Nowadays, more and more South African rent places to stay instead of buying due to a variety of reasons. The good news is that there is a thriving rental market, with many great residential options to choose from. That said, you do need to make sure that you know your rights and how to approach the deal in a responsible manner when looking at houses for rent in South Africa.

Choosing a place to live can be both exciting and stressful. This rush of emotions can sometimes cause one to overlook certain practicalities or formalities during the process of viewing houses for rent and securing the option you like. So, here are a few tips to keep in mind before you seal the deal:

Make Sure There is a Written Lease Agreement

Each country’s law differs from another, so while rental contracts are mostly pretty standard, it is still best to have these in writing and that it is done according to South Africa’s laws. This way, if you are uncertain about any of the expectations or clauses, there is a standard document to refer to. This is very useful to settle any potential disagreements.

Save Up for a Deposit Beforehand

Almost without exception, you will need to put down a deposit on any of the options of houses for rent to secure the residence. This can be anything from one to three months’ worth of rent. Make sure you have a lump sum saved up before applying for a place.

Do a Proper Inspection of the Property

Do a thorough inspection of the place with the landlord and note anything that is broken or requires maintenance, so that the landlord cannot hold you responsible for this at a later stage.

Make Sure it is Clear What You Are Responsible For

Every house requires maintenance. Some of this, like lightbulbs, for example, will be your responsibility. Other aspects will be the responsibility of the owner. If you are unsure, ask the landlord about the maintenance responsibilities.

Check the Cancellation Clause in the Contract

The cancellation process and time frame are different for all houses for rent, and you may even be held liable for additional costs when terminating your contract. Check your lease agreement to see what your rights are.

Know How to Address and Settle Disputes

You cannot simply withhold rent if you are unhappy about something. But there is a national Rental Housing Tribunal that you can turn to if you and your landlord fail to settle a dispute.