Most students prioritise campus proximity and fast Wi-Fi when looking for a place to stay.<\/p>\n
Often lower on their list of priorities is the state of the property itself.<\/p>
As a result, to avoid damage, it is recommended that landlords implement certain safeguards as a protective measure for their investment.<\/p>\n
\u201cRenting to students offers a low-risk option regarding prolonged vacancies and higher returns on the investment as a result of the high demand.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, landlords should remain cautious and remember that all purchases come with certain risks.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of these include short-notice lease terminations and the possibility for neglect and damage to the property,\u201d explained regional director and CEO of RE\/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett.<\/p>\n
Landlords who do not implement safeguards may end up spending more on fixing the property, Goslett warned.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is advisable that landlords consider getting a cleaner to come in once a month or so to ensure that the property does not become unmanageable,\u201d explained Goslett.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, landlords could go so far as to hire a house manager whose sole responsibility would be to check up on the property from time-to-time and offer assistance to the tenants as a sure way to keep the property in order.<\/p>\n
Beyond this, the potential tenant needs to understand the lease agreement and the damage deposit.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n How to sell your home when you own pets<\/a><\/p>\n Inexpensive ways to introduce green elements to your home<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIt is important to make sure both the student and their parent\/guardian (if they are the ones paying the rent) have a clear understanding of what is expected of them and how the damage deposit works.<\/p>\n \u201cThis deposit exists as an attempt to emphasise the importance of maintaining the property.<\/p>\n \u201cCreating a set of house rules that must be adhered to by the tenant(s) to go alongside the lease agreement will also prove helpful in safeguarding against possible damages,\u201d Goslett said.<\/p>\n Goslett further advised that landlords should arrange an inspection before the tenant moves in.<\/p>\n \u201cEnsure that a detailed checklist is created, and images have been taken of the property as something to refer to once it becomes time for the tenant to move out.<\/p>\n \u201cThis way you\u2019ll be able to accurately compare the condition of the house from start to end of the tenants\u2019 lease,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n As a final piece of advice, Goslett encouraged landlords to be meticulous when drafting the lease agreement for student rentals.<\/p>\n \u201cThe lease needs to be specific when stipulating the expectations for property maintenance from the tenants\u2019 side.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is, therefore, advisable that landlords use an experienced rental agent who can draft the lease to ensure that all the necessary safeguards are in place when renting to students, as to protect their investment,\u201d Goslett said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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