Tips on how to be a good tenant

Current market conditions can be beneficial to tenants if they play their cards right. Landlords are open to reward tenants with good tenancy behaviour by means of zero or low escalation rates.

The rental market for landlords is very competitive at the moment. There is a high supply of properties to rent and tenants can pick and choose.

It is therefore essential that landlords hold on to good paying tenants for as long as possible, says PG van der Linde, Rentals Manager for Seeff Pretoria East.

There are even instances where landlords decrease the rental in order to retain a responsible tenant who abides by the agreement of lease”.

Seeff lists the following factors that landlords consider when rewarding tenants:

· The most important factor is to pay your rent on time. The rental should clear the landlord's/agent's account by the first of every month. Make sure to account for delays between bank transfers which usually take between 24 and 48 hours.

· Look after the rental property as if it were your own. There is nothing that satisfies a landlord more than seeing his/her rental property well looked after. This leads to a landlord wanting to retain the tenant even at the cost of charging a lower rental.

· Abide by the terms of the lease agreement. If a lease stipulates that the tenant is not allowed to put nails in the walls refrain from doing so unless the landlord gives permission in writing.

· It is important to note that it is a tenant’s responsibility to maintain the property they rent. Take responsibility to repair and maintain minor maintenance issues as a tenant. A landlord appreciates a tenant that maintains a property and who doesn't attempt to squeeze the landlord for every cent spent.

· Abide by the Body Corporate rules and/or house rules. It does not impress a landlord when a fine for breaking the rules in a complex reflects on his or her levy statement.

· Respond to communication from the Landlord and/or the Agent timeously. It can become quite frustrating if a tenant can't be reached should there be a situation that requires a response from the tenant.