10 top tips when renting

You are fresh out of high school. You have dreams, aspirations and goals you cannot wait to achieve during your time at varsity.

If you are not from Pretoria, you have probably heard of all the excitement the Jacaranda City has to offer. You are in for the ride of a lifetime!

But before all the fun and hard work begins, you have to figure out what kind of accommodation to choose in this big, beautiful city.

If you are considering renting a flat or apartment, you have definitely come to the right place!

According to Seeff, a popular real estate agency in Pretoria, there are 10 important factors to keep in mind when looking for an apartment to rent.

1. Be well informed about market-related prices within the area where you are looking to rent. If a property is advertised way below the market-related price for that area, it should raise concerns.

2. If you find a “bargain” online, call the rental agency to find out if the deal is for real. Do not call the number at the bottom of the advertisement, as this number could connect to a fake office.

3. Be prepared to pay a hefty security deposit. Most landlords or estate agents require at least one month’s rent – usually two months’ rent – as deposit before you move into the apartment.

4. Be prepared for a background check. Most estate agencies conduct this check, so be prepared to show income statements, dates of employment and references.

5. Beware of agents and landlords who seem too eager or pushy. A legitimate agent or landlord will always conduct the necessary checks and will not be too disappointed when you do not show much interest in the property.

6. Never ever pay a deposit upfront without signing a contract or without viewing the flat in person first. If the agent is constantly making up excuses as to why they cannot show you the property, it should raise a red flag. The chances are very good that the “agent” does not have access to the property he or she is pretending to rent out and are stalling for time until they can think of a way to get you to pay the deposit.

7. Be sure to contact the estate agent on his or her office number rather than their cellphone number. This will help you to verify the legitimacy of the property and agent.

8. Be prepared to look after the flat or apartment. The security deposit you pay is kept by the landlord and can be used to pay for any possible damage to the property that you may cause while living in the apartment.

9. Make a “snag list”. A snag list documents existing damages to the property as well as damage made to the property while you lived there, especially if you have a roommate. This way, you will be able to see who is responsible for which damage. Take pictures of “snags” where you can.

10. A legally binding contract with all the rights, rules and regulations you and the landlord are expected to abide by while living on the property is a must-have for both parties.