Right at the start, you should consider whether to find and secure a new home yourself, or use an agent to assist you.

An agent makes the process much more convenient as they will typically handle all admin, discussions and negotiations with the owner. Convenience does come at a cost, though, so be prepared to pay a small fee.

Some properties don’t have an agent and are let by the owners. If you want to rent such a property and you're going the do-it-yourself route, be sure to read up on the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant to ensure that all dealings between you are fair and above board.

Before moving in

Once you’ve found a place that meets your needs and suits your purse, you and the landlord must sign a lease agreement.

The lease agreement has to include the full name and contact details (including the mobile number and email address) of both landlord and tenant; the date on which the agreement comes into effect; and the deposit amount and rental details (i.e. the monthly rental amount, when it’s due, details of where and how this should be paid, and information about any increases).

Before you sign the lease agreement, inspect the property. Ideally, this should be done together with the owner so that you can make a list and agree on what damage should be fixed, or repairs carried out, before you move in.

This inspection also helps you to check that the property is reasonably clean. If it’s not, you can ask that it’s cleaned before you move in.

During occupation

If a problem occurs, talk to your landlord. If you don’t have any success, contact the Rental Housing Tribunal. It provides a free service to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.

Some of the things the Rental Housing Tribunal can help tenants with are:

• When the owner doesn’t do any maintenance or repairs;
• When you are unlawfully evicted, or the landlord seizes any of your possessions;
• If the landlord has changed the locks to keep you out;
• If you are being harassed and intimidated;
• When the landlord illegally disconnects your water and electricity; and
• When the landlord refuses to refund your deposit.

Before moving out

In your position as a tenant, you are legally required to ‘keep the premises reasonably clean and reasonably tidy’ – this is in terms of the Rental Housing Act. Otherwise, your landlord may use your deposit, or a portion thereof, to repair any damage that you’ve caused (fair wear and tear are excluded).

If all is in order and there is no damage to the property at the point when you move out, your landlord must return the deposit, with interest, within seven days.

Useful contacts

• Institute of Estate Agents of South Africa (if you have a problem with an agent)
• Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority
• Rental Housing Tribunal

Worried about a financial matter?

Send your retirement and other money-related questions to todayomc@oldmutual.com