"It seems that in today's rental market there just aren't enough apartments and homes to go around and activity is at an unprecedented high" says Susan Watts, broker/owner of RE/MAX Living in Camps Bay, Cape Town.
Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of southern Africa, agreed by saying that the rental market in South Africa continues to see growth at healthy levels, with demand often outstripping supply in certain areas around the country.
"It goes without saying that tenants want the best place for the best value; however, in our current market, these seem rare and most rental agencies are unable to assist due to lack of available properties. Many tenants have gone into an agency and have been turned away because as soon as a rental becomes available there is a waiting list of potential tenants eager to get into the property, especially if the property is within an affordable price range. For tenants who have missed out on the right one or lost a place because another applicant was accepted, the process can be frustrating because they could be running out of time. However, there are ways in which tenants can increase their chances of finding their ideal rental property," said Grant Rea, certified residential rental specialist of RE/MAX Living.
He provides tenants with some basic tips and smart tactics to ensure that they get the property that they want. These tips are especially helpful for good tenants with an excellent credit and track record.
Rea said that there is little point responding to online ads that have been viewed over 300 times. "The fact is that the 'good value' properties will get snatched up almost immediately. Do not bother with listings appearing after page 10 or that are older than a week, especially if you are looking for properties renting for less than R10,000 a month. Check property search portals and sites such as Gumtree or Junkmail, or the property sites that result from a Google search, on a daily basis to ensure that you respond to a good listing as early as possible."
He noted that with the large number of tenants waiting for property, asking an agent to add you to a list or take your number will not suffice - there are simply too many tenants looking for properties for under R10,000 a month. Rea advised tenants rather to get the email address of a reputable agent who is active in the area and email him with the intention of gaining some rapport. Don't be complacent and leave it to the last minute, it's harder to secure the right place than you think.
Rea advises that it is crucial to respond to online ads efficiently to be noticed.
He gives a few pointers on how to respond:
According to Rea, being prepared and having all the necessary documents in order will not only speed up the process, but also show the landlord that you are serious about the rental.
He says that tenants should have the following in order before they respond to an ad:
According to Rea there are a few other things that could help make a good impression with the landlord and improve the tenant's chances, such as being on time for the appointment.
He also noted that it is also good for the tenant to build a little rapport with the landlord so that he is remembered. "Ask if you can apply immediately and produce the supporting documents in an envelope and ask if there is a formal application to follow. Also offer to pay the lease fee or deposit on the spot provided they can give you a receipt," said Rea. "It is important for a tenant not to give up. If he applies the above tips and keeps at it he will eventually find his ideal rental property," he concluded.
