Tips for Tenants: Tenants, do not be overwhelmed by the occasion when you move in and then make basic mistakes before you take occupation. Accept the fact that no building is perfect, nor is the rental unit you are moving into. It was so nice of the landlord to have had the unit painted, but it gives you a greater responsibility to keep it totally clean because they want it returned to them in the same state.

As a tenant, it is your responsibility to make a list regarding the necessary repairs and maintenance required in writing PRIOR to moving in or you will also end up paying for the repairs of the previous tenant.

The landlord is entitled to deduct all expenses for repairs from your deposit. More often than not, many tenants do not have the experience to compile such a list and they end up paying the bill of the previous resident. Ask GAUTENG PROPERTY INSPECTIONS to investigate and provide you with a written report, supported by photos, to ensure your full deposit is returned.

While it is the landlord’s duty to maintain the dwelling during the lease period, the tenant may agree in writing as part of the lease agreement, that they will maintain the inside and the outside of the actual dwelling or property.