Rentals
CSi Rentals provides well-established rental management services to property investors. We currently manage a great variety of properties in numerous residential developments/estates across the greater Gauteng, Witbank and Ellisras.
Our vast client base enables us to provide prospective tenants with a wide variety of high quality accommodation which includes:
- Full Title Houses in Lifestyle Estates
- Sectional Title Units in Security Complexes
- Retirement Village Houses and apartments
Investors Guide
Owners and tenants have shared responsibilities.
Maintenance Inside
Keep the premises in a reasonable state of repair during the tenancy and comply with building, health and safety laws. The owner is responsible for the upkeep of the property, for example plumbing and the maintenance of contents already provided such as the refrigerator, stove, washing machine or air conditioner.
Urgent Repairs
The tenant must inform you if an urgent repair is needed as soon as possible. Urgent repairs are those that are necessary to supply or restore an essential service, including the following services: gas, electricity, sewerage/septics/other waste water treatment and water (including the supply of hot water).
Water, Gas and
Electricity Bills
Only the consumption cost can be charged to a tenant, not any other charges, such as supply or account fees.
Painting
You are responsible for painting, unless the damage is caused by the tenant's negligence.
Insurance
You are responsible for taking out insurance for loss or damage to buildings and fixtures and fittings, such as the stove and hot water system. You may also consider rental income protection insurance to cover situations where a tenant vacates a property and unpaid rent and damage cannot be recovered.
Maintenance Outside
You are responsible for major tree lopping, cutting back overhanging branches and maintaining fire breaks. The tenant should advise you if they notice a water leak (if they don't and the leak is obvious to them, they may be liable for the costs of water lost). Once you've been told the water is leaking, you are responsible for the cost.
Water Usage Costs
You must pay the annual service charges (water rates) for the supply of water to the rental premises. The tenant generally pays for water used each day, unless your agreement provides for sharing the costs to encourage watering of lawns and gardens.
Rates
You are responsible for paying local council rates.
Pest and Vermin Control
As a general rule, any outbreak or infestation requiring attention by a pest control operator is your responsibility and not the tenant's. You are also responsible for any annual maintenance inspection. The tenant is required to take regular basic pest prevention measures.
Rent Increases
For most tenancies, you should use the required form Notice to tenant of rent increase to give the tenant at least 60 days' notice about a rent increase. The notice includes details of the amount of the increase and the day it will take effect.
Tenant's Guide
This guide will ensure that you have a clear understanding of both your
rights and responsibilities as a tenant and those of the owner.
Viewing a Property
Make a list of your requirements before viewing a prospective home and record the criteria which each home meets against your list. Ask the agent to give you a full breakdown of the monthly rental, including all services, as well as the lease costs for signing the lease and deposit required.
Lease Agreement
Your lease agreement is legally binding and totally compliant with the Rental Housing Act and the Consumer Protection Act. It has been drawn up to protect both the owner and tenant. The lease ensures that financial issues such as rental increases, deposit and damage claims are dealt with in a fair, transparent and professional manner.
Deposit
A deposit is necessary to protect the owner's investment and as security to cover any damages caused, or default, during the lease term. The deposit required is normally equal to 1(one) month's rent, however in some cases a double deposit will be required. When you vacate your unit, and if there are no deductions for damages or repairs in the unit, your deposit will be refunded to you.
Payment of Rent
Rental is due monthly in advance by the 1st of each month. There are no exceptions to this payment rule! Notice of cancelling your lease and to vacate the property will be issued in the event of non-payment of rental. Debit order is preferred.
Maintenance
The lease agreement will define who is responsible for the costs of the maintenance items concerned.
Outgoing Inspection Report
An outgoing inspection will be carried out to see if the unit is in the same condition as when you moved in. Any damages during your occupation and identified by comparing the "in" and "out" inspections will be repaired and paid for, from your deposit, at your expense.
Application Assessment
A credit check will be obtained as part of the application assessment, and by signing the application form you will be agreeing to the credit history enquiry. In conjunction with standard documentation required to complete such assessment such as Copy of Identification, Proof of Income, bank statements and more.
Conduct Rules
If the home you choose is in a Sectional Title complex, it is important that you are aware of the rules of the Body Corporate which you will be expected to adhere to as a condition of the lease. A copy of the rules will be given to you by the agent with your lease documentation.
Inspection Report
When you occupy a property you have rented, an agent or maintenance inspector will carry out an inspection with you to list any defects or damages the owner may have to repair. This list of defects will be attached to your lease agreement. The ingoing inspection will serve as the baseline against which the unit's condition will be compared when you vacate and when the outgoing inspection is conducted.
Rental Increase
The owner must give written notice of a rental increase, which becomes effective from the date stipulated in the letter. Rental increases during a lease period term should be in line with escalations defined in the lease agreement. The Deposit will also be required to be topped up in accordance to remain the same value as the rental amount.
Notice
The lease agreement stipulates the notice period or expiry date of the agreement, this must be a written notice to vacate the unit. The rent must be up to date.