Six tips for finding a property rental online

© Lucian Milasan – 123RF.com

Barrie Swart, head of Property for Gumtree SA, says that an average-sized home has risen in price from around R300,000 in 1995 to just under R1.5m in 2016 and that the site is seeing a big surge in rental listings as a result.

Swart advises anyone searching for rental accommodation to follow these six basic rules:

1. Set your budget. Get a genuine fix on what you can afford and narrow your search to anything within that amount.
2. Set your suburbs. Define where you want to be and filter searches accordingly. But be realistic about areas you can afford and always take into account transport routes for your work or school commute.
3. Assess the extras. Get a clear statement of what is included in the rental, especially on services like electricity, water, security, wifi and property maintenance, and properly cost any essential add-ons which will be to your account.
4. Inspect the property. Never rent sight unseen. If you can’t get there then send someone you trust to check it out.
5. Read the contract. Make sure that everything you are expecting to be included is down in writing and that the conditions are clear and reasonable. Be prepared to ask for changes.
6. Check the renter. Before signing or paying anything ensure that the renter is the genuine owner and will deliver on their side of the contract. Seek references from previous tenants if possible.