While renting a property doesn’t require as much commitment financially and for as long term as buying a home does, tenants should remember that a lease is a legally binding document which means they should be sure they understand all the points they are agreeing to upon signature thereof. This is according to Chris Renecle, MD of Renprop, who says that tenants often come unstuck when they take the signing of a lease lightly and don’t familiarise themselves with all the terms and conditions contained therein.

“A proper lease agreement,” Renecle explains, “will ensure both parties’ rights are protected.” He advises tenants to ensure that the points discussed with the landlord or rental agent are in fact included in the lease instead of just assuming they are. He also suggests tenants take special note of these five points before signing a lease agreement:

1.  The costs

The monthly rental amount must be clearly noted in a lease agreement. The lease should also clearly detail and explain any deposits that need to be paid, such as a rental deposit and the lights and water deposit, as well as the terms and conditions surrounding the refund of deposits. All other variable usage expenses that the tenant will be liable for such as water and electricity should also be clearly noted. The rental agreement should also clearly indicate how and when any rental increases will be put into effect as well as payment terms and conditions.

2. The rules

If a rental property is situated in a sectional title complex or apartment building or within an estate, there will be certain complex or estate rules and regulations that tenants will be obliged to adhere to. One of the most common ones is around pets, which has become a big issue recently as more and more complexes and housing estates are banning pets. No matter whether it’s a standalone home or within a complex or estate, the lease agreement should clearly state the landlord’s policy around pets, including how many pets will be allowed on the property and detailing size limitations. Properties within sectional title or other housing estates are governed by communal rules and regulations, the lease agreement’s pet policy needs to be in line with the communal rules surrounding pets.

Rules around tenant behaviour should also be clearly stipulated in the lease, and it is important for tenants to understand and agree to any clauses in the rental agreement outlining specific behaviour that is prohibited. In the case of the property being situated in an estate or complex, the tenant needs to be made aware of the complex rules, which need to be obeyed. A copy of the rules should therefore be attached as an addendum to the lease agreement.

3. The duration

The duration of the lease should be clearly indicated, with specific dates included where applicable to avoid confusion around exactly when tenants can move in or should move out.

4. The termination clauses

There should also be a clear outline of the renewal process should the tenant and landlord wish to extent the lease. There should also be clear terms and conditions for the termination of the lease at the end of the lease period, as well as early termination clauses.

Tenants need to be sure of renewal and notice clauses as some leases may require a certain notice period even if the tenant plans to vacate the property after the initial lease has expired. Failure to comply with the stipulated clauses could result in additional costs.

Tenants should also be clear on what the process and requirements are should they or the landlord need to terminate the lease early. These clauses should clearly note the amount of notice required as well as what happens to the deposit should the lease be terminated early.

5. Rights and responsibilities

A sound lease agreement will always include clauses outlining both the landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. These include clauses that specify who may legally live on the property including any limitations around subletting. The circumstances in which the landlord can enter the unit should also be clearly outlined, as is regulated the Rental Housing Act.

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Considering that both the landlord and the tenant are responsible for maintaining the property, the obligations of each party need to be clearly spelled out in the lease agreement.  This clause should also indicate how the tenant should report any problems that require repairs and outline the process that should take place when repairs are required.

Renecle concludes by saying that as with any legal document, tenants should be very sure of the lease agreement contents and that they understand all the clauses, terms and conditions and are satisfied with them before signing in order to avoid any surprises later on.