resources on finding new tenants and maintaining the property between leases, making long-term tenants highly desirable.
Negotiate Favourable Lease Terms:
When negotiating your lease agreement, it's essential to advocate for terms that align with your needs and preferences. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Lease Renewal Options: Ensure the lease includes provisions for lease renewal options, allowing you to extend your tenancy beyond the initial term if desired. Discuss the terms and conditions for renewal, including any potential rent increases and notice periods.
Maintenance Responsibilities: Clarify the responsibilities for property maintenance and repairs, including who is responsible for routine upkeep and who is responsible for major repairs. It's essential to have a clear understanding of these obligations to avoid disputes later on.
Utility Arrangements: Discuss how utilities will be managed during your tenancy, including whether they are included in the rent or if you are responsible for setting up and paying for them separately. Clarify any shared utility arrangements if you are renting a multi-unit property.
Pet Policies: If you have pets or plan to get them during your tenancy, ensure the lease addresses any pet policies, including pet deposits, pet rent, and restrictions on breeds or sizes. Negotiate terms that are fair and reasonable for both parties.
Subletting and Roommate Policies: If you anticipate the need to sublet the property or have roommates at any point during your tenancy, discuss these arrangements with your landlord and ensure the lease includes provisions that address these scenarios.
Security Deposit: Clarify the terms and conditions for the security deposit, including how it will be handled, any deductions that may be made, and the process for returning the deposit at the end of the tenancy. Ensure these terms comply with local rental laws and regulations.
Plan for the Future:
Anticipate any changes or circumstances that may arise during your tenancy, such as job relocations or family expansions, and communicate them with your landlord in advance. Being proactive and transparent will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a long-term relationship.
Goosen adds that being an exemplary long-term tenant requires proactive communication, respect for the property and neighbours, adherence to lease terms, and a willingness to foster a positive relationship with your landlord. By following these tips and negotiating favourable lease terms, you can secure a stable and enjoyable living environment for years to come.
READ: Top tips for becoming the ideal tenant
There are certain qualities landlords should look for in prospective tenants to ensure that the rental property is well-maintained and financially secure. RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares some of the key tenant characteristics to look for:
A stable income is a steady job or other reliable sources of income, means that the prospective tenant is more likely to be able to consistently pay the rent on time. As a general rule of thumb, a prospective tenant’s income should be at least three times the monthly rent. This ensures that they will be able to comfortably pay their rent and meet all their other living expenses. A rental agent will also verify the tenant’s income to ensure that they have not falsified any information.
A good credit score is a strong indicator of financial responsibility and the tenant’s ability to manage debts and payments. A rental agent will do credit score checks on all rental applicants.
A positive rental history, including good references from previous landlords, tells you that an applicant is more likely to be a reliable and responsible tenant.
A history of prompt payments will show you that the tenant consistently pays rent in full and on time. Late or missed rent payments can have a significant knock-on effect on your cash flow and the property’s profitability, so it's essential to choose tenants who have an established history of paying rent on time.
Pride of place in their living and/or workspace. When interviewing tenants, try to find out about a bit more about their personality to see whether they are more likely to be the type who will properly maintain the property, following any rules outlined in the lease agreement regarding maintenance and repairs, as well as when, and what issues to report to the landlord.
Good communication from a tenant will help to prevent misunderstandings and ensures that any problems can be quickly and efficiently resolved, so landlords should also be on the lookout for this when meeting prospective tenants.
READ: A guide to inspections for landlords and tenants
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